Compare Vietnam and Laos: Ethnic Villages and Untraveled Roads by Myths and Mountains vs Indochina Essence by Exotic Voyages

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Cyclo Ride and Welcome Dinner

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel De L opera or Sofitel Legend Metropolis Hanoi

Arriving in Hanoi, you will clear customs and immigration. Leaving the airport, you will be met by your guide, who will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Hanoi, located at the confluence of the red and Duong rivers, has come a long way from the stilt houses of the stone and bronze age dwellers of four and five thousand years ago. Myths link Hanoi s origins to the center of the earth, visions of soaring dragons, and fears of invasions or fierce winds from the north. Between Chinese power struggles, peasant rebellions, invasions from warring Mongol hordes, the French occupation, and American bombing attacks, the city has undergone and continues to undergo tremendous growth and change. Today s Hanoi, the city inside a bend of the red river, is a blend of thousand year old temples, tube houses, neo Parisian buildings, and new, modern hotels and office buildings.

In the evening, you will have a welcome dinner with your new friends in Vietnam.

Day 2: Tour Hanoi. Cheo Show

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel De L opera or Sofitel Legend metro pole Hanoi

Today you will begin to tour Hanoi, accompanied by your guide. Your path will take you past the granite and concrete mausoleum where ho chi minh lies in state and the government buildings to the museum of fine arts. Here you will have as your guide one of the country s most famous artists. In front of the museum is the temple of literature, called le pagoda des Cordeaux by the French, because of the huge flocks of crows gathering in the mango trees near the entrance. Built in 1070, the complex consists of five courtyards dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of Confucian thought and behaviour. It is here that Vietnam s first university was founded. Leaving the museum, you will walk around hoan kiem lake in the middle of the city passing the one pillar pagoda, built in 1049 by emperor ly thanh tong to celebrate the birth of his only son, and ho chi Minh s house, given him by the people of the country in thanks for his leadership.

Perhaps the most interesting area you will visit is the old quarter. Here many tiny streets join to sell a huge diversity of products. In the old days, each street bore the name of the product sold shoe street, noodle street, and the like.

Today, the streets sometimes sell a variety of items, but often the names are accurate. The old quarter also houses some of the most interesting art galleries. You spend some time visiting several of the most respected galleries. Early in the evening, you can enjoy the famous Hanoi water puppet show.

Day 3: Drive Mai Chau Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Mai Chau Eco lodge

Early in the morning you will drive from Hanoi on highway 6 to the town of hoa binh, where you will visit the huge hydroelectric plant built in collaboration with the Russians. The plant not only provides electricity as far south as ho chi minh city, but the song da (red river) reservoir that forms part of the project is the largest in Vietnam. The project has also been extremely helpful in forestalling the floods that regularly threatened the region.

Continuing on, you will drive to mai chau. Because of its proximity to Hanoi, here in mai chau, you may see several groups of tourists. The government has assisted certain sites in developing tourist facilities, and mai chau is one of them. Nevertheless, like the other villages you have seen, the area is spectacular, and there are many opportunities to wander off on your own. If you were trekking in the spring, the mai chau valley would be covered with pink and purple peach blossoms and pac pien flowers. Also in abundance are the snow white bauhinias or ban, symbols of purity.

The muong tribes of the area are one of the largest ethnic minorities in Vietnam, and about 300,000 muong live in this province. They have no written language, and the children are taught orally. Their economy is based on farming and fish breeding, but they also grow rice, guava, oranges, tangerines and sapodilla plums. Like the Thai, whose homes you also visited, their houses are built on stilts with rounded roofs. Although you, as guests, will enter through the front door, the women always use the back entrance. Often during the day, the women can be found weaving beautiful fabrics, satchels and sashes that are used for ceremonies or given as gifts for special occasions.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional dance show with ruou can, the local wine.

Tonight you will sleep in the mai chau eco lodge.

Day 4: Drive to Lao Border and Cross. Drive to Sam Neua

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sam Neua Hotel

Leaving Ban Sai around 8AM, you have about a 4 hour drive to the border along the Ma River. You will stop at one of the many Muong Villages you will pass on the way and take some photos of the giant waterwheels used for irrigation.

Your next stop is the Na Meo Border, where you will say goodbye to your Vietnamese guide. Note that you can now obtain your Laos visa upon arrival. After completing immigration and customs formalities, you will meet your Lao guide and drive to Sam Neua.

