A Tapestry of Cultures and Nature Vietnam's North & Luang Prabang 1

A Tapestry of Cultures and Nature Vietnam's North & Luang Prabang 2

A Tapestry of Cultures and Nature

Why this tour?

– Discover the heart and soul of Vietnam in Hanoi, a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern vibrancy. Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, savor the diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, and marvel at the architectural wonders that tell tales of centuries past
– Discover the rich ethnic diversity and breathtaking natural beauty of Vietnam’s Northeast mountains, where vibrant cultures and picturesque landscapes create an unforgettable travel experience. Explore remote villages, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls in this captivating region
– Discover the enchanting beauty of Tam Coc, often referred to as the ‘Halong Bay on land,’ where majestic limestone formations rise from tranquil waters, creating a captivating and unique landscape. Navigate through winding waterways, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and immerse yourself in the charm of this hidden gem nestled in the heart of Vietnam
– Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam. Immerse yourself in a world of emerald waters and towering limestone karsts that create a breathtaking seascape
– Luang Prabang, a charming city nestled along the Mekong River, captivates with its ancient temples, bustling markets, and tranquil atmosphere, offering a delightful glimpse into traditional Laotian life

Practical infomation on Ha Noi

5/5

Duration 12 Days

Go All years

..,

Boat and Cruise Tours

Flight

Normal Walking

Overnight in cruise

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1: Arrive in the capital of Hanoi (B)
Day 2: Hanoi visit (B) – City and US Army Jeep tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Muong Lo (Nghai Lo) – the mountains of northern Vietnam (B)
Day 4: Muong Lo – Tu Le – Mu Chang Chai with rice terraces (B)
Day 5: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa with vibrant ethnic communities(B)
Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha – the vibrant ethnic market – Return to Hanoi (B)
Day 7: Hanoi – Tam Coc (Three Caves) – Mua Cave – Cycling to Bich Dong Temple – Hanoi (B)
Day 8: Tam Coc – World famous Halong Bay (B,L,D)
Day 9: Halong – Hanoi – Flight to Luang Prabang – UNESCO World Heritage sites of Laos (B)
Day 10: Luang Prabang visit – Wat Xieng Thong temple – Pak Ou Caves and some local villages (B)
Day 11: Luang Prabang visit – Phosi market – Khouang Si Waterfalls – Sun set (B)
Day 12: Luang Prabang departure (B)

SERVICES INCLUDE

• Hotel accommodation based on a twin/double share with daily breakfast
• 2 night at homestay or local guest house
• 01 night stay overnight on Board in Halong Bay in twin/double share cabin
• Flight Hanoi – Luang Prabang (include tax)
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B: for Breakfast, L: for Lunch, D: for Dinner)
• All landed transfers within the tour by air-conditioned vehicle, including pick-up and drop-off at airports on arrival and departure days
• English Speaking Tour guide. Other languages on request
• All entrance and sightseeing fees
• All taxes & services charge
• Bottled water in car

A Tapestry of Cultures and Nature Vietnam's North & Luang Prabang 5

DETAILED PROGRAM

Day 1: Arrive in the capital of Hanoi (B)

Upon arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and driver who will escort you to your hotel in the city center. Free time to relax and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi visit (B) - City and US Army Jeep tour

Discovery of the capital Hanoi. Hanoi is a fascinating city where ancient traditions mix with modern life - We visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (not accessible on Mondays and Fridays as it is closed), Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, a simple stilt house where he lived from 1958 until his death in 1969, the One Pillar Pagoda - it is built on a single stone pillar and surrounded by a lotus pond, making it a picturesque place for visitors. - Afterwards, we will go to the "Temple of Literature: a symbol of education" - The Temple of Literature in Hanoi is a historic Confucian temple and also the first college in Vietnam. In the afternoon, Special tour with US Army Jeep with driver we drive around Hoan Kiem lake, the Opera House, Long Bien bridge which was built under French occupation, Vietnam Military History Museum OR Hoa Lo prison museum (Hanoi Hilton). We then drive around the West Lake, stop for coffee and enjoy the views. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Hanoi – Muong Lo (Nghai Lo) - the mountains of northern Vietnam (B)

We leave Hanoi at 8:30 am and drive along a pretty road by the Red River to Yen Bai Province. You'll see lots of fruit orchards and green rice fields, and local farmers sell their fresh produce along the road. After lunch in Thu Cuc, known for tea, you'll visit a Local’ family to learn about different kinds of Vietnamese tea. You can even pick and dry tea leaves the old-fashioned way. Then, we go through Yen Bai City and enter hilly areas covered with tea farms. Finally, we reach Muong Lo Valley in Nghia Lo town, where the Thai people live. They settled here a long time ago and built traditional houses from bamboo. You can take a 2-hour walk around the village to experience their way of life. Overnight at Local Hotel.

