23 Days Getaway to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi | Arrive in Hanoi

International Flight: Excluded

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to your hotel in the Old French Quarter for check-in.

After check-in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

Day 2: Hanoi | The Millennium Old Capital City

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, your private guide and car will greet you like you to see some of the most important places in Hanoi. You’ll start with visiting Hoa Lo Prison – a prison used by the French colonists for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Next, you’ll go to visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, which was the seat of governance in Vietnam during much of the 19th century.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda – a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th-century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision. You’ll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this tour – The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings.

Trang Quoc Pagoda – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Historical Hoan Kiem Lake

Next, you’ll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you’ll enjoy a half-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. In the late afternoon, transfer to Tran Quoc Pagoda set on West Lake. This 1,400-year-old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. This tour is a private arrangement.

The evening will start with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You’ll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood. After the show, you’ll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Once you finish your dinner, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

Day 3: Hanoi | Mai Chau Hill Tribes and Rice Terraces

Meals: Breakfast

After you’ve finished breakfast at the hotel, you’ll transfer to Mai Chau, a remote valley with a patchwork of rice paddies, farms, and longhouses. Discover the rural life of the Vietnamese just a few kilometers from the Capital. Talk with the friendly locals and take in the picturesque scenery of this amazing landscape.

Then you’ll visit Lac, a 700-year-old village. Surrounded by a range of mountains, the rice fields, and stilted houses will create memorable impressions of Vietnam’s countryside.

Return back to Hanoi by evening.

Accommodation: Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa

Day 4: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay | Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Halong City. Roughly around noon, you will arrive at the port and board on the ship.

Lan Ha Bay – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Begin sailing and pass through a magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waves like dragons’ teeth. After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach, or sunbath on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with locals who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. An optional Kayaking trip is an available weather permitting. Back onboard enjoy a lavish dinner. Overnight on board.

Accommodation: Paloma Cruise

Day 5: Lan Ha Bay | Bai Tu Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up in the morning for Tai Chi exercises on the sun deck and continue cruising the bays. Breakfast buffet will be served in the restaurant, then you will see the hidden langoons covered by limestone islands with wild beaches. Then enjoy kayaking or swimming (purely optional) at Cong Dam. Around noon, BQQ lunch will be served on the beach. Then go on visiting one of the largest cave: Master cave. Overnight on boat.

Accommodation: Paloma Cruise

Day 6: Hanoi – Hoi An | La Ha Bay Sunrise | Flight to Hoi An

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning have a chance to join Tai Chi exercises. After breakfast, you’ll visit Vung Vieng Floating Village by bamboo Sampan and take a short visit at the Pearl Farm. Then return back to the boat and enjoy your leisure time before disembarking the cruise. Return back to Hanoi during the afternoon.

Then take a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in.

At the end of a long lane of sandy beaches, palms and the blue sea turns the Thu Bon River. Take a step back in time 300 years to cobblestone alleys and aged wood and stone homes. Time stands still in this quiet part of the world where ornate doorways and bridges could keep the curious passerby entranced in amusement. The setting – a Far Eastern port that was forgotten in time. Japanese, French, Chinese, and Vietnamese designs and styles melt together along every street.

Accommodation: Green Heaven Hoi An Resort and Spa

Day 7: Hoi An | My Son Holy Land | Hoi An Ancient Town at Dusk

Meals: Breakfast

Today you’ll explore the My Son Holy Land, a UNESCO Heritage site, and Vietnam’s most important Cham site.

In the morning, your tour guide and driver will escort you from your hotel to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views lay the 1,100-year-old My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden from living or development. The ruins lay in a beautiful surrounding mountainous landscape. You’ll enter the temples while your tour guide gives you the history and stories of the Cham and the site. Afterward, you’ll watch an Apsara show nearby the site, passed through the Cham tradition. The show features live music and colorful costumes. Return back to the hotel for some leisure time.

The Ancient Town at Dusk

In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th-century Hoi An port town in it’s preserved state. You’ll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s.

Port of Hoi An Ancient Town – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Then you’ll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China’s influence in the region. You’ll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors, and more. You’ll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see it’s imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You’ll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years.

At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you’ve finished the tour, your guide and driver will return you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Green Heaven Hoi An Resort and Spa

Day 8: Hoi An – Hue | Leisure | Mountain Coastal Road Trip to Hue

Meals: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure, you can go to visit the beach with the hotel shuttle. Optional: You can join the guide to visit the hospital which treats victims of Agent Orange. This tour is a private arrangement.

In the afternoon, our guide will assist with checking you out of the hotel and then you’ll be escorted by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding alongside the beaches of Danang where you’ll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. Then you’ll approach a steep and narrow ascent where you’ll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait.