Sam Neua itself sits in a small picturesque valley laced with rice fields and bordered by the dark green of the mountains. The town, composed of white concrete houses with red roofs, is known for the beauty and originality of the locally woven fabrics, sought after by women all over Laos.

Day 5: Visit Vieng Xai and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sam Neua Hotel

After breakfast, you travel to the pathet lao revolutionary headquarters at vieng xai. Set in karst limestone hills that are riddled with caves, this is where the senior communist leadership spent their time directing the war in the 1960s and early 1970s. Long off limits to tourists, they are now an adventurous destination for those with a keen interest in the secret war in Laos.

The caves are stunningly set amid towering cliffs and must have been unassailable by land or air. Visit the most important caves here including tham souphanouvong, which originally housed the mred princem, and tham than kaysone, which was used by the first communist president kaysone phomvihane.

Lunch is at restaurant by the lake. In the afternoon, you can take some easy walks to local Hmong villages and learn about the local way of life in this remote part of northeast laos. You will also visit tat nam neua, a striking 260 foot high waterfall.

Day 6: Drive Nong Khiaw Via Suan Hin and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Nong Kiau Riverside

After breakfast, you leave sam neua and travel south towards nong khiaw on the steep, winding road to nam noen, passing many Lao Hmong and khamu villages along the way. Nearby is the stone forest of suan hin, a mysterious collection of megaliths, which may be connected with the plain of jars. You explore the Stonehenge of Laos, with lots of freestanding pillars about six feet in height. There are also many large circular disks, which locals say were once table tops for a sky spirit called Jahn Hahn, scattered about the area.

After lunch, you continue through some wild and untamed regions of the country on a stunning national highway 1 to nong khiaw. This road is one of the most spectacular in Laos, snaking through the mountains and passing many traditional blue Hmong villages along the way. You stop in one of the villages to learn something about the traditional way of life.

Day 7: drive luang prabang via pak ou caves

Meals: breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: hotel kidara or mekong riverview

This morning you continue your leisurely trip, driving on to luang prabang and enjoying the lush green forests and landscape. Along the way you stop by the nam ou river and take a ferry boar across to visit the mysterious caves of pak ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims.

Continuing your trip, you arrive at the UNESCO world heritage city of luang prabang. This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique charm rarely found in modern Asia. By evening, you will arrive at your hotel.

If you are up for it, you can walk the 328 steps up to the top of Mr. Phousi and enjoy wonderful views across the town.

Day 8: Explore Luang Prabang

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Kidara or Mekong Riverside

Today you can begin to explore Luang Prabang, the old sovereign capital of Laos, and one of the gems of Indochina.  If you rise early enough, you can watch the saffron robed monks walking the streets with their begging bowls to get their daily ration of rice from the townspeople and give alms to the monks. In Laos, many young men opt to become monks at some period in their lives, often to get a good education. The monks are supposed to walk straight, without looking at those who feed them, and will not eat after midday.

About 1000 feet above sea level at the confluence of the upper Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang was described in Harry Franck s book, East of Siam, as in many ways, what idealists picture the cities of utopia to be. The name refers to the holy Pra Bang, the most sacred Laotian Buddha image given to Fa Ngoum, the first monarch of Lane Xang, or the Land of a Million Elephants, in the 14th century. The town is small and peaceful and has various quarters, which specialize in traditional crafts silver carving, silk weaving, and sausage making. The pagoda spires and gold trim on the wats and temples sparkle in the morning light, as orange robed monks wander the narrow streets with their begging bowls, seeking rice from the local inhabitants. The various names of the city reflect its history. Originally, legend has it that two resident hermits, who called it Xieng Thong, or Copper Tree City, selected the site. Later, its name was changed to Chawa, a Laotian version of Java. Luang Prabang was the capital of the Lane Xang Empire from the 14th to the 16th centuries, before King Setthathirat moved his headquarters to Vientiane in 1563. Although its importance was diminished, Luang Prabang was an important royal center until the communist takeover of 1975 and the demise of the monarchy.

Then, A good place to start your city tour is the Royal Palace Museum, constructed in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong. He died in 1959, and his son, Sisavang Vatthana was exiled to Northern Laos with his wife, dying in a cave after the 1975 Laotian Revolution. The Palace was later converted into the museum it is today. Built by the French for the Lao King, the palace is Khymer in style, mounted on a four tiered platform and cruciform in plan.