Day 4 Muong Lo – Tu Le – Mu Chang Chai (B)

Day 4: Muong Lo – Tu Le – Mu Chang Chai with rice terraces (B)

Traveling from Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai, the road weaves through the scenic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, home to Indochina's highest peak, Mount Fansipan. - Pause in Tu Le for a leisurely hike amidst rice terraces, leading you to traditional Thai and H'mong villages. Here, locals proudly wear their cultural attire, and H'mong women skillfully work at their looms. Tu Le, a charming hill tribe town, is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, where warm-hearted inhabitants reside in small wooden houses nestled against the mountains. Continuing your journey, you'll cross the Khau Pha Pass (1550m). - In La Pan Tan, the Mong people have safeguarded their customs for generations, maintaining their traditional dress, language, and agricultural practices. They cultivate maize, vegetables, and rice in terraced fields embedded with rocks. Explore the heart of the village via a new road, providing an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Mong culture, interact with the villagers, and capture captivating photographs. Overnight at homestay.

Day 5: Mu Cang Chai – Sapa with vibrant ethnic communities(B)

After a 2-hour drive, the road goes up Tram Ton Pass, the highest pass in Vietnam at 2047 meters above sea level. Stop for photos and enjoy the fresh mountain air. You can see Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina at 3143 meters, from here. Arrive in Sapa around noon. Take a walk along the Muong Hoa River to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Pass by colorful rice fields to reach Ta Van Giay village. During your trek, cross a small suspension bridge about 2km from the village, where you can find interesting rock carvings showing people, houses, and patterns. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha – the vibrant ethnic market - Return to Hanoi (B)

Visit the region's largest ethnic market every Sunday, where tribal people from nearby villages gather to exchange products. Spend 2 hours exploring different sections filled with local items like spices, vegetables, crafts, and more. Experience the lively atmosphere and meet friendly locals. The market is bustling from morning to lunchtime. Return to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel. Note: if this day is not Sunday, we will visit another villages in Sapa: Cat Cat Village, near Sapa, offers a glimpse into Hmong culture. Visitors can explore traditional Hmong homes, witness local crafts and enjoy the scenic Cat Cat Waterfall. Ham Rong Mountain offers panoramic views of Sapa and the surrounding landscapes. A trek up the mountain leads through vibrant flower gardens and culminates in a sculpture garden at the top, offering stunning photo opportunities and cultural performances. Return to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 Hanoi – Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Cycling to Bich Dong Temple - Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi – Tam Coc (Three Caves) - Mua Cave - Cycling to Bich Dong Temple - Hanoi (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land,' which enchants visitors with its stunning karst landscapes and tranquil river cruises." Continue to Tam Coc for peaceful boat rides through beautiful rice fields and high cliffs. In the afternoon, we'll explore Mua Caves, offering panoramic views of Tam Coc and the scenic countryside. Later, enjoy a leisurely bike ride through charming paths, passing lotus ponds and temples, leading to the beautiful Bich Dong Pagoda on a hillside. Return to Hanoi and overnight at hotel

Day 8: Tam Coc – World famous Halong Bay (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Hanoi to the world famous Halong Bay, ‘the "descending dragon", a drive of about 3.5 hours. Halong Bay is known as UNESCO World Heritage Site and captivates with its emerald green waters, thousands of limestone islands and enchanting boat rides. - You will board our junk for an unforgettable cruise. Spending a night on a boat in Halong Bay, you can drift under the stars surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the limestone karst rocks and the calm water. You can enjoy various activities such as kayaking, swimming, cave exploring and enjoying fresh seafood while taking in the breathtaking scenery - Dinner will be served with delicious local seafood on board, with other options available. Overnight stay on the junk. - Note: The cruise itinerary and schedule may change depending on the selected Cruise, weather and operating conditions.

Day 9 Halong – Hanoi – Flight to Luang Prabang (B)

Day 9: Halong – Hanoi – Flight to Luang Prabang - UNESCO World Heritage sites of Laos (B)

Breakfast on board. After breakfast, continue your cruise through the breathtaking scenery of the bay. After disembarking, come back to Hanoi and flight to Luang Prabang. You will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos.

Day 10: Luang Prabang visit - Wat Xieng Thong temple - Pak Ou Caves and some local villages (B)

After breakfast, we explore ancient temples like Wat Sene and Wat Xieng Thong with their beautiful architecture. Then, we take a scenic cruise on the Mekong River, passing serene countryside. We visit Pak Ou Caves, home to many Buddha statues. Along the way, we stop at villages like Ban Xanghai, known for rice wine, and Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. Later, we visit Wat Longkhoun and drive to craft villages like Ban Phanom, famous for weaving, and Ban Xangkong and Ban Xieng Lek, known for silk and papermaking. We’ll visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai; we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa as well as capture a beautiful view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 11: Luang Prabang visit - Phosi market - Khouang Si Waterfalls - Sun set (B)

Start your day early to join the monks' alms giving ritual, a unique tradition in Laos. Visit the bustling Phosi Market and explore local crafts in ethnic villages. Later, relax at the stunning Khouangsi Waterfalls, where you can swim and enjoy nature. End the day watching the sunset at Wat Phabath in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 12: Luang Prabang departure (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and use your free time to explore the city center through shopping or leisure activities. When it's time to depart, our driver will take you to airport, ending your unforgettable 12-day Vietnam and Laos combine tour.