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Travel to Southeast Asia
Yunnan - Laos - Vietnam Tour (18 days)
Tour Route:
Kunming-Jinghong- Luang Nam Tha- Nong Khiew- Luang Prabang- Phonsavan- Vientiane- Vinh- Hanoi-Ha Long Bay Cruise
best season: October- May
Day By Day Itinerary:
Day01. Arrive Kunming
Arrive in Kunming, meet your guide in airport and transfer to hotel. Welcoming dinner tonight.
Stay over night in Kunming 4 star hotel
Day02. Kunming/Jinghong
A day trip to Stone Forest, Stone Forest is a massive collection of grey lime stone pillars. It is composed of closely knit outcrops of dark gray limestone karst that have weathered into interesting shapes since their formation beneath a sea some 270 million years ago. In 2007, Stone forest is enlisted as one of world natural heritages.take evening flight to Jinghong, the capital city of Xishuangbana Dai Autonomous Prefecture.
Stay over night in Jinghong 4 star hotel
Day03. Jinghong
The Botanical Garden is one of major attraction in Xishuangbana, the gardens are gorgeous and get high marks from visitors. The 933hectares of garden are well laid out,over 2000 species of tropical plants have been introduced since 1959.On the way to Botanical Garden. There is a huge produce market on Ganglanba which sells all kinds of regional specialties including lots of weird tropical fruit Zong Fosi is the leading regional temple, described by anthropologist as the “Ivy League” of temple schools, just before you get to the park entrance is the Mangti Fosi, a temple claimed to date back 1100 years.
Stay over night in Jinghong 4 star hotel
Day04. Jinghong-Mengla
A whole day drive takes us to the Mengla, a small border town where we will spend a night here.
Stay over night in Mengla 3 star hotel
Day05. Mengla- Luang Nam Tha
We cross the China / Northern Lao border at Mohan and travel down to Luang Namtha where we overnight.
Stay over night in Luang Nam Tha 3 star hotel
Day06. Luang Nam Tha
Luang Nam Tha, a small town that is home to numerous colourful hilltribes, including Akha, Yao and Lao Theung. There is also a significant Chinese population and a lot of trade goes on between here, Thailand and China. Laos’ remoteness has meant that local communities have preserved much of their traditional lifestyle and culture. On a four-to-five-hour trek in Luang Nam Tha you come across various ethnic minority people - many of them have never previously met foreigners!
Stay over night in Luang Nam Tha 3 star hotel
Day07. Luang Nam Tha- Nong Khiew
An eight-hour drive on bumpy roads takes us to Nong Khiew. This small village is also known as Muang Ngoi, as is another small village nearby! They are over 150 years old and have survived on fishing and farming. Limestone mountain outcrops surround the area, and it is possible to explore the various caves beneath these formations. There is also a temple in the area and with it many monks in saffron robes. After a long days journey the perfect option is to laze back with a cold beverage and take in the peace and quiet that surrounds you - not to mention the breath-taking scenery.
Stay over night in Nong Khiew guest house
Day08. Nong Khiew -Luang Prabang- Nam Ou (Ou River)
Today we take a slowboat from Nong Khiew down the Nam Ou (Ou River) to the Mekong River where we stop to stretch our legs and explore the amazing Pak Ou Caves, which contain hundreds of Buddha statues. From here we continue down the mighty Mekong River bound for Luang Prabang. On arrival we transfer by tuk tuk to our basic but comfortable guesthouse. We have an opportunity to embark on an evening climb to the top of Phu Si Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. There are 329 steps, which zigzag their way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa (That Chomsi) at the summit.
Stay over night in Luang Prabang 3 star hotel
Day09 – 10. Luang Prabang
We have time here to wander the streets and discover this beautiful town, with its gleaming temple roofs, fading French architecture and stunning mountain backdrop. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. A highlight of our three -night stay is a visit to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls. We will trek into the waterfalls (approximately 3 hours), this is a great opportunity to stretch the legs after 2 days on a boat and gives you a chance at some physical activity.