Leaving the palace, you can follow the river to Wat Xieng Thong – one of Luang Prabang s most important temples – then circle around past Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, with its gilded terrace, and Wat Paa Hu, a very old temple with extraordinary murals. Heading back toward the center of town, it is an easy walk to Wat Wisunalat, one of the oldest temples in the city with its nearby Watermelon Stupa – That Makmo.

Your next stop is Ok Pop Tok, co founded by Veomanee and Joanne in April 2000. Veomanee s mother is from Laosm primary silk weaving region, Sam Nua, and the family was renowned for its weaving.  Veo learned to weave at an early age and became proficient in weaving as well as silk dying with natural dyes. At 16, Veo left high school to work in the hospitality industry and, while conversing with foreigners; she picked up her excellent English. Veo and Joanne met in 1999 at an evening school in Luang Prabang where Joanne was teaching. Veo then taught Joanne to weave in her village, Ban Xieng Leck. In April 2000 Veo and Joanne approached Deng, Goy and Noy with the idea of weaving specifically for a gallery, and, after the production of around 60 pieces, the gallery opened in.

In the afternoon, you tour the excellent Arts and Ethnology Center, with the TAEC Director. The center exhibits unique clothing, household objects, religious artefacts and handicrafts from various ethnic groups in Laos. Here you can get a sense of the different religions, lifestyles, beliefs and traditions of the people.

If you are up for it, you can walk the 328 steps up to the top of Mr. Phousi and enjoy wonderful views across the town.

You end the day driving about 20 minutes to the home of a local family. Here, you will begin your visit with a traditional Baci Ceremony. Ancient Lao legend dictates that a human is composed of 32 organs watched over by the Kwan or spirits. When all the Kwan are safe inside the body, there is no illness or disequilibrium. One of the goals of a Baci ceremony is to summon any Kwan that may be roaming outside to return to the body to maintain health and balance.

During the ceremony a white silk or cotton thread, symbolic of peace, harmony good fortune, good health and human warmth and community, is tied around the right wrist of the individual or individuals who are being blessed. But, there is another charming legend about the white thread and marriage that forms another part of the Lao mythology. To quote:

There is also a legend that links the cotton threadms significance to a successful and happy married life. In Laos, where a traditional way of life is of trust on beliefs and superstitions, a marriage ceremony has a special link to an ancient legend and to the thread tying ceremony of the Baci celebration. According to their legend, marriages are predetermined in heaven by what is termed as nene or oLove Karmao (destiny). In the heavenly garden, each individual has a tree with branches cuddling to the soul of his or her life partner. Eventually such pre-destined intertwined trees move to earth as human beings with their wrists tied together by a cotton thread. In the process of their coming to the earth, the cotton thread binding them is severed by wind of scissors and they are born on earth as separate individuals. Once born on the earth, they search for their soul mates and when they find them they marry, and by performing the Baci ceremony they are rejoined by tying the symbolic cotton thread. If the cotton thread so tied remains intact for three days then the marriage is considered fortunate and lucky for the couple.

From Marriage and the Baci Ceremony, muangla.com

After the Baci Ceremony, you can enjoy a Lao dinner.

Day 9: Brother Mouse, Khouangcsi Falls, Villages and Market

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Kidara or Mekong Riverside

You begin your day with a visit the excellent Arts and Ethnology Center. The center exhibits unique clothing, household objects, religious artefacts and handicrafts from various ethnic groups in Laos. Here you can take part in a workshop and learn how to do Hmong embroidery, Katu backstrap weaving, or Khmu basketry, and take home their special creation. The workshops are taught by local Hmong, Katu and Khmu artists, with a TAEC guide to translate and provide background on the crafts and people. Lunch will be in the TAEC Café.

In the afternoon, you head to the Khouang-Si Waterfalls, a spectacularly beautiful area on a tributary of the Mekong. Here blue-green waters tumble over cliffs into turquoise pools surrounded by lush jungle vegetation and large red poinsettias. Multi-colored butterflies fly in and out among the flowers and children bathe in the water. You can enjoy the falls and take a dip in the water to cool off.

In the evening, you can wander the local night market.

Day 10: Drive Phonesavan

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Vasana Xiengkhoung Hotel

You start early this morning, around 8am for the drive to Xiengkhuang, famous for the Plain of Jars . The road follows a twisty mountain route, and you make the first stop at Houi Hei, offering great views of the surrounding mountains.

