20 days - Private VietNam – Laos – Thailand 20 Days- Mekong Journey

DAY 1. HA NOI ARRIVAL -

• Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi).

• Meet our guide and driver holding a sign with your name. 

• Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in central Hanoi.

• The rest of the day is free for relaxation or initial exploration of Hanoi.

What's Included

DAY 2. HANOI CITY FULL DAY B, L

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• At 8:00 AM, your tour guide will pick you up for a full day of Hanoi exploration.

• Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex (dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered).

• Visit the Mausoleum (closed Mondays, Fridays, and June 15th - August 15th for maintenance - exterior viewing possible).

• See the Presidential Palace and Stilt House.

• Visit the unique One Pillar Pagoda in its peaceful gardens.

• Explore the Temple of Literature, renowned for its architecture and historical importance.

• Enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant.

• In the afternoon:

• If it's Monday or the Ethnology Museum is closed, visit the Women’s Museum.

• Experience the lively Hanoi Train Street and the Old Quarter.

• See the serene Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Return to your hotel around 5:00 PM.

What's Included

DAY 3. HA NOI – HOA LU – TAM COC B, L

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• At 8:00 AM, begin your journey to Ninh Binh.

• Explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital:

• Visit the temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties.

• Enjoy a local specialty lunch.

• Experience Tam Coc ("Halong Bay on land"):

• Take a serene sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River.

• Pass by limestone karsts, waterways, and natural tunnels.

• Observe rice paddies and the peaceful countryside.

• Visit Thai Vi Temple, dedicated to historical Vietnamese kings and figures.

• Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

What's Included

DAY 4. HA NOI - HA LONG BAY B, L, D

• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.

• 08:00 – 08:30: La Regina Classic Cruise picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.

• 12:15: Check-in aboard the cruise with a welcome drink and safety briefing as the boat cruises to Bai Tu Long Bay.

• 13:15: Enjoy lunch in the restaurant.

• 15:30: Explore Thien Canh Son cave (bring camera and wear sports shoes for hiking).

• 17:30: Enjoy the sunset on the bay and participate in "Happy Hour".

• 18:00: Cooking class on the sundeck featuring Deep-Fried Spring rolls.

• 19:30: Dinner served on the sundeck or in the restaurant.

• 21:00: Relax on the boat or join Squid fishing on the Reception deck.

What's Included

DAY 5. HA LONG BAY - HA NOI – FLY TO DA NANG B, L

• 06:30: Start the day with Taichi on the sundeck.

• 07:00: Light breakfast served in the dining room.

• 07:45: Visit Vung Vieng floating fishing village.

• Learn about fishermen's lives.

• Optional activities: bamboo boat or kayaking.

• 09:00: Return to the main boat for relaxation and check-out. Leave luggage outside cabin doors.

• 09:45: Brunch is served in the restaurant as the boat returns to the harbor.

• 11:00: Disembark at the harbor and transfer to Hanoi city.

• The limousine bus will drop you off at Aeon Mall Long Bien, where our driver will transfer you to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Da Nang.

• Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, meet your driver holding a sign with your name.

• Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Da Nang

What's Included

DAY 6. DA NANG - HOI AN - BASKET BOAT - TRA QUE - HOI AN WALKING CITY TOUR B, L

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• At 8:00 AM, begin your day with a hotel pick-up and head to the Cam Thanh region.

• Experience a peaceful bamboo boat trip through the Coconut Palm Forest.

• Continue to Tra Que Vegetable Village for a delightful lunch with fresh, organic local dishes.

• Explore Tra Que Village, observing daily life and traditional farming.

• In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town (UNESCO World Heritage site):

• Visit the historic Tan Ky Old House.

• Discover the Fukien Assembly Hall.

• See the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

• Return to your hotel, with the rest of the day free for relaxation or further exploration.

What's Included

DAY 7. DA NANG - BA NA HILLS - FLY TO HO HO CHI MINH B, L

• Hotel breakfast.
• 8:00 AM: Hotel pick-up for Ba Na Hills excursion.
• Experience four seasons in one day, festivals, activities, and cuisine.
• Ascend Ba Na Hills via record-breaking cable car with panoramic mountain views.
• Visit the Golden Bridge.
• Explore Le Jardin D’Amour gardens and Linh Ung Pagoda.
• Head to Fantasy Park indoor amusement park.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch at Ba Na Hills.
• Explore the French Village.
• Return from Ba Na Hills, and a car will take you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
• A driver will pick you up from the airport in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to your hotel.

What's Included

DAY 8. HO CHI MINH CITY & CU CHI TUNNELS B, L

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• 8:00 AM: Meet your driver and guide at your hotel in HCM city center.

