Overview of Laos and Vietnam

  • Code: CVL12A
  • Private tour
  • Duration: 12 days

Overview

Experience the best of Laos and Vietnam with our 12-day Overview of Laos and Vietnam tour. This private, meticulously crafted itinerary takes you from the charming capital of Vientiane and the cultural heart of Luang Prabang to the bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. You will explore sacred temples, cruise the majestic Mekong River and Halong Bay, and discover the ancient charm of Hoi An and the vibrant culture of the Mekong Delta. If this tour captures your interest, please share your specific requirements, and we will customize the program to your satisfaction.

Trip Map

Overview of Laos and Vietnam
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Highlight

Vientiane’s Cultural Treasures: Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, That Luang Stupa, and Patuxay Monument.

Luang Prabang Heritage: Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phousi, Night Market, and the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre.

Mekong Cruise & Pak Ou Caves: Buddha-filled caves, local rice wine village, and silk weaving communities.

Kuang Si Waterfalls & Buffalo Dairy Farm: Swim in turquoise pools and meet local ethnic minority groups.

Hanoi City Highlights: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Old Quarter cyclo ride, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Water Puppet show.

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise: Limestone karsts, kayaking, cave exploration, and Tai Chi at sunrise.

Hoi An Old Town & Countryside: Basket boat ride, cycling through rice fields, Japanese Covered Bridge, and lantern-making workshop.

My Son Holy Land: Ancient Cham temple ruins in a lush valley.

Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels: War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post Office, and historic underground tunnel network.

Mekong Delta Discovery: Boat rides, coconut candy workshops, lush fruit gardens, and sampan cruise.

Detailed Itinerary

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On arrival at in the capital, you will be met by our staff and transferred to your hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating place, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we start visiting the major city sights; including Wat Sisaket, the country’s oldest temple, with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo. En route, we visit the famous That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. You will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the fine restaurants.  

Overnight in Vientiane
Inclusions: Private airport pick-up/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation

Wat-Sisaket That-Luang-Stupa-buddis

After an early breakfast, we take an express train to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. After a short rest, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Next, we will visit the city's oldest temple, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong where you can see the impressive “tree of life” mosaic set in colored glass.  Continue visit to The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre - the first exhibition space and fair-trade store dedicated to the collection, preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Laos’ traditional arts and lifestyles. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

Wat-Xieng-Thong Mount-Phousi-on-top

Today, we board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including Ban Muangkeo where the local rice wine is produced and Ban Xiengmene. We also have a chance to climb up to Wat Chomphet. Here you will have one of the best views of Luang Prabang from across the river. Once back in Luang Prabang city we take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek - small villages well known for silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fee/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

sunset-cruise-luang-prabang Pak-Ou-Caves-Luang-Prabang

After breakfast, we continue our excursion to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. En route, stop and short tour visit Buffalo Dairy Farm, The tour will be lasted about 40 minutes - Tour included a guide tour of the mini farm, Buffalo feeding & Washing, Milking Demonstration, & Feeding Chickens and rabbits. Afterwards, we visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. We then continue to the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. After the waterfalls, drive back to Luang Prabang and head for the airport to catch the flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Get picked up on arrival and transferred to the downtown for hotel check-in.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

Kuang-Si-Waterfall-1 Buffalo-Dairy-Farm

After breakfast, you will start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Uncle Ho's house on stilts to learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved leader. Next, you will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique temple built on a single stone pillar, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university.

After a quick lunch break, you will head to the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War, to gain insight into the country's history of struggle and resistance.

Next, you will visit the Women's Museum, which showcases the important role of women in Vietnam's history and culture. You will then take a cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to soak up the atmosphere and experience local life.

Your last stop of the day will be at Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple, where you can learn about the legend of the lake and its significance to the people of Hanoi. To wrap up the day, you will attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique and entertaining art form that has been a part of Vietnam's cultural heritage for centuries.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

hoan-kiem-lake-hanoi khue-van-cac-hanoi

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and driven to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier in Halong City, you will board the cruise ship. As you cruise through the mesmerizing limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters, a delicious lunch will be served on board. Take in the stunning scenery as you glide along the bay. You will have the opportunity to visit a fascinating cave, where a guided tour will unveil its impressive formations. In the afternoon, you can choose to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the sun deck. As the sun sets, enjoy a delectable dinner on the boat, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Halong Bay. You will spend the night on the cruise ship, immersed in the serene ambiance of the bay.