You’ll continue your climb to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as “Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean”. You’ll continue onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you’ll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way.

As you enter Hue, you’ll see many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings which are only a deluge of what’s to come.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 9: Hue | Phong Nha Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll transfer 200km North of Hue to visit the remote Phong Nha Caves. These caves were recently discovered and comprise some of the largest caverns in the world. They are still being mapped by a team of British and Vietnamese scientists. You’ll take a boat trip to visit some of the more easily accessible caverns. The caves are famous for their rock formations which have been given names such as the Lion, the Fairy Caves, the Royal Court, and the Buddha.

Inside of Phong Nha Cave – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Afterward, return to Dong Hoi for lunch before driving back to Hue. 

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel

Day 10: Hue – Saigon | Hue Imperial Citadel and Purple Forbidden City | Flight to Saigon

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you’ll start with a visit to the Perfume River, a river famed for its natural scenery and numerous flowers that cover its shores. Along the river, you’ll see Vietnamese daily life up close. Your boat will take you to the Tomb of Minh Mang, featuring gardens, many steps, and beautiful decorations.

Then you’ll visit Tu Doc, a compound with the private royal residence and a tomb that also houses the body of one of the wealthiest emperors in Vietnam. Archaeologists have attempted to find his body and the vast treasures, legends have held, that are contained with it. However, these attempts have failed as the body was buried in an inconspicuous place in the large compound unknown to this day. You’ll then continue on to see the Khai Dinh Tomb, a more modern tomb with ornate decorations inside.

Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant.

The Imperial Citadel of Vietnam

In the afternoon, you’ll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 10 km long. You’ll be able to view it’s vast gardens and structure relics. Then you’ll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you’ll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you’ll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off-limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in the Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you’ll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

Take an evening flight to Saigon. Our guide will greet you at the airport welcome area and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Saigon(officially Ho Chi Minh City) is a bustling metropolis of the South and the economic muscle of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, it was the main base center of the US military with the largest airport in the region. Prior to that, it was under French colonial rule and was an Asian hub of sea trade. The city is based in the Mekong River Delta region – the rice basket of Southeast Asia and where many exotic fruits are cultivated. Full of history and culture, Saigon will certainly be an interesting visit.

Accommodation: Charm Suite Residence

Day 11: Saigon | Saigon Impressions | Cu Chi Tunnels

Meals: Breakfast

See the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City during this full-day tour, which includes the Cu Chi Tunnels.

In the morning, your guide will greet you in the lobby and escort you to the Cu Chi Tunnels. An immense network of connecting underground tunnels used during the war, you’ll explore the complex and see the ingenious traps, bomb holes, and narrow tunnels between underground bunkers.

Cu Chi Tunnels – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Then you’ll come back to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the Reunification Palace, which was the home to the President of South Vietnam during the War, and the place of the end of the war during the fall of Saigon.

Then you’ll go on to see the Notre Dame Cathedral constructed by French colonists during their settlement. Across the road is the Old Saigon Post Office, a neoclassical architectural building that is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the city.

The next stop is Cholon, the Chinatown of Saigon, a thickly settled district rife with tea-houses and pagodas, and the famous Binh Tay Market.

To finish the tour, you’ll visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda, also known as the Tortoise Pagoda. This figurine-filled site of worship is considered by many to be Saigon’s finest.

Once the tour is completed, you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Accommodation: Charm Suite Residence

Day 12: Saigon – Can Tho | Mekong Discovery: Vinh Long

Meals: Breakfast

Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life.

Your private guide and car will take you to the remote My Tho.

This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the “rice basket of Vietnam”. First, you’ll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools, and tombs and ornate gates that provide entry.

Next, you’ll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages. You’ll stop at the Tortoise Island where you’ll enjoy lunch in the orchard.

After lunch, you’ll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island.

Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals.

When the tour is finished, you’ll transfer to Can Tho.

Accommodation: Victoria Can Tho Resort

Day 13: Can Tho – Chau Doc | Mekong Discovery: Chau Doc

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet our guide at your hotel. Transfer through the Mekong Delta and Southern Vietnamese countryside via Long Xuyen to Chau Doc. Visit an incense making village and a crocodile farm on the way. After you arrive in Chau Doc, take a boat trip to visit the floating fish farm and the floating village, the Cham weaving village.

Mekong Delta – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Continue to the hotel by vehicle. You’ll begin your approach to the lodge with an ascent up steep roads to the top of the mountain where a breath-taking view awaits. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink of sweet lemon tea as you perch yourself for beautiful evening sunset and dinner looking out over the mix of Chau Doc, surrounding mountains, and Vietnamese countryside. Enjoy an epic symphony of sunlight reflected on the clouds and drawing shadows on the green valley below.