• Visit the Independence Palace (Reunification Palace).

• Explore French Colonial structures: Notre Dame Cathedral and the historic Central Post Office.

• Visit the War Remnants Museum.

• Enjoy local food at a local restaurant for lunch.

• Depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels (approx. 1.5-hour drive).

• Watch an introductory video about the tunnels' construction and wartime survival.

• Explore the remaining tunnel area and systems, including living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, storage, weapon factories, field hospitals, and command centers.

• See hidden trap doors and dangerous traps.

• Taste special tea and cassava (guerilla food during the war).

• Option to relax or try shooting a real gun.

• Transfer back to your hotel after visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.

What's Included

DAY 9. HO CHI MINH - CAI BE - FLOATING MARKET – CU LAO- AN BINH - VINH LONG B, L

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• 8:00 AM: Pick up and transfer to Cai Be tourist wharf.

• Depart by boat along the Cai Be River to visit the floating market.

• Visit local traditional craft villages: rice paper kilns, candy kilns, green rice kilns, or longan drying kilns.

• Walk along a village road to a honey tea spot in a fruit garden, learn about beekeeping, and enjoy honey tea.

• The boat goes upstream across the Tien River.

• Arrive at Tan Phong Islet with fruit gardens.

• Take a rowing boat along a small canal (approx. 20 minutes) and walk in a fruit garden (approx. 10 minutes) with fruit tasting.

• Have lunch at a local restaurant.

• Continue up the Tien River for lunch at a garden house.

• Disembark at Vinh Long Wharf after the tour.

• Admire the My Thuan Suspension Bridge on the way back.

• Transfer back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

What's Included

DAY 10. HO CHI MINH - FLY TO VIENTIANE B

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and have free time.

• Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Vientiane.

• Upon arrival at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, you will be transferred to your hotel.

• The rest of the day is free to relax after your flights.

• Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the city, walk along the Mekong River, and visit the Night Market.

• Overnight in Vientiane.

What's Included

DAY 11. VIENTIANE CITY TOUR B, L

• Discover the charming capital city of Vientiane.

• Tour includes:

  • Wat Sisaket: An early 19th-century Buddhist monastery, the oldest temple in its original form, survived the 1827 destruction.

  • Hor Phra Keo: A highly venerated former temple, now a museum, that once housed the Emerald Buddha.

  • That Luang Stupa: The most important Buddhist monument in Laos, believed to enshrine a breast bone of the Buddha.

  • Patuxay Monument: Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe replica, offering panoramic city views from the top.

• Visit local markets for locally made handicrafts.

What's Included

DAY 12. VIENTIANE - BUDDHA PARK - VANG VIENG B, L

• Visit Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khuan):

• Explore a sculpture park with over 200 religious statues.

• See the huge 40-meter high reclining Buddha.

• Climb the giant pumpkin structure for panoramic views.

• Note the park's blend of Buddhist and Hindu imagery, built by a monk who studied both.

• Observe notable statues like Indra riding a three-headed elephant and a deity with 12 faces.

• Option to enjoy local food and drinks at a riverside eatery.

• Drive north to Vang Vieng (approx. 3-4 hours, 150 km).

• Arrive in Vang Vieng, nestled among limestone cliffs along the Nam Song River.

• Vang Vieng is known for its dreamlike landscape of limestone peaks and scenic cliffs.

• Discover a network of caves at the base of the limestone mountains.

• Overnight in Vang Vieng.

What's Included

DAY 13. VANG VIENG - LUANG PRABANG B

• Depart Vang Vieng north on Road 13, traveling through the highlands towards Luang Prabang Province.

• Enjoy scenic countryside views.

• Visit a local Hmong village to learn about this ethnic group from the mountainous regions of Laos (also a sub-group of the Miao in Southern China with a history of southward migration).

• Arrive in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Luang Prabang was the former royal capital of Laos until 1975.

• The city center is located on a peninsula formed by the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang.

• Distance: 220 km / 5-6 hours.

What's Included

DAY 14. LUANG PRABANG - CITY TOUR B, L

• Explore Luang Prabang by Tuk Tuk, a popular three-wheeled vehicle in Southeast Asia.

• 08:30: Depart from the hotel by Tuk Tuk to the open-air Morning Market.

• Observe local produce brought from surrounding rural areas.

• Learn about seasonal fruits and vegetables from your guide and sample some snacks.

• Walk to Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham ("New Monastery"), one of the largest and most decorated temples.

• Visit the National Museum (Royal Palace) and Hor Phra Bang to learn about Lao history and culture.

• Continue by Tuk Tuk to Wat Visounnalath, known for its ancient statues and the unique "Watermelon Stupa" (That Pathoume).

