Explore Vietnam & Laos Heritage Sites 12 Days

Tour Code: R89427O8EE46 

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Vietnam
Land tour From: $426
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Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Luang Prabang – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta

Embark on the ideal itinerary designed for those seeking an escape from bustling urban life and a genuine immersion into local cultures in Laos and Vietnam. Delve into the traditional lifestyles of indigenous people, offering a profound cultural discovery through BestPrice Travel. Over 12 days, witness the highlights of this journey, including breathtaking views of renowned heritage sites such as opulent Buddhist temples and stunning waterfalls in Luang Prabang, as well as the majestic caves of Halong Bay and tropical orchards in the Mekong Delta. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the Explore Vietnam & Laos Heritage Sites 12-day tour, unveiling extraordinary travel destinations for a lifetime of memories.

Included/Excluded

  • * All accommodations (with Twin/Double rooms) while on tour
  • * Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
  • * All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
  • * Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
  • * Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of Vietnam Tour Packages
  • * Entrance fees if specified in the program
  • * Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.
  • * Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
  • * Meals not mentioned in the program
  • * Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
  • * Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
  • * Surcharge for the festive seasons
  • * Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
  • * The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
  • * Porterage Facility

Itinerary

<span> Day 1</span> Luang Prabang Arrival

Upon your arrival in Luang Prabang, our guide will be there to welcome you and provide a transfer to your hotel. After refreshing in your hotel room, take the opportunity to leisurely explore the city. Your accommodation for the night will be at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Activities: Welcome to Luang Prabang

<span> Day 2</span> Luang Prabang City Tour

Morning Participate in the sacred tradition of offering alms to the saffron-robed monks, immersing yourself in the Buddha country's spiritual atmosphere. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel. Visit the renowned Royal Palace, now transformed into the National Royal Palace Museum, and explore the exquisite temples of Luang Prabang, including Wat Aham and Wat Xieng Thong. After lunch, you'll be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved relaxation. Afternoon Take advantage of some leisure time to unwind after your morning tour. Stroll through the city to gain insights into local life and customs. Embark on a climb to the summit of Phousi Hill, reveling in the breathtaking sunset views over Luang Prabang. Night Explore the diverse offerings at the Luang Prabang Night Market, open every evening from 18:30 to 23:00, for shopping or simply observing the array of goods. Spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Luang Prabang. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Activities: Sightseeing at the Royal Palace and Wat Aham, Wat Xieng Thong Climb to the summit of Phousi Hill and enjoy the sunset from its peak

<span> Day 3</span> Pak Ou Caves - Kuang Si Waterfalls

Morning

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at your hotel.

Embark on a scenic boat ride upstream along the Mekong Delta, capturing the beauty of the riverbanks on your way to the enchanting Pak Ou Caves.

Discover the cave's treasures, housing over 4,000 Buddha statues.

Explore Ban Xang Hai, also known as "Whiskey Village," recognized for its Lao Lao – a potent whiskey crafted from rice, before heading back to your hotel.

Enjoy a satisfying lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Following a moment of refreshment, venture to the mesmerizing Kuang Si Falls, a natural wonder that stands among the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Return to your hotel for some well-deserved relaxation.

Night

Sample local Laos beer or unwind at one of the local bars, gaining insights into the vibrant nightlife.

Enjoy a restful night at your hotel in Luang Prabang.

Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang
Activities:

Explore Pak Ou Cave and Ban Xang Hai
Visit Kuang Si Waterfall, offering a refreshing swimming experience on hot days

<span> Day 4</span> Luang Prabang - Flight to Hanoi

Morning

Your hotel will serve a delightful breakfast.

Complete the check-out process at your hotel, and our driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, our team will be ready to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for a comfortable stay.

Spend the night at a well-appointed hotel in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Activities: Leisure time in Luang Prabang, followed by a flight to Hanoi

<span> Day 5</span> Ninh Binh Full-day Discovery

Morning

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel.

Begin your day with a visit to Hoa Lu, an ancient capital that served as the first capital of Vietnam during the 10th century.

Afternoon

Delight your taste buds with a lunch featuring delectable local dishes.

Embark on a distinctive boat excursion to explore Tam Coc, renowned as the "Halong Bay on land" in Ninh Binh, featuring three unique caves.

Engage in a biking tour around the Tam Coc area, providing insights into the local fields and way of life.

Explore Mua Cave, ascending to its summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of Tam Coc, perfect for photography.

Night

Take a leisurely stroll around Hanoi's Old Quarter or savor local culinary delights at a fine restaurant in the city center.