Accommodation: Victoria Nui Sam Lodge

Day 14: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh | Speed Boat to Phnom Penh | Phnom Penh Royal Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our guide will transfer you to the pier in the morning. Then go by speedboat to Phnom Penh(4-5 hours). The boat will stop along the way for immigration procedures and getting the Cambodian visa(can be purchased on arrival). When you arrive at the Phnom Penh pier, our guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in.\

Capital City Highlights

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital, is seated on the junction of the mighty Mekong and Tonle Rivers. Known as the “Pearl of Asia” in the early 20th century, it was completely abandoned during the civil strife of the mid 1970’s. This now vibrant city teems with the many delights Cambodia offers. From vibrate bars and restaurants along with the waterways, to the National Museum, Royal Palace, and large art deco Central Market or Phsar Themi, with its hundreds of stallholders selling their wares inside. It is home also to the historic reminder of the years of troubles, the Tuol Slang Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields a short distance from the city center.

Then go to discover the National Museum where you will see the large collection of Khmer history, arts, and architecture. After that, you will also visit the Silver Pagoda, which has 5,000 silver tiles on the floor. You’ll finish the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, a large complex of ornate Khmer royal-styled buildings where many of the treasures and relics of Cambodia are housed and where the Khmer royal family lives. At the end of the tour, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel. This tour is a private arrangement.

Accommodation: La Rose Boutique Hotel and Spa

Day 15: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap | Killing Fields of Cheoung Ek and Genocide Museum | Flight to Siem Reap

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning you’ll go to Choeung Ek – The Killing Fields. When you enter the gardens and site, the serenity and beauty of nature reflect the healing and reforms the nation has undergone since the time of the atrocities committed here. During the Pol Pot regime, this site was used to execute and dump the dead bodies of those who were deemed enemies of the government. It has since been converted into a national reminder for foreigners and locals alike of the need for governments to be controlled through democracy and constitutions. Also, visit the S21 Prison and Genocide Museum. Here you will see where the prisoners were kept before being transferred for extermination. Then return to the hotel.

Check out in the afternoon and take a flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Siem Reap is a quaint town in Cambodia and the gateway to the vast remains of the Angkor empire. Discover the Royal Gardens on your own with ancient trees home to a colony of giant fruit bats. Take a stroll along the scenic riverside and visit the night markets to find unique souvenirs. You may also want to spend the evening with a visit to Pub Street with several restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Many restaurants have live entertainment in the evening.

Accommodation: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 16: Siem Reap | Ancient City of Angkor Thom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you’ll begin your explorations of the remains of an ancient civilization that once ruled much of Southeast Asia. Today, you’ll be visiting the ancient capital city of Angkor Thom. On your way to Angkor Thom, you’ll catch a glimpse of the front of Angkor Wat as you pass by, which will leave you with a tingling feeling on the back of your neck as you take your first glance of the enormity and wonder of the largest religious complex to ever exist.

Ruins of Ta Prohm – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

Magnificent Temples in the Ancient City

However, we’ll be saving the best for last as you go on today to see some other equally impressive structures of Ta Prohm Temple, Bayon Temple, Banteay Kdei, Baphoun, Elephant Terrace, Leper King Terrace, and the Royal Palace. First on the agenda is Ta Prohm. Worn by time, rain, and overpowered by the jungle, this immaculate structure is hidden under the canopy will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into the movie set of a treasure hunt adventure. Your private tour guide will give you the history and stories passed through oral tradition.

After you’ve had lunch, your exploits will continue as you visit Banteay Kdei Citadel of Chambers. You’ll also visit Victory Gate, Terrace of the Leper King, the Royal Palace, Baphuon, and Bayon. Bayon sets itself apart with its almost 200 smiling faces, sure to make you feel welcomed on your second day to the Kingdom of Wonders. With its winding tunnels, chambers, and daring climbs, Bayon will give you many picturesque moments to keep your camera busy.

As the sun approaches the horizon, you’ll enjoy a sunset from the top of the pyramid-shaped temple of Pre Rup. After sunset, you’ll be taken back to the hotel for the evening.

Accommodation: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 17: Siem Reap | Kulen Mountain and Banteay Srei Temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you’ll wake early to visit Kulen Mountain National Park(Mountain of Lychees). Explore the jungles brimming with wildlife and tropical fruit. Discover stone carvings under the streams that predate Angkor Wat. Trek to the 16th-century temple on the mountain where Buddhists and Hindus pilgrimage frequently.

