Compare UNESCO Indochina by Encounters Travel vs Incredible Vietnam by Travel Talk

DAY 1: Arrive Luang Prabang
Meet and greet at airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day if free for you to start exploring the local area.
| OVERNIGHT:
Luang Prabang hotel
| MEALS:
None
| EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (LATMUI), Extra day in Luang Prabang - pre-tour
DAY 2: Luang Prabang city tour, Pak Ou caves, & night markets
After breakfast, you will first visit Royal Palace Museum, which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family. We then embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On arrival back in the city, we will visit magnificent Wat Xiengthong a superb piece of Lao temple architecture, which presents a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics including a beautiful ‘tree of life ‘glass montage on the rear temple wall. Afterwards, we will visit the Traditional Art and Ethnology Center (closed on Monday) to learn about Laos’ many ethnic cultures. From there, we will transfer to visit Wat Prabath to admire the sunset; this is the really peaceful place to catch the last beauty of the day. The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely collection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.
| OVERNIGHT:
Luang Prabang hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 3: Luang Prabang alms giving, Kuang Si waterfalls, fly to Hanoi
Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets. From there, we will visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. This is the best chance to experience the flavor of local life. After breakfast at the hotel, we ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Mekong River. We then visit Wat Visoun, dating back to 1513 during the reign of King Wisunarat (Visoun), this is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas. We then transfer directly to the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls which is the biggest in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals We will also take a short visit to the Bear Rescue Center, which houses a couple of dozen animals rescued from the hands of poachers and traffickers. Before returning to Luang Prabang, we stop to visit the Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park (closed from 15 Apr – 30 Jun; 01-14 Sep, & 01 Jan every year), whose mission is to create a research centre studying and publishing about Laos butterflies, host plants and preservation. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, we will take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour. You'll then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, where upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 4: Hanoi, Halong Bay
This morning we drive to the coastal town of Halong where we transfer you to your private traditional wooden junk where you'll enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise into the bay. The scenery is just amazing as you pass close to the towering limestone karsts jutting up into the sky. At the end of the day you can enjoy a drink on deck whilst watching the sun set over the bay. Dinner will follow, freshly prepared seafood served under the stars, then it's off to your cabin for the night.
| OVERNIGHT:
Junk boat
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Halong Bay, overnight train to Dong Hoi
After an early breakfast we rise to see daylight emerging from the mist, revealing the dreamlike rocky formations of Halong Bay. Whilst sailing back to the mainland, why not join the onboard Tai Chi Class. From here, we return to dry land and make our way back to Hanoi for the overnight train to Dong Hoi.
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6: Dong Hoi, Phong Nha Cave
We arrive into Dong Hoi station and transfer to Chay Lap village, a 45 minute drive and just on the edge of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Upon arrival at the village, you will then be warmly welcomed by a local family and invited to their house. You'll stay the night in a traditional, yet very comfortable house built built from local materials. Your day will be filled with activities including a Dragon Boat tour into the Phong Nha Cave. This enormous cave is one of the best in the world and holds for records: the longest underground river, the highest & longest cave, broadest and most beautiful fine sand beaches inside the caves, and the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. After returning to the village you can explore the local life of the villagers, and participate in social activities such as fishing in the pond, planting and gardening, or even playing football with the local children. In the evening you will be served dinner using fresh locally grown food.
| OVERNIGHT:
Homestay
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Hue, half day citadel tour
This morning we'll transfer you to Hue. Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and this imperial city was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. There are many temples and palaces within the walls and although much was damaged during the Tet Offensive in 1968, there are plenty of impressive structures still standing. Your tour starts with the ancient walled Citadel, which contained the former Imperial Palace. We enjoy wandering through the enclosure during the afternoon before we take a cruise along the Perfume River.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hue hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Hue, drive to Hoi An
Your morning is free in Hue before we drive south to the riverside town of Hoi An. The drive follows the coastline along the South China Sea as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass ("Pass of the Clouds"). From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 9: Hoi An, half day tour
We start the day early with a walking tour of this former trading port famous for its restored architecture, home-made silk, expert tailors and delicious noodles and seafood. Our first stop is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653, built in honour of the Chinese general Quan Cong, worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next stop is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, where we will see the Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. A short walk takes us to Tam Ky House, which is a classic example of a 200 year old ancestral house. Finally we cross the well photographed 17th century Japanese covered bridge, which doubles as a temple and is a famous landmark of Hoi An.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 10: Hoi An free day
Spend the day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors Hoi An is famous for.
| OVERNIGHT:
Hoi An hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 11: Hoi An, fly to Siem Reap
Today we transfer you to nearby Danang for your flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Upon arrival we'll transfer you to you hotel where the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
| OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
DAY 12: Full day tour of Angkor
We start your tour of Angkor at the South Gate of Angkor Thom where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Next we head to the Bayon, known for the numerous smiling faces that line the towers. These bas reliefs tell a story of daily life and the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais. The next stop is Phimeanakas, which is shaped roughly like a pyramid and has two ponds in the rear. A climb to the top of the temple will be rewarded with a fabulous view over the Angkor complex. We move on to the Terrace of the Elephants, a rows of trunks that form the wall and was used as a platform from which King Jayavarman surveyed his army. Close by we visit the Terrace of Leper Kings, which includes a statue depicting Yana, the Hindu god of death. Then it's a short drive to the iconic temple, Ta Prohm. This small, crumbling temple, made famous in the Tomb Raider film, is pierced by giant tree roots giving it an almost magical feel. We head back to Siem Reap for lunch and to get out of the midday sun. Later in the afternoon we explore the mighty Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious monument. This massive, three-tiered pyramid rises 65m from the ground and is topped by five lotus towers. We end the day watching the sun set over the jungle from the top of Pre Rup Temple, before returning to Siem Reap for the evening.
| OVERNIGHT:
Siem Reap hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13: Transfer to the airport for departure
Free time until we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
| OVERNIGHT:
N/A
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Siem Reap - post-tour