Stay over night in Luang Prabang 3 star hotel
Day11. Luang Prabang- Phonsavan
Today we take with us our spirit of adventure and travel by local fan-cooled bus to remote Xieng Khuang Province, an area that was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. The high altitude means that the weather will be relatively cool. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. It is said that these jars are over 2000 years old, but there is no reliable way of dating them and archaeologists are still mystified as to their original purpose (opinions vary from burial urns to rice whisky vats). We also visit the province’s old capital of Muang Khun that was largely destroyed in the bombing raids, as well as the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hilltribe who have an interesting local culture and a colourful history. The Hmong people wear distinctive costumes and live at high altitudes. We spent the night in a basic hotel in the small town of Phonsavan, which is the province’s current capital.
Stay over night in Phonsavan guesthouse
Day12. Phonsavan/ Vientiane
We visit the local market in the morning before transferring to the airport and flying back to Vientiane. A drink in a riverside bar, watching the glorious sunset over the Mekong River, is the perfect way to enjoy your evening is this charming city.
Stay over night in Vientiane 3 star hotel
Day13. Vientiane- Lak Sao
Vientiane was originally one of the early Lao valley fiefdoms that were consolidated around the time that Europe was leaving the Dark Ages. Despite early prosperity, Vientiane lost its independence at various times during its history to Vietnamese, Burmese, Siamese and Khmers forces. When Laos became a French protectorate in the late 19th Century, Vientiane was named as its capital. It remains so today, under communist rule. The curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Soviet, French and US influences result in a somewhat exotic atmosphere. This small and laid-back capital is easily explored by bicycle or on foot. A short walking orientation tour in the morning takes us to the oldest remaining temple in Vientiane, Wat Si Saket, which was constructed in 1818. During free time, you can further explore Vientiane’s other historical sites, including Haw Pha Kaew, the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and home to some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures to be found in Laos. The rest of the day is free for your own personal exploration.
Stay over night in Vientiane 3 star hotel
Day14. Lak Sao- Vinh
Crossing the border into Vietnam we head for the port city of Vinh, birthplace of Ho Chi Minh. Following the wars with the French and the Americans, the city was so heavily bombed it was left with only two buildings intact! It has since been rebuilt with the help of former Eastern Block nations and today boasts a population of 500,000 people. Here we board the Reunification Express sleeper train for the 300-kilometre train journey to Hanoi. Please be warned this is a local train and conditions on board are generally quite basic. Also, breakfast tomorrow is not always available on the train so it is recommended that you purchase some breakfast supplies before boarding in Vinh. Please ensure you have the correct date of validity for your Vietnam visa, if the date is after you are due to cross the Vietnamese officials will not permit you to cross. When you get your passport back from the Vietnamese Embassy, please check your visa thoroughly. Passengers who have the wrong date on their visa have to travel back to Vientiane and fly to Hanoi at their own expense.
Stay over night in Vinh 3 star hotel
Day15. Vinh- Hanoi
Although there has been a settlement here since the 3rd century AD, the city of Hanoi can trace its origins back to 1010 when Emperor Le Thai To moved his capital from Hoa Lu to this site. From the 1880s to World War II, Hanoi was developed as the French colonial capital of French Indochina and many of the old structures in Hanoi were razed to make way for new French buildings. Today the people of Hanoi take a lot of pride in their grand old colonial buildings and these together with the wide spacious boulevards and tree-lined lakes help make Hanoi one of the most graceful and charming cities in South East Asia. In Hanoi, we will enjoy a half-day tour that will showcase some of the city’s most interesting attractions. We’ll begin with a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda situated near the Soviet-inspired Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. The One Pillar Pagoda was first constructed in 1049 and as such it was Hanoi’s oldest structure. If it doesn’t look that old to you, it’s because the French blew it up in 1954 as a parting gesture and the current building is a replica. From here we’ll continue on to the ‘Temple of Literature’, a wonderful name for a wonderful place. Founded in 1070, it was Vietnam’s first educational institute and a place where candidates for the position of Mandarin were examined. Finally we’ll visit the Hoa Lo Prison, probably better known to most of us as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’. Hanoi’s tallest building now occupies most of the original site, and no, it doesn’t belong to the Hilton Hotel chain, but the eastern wall and a small section of the prison behind have been retained and today serve as a museum. It mostly serves as a reminder of the Vietnamese who were incarcerated here by their French masters. The remainder of your time in Hanoi is free to wander around town and check out the lifestyles of Hanoi’s people. One of the best places to do this is the city’s Old Quarter, situated to the north of the Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a great (and easy) place to get lost in for a couple of hours. However, it’s not too difficult to find your bearings if you remember that its boundaries are the railway line to the west and the north, the Red River to the east and Hoan Kiem Lake to the south.
