Compare Laos,the Mekong & Thailand Tour by vs Heritage Trails of Laos and Vietnam In 12 Days by Realistic Asia
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,399 | $ 1,707 |
| Price Per Day | $ 150 | $ 142 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included |
16 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 1 Dinners |
11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners |
| Description |
Our fascinating Thailand and Laos tour combines one of Asia’s best-loved destinations with its least well known neighbour with immediate contrasts both apparent and intriguing. After the bright lights of Bangkok, it’s Luang Prabang in Laos - little more than a village by comparison, with quaint French colonial buildings and a charmingly slow pace of life. The beauty of the countryside along the banks of the mighty Mekong has to be seen to be believed as we learn about the many ethnic communities in this remote part of Indochina. We also explore some of the lesser known corners of Thailand - the scenic far north-east (the Golden Triangle) and the haunting remains of the Burma- Thailand railway in the south. And that’s all before spending some wonderfully relaxing days on the beaches of the Gulf of Thailand. |
This Heritage Trail Of Laos And Vietnam in 12 days trip is perfect for those who want to get away from hustle and bustle of big cities and looking for a real authentic experience. You will get the unforgettable experience of visiting local villages throughout the trip. Besides, learning the traditional lifestyle of Vietnamese and Laotians, and getting deep into their culture. You would be stunned by the magnificent views of these two beautiful countries: explore the caves and waterfalls. Also, have a boat ride along the Mekong river, and cycle through the rice fields. Visit tropical orchards and cruise in one of the most beautiful bays in the world! |
Day 1: Departure
You should arrive at the airport for your overnight direct flight to Bangkok.
Day 2: Arrival In Bangkok
On arrival, you transfer to the excellent four-star superior Eastin Grand Hotel for two nights with breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the excellent pool and restaurants at your hotel. Exploring the city is easy, as the hotel is connected by its own footbridge to the efficient skytrain system.
Day 3: Bangkok
Bangkok is a truly amazing city with ‘must sees’ being its spectacular Grand Palace, plus the most important of all Thai Buddhist monuments, Wat Phra Kaew - the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark - for 150 years the Siamese Kings’ home and seat of government. Adjacent is Bangkok’s largest temple, the astonishing Wat Pho, famed for its huge 46-metre long reclining Buddha, staggeringly covered with gold leaf and also home to the original Thai massage school. You will discover Bangkok’s delightful klongs (canals), explored by small boat, which surprisingly quickly lead to an enchanting countryside full of verdant orchards, palm trees and picturesque paddy fields, plus communities with a fascinating water-borne way of life unchanged for centuries.
Day 4: Fly To Chiang Rai
Today you fly to Chiang Rai, Thailand’s most northerly town, staying for three nights in the four-star superior Dusit Island Resort with breakfast. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the extensive facilities of your hotel, which include a huge pool, three restaurants and a spa.
Day 5: Golden Triangle
Today we explore the rainforest-covered hills deep in Chiang Rai province where the present King’s mother spent many years overseeing numerous projects developing new crops, thus enabling villagers to eradicate opium cultivation. We visit her Royal Villa with its museum and delightful gardens.
Thailand’s most northerly point is the small market town of Mae Sai and with Burma just across a small river, its streets are crammed with remarkably priced Burmese sarongs, cheroots, puppets and intricate embroidery. This afternoon we explore the nearby Golden Triangle where the Mekong and the Ruak rivers meet, as do the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma, with a huge glistening Golden Buddha on the riverside. Just downstream is the ancient city of Chiang Saen, a fascinating juxtaposition of centuries-old ruined city walls and temples, sitting ‘cheek by jowl’ with modern day villagers’ homes.
