Highlights of Vietnam & Laos 14 days

Morning/ Afternoon

BestRate team’s tour guide warmly welcomes you at the airport, then transfers to your hotel inHo Chi Minh Cityfor checking-in. 

NOTE: 

• Be presented at Pole No.10 (Outside the Terminal Gate), so we can easily find you in the busy airport. In case you can not find the tour guide, please contact your travel consultant.
• The check-in hour is 14:00.You will be able to have an early check-in with a surcharge. Please contact your travel consultant to book the service.  

Evening

Gather with your companions for a delightful rooftop dinner in the vibrant cityscape of Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Get on an exhilarating speedboat trip that takes you from the gleaming skyscrapers of the city to the lush green paddy fields dotting the landscape along the Saigon River, allowing you to capture the very essence of Saigon. 

Upon reaching the Cu Chi Tunnels, step back in time to witness a remarkable historical site that bears witness to the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. These intricate tunnels, meticulously dug in 1948, served as crucial hideouts for the Viet Cong guerrillas, providing shelter and protection from combatant forces.

Then, you will have the unique opportunity to meet a Viet Cong soldier and gain invaluable insights into the arduous living conditions endured by the guerrilla fighters during those turbulent times.

After your insightful visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, have a light lunch and return to Ho Chi Minh City. 

Afternoon/ Evening

Our tour guide will take you on a visit to iconic spots like Notre Dame Cathedral and Gustave Eiffel's Central Post Office to absorb the city's ambiance and appreciate the historical significance of these landmarks. 

Spend your leisure time exploring and embracing the enchanting allure of Saigon by night. 

NOTE:  Notre Dame Cathedral is anticipated to be under restoration until the year 2027. Therefore, unfortunately, tourists cannot relish the panorama view of the cathedral.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Start a private boat trip to the Mekong Delta, which owns the world's most complicated river and canal system.

At your first stop, let’s take in the sights of the fascinating coconut production and processing. As part of this delightful experience, treat yourself to the pure pleasure of sipping on freshly extracted coconut juice. 

After that, you will go on a tricycle ride weaving through the charming narrow village roads to witness the fascinating process of crafting the region's most popular breakfast - rice noodles.

Afternoon

Continue your cruise to Mango Home for a sumptuous lunch that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

After that, you will take a contemplative walk through the tranquil and shady village roads to Mr. Sau Tuong’s house, a courageous former soldier who once valiantly fought against the notorious Khmer Rouge - the group responsible for the devastating Cambodian genocide.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Wake up and board your flight to Hue. From the window of the aircraft, let’s feast your eyes on the breathtaking views of the lush countryside below.  

Afternoon/ Evening

Take a pleasing cyclo ride to Phu Mong Village, where you can visit an appealing traditional garden house and local craft houses; hence, gain insights into Vietnam's cultural meticulous craftsmanship.

The next destination is the Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre, an extraordinary venue that offers a unique blend of culinary delights and cultural exchange. This charming establishment serves as both a dining experience and a window into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Morning

At8:00, our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the boat landing for a leisure boat trip along the Perfume River to visit the towering Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous Vietnamese landmarks with a long history through upheavals of wars and dynasties. 

After that, take a short drive to visit the Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb, where you can gain a deeper understanding of the royal’s life and architecture.

It’s lunchtime! Let’s have a delightful lunch outside of town and enjoy classic Hue cuisine at a restaurant in a beautiful garden setting.

Afternoon

Return to the city center to visit Imperial Citadel - a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Forbidden Purple City. If the time and weather are perfect, you could admire the glorious and mesmerizing sunset on the Perfume River.

Drive back to the hotel and say "goodbye" to our guide.

Evening

Embrace the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Morning

Get up early for departing from Hue to Hoi An. On your journey,  when passing through Da Nang, make a stopover at the majestic Hai Van Pass - a scenic mountain road that offers panoramic views from the top, and be prepared to be awestruck by the breathtaking vistas that unfold before your eyes.

Afternoon

Upon arriving in Hoi An, check in at your hotel, and get ready to explore the charming Hoi An ancient town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that promises to enchant you with its rich history and architectural treasures.

After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

(Choose your optional itinerary to discover Hoi An on your way)

Option 1:

Pay a visit to Cam Thanh Village, where the beauty of water coconut jungles awaits you. Admire the lush and serene surroundings as you take in the picturesque landscapes. 

After that, experience the thrill of a crazy bamboo-basket boat ride, gliding gracefully across the tranquil water to Thanh Dong Village. Then, witness the villagers at work since they cultivate and harvest vegetables.

Participate in a delightful cooking class, where expert chefs will guide you through the preparation of local recipes. After the cooking class, indulge in the fruits of your labor by savoring your own culinary creations for a delectable and rewarding lunch.

Option 2:

Embark on a sensory journey to an enchanting oil workshop, where you will immerse yourself in the aromatic world of essential oils and explore the fascinating effects of scents and oils on both your mind and body. 

In this hands-on experience, you'll have the opportunity to create your own personal oil mix, tailored to your unique preferences and needs. 