Day 1: Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Meet your guide and new tour mates in the hotel lobby at 6.00pm for an informal welcome meeting. Afterwards, get amongst the hustle of Hanoi for an optional tour group dinner or explore the night markets and busy streets as they come to life after dark!

Accommodation

Thien Thai Hotel – 4 Star

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Enjoy a full day in Hanoi to explore the streets swarmed with buzzing motorbikes, delicate scents, and delicious street food. Be sure to try a traditional Vietnamese coffee and wander the Old Quarter for an epic fusion of French, Chinese, and Vietnamese architecture. Then, meet up with the tour group at 1.00pm for a half-day guided city tour! You'll visit President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, residence, and One Pillar Pagoda. Then, visit the breath-taking Temple of Literature and surrounding gardens, built as a university in 1080, and dedicated to Confucious. Finish the guided city tour with a walk around the famous Hoan Kiem Lake to take in the peace and quiet of Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting on a small island in the center of the lake! Wrap up your last night in Hanoi exploring the streets or join an optional Hanoi street food by night walking tour.

Accommodation

Thien Thai Hotel – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Hanoi City Tour

Optional Activities

Hanoi street food by night (walking tour) - 25 USD

Entrance Fees

President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Residence - 4 USD

Temple of Literature - 3 USD

Ngoc Son Temple - 2 USD

Day 3: Hanoi, Halong Bay Cruise

Today you'll farewell the capital and head towards the dreamy, UNESCO World Heritage-listed region of Halong Bay! On the way, you'll pass lush paddy fields by the Red River Delta before arriving at Tuan Chau wharf by midday. Then it's all aboard a traditional Junk Boat for the true Halong Bay experience. Kick back and soak in the serenity on board as you drift past the abundance of limestone islands with lunch served at 1.00pm. In the afternoon, stop to visit some of the islands, like the Ti Top Island, and explore the intricate cave systems of Sung Sot Cave on foot. Then it's back on board to savor sunset moments over the picturesque backdrop before dinner is served at 7.00 pm. Spend the evening relaxing on board, chatting at the bar, or trying your luck at squid fishing off the Junk Boat.

