Day 1 – Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi where you are greeted and transferred to your hotel to check in. Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries, with its narrow lanes and traditional shop houses. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 – Hanoi
Begin at the Museum of Ethnology, showcasing art, traditional clothing and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from 54 different ethnic minority groups. Afterwards head to the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only). Containing the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh.

Next heat to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. Furthermore still preserved in the same condition as during his life. Continue on to the miniature 11th century One Pillar Pagoda, rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.

Lastly Hoan Kiem Lake with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda to enjoy a coffee and the view. Before back to the old quarter in a green electric buggy. Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Hanoi
This morning drive to Halong bay, to board a traditional boat to cruise through the incredible limestone karsts of Halong Bay. Where lunch is served on board. Afterwards paddle through islets: Stone Dog, Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), and Fighting Cock (Ga Choi). Finally, touch the majesty of Halong bay by visiting Thien Cung (Heaven) cave on a guided walking highlighting the incredible natural artwork inside. Explore Ba Hang by bamboo rowing boat or kayak. Before back on board as you sail back to Tuan Chau island and onto Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 – Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La
This morning drive to Mai Chau, the closest and most authentic Montagnard village to Hanoi. This rural village is inhabited mainly by the White Thai, an ethnic group distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China. Walk around Poom Coong and Lac village to see the daily life of the White Thai people. Followed by a visit to Van Mai for even more insights into local life. Along with photo opportunities of the riverside houses on stilts. Afterwards drive to Son La. Overnight in Son La

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 – Son La – Dien Bien Phu
After breakfast visit Son La Prison then onto Dien Bien Phu stopping en route at Muong Phang. A town connected closely with General Vo Nguyn Giap who led the Dien Bien Phu campaign to world shaking victory. Here learn about the hardships commanders and soldiers had to bear during the war. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Dien Bien Phu
Spend the  day in Dien Bien Phu, one of the most remote areas of Vietnam and surrounded by steep forested mountains. And where the Vietnamese defeated the French in a single battle, thereby ending their colonial control of Indochina. Start at Dien Bien Phu Museum, containing artifacts and exhibits relating to the battle. Next Hill A1 where the battle and the war finally ended. When the Vietnamese planted a bomb on top of the hill. See realistic re-creations of the bunkers and the original bomb crater.

Outside town visit the Bunker of De Castries where the headquarters of the French commander have been re-created. Complete with old French tanks and artillery pieces. Visit local villages allowing you to see how different ethnic minorities live. The whole area is inhabited by Montagnard people, which include the white and black Thai, Hmong, Zao and Muong. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Dien Bien Phu – Pang Hok – Muang Khua – Oudomxai
After breakfast drive to Tay Trang (Vietnam / Laos border) (Dien Bien Phu)
Then continue to Muang Khua and finally Oudomxai. Overnight in Oudomxai

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Oudomxai – Luang Nam Tha
Today drive to Luang Nam Tha, a town that is expanding rapidly in its role as a centre for commerce between China, Thailand and Laos. First stop the local market and Phoum Pouk Pagoda, first built in 1624 but sadly now in ruins after the Indochina War. Continue to the Luang Nam Tha Museum for an overview of the different ethnic minorities that inhabit the area. Overnight in Luang Nam Tha

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Luang Nam Tha
This morning drive to Ban Jaluensouk (Khmu village) the starting point of your easy trek with village guide. Cross small and beautiful streams, with dense canopies shading you and keeping you comfortably cool and hike enjoyable.

Enjoy a rustic picnic lunch with traditional Lao food, accompanied by the music of birds and chirping cicadas. After lunch take a drive with amazing views of open rice fields. Before heading back to town there is the option to stop in a Lantern village, known for its paper made of bamboo pulp. Or Ban Pieng Ngam village famous for cotton and silk. Overnight in Luang Nam Tha

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 – Luang Nam Tha – Oudomxai – Luang Prabang
After breakfast drive to Oudomxai (Muang Xai). This provincial capital has a richly mixed population of Lao Theung, Lao Seung, Chinese and Lao Loum. Off the main street traditional thatched houses spread across the edge of the valley towards the base of the surrounding mountain range. Visit the local market, Phou Phra That, and admire the panoramic views of Oudomxai from Phou Xay Hill. Continue on to Luang Prabang stopping en route at Tad Lak Sip-ed Waterfall, this narrow waterfall cascades over a limestone cliff. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Luang Prabang
Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

Start the day at Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat), the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang dating back to 1513. Notably its collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Next Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Including its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals.

Visit many of the temples lining the main street of Luang Prabang. Then National Museum (Royal Palace) where the royal family once lived, it provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Lastly the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre exhibiting unique ethnic clothing, household objects, religious artifacts, and handicrafts from various ethnic groups. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12 – Luang Prabang
After breakfast enjoy time at your leisure before transferring to the airport for your departure flight

Meals included: Breakfast

INCLUDED SERVICES:
– Program is based on English speaking guide. For other languages a supplement charge will apply.
– accommodation as mentioned above or equivalent.
– meals according to itinerary / Breakfast box in lieu of ABF when early morning flight.
– Porter fees at the airport where guide service is booked.
– ground transportation in private A/C vehicle.
– 1 complimentary bottle of drinking water and 1 cold towel per person per half day tour/ 2 bottles of water and 2 cold towels per person per full day tour.
– sightseeing incl. admission fees according to itinerary.

EXCLUDED SERVICES:
– visa fees, drinks, personal expenses. ** Visa Procedures: Vietnam Laos
For bookings of roundtrip or module packages,we will confirm one of the hotels mentioned above according to the selected category.Please note that compulsory gala dinners and peak season surcharges mayapply during peak periods surrounding the public holidays of Christmas and New Year- these surcharges will be confirmed at the time of booking.