Continuing on, you come to Ban Kiu Kam Pone, a Khmu village, and can wander around, before driving on to Phou Khoun for lunch.

After lunch, you continue on to Xiengkhuang province, reaching the highest altitude of the day 4900 feet above sea level, just after Phou Khoun and then stop at Ban Son Boom, a Hmong village.

Our final visits of the day are a reminder that this region played a major parts during the Vietnam War a hidden Buddha Cave, that served as an army hospital during the war, and a stop to visit an old Russian tank.

Day 11: Visit Plain Of Jars and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Vasana Xiengkhoung Hotel

In the morning, you begin by visiting the local markets in and around Phonesavan. Then you head to the Hmong Village of Ban Tajok, where everything from herbs to animal troughs have been made from shell casings,helmets and other objects left over from the Vietnam War.

Next you explore the Plain of Jars. One of archaeology s unsolved mysteries, 300 or so carved stone jars are scattered over a 625-square mile undulating plateau. The stone from which the jars were carved is not native to the area, and has provoked much discussion about its origins. One legend relates that the jars held
Lao-Lao, the local brew for a victory party celebrated by King KoonChuong and his South China troops. More likely is the theory that they are 2000-year-old funeral urns. You can walk between the different Jar sites, enjoying not only the archaeological remains, but also the views of the countryside.

The Plain of Jars also bears scars from the Vietnam era. Home to many of Vang Pao s Hmong tribe s people and a very strategic royalist bastion, the Plain was the doorway to the capital of Laos. Despite massive bombing by the U.S. and its allies and major battles involving royalist and Hmong forces, the Plain fell to the Pathet Lao. All in all, well over half a million tons of bombs had been dropped on the Plain of Jars by the end of the war. Today, bomb craters dot the terrain, fences constructed of bombshells surround local houses, and children are taught to fear unexploded mines, grenades, and bombs that still lie in fields and forests.

During the rest of the day, you have an opportunity to visit the area. The focus will be on the different ethnic villages – H mong and Thai Dam settlements.

Day 12: Fly Vientiane and Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Settha Palace

This morning you continue to see some more of the Plain of Jars, visiting sites 2 and 3. Local legend tells that King Khun Chuang had them constructed in order to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of the province in the 6th century.

Before returning to Phonesavan, you stop at Ban Na Pia (War Spoon Village)

Mid-afternoon, you transfer to the airport for the flight to Vientiane on QV 402 (1600/1630). The name, Vientiane means either Sandalwood City or Moon City. A quiet town of less than half a million people, Vientiane is located on a bend of the Mekong, in the middle of a very fertile alluvial plain.

Day 13: Am in Vientiane. Pm Drive Khounkham Via Pakkading

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sainamhai Hotel

In the morning, you see a bit of Vientiane, beginning That Luang, the stupa that is the heart of the city and stop at Patuxai, a large monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Here there is a stairway you can climb to get a good view of the city.

Your path leads to Wat Sisaket, built in 1818 by King Chao Anou and the oldest temple in Vientiane; Wat Simuang, containing the town s guardian spirit; and Wat Phra Keo, the former temple of the Lao monarchy, former home of the Emerald Buddha and now a museum focusing on the daily life of the Lao Buddhists down the years.

Next, you head south along route 13 to the central Lao province of Khammoune. En route, you stop at Prabaht Ponsan, a stupa dating back to the 15th Century and home to the Buddha s footprint, discovered in 1933, and now an important religious site in Laos.

You have time to explore the interesting Ban Ton Na Mae Hmong Market, before heading onwards into the mountains and to take a break at a viewpoint near Khounkham, offering a breath taking view over the surrounding area.

The last stop of the day is Ban Thabuk, the bomb boat village , where they use old bomb casings from the Vietnam War as boats. Eventually, you arrive at Khounkham, where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 14: Visit Kong Lor Cave and Villages

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Inthira Thakhek Hotel

After breakfast, you drive to Kong Lor village, situated amidst ricefields and the limestone karst mountains. Here you board a small local boat that will take you into the famous Kong Lor Cave. The cave itself is over 4 ½ miles long, and includes a spectacular cavern over 328 feet high, as well as a breath taking stalagmite gallery that can be explored on foot.

On the other side of the cave, you take a short walk past some tobacco drying huts to Ban Pon Ngam, a remote village, where you have a picnic lunch.

After lunch, you head on to Thakhek for the night.