Accommodation

Traditional Junk Boat

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included Activities

Halong Bay Cruise

Day 4: Halong Bay, Flight to Danang, Hoi An

Morning views don't get much better than this! Coffee and tea will be served from 7.00am, but take it slow as you enjoy the leisurely vibes from the Junk Boat deck. Snap some final pics of the dreamy islands of Halong Bay, including Ga Choi Island and Sail Island. Enjoy an optional kayaking activity. Check out is at 9.00am and Brunch will be served by 9.30am as you cruise back to the pier and say farewell to Halong Bay and your incredible Junk Boat Crew! This afternoon we'll make our way to Danang via domestic flight, then transfer to our hotel in Hoi An - one of Vietnam's most beautiful cities!

Accommodation

Royal Riverside Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast, Lunch

Included Activities

Halong Bay Cruise

Optional Activities

Kayaking - 10 USD

Day 5: Hoi An

Good morning from Hoi An! In centuries gone by, Hoi An was once a bustling port for a myriad of various traders. Today, it is a delightful riverside town with tranquillity and charm that attracts visitors far and wide. Get your bearings with a guided tour through the Old Quarter and fall in love with the Japanese Covered Bridge, visit a historic trader's home, check out the French Colonial architecture and Chinese Assembly Hall. In the afternoon enjoy free time to visit one of Vietnam's famous tailors for custom-made clothing or hire a bicycle and head to An Bang beach for seaside vibes and fresh seafood. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, join an optional city and street food tour on Vespa or take a guided countryside bike tour. Don't miss out on the optional visit to the Golden Hand Bridge. Standing 1,400m above sea level the gold-colored footbridge held aloft by two giant stone hands offers majestic panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation

Royal Riverside Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Hoi An Walking Tour

Optional Activities

City tour and street food by Vintage Vespa - 60 USD

Countryside tour by bike - 20 USD

Golden Hand Bridge tour - 60 USD

Entrance Fees

Hoi An ancient town - 8 USD

Day 6: Hoi An, Marble Mountain, Hue

Free time in the morning to catch some final sights in Hoi An, pick up your tailor-made clothing or wander the boutique stores. In the afternoon, travel from Hoi An to visit the Marble Mountains and Cham Museum.  Then, hit the road and take in the scenic views of Hai Van Pass en route to Hue. There'll be free time in the afternoon to explore the beautifully decorated pavilions and lotus flower ponds at your own pace. We recommend hopping on a Cyclo ride to see the city from a new and exciting angle in your own time.

Accommodation

Moonlight Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Optional Activities

Roundtrip cable car & private transfer - 35 USD

Rickshaws bike tour & dinner - 24 USD

Entrance Fees

Marble Mountain - 2 USD

Cham Museum - 3 USD

Day 7: Hue City Tour, Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Although many of the finest buildings of Hue (pronounced 'hway') were devastatingly destroyed during the American War, the historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed city still resonates with the glories of imperial Vietnam. Today we'll spend a full day exploring Hue on a guided city tour from 8.00am. You'll visit the Old Imperial City, Flag Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda, Dong Ba market and Royal Tombs of Khai Dinh. Have your camera ready for some of the most beautiful architecture you'll see in all of Vietnam! In the afternoon, take a domestic flight to Ho Chi Min and rest up for a big day to come.

Accommodation

Wink Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Hue City Tour

Entrance Fees

Imperial Citadel - 8 USD

Royal Tombs of Khai Dinh - 6 USD

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Kick-start your time in Ho Chi Minh city with a guided city pickup at the hotel for a half day city tour through the highlights of the exhilarating city. Visit the historic Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the iconic Post Office. Take an optional tour to the world-famous Cu Chi Tunnels and learn stories of the Vietnamese who dug these tunnels and started a new life underground, to escape the war. Then, end your day at the Ben Thanh Market and try some traditional Bánh mì, Pho and Bia hơi.

Accommodation

Wink Hotel - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Optional Activities

Cu Chi Tunnel tour – 32 USD

Saigon Vespa and street food tour at night - 60 USD

Entrance Fees

Reunification Palace Entry - 2 USD

War Remnants Museum - 2 USD

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast at the hotel, our trip will end in Ho Chin Minh City as we say goodbye to our new travel mates and check-out of the hotel by 11.00 am.

Meals Included

Breakfast