Day 6: White Temple
In the morning we see the original Wat Phra Kheow, once housing Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha which you saw in Bangkok. The work of one of the province’s most famous sons and now one of Thailand’s foremost artists, Chalermchai Kositpipat, can be seen throughout this small town, his tour de force is the stunning and remarkable White Temple, undoubtedly Thailand’s most unusual – mostly white and silver with just one room of another colour – the public toilet, which is gold! Started in 1995, it is scheduled for completion in 2070! The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 7: River Mekong
Today we have an experience the memories of which will last many years – a fascinating two-day boat journey through Laos along the river Mekong. Accommodating 40 passengers, our boat is very comfortable with a bar and kitchen, and with its open sides you can truly experience river life just as
it has always been, plus see some staggeringly beautiful countryside. Meals, snacks, tea/coffee and bottled water are included. Around each sweeping bend is another staggering assault on the senses and as the sun sets in an explosion of colour we stay in the riverside village of Pak Beng at the Pakbeng Lodge. Dinner is served on the open-air terrace beautifully overlooking the river.
Day 8: River Mekong
We are way off the beaten track here – waking up this morning you will feel relaxed, privileged and wonderfully distant from home. Continuing our cruise of discovery, we observe traditional village life before arriving at the Pak Ou Caves, filled with hundreds of Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes. After our on-board buffet lunch we arrive in Luang Prabang in the afternoon, staying two nights at the three-star superior Luang Prabang View Hotel. As dusk falls the enterprising zeal so typical of the emerging world can be seen to be alive and well in the noise and sizzling open-air restaurants of the atmospheric night market.
Day 9: Luang Prabang
This morning you can witness, and even partake if you wish, in the early morning ritual of ‘Tak Bat’, or offering alms to the monks, a tradition followed avidly and providing some wonderful photo opportunities. You’ll also visit the market learning how the locals shop for superb fresh produce.
Our morning walking tour explores this amazing small town, with its quaint Royal Palace Museum and by walking through the quiet back lanes you unearth some of Luang Prabang’s amazing hidden secrets. Wat Chomkhong temple is especially noted for its decorative carvings, but this whole UNESCO-protected area contains a wonderful fusion of beautiful French colonial buildings and traditional Lao houses. Next it’s the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, with its roof sweeping towards the ground, in the classic Luang Prabang style.
Next we explore Luang Prabang’s stunning hinterland. Our destination is the beautiful Kuangsi waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool or walk along the forest trails. We enjoy a delicious picnic lunch under the shade of the lush tropical forest surrounded by its unique sights and sounds. Just adjacent is the Bear Rescue Centre whose worthy mission is protecting the rare Asiatic Black Bear. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon so you can explore as you wish.
Day 10: Fly To Bangkok
We catch the morning flight back to Bangkok, driving on to Kanchanaburi province and the River Kwai, immortalised by David Lean’s iconic film. Constructing that bridge was just one of many tasks set for the thousands of allied POWs as they laboured to build the infamous ‘Death Railway’ under the most terrible of conditions. We visit the Chong Kai War Cemetery, on the site of a hospital and prisoner of war camp. We then continue to the excellent riverside four-star superior Dheva Mantra Hotel for two nights with breakfast.
Day 11: River Kwai
This morning we leave our hotel by long-tail boats, approaching the River Kwai Bridge in the most wonderful way – by river. We board the local train which crosses the bridge and travels along the line and viaducts built by the POWs.
After a stop for lunch, you head upcountry by road to Hellfire Pass – a deep railway cutting only 500 metres long, although it took Allied prisoners of war more than three months to dig this out of solid rock, working 24 hours a day. One thousand Australian and British servicemen toiled here with just 300 surviving. There’s a trail that leads to the pass where you can observe the simple black granite memorial. The excellent museum is operated by the Australian Office of War Graves and has some very poignant testimonies and videos.
Day 12: Hua Hin
After a relaxing morning we head for the shores of the Gulf of Thailand, spending three nights at the superb five-star Hyatt Regency Resort near the beach resort of Hua Hin. For many years Hua Hin was the resort of choice for the Thai Royal family, who have a palace nearby and still visit regularly. These days the town is known for its vibrant night market and numerous fish restaurants. The Hyatt Regency is a 10 minute drive away, set in lush tropical gardens and boasting three restaurants, a superb meandering pool area and excellent spa. There are several world-class golf courses close by.
Days 13 and 14: Free Days
Two full days at leisure to enjoy the wonderful pool and facilities at your hotel.
Day 15: Return Flight
Today you will have a late afternoon transfer back to Bangkok airport for your return flight home.
