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CULTURAL TRAILS OF VIETNAM & LUANG PRABANG (12 days)

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CULTURAL TRAILS OF VIETNAM & LUANG PRABANG (12 days)

A travel experience like no other

This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
  • Day 1
    HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL
  • Day 2
    CU CHI TUNNELS – STREET FOOD TOUR BY SCOOTER (B,D)
  • Day 3
    MEKONG DELTA (B,L)
  • Day 4
    HO CHI MINH CITY – DA NANG – HOI AN (B,D)
  • Day 5
    HOI AN (B,L)
  • Day 6
    HOI AN – HUE (B)
  • Day 7
    HUE – FLIGHT TO HA NOI (B)
  • Day 8
    HA NOI – HA LONG BAY (B,L,D)
  • Day 9
    HA LONG – HA NOI (B/ BR)
  • Day 10
    HA NOI – FLIGHT TO LUANG PRABANG (B)
  • Day 11
    LUANG PRABANG – KUANG SI – PAK OU CAVE (B)
  • Day 12
    LUANG PRABANG CITY TOUR - DEPARTURE (B)
  • Day 1

    HO CHI MINH CITY ARRIVAL

    Upon arrival to Tan Son Nhat International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 30-minute-drive). Check in time is after 2 PM.

    Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis—alive with constant movement, modern skyscrapers, and endless shopping and entertainment. Beneath its dazzling energy, the city also preserves a rich historical legacy that contrasts beautifully with its contemporary charm. Depending on your arrival time, start exploring the colonial charm of the city center. Begin your journey at the Jade Emperor Temple (Phước Hải), one of Vietnam’s few Taoist sanctuaries, built in 1909 and dedicated to the celestial ruler of heaven. Step inside and you’ll find yourself surrounded by incense smoke, carved wooden statues, and the mystical atmosphere of a century-old place of worship.

    Continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon (currently under restoration), an elegant neo-Romanesque landmark built by the French more than 130 years ago, using red bricks and materials shipped all the way from Marseille. Just a short walk away stands the Central Post Office, a beautiful fusion of Gothic and Renaissance styles designed in the early 1900s, often attributed to the world-renowned architect Gustave Eiffel.

    Your final stop is the iconic Ben Thanh Market, whose clock tower has become a symbol of the city. This bustling marketplace, dating back to 1870, is packed with stalls selling everything from clothing and handicrafts to aromatic spices and lacquerware—an ideal place to soak up local life and shop for souvenirs.

    Then experience Ho Chi Minh City from a fresh perspective as you drift along the Saigon River at sunset, watching the skyline shift from golden light to shimmering night. This relaxing cruise offers a perfect escape from the city’s bustle, blending cool river breezes, stunning views of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks, and the magical atmosphere of Saigon as it comes alive after dusk.

    Back to hotel and free at leisure.

    Meal: N/A

    Accommodation

    Hotel 3* HAPPY LIFE GREEN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* EDEN STAR (Deluxe Window)

    Hotel 5* GRAND (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 2

    HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR – CU CHI TUNNELS - STREET FOOD

    Meet your guide at your hotel and journey into the countryside to explore one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary wartime legacies: the Cu Chi Tunnels. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, uncover the ingenuity and resilience of the villagers who carved out this vast underground network—complete with meeting rooms, kitchens, and infirmaries—hidden so skillfully that tanks once rolled above without detection. Life below ground was harsh, marked by scarcity, cramped quarters, and constant danger, yet it remains a powerful testament to the spirit of the Vietnamese people.

    Return to the city and continue your historical exploration with visits to the War Remnants Museum, home to compelling wartime photographs and artifacts, and the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence and symbol of South Vietnam until 1975.

    As night falls, discover why Ho Chi Minh City is celebrated as a world-class street-food capital. After a brief safety introduction, hop on the back of a motorbike and follow your guide through lively neighborhoods and hidden alleys to sample the city’s favorite dishes—each stop revealing a unique story of culture and tradition. Conclude the evening at a vibrant music bar where Saigon’s new generation gathers, before returning comfortably to your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast, dinner with street food

    Hotel 3* HAPPY LIFE GREEN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* EDEN STAR (Deluxe Window)

    Hotel 5* GRAND (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 3

    TASTE OF THE MEKONG

    In the morning, meet your guide at your hotel and depart for Cai Be on a scenic drive through the lush Mekong Delta. You will arrive at the Cai Be jetty around 10:00 am, where the crew welcomes you aboard with cool towels and a refreshing drink before your private sampan begins its gentle cruise along the bustling waterways. From the comfort of your boat, watch the endless river traffic and vibrant life unfolding along the banks as your crew serves tea and seasonal fruit.

    At Tân Phong Islet, switch to a small rowboat to glide through narrow canals shaded by mangroves and tropical foliage. Return to your sampan for a visit to a beautifully preserved 19th-century ancestral house, then continue cruising with stops at local workshops to see the traditional making of coconut candy and puffed rice—the Mekong’s answer to popcorn.