Stay over night in Hanoi 3 star hotel
Day16. Hanoi- Ha Long Bay
Ha Long means ‘descending dragon’ and legend has it that a giant dragon plunged into the ocean at this point cutting the bay from the rocks as it thrashed its way into the depths. We prefer Mother Nature’s version and awe-inspiring Halong Bay with its 3,000 limestone karsts thrusting skyward out of the sea is one of her finest pieces of work. Our Halong Bay excursion begins with a 3½-hour drive through the fertile Red River Delta to the bay-side resort town of Bai Chay. We’ll board our chartered boat shortly before midday and enjoy a full afternoon lazing on the deck as we cruise through this most amazing seascape. A seafood lunch will be served on board and we’ll have the opportunity to go for a swim before going ashore on one of the islands to explore its colourful limestone caves. With any luck we’ll witness a fabulous sunset over Halong Bay before enjoying dinner prepared by our crew. Accommodation tonight is on board our boat in simply furnished cabins. Bedding will be provided but if the weather is fine you may prefer to sleep on the top deck under the stars. There are showers and sometimes there is hot water and sometimes not!
Stay over night on board
Day17. Ha Long Bay- Hanoi
Following breakfast we make our way back to port then on to Hanoi arriving around lunchtime. Our remaining time in Hanoi is free for shopping and sightseeing, or relaxing in one of the lakeside cafes. Your journey through Vietnam finishes.
Stay over night in Hanoi 3 star hotel
Day18. Departure Hanoi
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to airport, end of tour.
Cost of the tour:
Kunming-Jinghong- Luang Nam Tha- Nong Khiew- Luang Prabang- Phonsavan- Vientiane- Vinh- Hanoi-Ha Long Bay Cruise
best season: October- May
Day By Day Itinerary:
Day01. Arrive Kunming
Arrive in Kunming, meet your guide in airport and transfer to hotel. Welcoming dinner tonight.
Stay over night in Kunming 4 star hotel
Day02. Kunming/Jinghong
A day trip to Stone Forest, Stone Forest is a massive collection of grey lime stone pillars. It is composed of closely knit outcrops of dark gray limestone karst that have weathered into interesting shapes since their formation beneath a sea some 270 million years ago. In 2007, Stone forest is enlisted as one of world natural heritages.take evening flight to Jinghong, the capital city of Xishuangbana Dai Autonomous Prefecture.
Stay over night in Jinghong 4 star hotel
Day03. Jinghong
The Botanical Garden is one of major attraction in Xishuangbana, the gardens are gorgeous and get high marks from visitors. The 933hectares of garden are well laid out,over 2000 species of tropical plants have been introduced since 1959.On the way to Botanical Garden. There is a huge produce market on Ganglanba which sells all kinds of regional specialties including lots of weird tropical fruit Zong Fosi is the leading regional temple, described by anthropologist as the “Ivy League” of temple schools, just before you get to the park entrance is the Mangti Fosi, a temple claimed to date back 1100 years.
Stay over night in Jinghong 4 star hotel
Day04. Jinghong-Mengla
A whole day drive takes us to the Mengla, a small border town where we will spend a night here.
Stay over night in Mengla 3 star hotel
Day05. Mengla- Luang Nam Tha
We cross the China / Northern Lao border at Mohan and travel down to Luang Namtha where we overnight.
Stay over night in Luang Nam Tha 3 star hotel
Day06. Luang Nam Tha
Luang Nam Tha, a small town that is home to numerous colourful hilltribes, including Akha, Yao and Lao Theung. There is also a significant Chinese population and a lot of trade goes on between here, Thailand and China. Laos’ remoteness has meant that local communities have preserved much of their traditional lifestyle and culture. On a four-to-five-hour trek in Luang Nam Tha you come across various ethnic minority people - many of them have never previously met foreigners!
Stay over night in Luang Nam Tha 3 star hotel
Day07. Luang Nam Tha- Nong Khiew
An eight-hour drive on bumpy roads takes us to Nong Khiew. This small village is also known as Muang Ngoi, as is another small village nearby! They are over 150 years old and have survived on fishing and farming. Limestone mountain outcrops surround the area, and it is possible to explore the various caves beneath these formations. There is also a temple in the area and with it many monks in saffron robes. After a long days journey the perfect option is to laze back with a cold beverage and take in the peace and quiet that surrounds you - not to mention the breath-taking scenery.