Overnight in Halong Bay
Inclusions: Cruise's shuttle bus/ Cruise's in-house tour guide/ Cruise package/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ En-suite cabin on the boat.

halong-bay halong-swim

Wake up early to witness the captivating sunrise over the bay. Participate in Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind. After a hearty breakfast, the cruise will continue to explore different areas of Halong Bay, allowing you to discover more hidden treasures and awe-inspiring landscapes. A delicious brunch will be served on board as the boat gradually returns to the pier. After disembarking from the cruise, you will be transferred back to Hanoi and then onward to the airport for a short flight to central Vietnam.

Upon arrival at Danang airport, our team will be there to pick you up and transfer you to the beautiful city of Hoi An. Check into your hotel and enjoy a comfortable stay for the night, immersing yourself in the charm and atmosphere of this historic town. Please note that the exact itinerary may vary depending on the chosen cruise company and weather conditions.

Overnight in Hoi An
Inclusions: Cruise's shuttle bus & Private airport transfers/ Cruise's in-house tour guide/ Breakfast, brunch/  Hotel accommodation

taichi-on-board-cruise sun-deck-halong-bay

Hoi An is a charming city, a beautifully preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port, dating back from the 15th to the 19th century, and its unique heritage is reflected in its buildings and street plan, influenced by both indigenous and foreign cultures. On this day, you will get picked up and head to the boat dock after breakfast for a unique experience in a fishing village. You'll have the opportunity to see and learn about the life of the fishing community, and take a short ride in a basket boat, cycle through the countryside along quiet country roads lined with fields of rice, coconut, and corn. Return to Hoi An town and spend the afternoon with your local guide for a delightful excursion to Hoi An! Discover the charm of this well-preserved trading port as we explore its historic buildings, cultural exchanges, and local lifestyle. Marvel at the ancient Cam Pho communal house and iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Immerse yourself in the authentic Quan Thang ancient house and vibrant Fujian Assembly Hall. Visit the bustling central market, where you'll witness the daily life of locals and find an array of delicious food. But that's not all! As a special highlight, you'll also have the unique opportunity to learn the art of making traditional lanterns. Under the guidance of enthusiastic craftsmen, you'll experience each stage of lantern-making, from bending the frame to completing your very own lantern. After this unforgettable experience, return to your hotel to end the busy day!

Overnight in Hoi An
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation.

hoi-an-acient-town make-latern-in-hoi-an

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a captivating journey to the My Son Holy Land in the morning. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, just an hour away from Hoi An, was once the heart of the Champa Kingdom. Explore the ancient Hindu temple ruins, dating back to the 4th century AD, amidst stunning surroundings. The afternoon, after your lunch, transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Getting picked up at the airport, check-in your hotel in downtown of the city. Relax and stay overnight.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation.

my-son-holly-land my-son-da-nang

After your breakfast in the hotel, start the day by visiting the War Remnants Museum and the former Presidential Palace. Thence stroll to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office. After lunch, the car will take you out of the bustling city for Cu Chi District, locates approximately 70 km northwest of Saigon. This is a beautiful green land with fruit gardens, rice paddies, and plantations. Cu Chi Tunnels are like a spider web in the soil of Cu Chi District. It consists of more than 200km of narrow underground tunnels that connecting half or total covered hideouts, shelters, fighting bunkers, hospital, school, living rooms and so on... All were built and used by Vietnam Soldiers for resistance against their enemy during the French and American wars. Thence we will drive back to the city in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation.

cu-chi-tunnel Notre-Dame-Cathedral-of-Saigon

You will have a full day to visit the lush Mekong Delta today. After 2.5-hour transfer by car, you will arrive at Phong Nam, Ben Tre. Get on your motorized boat and will cruise along the Chet Say River (a branch of the Mekong). Have stops at various local workplaces such as coconut candy, brick-making workshop, straw mat... You also have time to ride a motor cart that takes you through green lush fruit gardens. Lunch today is served at a peaceful garden restaurant. Ride a sampan boat along a narrow canal edged by rows of water coconut trees before getting back on your motorized boat for the dock. In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for the last night of your trip.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Boat ride/ Mortor cart ride/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

mekong-delta Mekong Delta/Motor-cart-ride-in-Mekong

As your adventure in Vietnam draws to a close, take some time to relax and reflect on your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps some last-minute shopping before we pick you up for your private transfer to the airport. Whether you're returning home or continuing on to your next destination, we hope you leave Vietnam with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for this beautiful country. Safe travels and we hope to see you again soon!

Inclusions: Private airport transfers/ Breakfast

saigon-street departure

Watch detailed itinerary in video

Watch our quick video for a snapshot of your entire journey — all the must-see stops in one view.

FAQS

Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.