Day 15: Cave and Kayak Around Thakhek and Return to Vientiane

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Settha Palace

Leaving the rafting office at 7:00 am you drive for around 45 minutes along a paved road before turning onto a dirt track. Twenty minutes later, you come to the starting point for your adventure at the village of Ban That Khonkeo, an ethnic Lao Loum village. Here you have time to explore the village and meet some of the locals.

Before setting off down the river, you receive a safety briefing and a short introduction to kayaking. Putting in, you kayak downriver for around one and a half hours before stopping to visit a nearby cave. After exploring the cave, you return to the riverbank, enjoy a picnic lunch and take some time to relax and swim in the crystal clears\ stream.

After our lunch, you board your kayak once more and continue down the river. A bit farther on, you encounter several sections of rapids, which vary in intensity depending on the river level, but always provide some great fun! After tackling the rapids you continue on through a calmer section of water through some stunning rock formations, one of which looks just like the head of an eagle! Eventually you arrive at Nam Pakan Bridge, the ending point of your trip. So here everyone packs everything up and boards the awaiting transport back to Tha Khaek.

Once you get to Thakhek, you meet your car and drive back to Vientiane, perhaps napping along the way.

Day 16: Tour Vientiane and Visit Galleries

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Settha Palace

For your last day, you can spend a bit more time touring the city and visit some of the wonderful textile galleries.

You begin at the morning Talat Sao market. Next you visit some of the Textile Galleries. Some of the more interesting ones include the private textile gallery of Mme. Taykeo. Here the art of traditional Lao weaving is being revived, natural dyes are made, and Madame Taykeo is teaching young girls the ancient weaving techniques. To understand the complex pattern designs is a way of learning about the mythology of the Lao people.

There is also a textile museum, being set up by an equally special independent Lao woman, and Antique Lao Textiles, run by Mrs. Chanthone Thatanakham. Mme Sandra Yuck, whose shop you may have seen in Luang Prabang, also has another Caruso Lao Shop in Vientiane.

More well known is Carol Cassidy s textile shop. Where Mme. Taykeo s workshop (a place you will see later in Vientiane) will focus on more traditional designs, use vegetable dyes, and really offer the visitor the chance to see the whole weaving process, Carol Cassidy s place, although more well known in the western world, is more of a store aimed at the tourist trade.

You end the day with an introduction to Lao cuisine and a trip to Ban Thaphalansay Village, where the experienced Head Chef, Chandra, will welcome you into her home and begin your cooking class. Over the next few hours you ll learn how to create three local dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques. No need for note-taking - you ll be given your own recipe book to take home, so you can recreate your favorites and remember your time spent in Laos for years to come.

Afterwards, relax and enjoy the feast you ve created together. Local desserts will also be on offer, although the savory dishes tend to be most popular to prepare. Tea, coffee and local herbal non-alcoholic cocktails are also included with the meal.

Say farewell to Chandra and spend the rest of the evening at leisure. You might want to take a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River through Chao Anou Park and the Night Market, observing locals and taking in the views. If you are an adventurous foodie, you can sample a wide range of local snacks along the way. Cap off the night enjoying a bottle of the Beerlao, a tasty local beer brewed from the best local rice and high-quality malt. If you wish, we will be happy to provide a guide and vehicle

Day 17: Depart for Home

Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your fight out.

DAY 1 SAIGON

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you and take you to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel after your flight or taking a stroll along the busy streets of the city.

DAY 2 SAIGON

Today's highlights
Cu Chi Tunnel and Saigon Landmarks

Hotel: Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the tunnel network of Cu Chi which was sheltered to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, set out on a tour of the former capital of French Indochina with historic landmarks like the Old Saigon post office and Notre Dame Cathedral (under construction until 2027). Visit Reunification Palace, once the headquarters of the Saigon Government in the 60s, and the War Remnants Museum to learn some more about the Vietnam War's history.

DAY 3 MEKONG DELTA & RIVER

Today's highlights
Follow the waterway to discover Ben Tre's local businesses

Hotel: Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, depart from Saigon to Ben Tre, the “Green Venice” of Vietnam. Follow the waterway to discover different local family-owned businesses including a brick factory. Stop at a small village, where you get to know the locals specializing in carpet weaving. Visit traditional farms, rice fields and vegetable plants, before stopping at a small local restaurant to taste a delicious lunch made of regional specialties. Check-in at the hotel. Later, hop on the bike and get around the village. Dinner at the hotel.

