Laos & Vietnam Hidden Gems Uncovered – 16 Days

After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Vientiane’s cultural landmarks. Visit Wat Sisaket, one of the city’s oldest temples, housing over 6,840 Buddha images. Explore Ho Phra Keo, a stunning former royal temple, and That Luang Stupa, Laos’ most sacred monument. Tour the COPE Centre, supporting victims of unexploded ordnance, and wander Talaat Sao (Morning Market), browsing silk weaving, metalwork, and woodcarvings. In the afternoon, visit Buddha Park, with its eclectic statues, and Ban Nong Buoathong weaving village. Conclude with a scenic sunset dinner by the Mekong River. Overnight in Vientiane.

After breakfast, drive along a scenic route to Vang Vieng, nestled on the Nam Song River with tranquil waters and limestone peaks. Stop at Ban Keun, known for its salt extraction and Lao rice wine distillation, and Talat market, where hill tribes trade. Upon arrival in Vang Vieng, cross the river and explore hill villages and caves on foot, or opt for a scenic bike ride or river tubing. Enjoy dinner and the town’s serene ambiance. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

After breakfast, visit Tham Jang Cave, a historic hideout from Chinese invaders 200 years ago, offering stunning views. Continue to Ban Huai Ngai village, immersing in local lifestyles amid breathtaking mountain scenery. Capture the landscapes with your camera. In the afternoon, drive to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city blending French, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Optionally rise early to witness Luang Prabang’s daily monk procession, where saffron-clad monks collect alms (arrange food offerings with your guide in advance or observe respectfully). Return for breakfast or enjoy noodle soup with locals. Tour Wat Xieng Thong, Laos’ most revered Buddhist temple, and the former Royal Palace, now a museum. Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center to explore Laos’ diverse cultures. In the afternoon, visit the Khmu village of Ban Longlao Neung and the Hmong village of Ban Longlao Song, observing their distinct lifestyles. Conclude at Kuang Si Waterfalls, relaxing by turquoise pools and spotting sacred fish. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, visit a local farm to learn about rice production. Cruise up the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha images. Stop at Ban Phanom village, known for weaving, before returning to Luang Prabang. Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam, in the evening. Upon arrival, transfer to a centrally located hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a free day to explore Hanoi’s vibrant markets, serene lakes, ancient pagodas, and historic relics, all within walking distance. Optionally visit Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature, or local cafés. Lunch is included. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its emerald waters and limestone karsts. Board a junk boat and cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay, soaking in panoramic views from the sundeck. Kayak to explore hidden corners, then visit Tien Ong Cave, marveling at its ancient stalagmites and stalactites. Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before a sumptuous seafood dinner. Overnight on the cruise.

Start with a Tai Chi session or massage on the sundeck, followed by breakfast. Kayak to Cua Van floating village, observing colorful wooden houses and local life. Return to Hanoi by mid-afternoon and take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, passing tube houses and sampling street foods like fruits and noodle dishes. In the evening, board the overnight “Reunification Express” train to Hue (flight option available). Overnight on the train or in Hue (if flying).

Arrive in Hue, the 19th-century Nguyen Empire capital, and begin with Thien Mu Pagoda, a riverside landmark with ancient architecture and a resonant bell symbolizing Hue’s soul. Visit the Imperial Purple Palace, featuring ramparts, moats, and palaces, and explore the Royal Tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, showcasing elaborate mausoleums. Optionally, enjoy a sunset cruise on the Perfume River, soaking in the tranquil ambiance. Overnight in Hue.

Drive to Hoi An via the scenic Hai Van Pass, offering stunning views of beaches and hills. Stop at China Beach, a pristine white-sand stretch, for a walk or swim. Arrive in Hoi An, a charming ancient trading port with cobbled streets and traditional shophouses. Take a walking tour, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, a Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight in Hoi An.

Cycle to Tra Que Village at 8:00 AM, welcomed with a drink. Walk through vegetable gardens, joining farmers in traditional tasks like fertilizing with seaweed, raking, and sowing. Participate in a cooking class, preparing “Tam Huu” spring rolls and “Banh Xeo” pancakes. Enjoy a lunch of your creations and local specialties. Cycle back to Hoi An and relax. Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An’s boutique restaurants, craft shops, or bespoke tailors. Optionally, take a rowboat on the river, relax on the beach, or visit My Son’s Cham ruins or the My Lai massacre memorial in Quang Ngai. Overnight in Hoi An.

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City, then travel to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” From Vinh Long, cruise Cai Be’s waterways, visiting cottage industries producing popcorn, coconut candies, and rice paper. Observe local techniques and enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. Continue to Can Tho and check into your hotel. Overnight in Can Tho.

Board a motorboat to visit Cai Rang Floating Market, the Mekong Delta’s largest, where boats trade fruits, vegetables, and goods. Cruise through small creeks to a local orchard, tasting seasonal tropical fruits. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City by early afternoon. Take a walking tour of landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, and the War Remnants Museum. Spend the evening at leisure, exploring Saigon’s vibrant nightlife. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy free time to visit Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs, relax with a foot massage, or tour the Independence Palace. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure, concluding a memorable 16-day journey.