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Northern Trails Laos & Vietnam

Vietnam

Tour Code : VL018

17 Days. Overland across the newly opened borders from Phongsali in Northern Laos to Dien Bien Phu and across the valleys to Sapa and then to...

Hanoi

3 days

Halong Bay

2 days

Sapa

2 days

Lai Chau

1 days

Dien Bien Phu

2 days

Muong La

2 days

Nong Kiau

1 days

Luang Prabang

4 days

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi spend the afternoon on a short cyclo ride of the old town and watch a water puppet show
Day 2 Hanoi (B)
Free day in Hanoi
Day 3 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B / L / D)
After an early breakfast you start with a transfer out to the internationally famous and stunningly beautiful Halong Bay, made world famous by James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies. Arriving just before lunch, you’ll embark on a traditional Vietnamese junk. Take lunch on board and enjoy the afternoon and overnight cruise as it provides you with fantastic views of the fabulous scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands which amazingly rise from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves, some of which you’ll visit. Overnight on board in Halong Bay.
Day 4 Halong Bay - Hanoi (B/ L)
The tour continues with a morning spent cruising on to the Man’s Head, Tortoise islands and then Luon Cave by small bamboo boat. After an brunch check out and continue to travel though Bai Tu Long to Bai Chay for disembark, meet the driver and guide to transfer you back to Hanoi. Spend the afternoon to relax before you depart for Sapa on the overnight train
Day 5 Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa (B)
Arriving Sapa early morning at 5am 5.00 arrive in Lao Cai. Visit one of the colorful tribal markets near Sapa before transferring to your hotel
Day 6 Sapa (B / L)
Explore Sapa town. In the afternoon, we take a 2km trek to Cat Cat Village of H'mong Ethnics. Take photos and meet & talk with locals to learn more about their daily life. Then take a drive to Tafin village (12km from Sapa) home to Red Dzao minority. Visit Tafin handicraft shops and explore the daily life of Red Dzao. Take a look at Tafin Cave and a small hamlet of Black H'mong people. Evening is free time.
Day 7 Sapa - Muong Lay - Lai Chau (B)
Drive through the winding Tram Ton Pass the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. The views of the Northern mountain ranges are spectacular, the highest in Southeast Asia to Lai Chau.
Day 8 Lai Chau - Dien Bien Phu (B)
The road through the Lai Chau valley is breathtaking, hugging rice terraced mountainsides and fording turbulent rivers. See many ethnic groups along the way, before arriving at Dien Bien Phu
Day 9 Dien Bien Phu (B)
The last stand of the French in Indochina; explore the history of the town and spend the afternoon at Pa Khoang Lake with a visit to the bunker around Dien Bien Phu.
Day 10 Dien Bien Phu - Muong La (B)
Remote is the days title cross the border into Laos to the most Northern Province of Laos Phongsali and its capital Muang Khua.
Day 11 Muong La (B)
Free day in Muong La
Day 12 Muong La - Nong Kiau (B)
Take a boat trip down the Nam Ou river to Nong Kiau
Day 13 Nong Kiau - Luang Prabang (B)
Continue by boat to the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang
Day 14 Luang Prabang (B)
The world Heritage Site of Luang Prabang is famous for its colonial architecture, fabulous temples and tiered roofs. Walk around town, visit the local temples including the King’s Palace and take in sunset from the top of Phu Si Hill.
Day 15 Luang Prabang (B)
A half day trip to Kuang Si waterfall, with its turquoise cool pools and tiered waterfalls makes it a superb to cool off with a swim.
Day 16 Luang Prabang (B)
Free day at leisure in Luang Prabang
Day 17 Luang Prabang - Depart
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight
 
 

All of our itineraries are tailor-made - click on a price below to see what you can expect at each budget level

The quoted price exludes any international flights but includes all internal flights while on the tour. Tour costs are based on two people travelling and sharing a room. The price quoted may vary depending on the time of year and the final itinerary. If you have a specific budget please get in contact with us so we can make a proposal.


Medium: Price from
£2,680

 

Deluxe: Price from
£2,830

 

Luxury: Price from
£3,080

 


For a lower or higher budget contact us for a tailored made solution

Medium

Flower Garden Hotel

A modern hotel located in the heart of Hanoi, friendly staff and clear 360 degree views of Hanoi from the restaurant at the top floor.  

Nong Kiau Bungalows

Nestled on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by limestone cliffs and magnificent views over the river and valley

Huong Hai Junk

An overnight cruise in Halong Bay on the Huong Hai Junk, with lot’s of activities on offer including a Vietnamese folk music performance, fishing on the bay at night, kayaking, learning Vietnamese cuisine.

Sala Prabang

A restored former colonial building built for the first prime minister of Laos. Set along the river just a few minutes from the Royal Palace in central Luang Prabang.

Nong Kiau Bungalows

Nestled on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by limestone cliffs and magnificent views over the river and valley

 
Deluxe

Chau Long Sapa Hotel

Set in the high green mountains of Northern Vietnam, this luxury hotel offers comfort and delight.  The rooms also feature private balconies offering breathtaking views over the Muong Hoa valley & Mount Fansipan.

May de Ville Old Quarter

The perfect location in the heart of Hanoi Old Quarter, just a block away from the Hoan Kiem Lake.

Indochina Sails

A deluxe wooden junk boat designed in time-honoured traditional style, with contemporary and luxurious cabins and facilities. A great way to experience the natural beauty and spectacular seascape of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Villa Deux Rivieres

A boutique hotel situated in the centre of Luang Prabang, decorated in a traditional Lao style, with modern facilities

Luxury

Muang La Resort

A luxurious retreat in one of the remotest parts of Laos, traditional architecture, ambiance and tranquility make this for one of the best locations for a truly relaxing break.

Victoria Express Train

A luxury sleeper train from Hanoi – Sapa the most luxurious option for travelling this scenic route.

Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa

A luxury hotel in North-Western Vietnam, built as a traditional mountain chalet with wooden décor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace.

Maison Souvannaphoum

Set in World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and the historic residence of Prince Souvannaphouma, step back in history; be treated like royalty with a stay at this exquisite mansion

For a lower or higher budget contact us for a tailored made solution

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Tailor-made holidays designed for you. Our expertise in the region through our local offices and contacts on the ground means great planning, expert up to date knowledge and value for money, creating the perfect trip to meet your budget and requirements.