Laos and Vietnam Mosaic Tour

Hotel accommodation in Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon visit the city situated on the upper reaches of the Mekong. It was the ancient capital of Lane Xang kingdom (declared Unesco Heritage): here you will visit some temples built during the ancient reign, Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong and you'll climb to Vat Chom Si, on Phu Si hill, to admire the sunset.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

For those who wish, it is possible to wake up at dawn and attend the begging of the monks, a sight that allows visitors to get in touch with the real daily life of Buddhist monks.

Departure on a speedboat to sail up the Mekong, crossing the spectacular sceneries that enchanted the explorers of the 19th century. The thick vegetation leaves room to a village in which the strong national liquor Lao Lao is distilled, to the orchards ripped from the river flood where artisans produce silk yarns and paper from the bark of trees, You can also climb up to Pak Ou sacred caves which, during centuries of pilgrimage, have been filled with thousands of Buddha statues.

On the way back you'll stop on the right bank, in front of Luang Prabang, for a short relaxing walk in Xieng Maen village, once famous for freshwater algae processing. From here a path sorrounded by thick vegetation departs, leading to an ancient monastery now abandoned. Here only few monks live, in a silent and mystic quietness that induces meditation.

Then travel back to Luang Prabang to plunge into the colorful world of the artisan products market which is set at sunset in the street running from Phu Si to the ancient Royal Palace.

Lunch during the excursion. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in a hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning visit the National Museum, situated in the building of the former Royal Palace and built in 1904. Today the building houses a rich collection of objects belonging to the royal family's treasure and especially the Phra Bang, the 83 cm golden statue which, according to tradition, is the symbol of Lane Xang reign from the 13th century.

Transfer to the airport and flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, after baggage pickup, meeting with the guide and transfer to the hotel.

In the afternoon visit the capital city of Hanoi, situated on the southern bank of the Red River. Its name means "within the red river", its main attractions are Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (exterior visit), One-Pillar Pagoda Chua Mot Cot which once was and still is the symbol of Hanoi, the Pagoda of the Stone Lady Chua Ba Da and St.Joseph Cathedral. You'll then take a rickshaw ride to visit the 36 old districts and finally you'll attend a Water Puppet Show, something unique in the world.

Lunch during the excursion in a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to Halong Bay. Here you'll board a reserved junk to discover the charming sceneries winding through countless islands, islets, stacks and cliffs, where caves full of stalagtites and stalagmites rise. During the navigation you'll also visit the largest cave in the bay, Sung Sot or "Surprise cave".

Lunch, dinner and overnight on the junk.

Breakfast on the junk.

You'll continue the navigation in the bay and, tide permitting, you'll visit Hang Luon.

Lunch on the junk and then transfer to Hanoi. Dinner in a typical restaurant and transfer to the station to reach Lao Cai by Fanxipan Express Train.

Overnight in vip bunk.

Upon arrival in Lao Cai, bordering Popular China, transfer to Sapa.

After breakfast you'll immediately start your sightseeing discovering the villages inhabited by different ethnic groups of the area. You'll visit the villages of Ta Phin, Ta Van, Ban Khoan and picturesque Sapa market.

Lunch during the excursion in a local restaurant.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the early morning depart to Bacha where every Sunday the horse market is arranged. Here too you'll be in contact with several ethnic groups such as Red Dao, Thai, Nung, Mong. H'Mong and many others.

Lunch in a local restaurant and then visit Lung Phin market, only 12 km from the town.

In the afternoon return to Lao Cai for dinner in a typical restaurant. At the end you'll reach the station to take the Fanxipan Express train to Hanoi.

Overnight on the train in vip bunk.

Arrive at Hanoi railway station and transfer to the airport to board the direct flight to Hue.

Once there you'll go to the hotel before starting the visit to the former imperial city. You'll then travel along the river on a dragon-shaped boat towards Thien Mu Pagoda, symbol of Hue and Buddhism. You'll continue on visiting the Imperial Citadel, dating back to Nguyen dynasty and then on a rickshaw you'll wind your way through Dong Ba market.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch visit the tomb of the 4th emperor Tu Duc and beautiful Tu Hieu Pagoda built by the eunuchs.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to Hoian, which was the main trade port in the country in the 17th century. Here ships from Portugal, the Netherlands, Japan and China disembarked.  The old city, with its street only accessible on foot, with the picturesque wooden houses and the old Chinese emporiums, has maintained its charm unchanged.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon visit the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Congregation and the Ancient House built over 200 years ago. Later on continue to the pier for a boat ride along Thu Bon River, admiring the villages along the banks and enjoying the charming sunset.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free time till departure to Danang. Upon arrival visit Cham Museum, built by the French in the year  1915, then you'll be transferred to the airport and fly to Saigon. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and accommodation in the rooms.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch visit the colonial buildings in Saigon, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Post and Telecommunications and Ben Thanh Market in the first district, so as to get a complete insight into this part of the city.

Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to Mekong Delta and arrival at Vinhlong pier. Boat ride along the countless branches of the river, visiting Cai Be floating market. Here you can admire the production of candies, rice paper used for spring rolls and puffed rice.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Then return to Saigon, dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in a hotel.

Breakfast and free time at leisure until transfer to the airport: end of services.