Northern Vietnam and Northern Laos

Itinerary

1. Day 01

   HANOI ARRIVAL - CITY TOUR (-)
   Welcome to Hanoi!  Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hanoi center to drop off lugguage.  Late afternoon, we visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple – Temple of the Jade Mountain, Hanoi's most visited temple sits on a small island in the northern part of the lake, connected to the lakeshore by an elegant scarlet bridge called Cau The Huc. We then take a leisure walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as ‘The 36 Streets’ – each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics, medicines to crafts. Walk along the historic Long Bien Bridge and view the sunset slipping down to the Red River. Overnight in Hanoi. Please note! Hotel check-in time is around 14.00 Depend on your arrival time, the program will be adjusted accordingly.   
2. Day 02

   HANOI - HALONG (B/L/D)
   After breakfast and check out hotel, we journey east to Halong Bay, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO since 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival in Halong, we check in the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch on board, we can visit the Grottos, stop for swimming or kayaking (at your own cost), passing floating houses and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Back to the cruise, enjoy cooking demonstration before having dinner. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the cruise.  Please note! The cruise program is various upon cruise you choose and weather condition.   
3. Day 03

   HALONG - NINH BINH (B/BR)
   Have breakfast on board. This morning, we visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. Early lunch/brunch will be served on board. Arrive at Halong Wharf around noon time, we transfer directly to Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh.   
4. Day 04

   NINH BINH - MAI CHAU (B)
   In the morning, we start the 2hour-boat trip to visit Tam Coc. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, Tam Coc are three limestone caves stretching along Ngo Dong river. The boat trip is a nice journey along the river with peaceful scenery of Limestone Mountains, rice paddy and the site of some temples along the way from Hang Ca (first cave) to Hang Hai (second cave) and Hang Ba (third cave). This afternoon, we will drive from Tam Coc to Hoa Lu thru tranquil villages to enjoy the daily life of people in Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam for 41 years (968 – 1009), of which 12 years was under the Dinh dynasty – King Dinh Tien Hoang, and 29 years later was under the Le dynasty – King Le Dai Hanh. In Hoa Lu now, 2 temples have been built on the ground of the old royal palace, one is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, and the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history. Afternoon, we will transfer west to Mai Chau (140km) surrounded by a green valley, stilt houses and many minorities. Arrival in Mai Chau, Overnight in Mai Chau.   
5. Day 05

   MAI CHAU VISITS (B)
   Morning, we trek to Lac and Pom Coong villages, to see the unique product of Thai and experience their daily life. Pom Coong Village is a Thai village that is less touristic than its neighbor with just equally beauties and attractions.  Come to Pom Coong to enjoy the idyll nature, wooden stilt houses, traditional performances and Can wine – a communal and festive drink. Overnight in Mai Chau.   
6. Day 06

   MAI CHAU – SAMNUA (B)
   Transfer from Mai Chau to Samnua border (230km ~ 6 hr driving).  Upon arrival at the Laos border check point, you will be welcomed to Laos by local Guide and venture into the mountainous to Samnuea. [If time permits], we will stop to visit Vieng Say and visit the cave of leaderships: Kaysone Phomvihane cave.  After check into your hotel, free at leisure. Overnight in Samnuea.  
7. Day 07

   SAMNUA - XIENG KHUANG (B)
   After breakfast, we leave this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area once devastated by American bombings. These back roads are a great way to have an authentic Laos experience. We’ll see very few other travelers, just mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in us as we are about them! We will make sure to have a stop in Muang Kham and pay a visit to Tham piew cave where the people took refuge during the Second Indochina War in 1969. We will arrival in Xiengkhoang in the late evening and relax. Overnight in Xiengkhoang.  
8. Day 08

   XIENG KHUANG - PLAIN OF JAR SITE 1 - LUANG PRABANG (B)
   After Breakfast, we take a visit to Jar Site 1 to enjoy the sunset (18km). This is the most popular site and it counts 331 Jars, including the largest single jar- said to have been the victory cup of the king Khun Jeuam. Jar site 1 was of military strategic importance during the Second Indochina War. Trenches and foxholes, anti-aircraft positions and a tank scrape can be found on the two raised areas and on top of the cave. Several bomb craters and damaged or displaced jars are a testimony to heavy fighting in this area making it an apt symbol for the ancient and modern history of Xiengkhoang at one place.  We then move on to the heritage town Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. During the transfer, the landscape is very interesting and gives us an insight into the daily lifestyle of the hill tribe. We will make sure to stop to visit the colorful market at Phou Khoun village the T-Juntion between Vientiane- Xiengkhoang – Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang  
9. Day 09

   LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR - KHUANG SI WATERFALL (B)
   An early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession.  After breakfast, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. We then visit the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic set in colored glass.   Afterwards, we continue our excursion to the beautiful Kuang Sy Fall. En route, stop to visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. We then continue to the beautiful Kuangsy Waterfalls where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. Once back to the city, we visit to The Art and Ethnology Centre to learn about the culture and history of some of the diverse ethnic groups that make up the rich tapestry of the population of Laos. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang   
10. Day 10

    LUANG PRABANG DEPARTURE (B)
    After breakfast, free at leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flights.  End of service.  Please note! Hotel check-out time is around 12.00. Optional:  Half day tour to Pakou caves We board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.    Services included: Transfer, English Speaking guide, entrance fee, boat trip

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