For lunch, enjoy a picnic next to Kulen Waterfall where Angelina Jolie was filmed for the movie Tomb Raider. Take a swim if you like before we continue to the rice fields and countryside below the mountain. Next, you’ll visit Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This smaller temple in the jungle features some of the most intricately preserved carvings of all the temples in Cambodia. Then you’ll take an ox-cart ride through the rice fields and give Palm Sugar and Palm Wine a try if you fancy. Then you’ll return to the hotel to relax at your own leisure or stop at a local souvenir market on the way back.

Accommodation: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 18: Siem Reap | Angkor Wat Vernal Equinox Sunrise | Tonle Sap Lake

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Before the light of the day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the front of Angkor Wat Temple. From here, you’ll watch one of the most revered sunrises in the world. Our guide will arrange a light picnic breakfast for you to enjoy in front of the world’s #1 Heritage Site. Then in the early hours, you’ll explore the vast temple with your guide bringing to life the stories of Angkor. In the morning, the rays of the light play through the chambers as the morning haze settles and giving the temple a mystical ambiance while there are few tourists who visit during this time of day.

Angkor Wat Temple – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

In the afternoon, take a boat ride to Kampong Phluk which means, Harbor of the Tusks due to it’s history in the elephant trade several centuries ago. You’ll also see the mangrove forests nearby. After the tour, you’ll return to the hotel for some leisure time. This tour is a private arrangement.

Be prepared to enjoy a beautiful traditional dance performed by a team trained in the Dance of Apsara.

This unique cultural experience highlights the mysterious civilization and heritage of Khmer spoken through choreography and music. Colorful costumes and playful activities will give you insights into the Khmer daily life and wedding traditions while you enjoy a delicious meal to welcome you to the Kingdom of Wonders.

The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Saem SiemReap Hotel

Day 19: Siem Reap – Luang Prabang | Siem Reap Highlights | Flight to Luang Prabang

Internal Flight: Included

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, your guide will greet you and you’ll transfer to the Old Market by tuk-tuk. Here many souvenir collections are on display. Next, you’ll go to visit Artisans d’Angkor, a school of art dedicated to the preservation of traditional Khmer skills in silk-weaving, stone-carving, wood-carving, lacquering, and painting. It is also an organization dedicated to promoting the education of individuals from impoverished backgrounds. Return to your hotel by noon.

Transfer by afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Feel free to explore the beautiful city of Luang Prabang on your own to discover night markets selling local tapestries and souvenirs.

Accommodation: Sada Hotel

Day 20: Luang Prabang | Pak Ou Caves

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pick up you from your hotel in the morning and transfer to the local pier. Embark on a traditional boat on the Mekong River. On the way, stop over to visit a village where traditional weaving and rice wine distillation are part of the daily activities of the village. Lunch at a local restaurant at near the caves.

After lunch visit Tham Ting and Tham Phoum housing hundreds of Buddha statues. On the way back to Luang Prabang by boat, stop at Ban Xieng Mene, just opposite Luang Prabang. Walkthrough the village and visit Vat Long Khoune with its beautiful mural paintings. Cross the Mekong, back in the city, and transfer back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Sada Hotel

Day 21: Luang Prabang | Elephant Experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Elephant Village – 23 Days Getaway Vietnam Cambodia Laos

In the morning, transfer to Elephant Village – an elephant sanctuary with a focus on rehabilitation and care of rescued elephants. Here you’ll meet the camp manager and receive a short briefing about the elephants. Throughout the day, you’ll take place in the following activities:

• • Mahout Training – learn about the commands of how to communicate to the elephant
  • Enjoy lunch at the outdoor garden restaurant
  • Bathe your elephant – Go down to the nearby Nam Khan River to bath your elephant; perhaps the elephant will bathe you as well!

Then return to your hotel for leisure time.

Accommodation: Sada Hotel

Day 22: Luang Prabang | Kuang Si Waterfall | Nava Mekong Dinner Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we cross the Mekong River by boat, to the picturesque village of Ban Chan, a pottery village. We then visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings. Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and today you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village.

This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails. We then return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon.

Dining on the mighty Mekong is to being in Luang Prabang what walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is to being in New York. Essential. To ensure you don’t ‘miss the boat’, you’ll join the Nava Mekong, the foremost regular dinner cruise opportunity in the royal capital.

The cruise embarks daily at 5:30 pm and motors downstream to moor near a traditional village where traditional Lao dancers perform age-old sets that include interpretations of the royal ballet, rural life, folk tales, and legends. The boat returns at 9 pm.

Accommodation: Sada Hotel

Day 23: Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang Temples | Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Your half-day city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace Museum, which hosts a range of interesting artifacts. We then head to the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We’ll also visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. Return to the hotel for leisure and check out.

Then, our guide will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.

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