• Participate in a short activity at Heuan Chan Luang Prabang to learn how to make Banana Leaf and Flower decorations.

• Take another Tuk Tuk ride along the Nam Khan River to Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos' most beautiful and richly decorated temples.

• End the tour by climbing Mount Phousi for panoramic sunrise or sunset views over the city and Mekong River.

• Return to your hotel by Tuk Tuk.

• Overnight in Luang Prabang.

What's Included

DAY 15. LUANG PRABANG - TAD KUANG SI WATERFALL - FLY TO BANGKOK - DINNER CRUISE B, L, D

• After breakfast, visit the local Phosy Market, the biggest market in Luang Prabang with a wide variety of products.

• Travel by vehicle to Tad Kuang Si Waterfalls.

• Stop to visit Hmong and Khamu villages to learn about their traditions and cultural differences compared to Lao culture.

• Explore Tad Kuang Si Waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Luang Prabang area with three tiers and azure pools (great for swimming).

• Visit the Bear Rescue Center located within the Kuang Si Waterfall Park.

• Transfer to the hotel and/or the airport for your flight to Bangkok.

• In the evening, a private car will pick you up to the pier for a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise.

• 18:00: Check-in time.

• 19:30: Boarding time and cruise departure from ICON SIAM Shopping mall.

• Enjoy night scenery along the Chao Phraya River.

• Welcome drink and fruit cocktail served with saxophone music.

• Cruise up to Pinklao bridge with photo opportunities of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) and The Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew) by night.

• Enjoy an international buffet dinner with live music.

• Entertainment on the lower deck with a musician, singer, and disco floor.

• 21:30: Arrive back at ICON SIAM Pier.

• Transfer back to your hotel in Bangkok.

What's Included

DAY 16. BANGKOK FULL DAY TOUR B, L

• dha (Wat Phra Kaew), the most revered Buddha image in Thailand (appropriate dress required).

• Last stop at Jim Thompson's Mansion, the former home of the American silk entrepreneur.

• Visit the teak house filled with antiques.

• Spend time at the Jim Thompson shop.

• Consider visiting any exhibitions at the adjacent exhibition center.

• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during the tour.

What's Included

DAY 17. BANGKOK - AYUDHAYA-BANGKOK B, L

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• Day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand (76 km north of Bangkok), a major tourist attraction with ancient ruins.

• Visit key sights in Ayutthaya:

• Wat Sri Sanphet: An important former residential palace and monastery.

• Wat Phanan Choeng: Predates Ayutthaya's founding, featuring a revered 19-meter high Buddha image.

• Wat Mahathat: Famous for the iconic Buddha head entwined in tree roots, a significant temple damaged during the Burmese invasion.

• Wat Yai Chaimongkol: Features one of Ayutthaya's largest chedis and a beautiful garden.

• OR Visit Wat Chai Wattanaram: Known as the most beautiful landscape ruin temple in Ayutthaya.

• Visit Bang Pa-In Royal Summer Residence, showcasing fine Thai architecture.

• Enjoy a scenic view of Ayutthaya on a long-tail boat (route may vary based on river conditions).

• Return to your hotel in Bangkok after the tour.

What's Included

DAY 18. BANGKOK- FLY TO PHUKET B

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Bangkok.

• You will be picked up by our driver and guide from your hotel and transferred to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your flight to Phuket.

• Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, you will be met by the driver and transferred to your hotel in Phuket for check-in.

• Overnight at your hotel in Phuket.

What's Included

DAY 19. PHUKET - PHI PHI ISLAND - MAYA BAY - BAMBOO ISLAND B, L

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• Pick up from your hotel and transfer to BOAT LAGOON PIER.

• Depart by Speedboat to Phi Phi Islands.

• Sightseeing at Maya Bay and Loh Samah Bay (Phi Phi Ley).

• Swimming and photo opportunities at Pileh Lagoon and Viking Cave (Phi Phi Ley).

• Sightseeing and photo opportunities at Monkey Beach.

• Snorkeling at Phi Phi Don.

• Swimming and relaxing on the beach at Phi Phi Don (instead of Maya Bay).

• Lunch at a restaurant on Phi Phi Island.

• Visit, swim, and relax on the beach of Bamboo Island or Rang Yai Island.

• Depart back to Phuket.

• Arrive at Boat Lagoon Pier and transfer back to your hotel.

Please note: The itinerary and timing are approximate and subject to change based on tide and local weather conditions.

What's Included

DAY 20. PHUKET - DEPARTURE B

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.

• You will have free time until the driver picks you up to transfer to the airport for your departure.

• Safe travels!

What's Included