A private tour means your journey is exclusively yours. You'll have your own professional guide and private vehicle, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can linger longer at spots you love, make spontaneous stops for photos, and enjoy an experience built entirely around your interests, not a fixed group schedule.

Yes, absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends. As a solo traveler, your itinerary is tailored completely to you. A single supplement fee may apply for accommodation, but we will always work to find the best options for your needs.

Your personalized proposal will include a detailed list of inclusions. Typically, this covers:

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast

  • Private, air-conditioned transportation

  • A private, licensed tour guide

  • Entrance fees for all scheduled sights

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions are generally international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your style, from charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges to luxury resorts. To ensure maximum flexibility, we don't specify hotels in our sample itineraries. Your travel expert will suggest carefully selected options in your proposal, and we are happy to adjust them based on your preferences.

Visa requirements vary greatly depending on your nationality and destination. While your travel expert will offer guidance during the planning stage, we strongly recommend checking the official embassy or consulate website for the most current information.

Our booking process is simple and collaborative:

  1. Send a Request: Fill out the form on our website with your travel ideas.

  2. Personalize Your Trip: A travel expert will contact you to craft a detailed proposal, which you can refine until it’s perfect.

  3. Confirm & Book: Once you are 100% happy with the plan, you confirm your trip with a deposit.

To secure your booking, we require a deposit, which is typically 30% of the total tour cost. The final balance is due 60 days before your departure. Our cancellation policy is structured based on how far in advance the cancellation is made.

For full, detailed information, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Yes, travel insurance is essential for your trip. At Custom Asia Travel, we do not include insurance in our packages to allow you the freedom to choose an insurance provider that best suits your needs and guarantees your rights. Your trip is a significant experience, and having reliable insurance ensures you are well-supported in case of unexpected events.

Please note that basic insurance policies in the host country may not meet your expectations regarding support or administrative procedures. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from your preferred provider.

Important: All customers are required to have valid travel insurance, and we request that you share your insurance details with us before departure.

Request a quote for this trip

Free service! No credit card requested at this stage The note if you are a solo traveler
At Custom Asia Travel, we create exclusive, private tours tailored to your unique preferences, offering premium, one-of-a-kind experiences. While we don’t offer group tours, our personalized itineraries are perfect for solo travelers seeking flexibility and exceptional service.
Please note that private solo tours may cost more as expenses aren’t shared, but they guarantee unmatched attention to detail and complete customization. Share your travel dreams with us, and we’ll craft your perfect journey!
Travel Date

Watch detailed itinerary in video

Watch our quick video for a snapshot of your entire journey — all the must-see stops in one view.

FAQS

Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.

A private tour means your journey is exclusively yours. You'll have your own professional guide and private vehicle, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can linger longer at spots you love, make spontaneous stops for photos, and enjoy an experience built entirely around your interests, not a fixed group schedule.

Yes, absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends. As a solo traveler, your itinerary is tailored completely to you. A single supplement fee may apply for accommodation, but we will always work to find the best options for your needs.

Your personalized proposal will include a detailed list of inclusions. Typically, this covers:

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast

  • Private, air-conditioned transportation

  • A private, licensed tour guide

  • Entrance fees for all scheduled sights

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions are generally international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your style, from charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges to luxury resorts. To ensure maximum flexibility, we don't specify hotels in our sample itineraries. Your travel expert will suggest carefully selected options in your proposal, and we are happy to adjust them based on your preferences.

Visa requirements vary greatly depending on your nationality and destination. While your travel expert will offer guidance during the planning stage, we strongly recommend checking the official embassy or consulate website for the most current information.

Our booking process is simple and collaborative:

  1. Send a Request: Fill out the form on our website with your travel ideas.

  2. Personalize Your Trip: A travel expert will contact you to craft a detailed proposal, which you can refine until it’s perfect.

  3. Confirm & Book: Once you are 100% happy with the plan, you confirm your trip with a deposit.

To secure your booking, we require a deposit, which is typically 30% of the total tour cost. The final balance is due 60 days before your departure. Our cancellation policy is structured based on how far in advance the cancellation is made.

For full, detailed information, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Yes, travel insurance is essential for your trip. At Custom Asia Travel, we do not include insurance in our packages to allow you the freedom to choose an insurance provider that best suits your needs and guarantees your rights. Your trip is a significant experience, and having reliable insurance ensures you are well-supported in case of unexpected events.

Please note that basic insurance policies in the host country may not meet your expectations regarding support or administrative procedures. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from your preferred provider.

Important: All customers are required to have valid travel insurance, and we request that you share your insurance details with us before departure.

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