    Your cruise concludes at a charming riverside restaurant housed in a colonial-style villa, where lunch is served in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit trees, offering a glimpse into life during Indochinese times. After lunch, around 2:30 pm, enjoy a short walk along a quiet canal toward Ba Bon Bridge, where your private vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

    Meal: Breakfast, lunch

    Hotel 3* HAPPY LIFE GREEN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* EDEN STAR (Deluxe Window)

    Hotel 5* GRAND (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 4

    HCMC - DA NANG - HOI AN

    In the morning transfer to the airport for flying to Da Nang. 

    Meet with your private driver and English-speaking guide and head to the city center to start exploring this intriguing destination with scenic beaches and resorts along the coast. Start with the Cham Museum that houses the world’s largest collection of Cham sculpture, showcasing exquisite sandstone relics that reflect the artistry and spiritual heritage of the ancient Champa civilization. Continue to Marble Mountain - a cluster of dramatic limestone and marble peaks filled with caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints, offering a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.

    Continue to Hoi An – the World Heritage Site.

    The dramatic Hoi An sunset is best enjoyed from the water, set against the backdrop of bucolic rural life. A boat trip to the Cua Dai estuary offers you a chance to explore the peaceful scenery of the countryside along the Thu Bon River.

    This evening, your private driver and English-speaking guide will accompany you to the wharf. Getting on a wooden boat sailing along the major branch of the lower section of the Thu Bon River. Relax on board and snap memorable photos of the beautiful surroundings where you can see how the local people live and fish in this area. Plated BBQ dinner will be served during the boat trip while you enjoy the spectacular sunset. 

    After dinner, sail back to the wharf for your transfer back to your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast, dinner

    Accommodation

    Hotel 3* KIM AN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* WYNDHAM GARDEN (Deluxe Queen garden-city view)

    Hotel 5* WYNDHAM ROYAL BEACHFRONT (Superior)

     

  • Day 5

    HOI AN COOKING CLASS & ANCIENT TOWN

    Vietnam has a rich culinary tradition, and many of the iconic dishes are surprisingly simple to make, relying on skilled techniques and local fresh ingredients. This morning, your guide will accompany you to your half day shared cooking class. Meet with the chef and your fellow students, and start the day by walking through a local market, where the fresh ingredients used in typical Vietnamese recipes are on display. To get to the cooking school, hop on a 25-minute boat ride across the Thu Bon River. At the riverside open-air cooking school, the Chef will lead a cooking demonstration, teaching the class how to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the variety of dishes you prepared for lunch.

    Note: Seat-on-Coach Morning Cooking Tour requires a minimum of 2 paying passengers to operate 

    After lunch, back to the town and discover the charm of the historic old town. Begin at the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, lovingly preserved by seven generations. Continue to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, home to captivating artifacts collected from across Asia and the Middle East. A short stroll brings you to Phuc Kien temple, an ornate 17th-century assembly hall renowned for its richly carved architecture, vibrant mosaics, and sacred altar dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau, reflecting the cultural heritage of the town’s Fujian Chinese community. While in town, don’t miss the chance to try Bánh Mì, often hailed as the world’s best sandwich and Nước Mót, a fragrant drink made with lemongrass, lotus leaf, cinnamon, and herbs. 

    Return to your hotel and free at leisure.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch (at the cooking class)

    Accommodation

    Hotel 3* KIM AN (Deluxe)

    Hotel 4* WYNDHAM GARDEN (Deluxe Queen garden-city view)

    Hotel 5* WYNDHAM ROYAL BEACHFRONT (Superior)

     

  • Day 6

    HOI AN - HUE

    In the morning, your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a 3 hour drive through the scenic Hải Vân Pass to the imperial city of Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Hue is renowned for its harmonious blend of natural scenery and an exceptional collection of historical relics. 

    Arrive in Hue around noon.

    Begin your exploration at the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 520 hectares. Built in the early 19th century, this fortress-like complex consists of three concentric enclosures: Kinh Thanh Hue (the Civic City), Hoang Thanh (the Royal City), and Tu Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City), each protected by massive ramparts and impressive gates.

