Vietnam and Laos Discovery

This fascinating tour highlights two of Indochina’s most exceptional countries.

Discover Vietnam’s incredible diversity, from cosmopolitan Saigon to picturesque Hoi An, from the extensive waters of the Mekong to serene Halong Bay. Walk through the charming city of Hanoi and enjoy a cyclo ride to  Hue’s Imperial Citadel.

Experience the cultural differences and beauty of Laos with its many wonderful treasures. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang where you visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves and the local villages along the Mekong River, to the beautiful boulevards of Laos’ capital city Vientiane, this delightful country will astound you at every turn.

This special journey will surprise you; for some it will be the history and culture, for others the scenery, whilst for many it will be the people of these lands who will undoubtedly make your stay a memorable one.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: AUCKLAND TO BANGKOK

Fly overnight with Thai Airways International to Bangkok.

Due to flight schedules you have an overnight stop in Bangkok. Please note that no meals are included in Bangkok.

DAY 2: SAIGON

You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Saigon for a three-night stay.

DAY 3: SAIGON - CU CHI

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels this morning and later visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum.

DAY 4: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA

Travel to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta today. Explore the river by boat, passing stilt houses and fish farms. Paddle through palm-lined canals on sampans and walk through villages. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda before returning to Saigon this afternoon.

DAY 5: SAIGON TO HOI AN

This afternoon you will fly to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An.

DAY 6: HOI AN

This morning visit an old merchant’s home, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An Market and a local Chinese temple.

DAY 7: HOI AN TO HUE

Head north to the imperial city of Hue, stopping at Marble Mountains en route. In Hue you will take a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. You will also visit Thien Mu Pagoda and relax on a cruise along the Perfume River.

DAY 8: HUE TO HANOI

Visit the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang this morning. Later this afternoon you will fly to Hanoi.

DAY 9: HANOI - HALONG BAY

Travel to Halong Bay where you will cruise around the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. After your cruise, travel back to Hanoi.

DAY 10: HANOI

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Humble House on Stilts and One Pillar Pagoda this morning. Continue on to the Temple of Literature and walk around Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. Watch a performance of the famous Water Puppets this evening.

DAY 11: HANOI TO LUANG PRABANG

This morning you will fly to Luang Prabang, Laos. Tour the city this afternoon by tuk-tuk, visiting Wat Visoun, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Sene and the National Museum.

DAY 12: LUANG PRABANG

Travel to Kuangsi Waterfalls, visiting a H’mong village en route. Visit Ock Pop Tok Weaving Centre before returning to Luang Prabang.

DAY 13: LUANG PRABANG

Cruise along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. Afterwards you will stop at Ban Xang Khong Village.

DAY 14: LUANG PRABANG TO VIENTIANE

Partake in Takbat, a Buddhist ceremony, visit the fresh food market and climb Phousi Hill before flying to Vientiane. Enjoy a traditional music and dance show this evening.

DAY 15: DEPART VIENTIANE

Explore the city, visiting Thongkhankham Market, Patuxai Victory Monument, That Luang Stupa, COPE Visitor Centre and Laos Textile Museum. Transfer to the airport this afternoon to board your overnight flight to Auckland (via Bangkok).

DAY 16: ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Vietnam and Laos Discovery