Unveiled Treasures of Vietnam & Laos Journey – 17 Days

After breakfast, travel to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Visit Tan Phong Island for a biking or walking tour through orchards, schools, and traditional homes, observing local crafts like water hyacinth weaving for baskets and hats. Navigate serene canals by rowboat, then cruise across the mighty Mekong River to An Binh Island. Explore a homestay, savor tea while listening to traditional music, and visit workshops crafting rice paper, coconut candy, and pop-rice. Tour brick kilns to see artisans create pottery from clay. Continue to Can Tho for overnight accommodations. Overnight in Can Tho. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early for a boat trip to the bustling Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest in the Mekong Delta, where locals trade goods from colorful boats. If time allows, visit the historic Binh Thuy Ancient House. Return to your hotel for free time until checkout, then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City with lunch en route. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your hotel. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a vibrant Vespa group tour to uncover Ho Chi Minh City’s hidden corners. Start at Tao Dan Park, visiting the unique bird lovers’ club (6–9 AM). Stop at the Thich Quang Duc Monument, commemorating the monk’s 1963 self-immolation, a globally impactful protest. Explore the colorful Flower Market, the ornate Ong Bon Pagoda and Nhi Phu Temple, built by the Fujian Congregation, and stroll through a fabric alley and Chinese medicine street market to learn about “thuoc bac” and “thuoc tau.” After lunch, fly to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An’s enchanting Ancient Town and check into your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin with a Farming & Fishing Eco Group Tour at Tra Que Village, joining farmers to prepare land, fertilize with seaweed, and water fields. Cycle through the countryside, observing rural life, then board an eco-tour boat for a river cruise. Try traditional net fishing and paddle a bamboo basket boat through coconut palm-lined waterways. Enjoy lunch onboard, featuring vegetables from Tra Que. In the afternoon (4 PM), explore Hoi An Ancient Town on a walking tour, visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, Tan Ky Old House, Cantonese Congregation, and Chinese-style pagodas. Return to your hotel to relax. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full day at leisure to wander Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets, shop for souvenirs, or relax on nearby beaches. Overnight in Hoi An. Meals: Breakfast

Drive along scenic Highway 1A to Hue, stopping to admire Lang Co Beach and Danang’s Marble Mountains, symbolizing the five elements. Arrive in Hue, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and check into your hotel. Visit the royal tomb of Khai Dinh or Tu Duc, the Imperial Citadel, home of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), and the Hue Royal Fine Art Museum in the former Dien Long An Royal Palace. End at Dong Ba Market to observe local life. Try Hue specialties like Banh Beo, Bun Bo Hue, or Che (sweet soup) on your own. Overnight in Hue. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Board a Dragon Boat at Toa Kham Wharf for a cruise along the Perfume River, stopping at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of Hue’s romantic charm. Continue to Thuy Bieu Eco-Village, a serene countryside haven. Stroll or bike through the village, visiting handicraft families making incense, paper, and paintings. Join a cooking class at Hue Ecolodge to prepare dishes like fruit-mixed shrimp and pork, spring rolls, and Banh Khoai. Savor your creations and relax with a medicinal herb foot soak and massage. Fly to Hanoi, check into your hotel, and enjoy a dinner featuring iconic pho in Ngu Xa. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel by shuttle bus to Tuan Chau Marina and board the Paradise Cruise. Enjoy welcome drinks and a briefing while cruising through Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After lunch, visit the Tung Sau Pearl Farm to learn about pearl cultivation or opt for kayaking. Explore Titop Island, hiking for panoramic views or swimming at its beach. Watch the sunset during “Happy Hour,” join a Vietnamese cooking class, and savor a Western set dinner. Relax with squid fishing, drinks, or movies. Overnight on the cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Visit Sung Sot Cave, Halong Bay’s largest, with stunning stalactites. Enjoy breakfast while passing Thien Cung, Dau Go Cave, and Fighting Cock Islet. Check out at 10:15 AM and relax on the sundeck before returning to Tuan Chau Marina. Drive back to Hanoi (2.5–3 hours). After a rest, watch a Water Puppet Show and take a 1-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter. Embark on a street food walking tour, sampling Banh Cuon, Banh Xeo, egg coffee, and more, ending at Dong Xuan Market and a hidden café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy Hanoi’s weekend night market if it’s Friday. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Hanoi’s landmarks, starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (closed Mondays/Fridays), Stilt House, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda. Visit the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius, and the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where John McCain was held. Tour the Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays, replaceable with another museum) to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a flight to Vientiane, Laos. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel. Overnight in Vientiane. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover Vientiane’s cultural treasures, starting with Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest temple, housing thousands of miniature Buddha statues. Visit Wat Phra Keo, a former royal temple that once held the Emerald Buddha, and stop for photos at the Patuxay Monument, Vientiane’s Arc de Triomphe. Explore the sacred That Luang Stupa, Laos’ national symbol. In the afternoon, visit Buddha Park, a whimsical garden of Hindu-inspired statues, and the Lao Textile Museum to admire traditional handicrafts. Overnight in Vientiane. Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, browse the vibrant Talad Sao Market before driving to Vang Vieng, a serene town along the Nam Song River with stunning limestone karsts. Stop at Tha Hue Fish Market en route. Cross a bridge to visit Tham Jang Cave (Dried Caves) and relax at the Blue Lagoon, perfect for swimming. Optionally enjoy ziplining or kayaking at your own expense. Overnight in Vang Vieng. Meals: Breakfast

Drive through mountainous roads to Luang Prabang, stopping for photos at Phou Pheng Fa, the region’s highest point. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Climb 328 steps to Mount Phousi to see the sacred gilded stupa and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Mekong River. Explore the lively Night Market, brimming with handmade textiles and hill tribe crafts. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast

Optionally rise before dawn (notify your guide in advance) to participate in the sacred Alms Giving Ceremony, offering food to saffron-robed monks (dress respectfully, covering shoulders and legs, and observe silently). Visit the bustling Morning Market, filled with local specialties like dried buffalo skin and hill-tribe weavings. Cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting and Tham Phoum), housing thousands of gilded Buddha statues. Stop at Ban Xang Hai Village to see rice wine distillation and visit Ban Xang Khong, known for silk weaving and Saa paper-making. In the afternoon, drive to Kuang Si Waterfall for a refreshing swim in turquoise pools or a forest hike, stopping at Ban Na Oune and the Buffalo Dairy Farm (optional tour at extra cost or enjoy ice cream). Visit the Bear Rescue Center near the waterfall. Return to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast

Explore Luang Prabang’s cultural gems, starting with the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, showcasing artifacts from Laos’ royal history. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of classical Laotian architecture with low-sweeping roofs, and Wat Visoun, the city’s oldest temple. Spend the afternoon at leisure, packing or exploring the town. Overnight in Luang Prabang. Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Luang Prabang International Airport for your departure flight, concluding this unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Laos. Meals: Breakfast