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21-Day Going Through Vietnam & Laos

A 21-day journey through the landscapes and cultures of Vietnam and Laos, blending limestone valleys, mountain trails, ancient towns, riverside life and immersive local encounters.

Previews

Discover Vietnam’s karst landscapes and rural traditions in Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, venture deep into northern Laos for jungle adventures and river journeys, then slow down in the timeless streets of Luang Prabang before unwinding in the heritage town of Hoi An.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi – Ninh Binh

Upon arrival in Hanoi, our team will assist you through airport procedures and with your luggage before transferring you to Ninh Binh. Known as “Ha Long Bay on land”, the region is famed for limestone peaks rising above rivers and lakes. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Ninh Binh

Day 2 – Ninh Binh

Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, and learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties. Visit the ancient tombs and Citadel ruins, with an optional climb for panoramic views. Continue to Tam Coc for lunch, then take a private sampan ride through limestone karsts and green rice fields. An optional climb to Ngu Nhac Mountain offers views of its historic cave pagodas and surrounding countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Ninh Binh

Day 3 – Ninh Binh

Visit Dich Long Cave and Pagoda, exploring its Buddha worship area, dark and light caves, and striking rock formations. Discover the bell tower, intricately carved stone columns, Saint Nguyen Minh Khong Temple and Buddha garden. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ninh Binh

Day 4 – Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park – Mai Chau

Travel to Mai Chau via Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first national park. Visit the visitor centre to learn about its biodiversity, then explore the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Turtle Conservation Center. After lunch, continue through farmland, orange gardens, waterfalls and local markets, stopping at Lo Market and Gia Mo village, home to the Muong people.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mai Chau Pu Luong Retreat

Day 5 – Mai Chau

Trek with your guide through the rice terraces of Bang village in Pu Luong. Depending on the season, enjoy golden harvest fields, lush green paddies or terraces reflecting the sky. Follow a jungle trail alongside a stream before returning to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mai Chau Pu Luong Retreat

Day 6 – Mai Chau – Border Crossing to Laos – Sam Neua

Travel through mountainous landscapes from Vietnam into Laos. After completing border formalities, meet your Laos guide and continue through scenic limestone karst countryside to Sam Neua. The evening is at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sam Neua

Day 7 – Sam Neua

Visit the famous Vieng Xai Caves, a hidden network of caves that sheltered around 20,000 soldiers and civilians during the Secret War. Learn how the caves served as a refuge from aerial bombing and as the command centre for the Pathet Lao.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sam Neua

Day 8 – Sam Neua – Nam Et National Park

Drive to Ban Son Koua and board a longtail boat along the Nam Nern River to your jungle camp. After lunch, join a guided night safari, learning to identify animal tracks before enjoying a riverside barbecue. After dark, drift along the river by torchlight in search of wildlife. Overnight in traditional Lao-style forest huts.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nam Et National Park

Day 9 – Nam Et National Park

Take a morning walk with a local Khmu guide, learning about medicinal plants and exploring the remains of a centuries-old village.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nam Et National Park

Day 10 – Nam Et National Park – Nong Khiaw

Begin with an early jungle tour, then cruise downstream after breakfast, stopping at a prime birdwatching location. Continue to Nong Khiaw through spectacular river and mountain scenery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nong Khiaw

Day 11 – Nong Khiaw

Enjoy a boat ride along the Nam Ou River and visit a small riverside Lao village. Trek through streams and rice paddies to the 100 Waterfalls, following cascades through the jungle with your guide. Enjoy a local-style lunch amid the falls, then descend along a village trail with sweeping views of the Nam Ou valley before returning by boat.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nong Khiaw

Day 12 – Nong Khiaw – Luang Prabang

Travel south through rolling countryside and rice fields towards Luang Prabang. En route, visit the Pak Ou Caves, set in a limestone cliff overlooking the Mekong River and filled with Buddha statues. Arrive around lunchtime and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Luang Prabang

Day 13 – Luang Prabang

Discover Luang Prabang by tuk-tuk, beginning at the Morning Market to learn about local produce and food traditions. Visit Wat Mai, the National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang, then continue to Wat Visounnalath and Heuan Chan to learn a traditional banana-leaf and flower craft. Finish at Wat Xieng Thong before enjoying panoramic views from Mount Phousi.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Luang Prabang

Day 14 – Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfall

Drive to Long Lao Village to discover the cultures of the Khamu and Hmong communities before trekking through orchards, rice fields, vegetable gardens and forested mountain trails. Reach Kuang Si Waterfall for time to relax and swim in its clear pools. Visit the Free the Bears sanctuary to learn about Asian bear conservation before returning to Luang Prabang.

Trekking: Approximately 9 km, around 3.5 hours, moderate difficulty; some sections may be slippery when wet.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Luang Prabang

Day 15 – Luang Prabang – Elephant and Jungle Adventure

Travel into the countryside to an elephant camp beside the Nam Khan River. Learn about Lao elephants and mahout traditions, then trek 2 km through the jungle before enjoying a picnic lunch. Continue on foot to Tad Sae Waterfall for time to relax or swim, then return to the camp by traditional longboat before travelling back to Luang Prabang.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Luang Prabang

Day 16 – Luang Prabang – Da Nang – Hoi An

Transfer to Luang Prabang Airport for your flight to Da Nang via Hanoi. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to Hoi An. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.