Day 16: Arrive Home
You arrive back in the UK in the morning.
Day 1 Welcome to Laos - Luang Prabang Arrival
Your Laos and Vietnam trip begins with your arrival in Luang Prabang. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the town. The tranquillity and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. You can easily explore Luang Prabang at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2 Luang Prabang Sightseeing and Pak Ou Caves (B)
Today, we enjoy a short guided tour to the city's oldest temples of Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside along the way. Visit the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. On the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we take a short drive to another small village Ban Phanom, which is famous for its hand weaving.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3 Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfall (B)
Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your next adventure. Start your tour with visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, and Wat Mai. Then visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups such as Hmong village Ban Ouray, Laoloum village Ban Ou, and Khmu village Ban Thapene. After exploring the villages, we will take you to the beautiful Khuang Si Waterfall, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
OPTIONAL EARLY MORNING TOUR
An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from the faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual.
Day 4 Luang Prabang - Flight To Ho Chi Minh (B)
Relish the remaining moment in Luang Prabang before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive at Than Son Nhat Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 5 Learn Vietnam War's History With Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels (B)
Have breakfast at the hotel and depart for the Cu Chi tunnel. The trip will take approximately one and a half hours drive. Upon arrival, you will have a short introduction followed by an introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed, and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime.
Then, spend your time exploring the remaining area and tunnel systems, which included the living areas, kitchens, and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers. All this was to help people living inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purposes during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war) will be served. Then you will return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 6 Discover The Mighty Mekong River And Floating Market (B/L/D) - Group Tour
Depart from Ho Chi Minh and head to Mekong Delta, the land of nine dragons. Upon arrival at Cai Be, you will board the boat and explore Cai Be floating market, where local farmers sell their goods right from the boat. Then visit Com candy craft village, where you can see the production process of candy nuggets and try freshly made candies. The next destination is the bee farm for a cup of honey tea. Then take a boat cruise to Tan Phong Island to visit local orchards and Uncle 5 On's house to enjoy the garden folk music. Have a cup of tea with the fruits here while listening to music.
From here, head to your resort to have lunch and some rest. Around 4 p.m., you can join the activities organized by the resort by picking vegetables and slapping the ditch to catch fish. After that, you will join our chef to cook your dinner.
Overnight in Cai Be.
Day 7 Cycle In The Countryside of Mekong Delta (B) – Group Tour
After breakfast, you take a cycling trip around Tan Phong Island to understand more about the daily life of the people on the island. On the way, enjoy the freshly picked fruits. Then return to the resort and learn how to make Jackfruit leaf cake, which you will taste after. Around 11:30 am. check out your room and take the ferry to the pier, where our driver will meet you and transfer you back to Ho Chi Minh.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.
Day 8 Ho Chi Minh - Flight To Hanoi (B)
Relish the remaining moment in Ho Chi Minh before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Hanoi. When you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9 Get Away From The Big City With Ba Vi Eco Tour (B/L)
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel then our experienced English-speaking guide escorts you on the trip to Ba Vi, a countryside located on the outskirt of Hanoi.
Arrive at Ri village, enjoy the welcome drink and snacks and meet your first host - Mr. Duoc, who is a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to the stories of Mr. Duoc's life during the war while enjoying the drink and then visit his tea plantation. You will learn how to pick the best tea leaves to make the most wonderful beverage in Vietnam. Carry on with the tea production at his small workshop, where most of the work is manual.
Then have a short drive to Moc village, where you will meet your next host Mrs. Chin, who will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes. Later have the meals you made for lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.
Have a short break after lunch, and join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village. You will visit some local families to understand the rural lifestyle and learn how tofu, conical hats, and other local products are made. Then have a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields. Wrap up your countryside tour with traditional feet soak in warm water with herbs, following the traditional recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. It will relax you (and your feet) after cycling around the village.
Then your driver will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10 Hanoi - Overnight Cruise On Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Shared Cruise
In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.
On arrival at Halong, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.
The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.
Overnight on cruise.
Day 11 Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/L)
Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.
Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 12 Time To Say Goodbye - Hanoi Departure (B)
Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Laos and Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home. Trip Ends.
Goodbye and safe travel!