Retreat for the night at a comfortable hotel in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Activities:

Explore Hoa Lu and embark on a boat trip to Tam Coc.

Discover Mua Cave.

<span> Day 6</span> Hanoi - Halong Bay Cruise

Morning

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast served at your hotel.

Transfer to Halong Bay, either by car or shuttle bus/minivan.

Embark on a captivating cruise, where a delightful lunch awaits.

Afternoon

Marvel at the crystal-clear waters surrounding Halong Bay.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the sunset.

Explore magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

Night

Delight in a sumptuous dinner, featuring either Western or Vietnamese cuisine, served on the cruise.

Enjoy an entertaining night on board with various activities.

Accommodation: Overnight on a Halong Bay cruise
Activities:

Discover the natural heritage site of Halong Bay.

Experience a memorable night on a floating cruise.

<span> Day 7</span> Halong Bay - Hanoi

Morning

Greet the morning sun with a light breakfast featuring tea, coffee, and pastries.

Engage in an optional Taichi class on the sundeck to invigorate your body.

Capture moments amidst stunning lagoons and caves as the cruise gracefully navigates.

Relish a delicious lunch before nearing the port.

Afternoon

Return to Hanoi with a comfortable transfer.

Check into your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.

Night

Explore the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi at your own pace.

Settle in for an overnight stay in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Activities:

Explore a captivating cave in Halong Bay.

Complete your cruise experience and return to Hanoi.

<span> Day 8</span> Hanoi - Flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at your hotel.

Bid you farewell at Hanoi Airport as you board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Check in and unwind at your chosen hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Afternoon & Night

Explore the dynamic cityscape and savor the local street food.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Activities: Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

<span> Day 9</span> Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels

Morning

Delight in a pleasant breakfast at your hotel.

Transport you to the Cu Chi Tunnels to explore the intricate tunnel system used during the Vietnam War in the southern part of the country.

View a documentary shedding light on the war's impact on the people and the nation.

Traverse the authentic tunnels to experience life underground and gain insights into the challenging wartime conditions.

Visit bomb craters, the underground kitchen, the Museum of Self-made Weapons, and the Hoang Cam Stove.

Afternoon

Return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch, approximately by 15:00.

Enjoy free time to independently discover the city.

Return to the hotel for some relaxation.

Night

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Activities: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

<span> Day 10</span> Mekong Delta Full-Day Explore

Morning

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast.

Be picked up and transported to Ben Tre province for an excursion to the Mekong Delta.

Embark on a sampan boat journey along the picturesque narrow canals, capturing the charm with the iconic conical hat.

Pause at a village to leisurely explore and observe the local daily routines.

Discover tropical fruit orchards and fish farms, breathing in the fresh air of the orchards.

Indulge in a delectable lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Transfer to Can Tho.
Night

Enjoy your overnight stay and partake in the vibrant nightlife of the Mekong Delta's largest city.

Accommodation: Overnight at the hotel
Activities: - Take a boat trip to Ben Tre and visit places where coconut candy is made

Experience a boat ride through the narrow canals

<span> Day 11</span> Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel.

Embark on a boat journey to explore the renowned Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest market in the Mekong Delta.

Witness the unique experience of local trading on boats and visit a rice paper-making factory.

Afternoon

Following lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Enjoy your free time to explore the city at your own pace.

Night

Unwind and relax at your hotel after a day of exploration.

Spend your final night at a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Activities: - Navigate the waters to encounter the vibrant floating market

Tour a rice paper-making factory

<span> Day 12</span> Ho Chi Minh City - Departure

Morning

Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast served at your hotel.

Explore the vibrant shopping scene at Ben Thanh Market or visit renowned commercial centers.

Enjoy some leisure time until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Accommodation: Not Applicable
Activities: Bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and board your flight back home.

Durations

9 - 12 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Laos
Laos & Neighboring Countries
Vietnam
Vietnam & Neighboring Countries

