Laos – Vietnam Grand Vacation

An option (although we highly recommend it; in fact, we almost insist) for early-risers (05h30) is a very special dawn visit to witness the long lines of orange-robed monks leaving their pagodas to receive offerings of food from Luang Prabang residents. Ask your guide for how best to join in if you wish to. Return to your hotel for breakfast, or enjoy a pastry and coffee at one of the many stalls already doing a roaring trade.
After breakfast, enjoy a tour of this stunning city. Your circuit begins at the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, (closed on Tuesdays). Visit Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-reliefs. During Pimai (the Lao New Year celebrations in April), the Prabang – normally housed in the Royal Palace Museum – is put on public display in this temple. You will then continue on to the most photographed temple in Luang Prabang (quite an accolade!) – Wat Xieng Thong.
Also visit Wat Visoun, entirely rebuilt after its destruction in 1887 by the invading Black Flags from southern China. In the courtyard of Wat Visoun stands the Watermelon Stupa, which is shaped like the fruit it takes its name from. You will also visit Wat Aham, where you will find the altar of the ‘two geniuses of Luang Prabang’ and Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are interred inside the large central stupa.
In the afternoon visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Centre which gives an insight into the ethnic and cultural mix of Laos. Continue to the weaving and textile villages of Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek. Our final stop of the day is a climb Mt Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today, the tour guide and driver are at your disposal all day to explore Xieng Khuang Province. As well as exploring more of the Jar-sites, also include a visit to the MAG (Mine Advisory Group) centre in Phonsavan.
The remainder of the morning is dedicated to exploring the mysterious ‘Plain of Jars’. En route to the site you will visit villages of the H’mong minority people where you can learn about the communities and their way of life. The impressive archaeological sites are covered with hundreds of mysterious jars, scattered across the surrounding plateau. The biggest jar measures over three meters in height and many are believed to be more than 2500 years old. There will be plenty of time to explore the three main sites and, due to its remoteness the crowds are likely to be a little thin on the ground! Continue on to Muang Khoune, the old capital of Xieng Houang. This area was heavily bombed during the Indochina War and the more recent Vietnam War from across the border. Take time to visit former French settlements and the temple of Wat Phia Wat. Overnight in Phonsavan.

Morning transfer to the border point of Na Maew. Upon crossing into Vietnam, you will be met by your new guide and continue by roads to the spectacular Mai Chau Valley. During your time in and around Mai Chau there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy some light trekking or cycling, visit several minority tribe villages, explore caves, visit local schools or simply relax in one of the most picturesque regions in Vietnam. The program is very flexible and your guide will be happy to discuss alternative activities if required.
In the evening, return to Mai Chau, where you can also enjoy some traditional dances performed by the local Thai tribe people and overnight in a lovely homestay.

Today can be as active or as laid-back as you choose, with the option of staying close to the lodge and enjoying some short walks in the rice paddies, exploring the nearby Mo Luong (soldier) cave and relaxing around the swimming pool appealing to many.
For those that wish to make a little more of their day, it’s an hours drive to a H’Mong Village where you can walk to nearby villages, speak with H’Mong people and enjoy a picnic lunch at a local home. In the afternoon return to Mai Chau where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Mai Chau.

Once again your programme remains flexible although you will be departing for Hanoi in the early afternoon and therefore staying within in the vicinity of Mai Chau is advised. For many a gentle stroll to the Thái villages of Pom Coong and Lac will appeal.
After lunch, return to Hanoi where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, ranks amongst the world’s most attractive and interesting cities. It was first the capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010, and though the nation’s capital moved to Hue under the Nguyen dynasty in 1802, the city continued to flourish after the French took control in 1888. In 1954, after the French departed, Hanoi was declared Vietnam’s capital once again. The remnants of over 1,000 years of history are still visible here, with that of the past few hundred years wonderfully preserved.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Following breakfast, the driver and tour guide will pick you up and start a full day city tour to visit the remarkable sites such as: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. For many the Temple of Literature is a highlight worth lingering over. Built in 1070, this complex of atmospheric halls, pavilions and courtyards is dedicated to Confucius and scholars. Of special note are the 82 remaining steles of stone shaped like turtles which are elaborately carved with the names of candidates that sat the Royal examinations. A walking tour through the Old Quarter will provide another fascinating insight into the character and history of the city, before moving on to Dong Xuan Market with its bustling stalls and brisk trading of day-to-day local goods.
After lunch, consider visiting the very popular Ethnology Museum or the central Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by American POW’s during the war. Alternatively your guide will be happy to discuss alternative places of interest that you may wish to consider.
In the evening we recommend staying in and around the Old Quarter where there is a large selection of excellent restaurants and cafes to choose from. There is also the amazing ‘street-food’ such as Pho to be found on every corner! Overnight in Hanoi.

Today, drive to Halong bay for 2 days 1 night cruising on the bay. Situated in the Tonkin Golf, Halong bay is one of the world’s natural wonders – a bay with more than 3,000 islands, which time, wind and waves have sculpted into fantastic shapes. The best way to appreciate this magical scene is from a boat, cruising between these karst cliffs, which loom like fairy-tale castles, complete with rocky spires and hidden caves. The bay is dotted with tiny islands, pristine sandbanks on the turquoise water providing an excellent backdrop for swimming or just lazing about on the junk boat. Overnight on board.

Rising to the sound of lapping bay waters, you have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. Sitting on the upper deck, you can relax while taking in the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emeraude water of the bay. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave, swim and relax. The cruise will back to the jetty while brunch is served. Your arrive at the harbor by noon and rejoin your car drive back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Depend on the flight, enjoy some free time before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight, you may do the shop around for some last minute purchases or simply stay at your leisure in the hotel.