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Essentials of North Vietnam and Luang Prabang – 10 Days

Vietnam et Laos
Northern Vietnam
10 days
Classic

Overview

This tour invites you to discover two jewels of Southeast Asia: Vietnam and Laos, where spectacular natural sites blend with fascinating cultural heritage.

Your journey begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s timeless capital, before heading to Halong Bay, a natural masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on to Ninh Binh, often called the “Inland Halong Bay,” where karst mountains and rice fields create breathtaking landscapes.

After returning to Hanoi, a flight takes you to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, also recognized by UNESCO. Between Buddhist temples, lively markets, and lush waterfalls, you will be immersed in the serene and spiritual atmosphere that defines the Land of a Million Elephants.

An authentic and well-balanced journey, combining culture, nature, and traditions, for an unforgettable discovery of Vietnam and Laos.

Practical Information

Duration
10 days
Start/End
Hanoi/Hanoi
Tour Guide Language
English
Visited Region
Northern Vietnam - Luang Prabang (Laos)
Best time to go
Autumn (October, November)
Ideal for
Everyone
Difficulty
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel / Ecolodge / Homestay / Junk

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

 

Day 1
Hanoi - old city tour (L)

Arrival at Hanoi airport at 06:35 AM. Meet your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage.

Start the day gently with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, followed by a walking tour to discover some of its main streets and Ngoc Son Temple on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Lunch at a local specialty restaurant with Bun Cha Nem (grilled pork noodle soup served with spring rolls). Afterwards, check into your rooms in the early afternoon.

In the afternoon, your choice of visits: the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university later dedicated to Confucius, or the Museum of Ethnology, offering insights into the country’s ethnic diversity.

Enjoy a traditional water puppet show at the end of the day.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
Hanoi - Chua Thay pagoda - Duong Lam village - Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, departure for Chua Thay Pagoda (the “Pagoda of the Master”), whose official name is Thien Phuc, meaning “Heavenly Blessing.” Nestled in a harmonious setting of mountains and a small pond, this pagoda is famous for its waterside pavilion, where traditional water puppet performances take place. It is dedicated to the Buddhas and to Tu Dao Hanh, the legendary monk of Vietnam and master of water puppetry.

Continue by road to the ancient village of Mong Phu (Duong Lam), a true testimony to traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Lunch with a local family in a traditional house nearly 300 years old, followed by a one-hour walk through rice fields and the narrow lanes of the village.

Visit the temples of Kings Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung, two major historical figures of Vietnam, then continue to Mia Pagoda, renowned for its collection of ancient Buddhist statues. Enjoy a walk to admire the traditional houses and the village’s communal house, dating back to the 18th century.

Return to Hanoi by the end of the day.

Day 3
Hanoi - Bai Tu Long bay (B, L, D)

The driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer you to Sunworld International Port (if using our shuttle service).

12:15 – Arrival at Sunworld International Port. You will have a short time to relax before boarding one of the Tonkin Cruise Junks.
12:30 – Transfer by tender boat (5–10 minutes) to your Tonkin cruise junk.
12:45 – Warm welcome with a refreshing drink, safety briefing, then check-in to your cabin.
13:00 – Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch while the boat gently cruises towards the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, in the Cap La area.
15:30 – Kayaking to explore the most stunning natural landscapes of limestone islands and islets, followed by swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
17:30 – Sunset party on the sundeck as the boat cruises to Cong Do area to anchor for the night (Happy Hour from 5:30 to 7:30 PM).
18:30 – Join a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes.
19:30 – Lavish barbecue dinner on the sundeck (not available before October).
21:00 – Free time to relax on the sundeck or try your luck at squid fishing (board games also available).

Day 4
Bai Tu Long bay - Tam Coc (B, L)

06:30 – Early morning wake-up for a Tai Chi session.
07:00 – Light Western-style breakfast while the boat cruises towards one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Halong Bay.
07:30 – Transfer by small boat to Vung Vieng fishing village.
08:00 – Rowing boat excursion (rowed by a local fisherman) to explore Vung Vieng village and learn more about traditional fishing life.
09:30 – Return to the main boat and cruise back to the port along a different route.
10:30 – Fusion-style lunch served on board.
11:00 – Disembark at Sunworld Port. Transfer by car to Tam Coc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5
Ninh Binh (B, L, D)

Breakfast at your hotel, then departure by car to the Trang An scenic site.
Enjoy an early-morning sampan boat ride to avoid the crowds of tourists. Afterwards, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.

Return to Tam Coc for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb to the top of Hang Mua for a panoramic view.

End of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6
Tam Coc - Cuc Phuong National Park - Hanoi (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for Cuc Phuong National Park (about 1.5 hours by road).
Upon arrival, visit the primate rescue center and enjoy a walk through the botanical garden.

Lunch on site, then return to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7
Hanoi - flight to Luang Prabang (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then departure for the airport at 9:00 AM. Flight to Luang Prabang at 12:50 PM.
Meet your guide upon arrival, then transfer to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, visit Vat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in the city, built in the 16th century; Vat Visoun with its Melon Stupa; and the nearby Vat Aham. Continue with a climb up Mount Phu Si to enjoy the sunset over the city. On the way back, stop at the colorful night market.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8
Luang Prabang surroundings (B, L)

A full-day excursion awaits you after breakfast, starting with a boat cruise to visit the Pak Ou Caves, located 32 km upstream. On the way, stop at Whisky Village to see the making of Lau Lao, a traditional rice whisky. Continue to the caves for about one hour of exploration, where thousands of Buddha statues are stored.

Afterwards, drive through lush forest to the Kuang Si Waterfalls, with a stop en route at a Hmong ethnic village. On the return journey, visit Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village also known for its handmade silk paper.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel in Luang Prabang.

Day 9
Luang Prabang – Alms Giving Ceremony (B)

Very early in the morning, around 5:45 AM, depart by private car for Ban Vat Sean to witness the morning alms-giving ceremony to the Buddhist monks, a long procession of saffron robes. Return to the hotel for breakfast.

Time to rest, then visit the Royal Palace Museum.
Lunch, followed by free time for the rest of the day.

Day 10
Luang Prabang - free time until departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel, then free time until your flight. Transfer to the airport.

FAQ

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

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