Savor a light lunch after this enlightening and creative experience. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Morning

Embrace the morning with leisurely free time, allowing you to savor moments of relaxation or explore any remaining sights in the enchanting city of Hoi An.

Later, bid farewell to Hoi An and move to Da Nang, where you will catch a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital city.

Afternoon

After checking in at your hotel inHanoi, take the opportunity to venture into the heart of the city's captivating Old Quarter. Wander through the charming streets, where ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage converge. 

Then, let’s go on a tantalizing street food tour, immersing yourself in Hanoi's gastronomic delights.

Evening

The evening is at your disposal now. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning

After beginning your day with a delightful breakfast, take a scenic drive to Halong Bay -a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its magnificent natural beauty. 

Upon arrival, board a junk and relish a complimentary lunch on board while being surrounded by the backdrop of the breathtaking bay with the serene beauty of nature. 

Afternoon

Indulge in the breathtaking scenery of hundreds of stunning limestone karsts that rise majestically from the sea.

Pay a visit to the enchanting limestone caves and captivating fishing villages in Halong (depending on each cruise's itinerary).

As the cruise through Halong Bay draws to a close, return to the ship where exciting evening activities await you. Choose to join a delightful sunset party or participate in an intriguing cooking demonstration led by skilled chefs on board. 

Evening

Spend a memorable night on board the cruise, fully immersing yourself in the exciting nightlife activities such as squid fishing, karaoke, movies, poker, etc.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Halong Bay cruise

Morning

Let’s start your day with a serene and invigorating Tai Chi lesson on board the cruise. Embrace the ancient art of Tai Chi, practiced in harmony with the gentle movements of the rising sun, promoting a sense of balance and well-being. 

After that, enjoy a delectable brunch on board as the cruise gracefully makes its way to Halong City for disembarkation. 

Afternoon

Get back to the captivating Hanoi. 

Evening

With the evening at your disposal, seize the opportunity to discover the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning

Please assemble in the lobby of the hotel to meet our tour guide and listen to an introduction. After that, let’s embark on an insightful and exciting journey. 

Learn more about our esteemed leader, President Ho Chi Minh, by paying a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his house-on-stilts, and the Presidential Palace. 

Continue to stop by and see the unique One Pillar Pagoda, erected on a single wooden pole. It is the pinnacle architectural masterpiece, filled with national cultural quintessence through the arts of design, sculpture, woodcarving, and painting.

Explore the Vietnam First University, also called the Temple of Literature, and take pictures there. During the Ly dynasty, this temple was a symbol of Confucius. It is the birthplace of many outstanding individuals in Vietnam across many generations and a testament to the history of Hanoi's capital.

Afternoon

After settling down, we'll go to a nearby restaurant with mouthwatering traditional Vietnamese cuisine for lunch. 

Then, let’s come back to your hotel, pack your luggage, and prepare to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Wake up early to participate in the unique daily morning rituals called Tak Bat: Alms Giving, in which saffron-clad monks collect offerings of Alms (ubiquitous sticky rice) from the faithful residents. After that, let’s get ready for these exciting activities. 

• Take a short visit to the morning local market near the Royal Palace. This is promised to be a golden opportunity for you to get a real flavor of the local culture.
• Come back to the hotel to enjoy breakfast before boarding a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which gives you a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. 
• Visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, and marvel at two linked caves crammed with thousands of stunning gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. 
• Stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. It’s a great time for you to gain profound insights into traditional winemaking methods. 

On our way back, we pass the local villages at Ban Chan, well-known in the region for its meticulous pottery making and amazing ancestral methods transferred from one generation to another. Please feel free to support them by buying a little figurine in order to support their handicraft (at your own expense). 

We then walk to the nearby Chanthavinh Resort, where we will spend a peaceful night in Luang Prabang. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Morning

After savoring a delightful breakfast at the hotel, let's embark on an invigorating climb to the summit of Mount Phousi, an iconic hill in Luang Prabang, renowned for offering breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Mekong and Khan rivers, as well as the picturesque surrounding mountain ranges. 

After descending from the mountaintop, treat yourself to a delightful family-style lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue traveling to Wat Xiengthong, an exquisite temple nestled in the heart of the Golden City, Luang Prabang. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of the temple's gilded roofs, ornate carvings, and serene courtyards, as you delve into the rich spiritual heritage of Laos.

After exploring the temple's sacred grounds, please prepare for an enchanting cruise along the legendary Mekong River at sunset. You'll be surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the river's flowing waters and the lush landscapes that flank its banks.

In the thick of the stunning scenery, it’s time for you to level up your enjoyment by sipping on a refreshing drink, savoring the flavors of the region, and raising your glass in a toast to newfound friends, bonding over the shared experiences of this remarkable journey. 

Evening

Now, it’s free time for your own discovery. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Morning

Have a scrumptious breakfast and please let the taste of local delicacies bring back cherished memories of your time in this enchanting country. 

After relishing the last moments in Laos, depart for the airport to catch a flight leaving Luang Prabang. Farewell and see you again! 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: NA