Stay over night in Nong Khiew guest house
Day08. Nong Khiew -Luang Prabang- Nam Ou (Ou River)
Today we take a slowboat from Nong Khiew down the Nam Ou (Ou River) to the Mekong River where we stop to stretch our legs and explore the amazing Pak Ou Caves, which contain hundreds of Buddha statues. From here we continue down the mighty Mekong River bound for Luang Prabang. On arrival we transfer by tuk tuk to our basic but comfortable guesthouse. We have an opportunity to embark on an evening climb to the top of Phu Si Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. There are 329 steps, which zigzag their way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa (That Chomsi) at the summit.
Stay over night in Luang Prabang 3 star hotel
Day09 – 10. Luang Prabang
We have time here to wander the streets and discover this beautiful town, with its gleaming temple roofs, fading French architecture and stunning mountain backdrop. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in South East Asia’. A highlight of our three -night stay is a visit to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls. We will trek into the waterfalls (approximately 3 hours), this is a great opportunity to stretch the legs after 2 days on a boat and gives you a chance at some physical activity.
Stay over night in Luang Prabang 3 star hotel
Day11. Luang Prabang- Phonsavan
Today we take with us our spirit of adventure and travel by local fan-cooled bus to remote Xieng Khuang Province, an area that was devastated by American bombing between 1964 and 1973. The high altitude means that the weather will be relatively cool. Upon arrival, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered all over the plateau. It is said that these jars are over 2000 years old, but there is no reliable way of dating them and archaeologists are still mystified as to their original purpose (opinions vary from burial urns to rice whisky vats). We also visit the province’s old capital of Muang Khun that was largely destroyed in the bombing raids, as well as the nearby villages, home to the Hmong hilltribe who have an interesting local culture and a colourful history. The Hmong people wear distinctive costumes and live at high altitudes. We spent the night in a basic hotel in the small town of Phonsavan, which is the province’s current capital.
Stay over night in Phonsavan guesthouse
Day12. Phonsavan/ Vientiane
We visit the local market in the morning before transferring to the airport and flying back to Vientiane. A drink in a riverside bar, watching the glorious sunset over the Mekong River, is the perfect way to enjoy your evening is this charming city.
Stay over night in Vientiane 3 star hotel
Day13. Vientiane- Lak Sao
Vientiane was originally one of the early Lao valley fiefdoms that were consolidated around the time that Europe was leaving the Dark Ages. Despite early prosperity, Vientiane lost its independence at various times during its history to Vietnamese, Burmese, Siamese and Khmers forces. When Laos became a French protectorate in the late 19th Century, Vientiane was named as its capital. It remains so today, under communist rule. The curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, Soviet, French and US influences result in a somewhat exotic atmosphere. This small and laid-back capital is easily explored by bicycle or on foot. A short walking orientation tour in the morning takes us to the oldest remaining temple in Vientiane, Wat Si Saket, which was constructed in 1818. During free time, you can further explore Vientiane’s other historical sites, including Haw Pha Kaew, the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy and home to some of the best examples of Buddhist sculptures to be found in Laos. The rest of the day is free for your own personal exploration.
Stay over night in Vientiane 3 star hotel
Day14. Lak Sao- Vinh
Crossing the border into Vietnam we head for the port city of Vinh, birthplace of Ho Chi Minh. Following the wars with the French and the Americans, the city was so heavily bombed it was left with only two buildings intact! It has since been rebuilt with the help of former Eastern Block nations and today boasts a population of 500,000 people. Here we board the Reunification Express sleeper train for the 300-kilometre train journey to Hanoi. Please be warned this is a local train and conditions on board are generally quite basic. Also, breakfast tomorrow is not always available on the train so it is recommended that you purchase some breakfast supplies before boarding in Vinh. Please ensure you have the correct date of validity for your Vietnam visa, if the date is after you are due to cross the Vietnamese officials will not permit you to cross. When you get your passport back from the Vietnamese Embassy, please check your visa thoroughly. Passengers who have the wrong date on their visa have to travel back to Vientiane and fly to Hanoi at their own expense.