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Tour's Location

Vietnam
Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s “Killing Fields” - Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s "Killing Fields" 📍 Location: 40km southwest of Chau Doc⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM💰 Entrance Fee: Free🚗 How to Get There: Take Highway 91, then Highway N1 along the Cambodia border toward Ha Tien, and turn south onto Highway 3T for the final stretch. You can hire a taxi or xe ôm (motorbike taxi) from Chau Doc, including waiting time if needed. A Tranquil Countryside with a Dark Past Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes southwest of Chau Doc, the peaceful village of Ba Chuc hides a history of unimaginable horror. In the late 1970s, as Cambodian refugees fled Pol Pot’s brutal regime, the region’s Khmer population swelled. Tragically, the Khmer Rouge pursued them into Vietnam, leaving behind a trail of massacres that still haunt this area today. The Ba Chuc Memorial: Remembering a Tragedy At the heart of the village stands a solemn memorial honoring the 3,157 victims of one of the worst massacres in Vietnamese history. Between April 18 and April 30, 1978, Khmer Rouge forces slaughtered nearly every resident, often in brutal and inhumane ways. Shockingly, only two villagers survived the bloodshed. The memorial structure, though simple in design, leaves a powerful impact. Beneath a stark concrete canopy lies an eight-sided glass enclosure, where skulls and bones of the victims are displayed, categorized by age—a chilling reminder of the innocence lost in this atrocity. Phi Lai Pagoda: A Silent Witness to Horror Many of the victims were mercilessly killed at the nearby Phi Lai Pagoda, which still bears visible bloodstains on its walls and floors. A small sign near the altar marks a tragic site where 40 villagers perished after a grenade was thrown into a tiny chamber beneath the shrine. Between the memorial and the pagoda, a small exhibition room houses harrowing black-and-white photographs taken immediately after the massacre. These images show scattered, mutilated corpses, offering an unfiltered look at the horrors inflicted upon Ba Chuc. Some pictures are extremely graphic and distressing, so visitors should be prepared before entering. Visiting Ba Chuc Today Despite its grim past, Ba Chuc remains an important historical site, attracting visitors who come to pay their respects and reflect on the devastation of war. A few cafés and food stalls nearby provide refreshments for those exploring the area. Ba Chuc stands as Vietnam’s own "Killing Fields", a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. While the site is not for the faint-hearted, it serves as a vital testament to history—one that should never be forgotten.The Hoa Hao Religion - The Hoa Hao Religion: A Unique Buddhist Sect in Vietnam 📍 Location: Hoa Hao Village, 20km east of Chau Doc👤 Founder: Huynh Phu So📜 Key Beliefs: Simplicity in worship, direct connection with the Supreme Being, ascetic lifestyle The Hoa Hao religion, a distinctive Buddhist sect, emerged in Vietnam in the late 1930s, originating from the small village of Hoa Hao, near Chau Doc. The movement was founded by Huynh Phu So, a visionary spiritual leader whose life story is deeply intertwined with the sect’s teachings. Origins and Core Beliefs Huynh Phu So, a frail child, was placed under the care of a reclusive monk, where he studied both traditional Buddhist teachings and mystical spiritual disciplines. In 1939, at the age of 20, he experienced a profound trance, during which a new form of Buddhism was revealed to him. Upon awakening, he was miraculously cured of his lifelong illness and began preaching his unique spiritual philosophy. Hoa Hao Buddhism promotes a stripped-down approach to worship, rejecting elaborate rituals, temples, and intermediaries such as monks and priests. Instead, it emphasizes direct personal communication with the Supreme Being. The faith also upholds strict moral values, discouraging alcohol, drugs, and gambling. These principles, along with Huynh Phu So’s reputed healing and prophetic abilities, quickly attracted a large following, especially among Vietnam’s rural peasant communities. Political Influence and Conflict Beyond its religious foundation, the Hoa Hao sect soon became a political force, forming a militia to support its nationalist, anti-French, and anti-Communist stance. During World War II, the Japanese occupation army supplied them with weapons, seeking to destabilize the French colonial administration. However, the French viewed the movement with deep suspicion, branding Huynh Phu So as the "Mad Monk." In 1941, he was imprisoned and later confined to a psychiatric hospital—where he astonishingly converted his doctor to Hoa Hao Buddhism. Upon his release in 1945, tensions between the Hoa Hao and the Viet Minh escalated, leading to Huynh’s assassination by Viet Minh agents in 1947. Despite fierce resistance, the sect’s influence waned over the following decades. In the 1950s, President Ngo Dinh Diem’s crackdown on dissident groups further weakened the movement, culminating in the capture and execution of Hoa Hao military leader Ba Cut in 1956. By the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, the Communist government had eliminated any remaining political or military presence of the sect. Hoa Hao Buddhism Today Despite its turbulent history, Hoa Hao Buddhism remains a significant spiritual tradition, with an estimated two million followers primarily residing in Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. Some devout male practitioners still wear long beards and hair tied in a bun, a traditional marker of Hoa Hao adherents. While the sect no longer engages in political activism, its legacy continues through its strong spiritual and ethical influence on local communities.
Land tourFrom: $426

Owner

Vietnam

Member Since 2024

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