Highlights

• Explore two countries in one unforgettable journey — from the serene spirituality of Laos to the cultural vibrance of Vietnam
• Wander through UNESCO World Heritage Luang Prabang, home to golden temples and timeless traditions, including the Tak Baat almsgiving
• Swim beneath the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, visit the Free the Bears Rescue Center and learn about local rice farming
• Cruise the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers, visiting sacred Pak Ou Caves and remote mountain villages
• Stay in a traditional Lao homestay and connect with rural communities
• Journey through dramatic karst landscapes in Vang Vieng and Nong Khiaw
• Cross into Vietnam and visit historic Dien Bien Phu, site of a defining moment in modern history
• Trek through lush valleys in Pu Luong Nature Reserve and discover authentic village life
• Explore the limestone peaks and rice paddies of Ninh Binh, the “Halong Bay on Land”
• Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by towering islands
• Discover the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, its street life, markets, and vibrant cuisine

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Vientiane

Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the peaceful capital. Depending on your flight time, stroll along the Mekong River promenade, explore lively street markets, or simply unwind after your journey.

Day 2 | Vientiane City Tour

Discover Vientiane’s serene charm on a guided city tour. Visit Wat Sisaket, the city’s oldest surviving temple, and Hor Phra Keo, home to the revered emerald Buddha. Admire the gleaming golden spire of That Luang Stupa, Laos’ most sacred monument, and enjoy panoramic views from the Patuxay Victory Monument. A stop at the COPE Visitor Center offers moving insights into Laos’ recent history and resilience.

Day 3 | Buddha Park – Vang Vieng

Travel outside the city to the surreal Buddha Park, where over 200 statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities stand in a lush riverside garden. Continue through scenic countryside to Vang Vieng, a small town framed by karst mountains and rice fields. The evening invites a walk along the Nam Song River as the sunset paints the limestone cliffs in gold.

Day 4 | Vang Vieng – At Leisure

Enjoy a day of adventure or relaxation. Choose from kayaking, cycling, caving, or a hot air balloon flight over the karst peaks. Or simply relax and take in the slow rhythm of life along the river.

Day 5 | Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang

Drive through dramatic mountain scenery toward Luang Prabang, stopping in Hmong villages to meet local families and learn about their traditions. Arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city of temples, French colonial charm, and timeless tranquility.

Day 6 | Luang Prabang – Tak Baat & City Tour

Rise early to witness the Tak Baat ceremony, where monks in saffron robes collect alms from the faithful. After breakfast, explore the morning market and visit Luang Prabang’s most beautiful temples, including Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong. Stroll through the former Royal Palace, learn about Laos' ethnicities and handicrafts at TAEC and Ock Pop Tock, and climb Mount Phousi for a breathtaking sunset over the Mekong.

Day 7 | Living Land Farm & Kuang Si Falls

Experience rural life at the Living Land Farm, where you’ll learn how rice is cultivated and even try traditional plowing with a water buffalo. In the afternoon, visit the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfall and the Bear Rescue Center — a refreshing and inspiring end to the day.

Day 8 | Pak Ou Caves – Nong Khiaw

Cruise along the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images. Continue by road to Nong Khiaw, a tranquil mountain village on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by spectacular limestone cliffs.

Day 9 | Nong Khiaw – At your leisure

Enjoy a free day in nature. Hike to the Phou Pha Daeng viewpoint for breathtaking views over the valley, visit Pha Tok Cave, or relax by the river with a good book.

Day 10 | Boat Trip to Muang Ngoi

Journey by boat upriver to Muang Ngoi, a picturesque riverside village accessible only by boat. Explore local caves and rice paddies, meet villagers in Ban Na, and soak up the peace of rural Laos.

Day 11 | Ban Sob Jaem Homestay

Continue upstream to the remote village of Ban Sob Jaem. Learn about traditional weaving, explore village life, and share a home-cooked meal with your host family during an authentic Lao homestay experience.

Day 12 | Muang Khua

Cruise further along the Nam Ou River through untouched wilderness, stopping at remote Khmu villages. Enjoy lunch on the boat or by the river before arriving in Muang Khua, a quiet riverside town near the Vietnamese border.

Day 13 | Crossing into Vietnam – Dien Bien Phu

Travel across the border at Tay Trang and enter northern Vietnam. In Dien Bien Phu, visit historical sites that marked the end of French colonial rule in all of Southeast Asia — a poignant stop surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Day 14 | Dien Bien Phu - Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Enjoy small roadside villages, green valleys and mountain passes wizzing by as you drive south to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem of terraced rice fields and forested hills.

Day 15 | Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Trek through picturesque valleys, visit minority villages, and discover the tranquil beauty of rural Vietnam.

Day 16 | Pu Luong - Ninh Binh

Continue to Ninh Binh, a region of limestone cliffs and lush rice paddies. Enjoy a free evening to explore the Ninh Binh on your own.

Day 17 | Ninh Binh – “Halong Bay on Land”

Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, climb to the viewpoint at Mua Cave, and enjoy a boat ride through the caves and waterways of Trang An. Watch flocks of birds return to Thung Nham Bird Park at sunset.

Day 18 | Ninh Binh - Halong Bay – Hanoi

Travel to the Gulf of Tonkin and embark on a scenic cruise through Halong Bay, gliding past emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board. In the late afternoon, continue to Hanoi and settle into your hotel in the vibrant Old Quarter.

Day 19 | Hanoi City Tour

Explore Vietnam’s fascinating capital. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Wander through the maze-like Old Quarter, enjoy a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake, and sample authentic dishes on an optional evening street food tour.

Day 20 | Departure

Free time until your airport transfer. Say farewell to Indochina with unforgettable memories of temples, mountains, rivers, and warm hospitality.

Services

Included Travel Services

• All sightseeing as described in program above
• Transportation in private AC vehicles
• Accommodation in hotels (twin shared or double rooms)
• English-speaking guide
• Admission fees to sights described above
• Meals: B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
• Lao PDR governmental tax and service charge
• Luggage handling

Not Included Travel Services

• International air tickets to Laos/from Vietnam
• Visa fees 
• Travel insurance of any kind
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Tips, drinks, personal expenses and other expenses not described in the program above

Info

Seasonal Considerations

Due to the nature of adventure tours and the unpredictability of the weather, the itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the guide. Road conditions may vary, especially in rainy season, leading to longer driving times.

Accesebility Information

In case of any movement restrictions please let us know in advenace, so we can accomodate. Changes to the itinerary may be necessary in this case.