    Next, move on to Thien Mu pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery overlooking the river from a vantage point with its origin dating back to 1601 and the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, a harmonious complex known for its balance of nature, architecture, and spiritual symbolism.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation

    Hotel 3* THANH LICH (Deluxe city view)

    Hotel 4* MOONLIGHT (Deluxe)

    Hotel 5* SILKPATH GRAND (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 7

    HUE – flight to HA NOI

    This morning, hop on a Vespa and embark on a journey through Hue’s countryside, where tradition and culture come alive. This Vespa tour takes you off the beaten path to explore family temples, bustling local markets, and artisan workshops, offering a hands-on experience with skilled crafts. Kick off the tour with a Vietnamese coffee or fresh juice at a local cafe, where you’ll meet your tour guide and get ready to get off the beaten path of Hue. Your first stop will be a commune house, where you get your first glimpse of strong traditions and the responsibilities that come along with Vietnamese family culture. Then take a stroll down the street, learning about the French colonial influence on architecture and the struggle the locals have to preserve their beautiful riverside homes. The short stroll will finish at a local bustling market, where you get the opportunity to see the daily hustle of Vietnamese women and the selling point of ancient worshiping materials. After the market, hop on a small ferry to cross the Perfume River, where you’ll find our Vespa waiting on the other side. Zoom through small countryside streets, finding yourself getting further from city life. We will stop at a small workshop producing worship materials. Next stop, get a chance to make your own small folk art print while sipping on some green tea. Then make your way through the vibrant rice paddies by Vespa and a local ancient bridge hangout where people of all ages go to relax and enjoy the cool river breeze. You’ll get the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and interact with them. 

    Back to your hotel at noon.

    Depending on your flight time, transfer to Hue airport to take the flight to Hanoi.

    Upon arrival in Hanoi, pick up and transfer to your hotel. 

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* LA DOLCE VITA HOTEL (Superior)

    Hotel 4* THE Q HOTEL (Deluxe)

    Hotel 5* PAN PACIFIC (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 8

    HA NOI - HALONG BAY

    After breakfast, depart to Ha Long Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon and proceed with the check-in formalities. You will be welcomed on board, and lunch will be served as the boat begins cruising into the heart of the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing and onboard activities according to your boat’s itinerary, or simply relax and take in the magnificent surroundings. Toward the end of the day, the boat will anchor for the night among the impressive karst formations. Dinner will be served on board.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: On boat

    3* VERDURE LOTUS CLASSIC (Deluxe)

    4* LA REGINA ROYAL (Noble Suite)

    5* LA REGINA GRAND (Bai Tu Long suite)

     

  • Day 9

    HA LONG – HA NOI

    Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

    In the afternoon, strolling in the Old Quarter. Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son temple. Enjoy one hour cyclo ride around the Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. A cyclo is a bicycle cab with a roof, pedaled by a driver who sits behind you, allowing you to immerse yourself in an old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. Visit Thanh Ha wet market to have a look at the local life.  Conclude your walk over a cup of delicious Vietnamese egg coffee at a hidden café nestled inside a tiny alley. Hot café Trung, with its rich taste of coffee, creamy egg yolk, and sweet condensed milk, will leave you smiling. 

    Meal: Breakfast or brunch, Dinner with street food

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* LA DOLCE VITA HOTEL (Superior)

    Hotel 4* THE Q HOTEL (Deluxe)

    Hotel 5* PAN PACIFIC (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 10

    HA NOI – FLIGHT TO LUANG PRABANG

    Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. 

    On arrival at the Luang Prabang airport, you will be met and transferred to check in the hotel to leave your belongings (early check-in upon availability).

    Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.

    Visit Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. Continue to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, which is one of the most beautiful temples in town. 

    If time permits, we will take a short walk around the small streets of city center, watching the life of local people. 

    The tour ends after a visit to the famous Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

    Meals: Breakfast 

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* Sunrise Garden House (Standard)

    Hotel 4* Le Bel Air Resort (Garnier)

    Hotel 5* Satri House (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 11

    KUANGSI WATERFALL – PAK OU CAVE

    After breakfast, we embark on a leisure cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside, before reaching the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims.  

    Next, transfer to the beautiful Kuang Si, which is the biggest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers leading to a 50-metre drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals.

    Back to Luang Prabang. Late afternoon, we climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic sunset view of the city and the Mekong River.  

    Meals: Breakfast 

    Accommodation:

    Hotel 3* Sunrise Garden House (Standard)

    Hotel 4* Le Bel Air Resort (Garnier)

    Hotel 5* Satri House (Deluxe)

     

  • Day 12

    LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE

    Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temple to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.

    We then visit the temporary morning market near the former Royal Palace. Just set on the ground, the local people come here to barter their day’s catch from rice, to vegetable, to fish, or chicken. 

    After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene, and the nearby the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. Then take a short visit to the Ock Pop Tock Living Craft Center, set serenely close to the Mekong, this beautiful, traditionally styled workshop, where weavers, spinners and batik makers produce top-quality fabrics, offers free tours every half-hour.

    Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.

    Meals: Breakfast 

     

INCLUSIVE

Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast

Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers mentioned in the itinerary

English-speaking guide for guided tours 

Entrance fees for all visits mentioned in the itinerary

Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

Mineral water during the transfer (2 bottles per person per day) 

 

EXCLUSIVE

Domestic (HCM – Da Nang, Hue – Ha Noi, Ha Noi – Luang Prabang) and international flights 

Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. 

All other services not specified in the itinerary

Meals, if not specified in the itinerary

Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival 

Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ single entry to Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)

Gratuities for guides and drivers

Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)

 

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