DAY 4 HOI AN

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, get on a boat and see the commercial life on the water with loaded boats transporting goods. Visit the beautiful Cao Dai temple as well as the busy local market. Head back to Saigon and stop by the Ancient House Cai Be, and listen to the host about the history of this land. Have lunch in the lush garden. Then, transfer directly back to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for a short flight to Danang. Meet your driver, head to Hoi An, and check in at the hotel.

DAY 5 HOI AN

Today's highlights
Get refreshed by a visit to Tra Que herb village

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the beautiful countryside of Hoi An today. Breathe in the fresh aroma of many kinds of herbs when you come close to Tra Que herb village. Here, ride a bike through the village and help the local farmers with their garden. After lunch at a local house, drive back to the Old Town. Take a leisure stroll to see Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, and an ancient bridge.

DAY 6 HOI AN

Hotel: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Meals: Breakfast
Explore Hoi An at your own leisure, seeing what interests you. Along with the historic buildings, this UNESCO World Heritage town captivates millions of visitors with its charming vibe and mouthwatering food. Banh mi, Com ga, Cao lau,... you make your own list.

DAY 7 HANOI

Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Hanoi and transfer to your next hotel. After spending time for yourself, meet your guide to get acquainted with Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Museum of Ethnology - two of the best attractions in the city. Later, a cyclo will take you around the Old Quarter to listen to the music of Hanoi that comes from its architecture, small pagodas nestled in crowded streets, and lively sounds from sidewalk restaurants and cafes.

DAY 8 HANOI

Today's highlights
A hanoi's morning tour on a scooter

Hotel: Capella Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Depart at around 5.30 and discover the charming city from dawn on a scooter tour. Explore the wholesale flower market, the 100-year-old Long Bien Bridge, and other typical morning sites, and witness the local life at the early stage. Enjoy a steaming bowl of Pho for breakfast and then an Egg Coffee or Cafe Sua Da, just as the way the locals start their day. In the afternoon, return to your hotel to rest at your leisure.

DAY 9 HA LONG BAY

Hotel: Ginger Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive from Hanoi to the emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands of Halong Bay. You will board the luxury cruise for your overnight cruise through the bay. Enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Site from your cabin then followed by a fresh seafood meal as you watch the amazing sunset over the dramatic seascapes.

DAY 10 LUANG PRABANG

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Cruise among the islands to discover more about the bay. Return to the dry land after a hearty lunch and drive to the airport. Fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to Sofitel Luang Prabng. This poetic city is your next destination.

DAY 11 LUANG PRABANG

Today's highlights
Picnic lunch at Kuang Sy Waterfall

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, drive to discover some treasures of Luang Prabang. You will visit the Royal Palace and gorgeous Kuang Sy Waterfall where you have a picnic lunch. Return to Luang Prabang and start exploring the old city on the left bank of the Mekong River by visiting some of the most beautiful temples like Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Visoun, Vat Phou, Vat Aham, and a Hmong Night Market.

DAY 12 LUANG PRABANG

Today's highlights
Discover Pak Ou cave by boat

Hotel: Sofitel Luang Prabang
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up early for the Buddhist ritual of 'Tak Bat' at Vat Nong temple. Next stop is a local market where your senses are awakened. Sample some tasty snacks before breakfast at a local restaurant. Relax by the Mekong with a cup of coffee. Embark a traditional boat to cruise along the Mekong River to visit the sacred cave of Pak Ou which is home to hundreds of Buddha statuettes. After lunch, visit Ban Xang Hai to discover how Lao people make their traditional rice wine.

DAY 13 SIEM REAP

Today's highlights
Cycle to learn about the most ancient temple sites in the region

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cambodia. Arrive at the airport and meet your local guide who will drive you to your hotel. After a short rest, explore by bicycle one of the most ancient temple sites in the region: the Roluos Group. You will visit a 9th-century Bakong temple, impressive Preah Ko, and Lolei which today houses a small monastery. Continue your ride to a local house where you will try Khmer pastries and talk with the locals.

DAY 14 SIEM REAP

Today's highlights
Private lunch at a secret temple

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. It's famed for extraordinary ruins and bas-reliefs that feature the great architectures of the Khmer Empire. Meet your guide this morning to explore the marvelous temple of Angkor Wat by tuk-tuk. Your visit includes the famous Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, and the raised terrace of Leper King. A private lunch at a secret temple will make your day unforgettable.

DAY 15 SIEM REAP

Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the magic city before transferring to the airport for your flight home.