Stay over night in Vinh 3 star hotel
Day15. Vinh- Hanoi
Although there has been a settlement here since the 3rd century AD, the city of Hanoi can trace its origins back to 1010 when Emperor Le Thai To moved his capital from Hoa Lu to this site. From the 1880s to World War II, Hanoi was developed as the French colonial capital of French Indochina and many of the old structures in Hanoi were razed to make way for new French buildings. Today the people of Hanoi take a lot of pride in their grand old colonial buildings and these together with the wide spacious boulevards and tree-lined lakes help make Hanoi one of the most graceful and charming cities in South East Asia. In Hanoi, we will enjoy a half-day tour that will showcase some of the city’s most interesting attractions. We’ll begin with a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda situated near the Soviet-inspired Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. The One Pillar Pagoda was first constructed in 1049 and as such it was Hanoi’s oldest structure. If it doesn’t look that old to you, it’s because the French blew it up in 1954 as a parting gesture and the current building is a replica. From here we’ll continue on to the ‘Temple of Literature’, a wonderful name for a wonderful place. Founded in 1070, it was Vietnam’s first educational institute and a place where candidates for the position of Mandarin were examined. Finally we’ll visit the Hoa Lo Prison, probably better known to most of us as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’. Hanoi’s tallest building now occupies most of the original site, and no, it doesn’t belong to the Hilton Hotel chain, but the eastern wall and a small section of the prison behind have been retained and today serve as a museum. It mostly serves as a reminder of the Vietnamese who were incarcerated here by their French masters. The remainder of your time in Hanoi is free to wander around town and check out the lifestyles of Hanoi’s people. One of the best places to do this is the city’s Old Quarter, situated to the north of the Hoan Kiem Lake. It’s a great (and easy) place to get lost in for a couple of hours. However, it’s not too difficult to find your bearings if you remember that its boundaries are the railway line to the west and the north, the Red River to the east and Hoan Kiem Lake to the south.
Stay over night in Hanoi 3 star hotel
Day16. Hanoi- Ha Long Bay
Ha Long means ‘descending dragon’ and legend has it that a giant dragon plunged into the ocean at this point cutting the bay from the rocks as it thrashed its way into the depths. We prefer Mother Nature’s version and awe-inspiring Halong Bay with its 3,000 limestone karsts thrusting skyward out of the sea is one of her finest pieces of work. Our Halong Bay excursion begins with a 3½-hour drive through the fertile Red River Delta to the bay-side resort town of Bai Chay. We’ll board our chartered boat shortly before midday and enjoy a full afternoon lazing on the deck as we cruise through this most amazing seascape. A seafood lunch will be served on board and we’ll have the opportunity to go for a swim before going ashore on one of the islands to explore its colourful limestone caves. With any luck we’ll witness a fabulous sunset over Halong Bay before enjoying dinner prepared by our crew. Accommodation tonight is on board our boat in simply furnished cabins. Bedding will be provided but if the weather is fine you may prefer to sleep on the top deck under the stars. There are showers and sometimes there is hot water and sometimes not!
Stay over night on board
Day17. Ha Long Bay- Hanoi
Following breakfast we make our way back to port then on to Hanoi arriving around lunchtime. Our remaining time in Hanoi is free for shopping and sightseeing, or relaxing in one of the lakeside cafes. Your journey through Vietnam finishes.
Stay over night in Hanoi 3 star hotel
Day18. Departure Hanoi
After breakfast in hotel, transfer to airport, end of tour.
Cost of the tour:
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6—9 pax |
10--up |
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Deluxe |
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Super deluxe |
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Price Includes:
1: hotels as mentioned in the itinerary, all rooms based on share of 2 people.
2: all meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
3: all transportation services in the each city mentioned in the tour.
4: English spoke local guide service throughout your tour.
5: all entrance fee and tickets to the parks and tourist attraction mentioned in the itinerary.
6: cruise line as mentioned in the itinerary.
7: domestic tourist insurance.
8:group leader services throughout your tour.
2: all meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
3: all transportation services in the each city mentioned in the tour.
4: English spoke local guide service throughout your tour.
5: all entrance fee and tickets to the parks and tourist attraction mentioned in the itinerary.
6: cruise line as mentioned in the itinerary.
7: domestic tourist insurance.
8:group leader services throughout your tour.
Price excludes:
1: Visa Fee to China. Laos, Vietnam.
2: international and domestic air tickets not listed in the tour.
3: specific local flavor not mentioned in the tour.
4: tips for the guide and driver.
5: expenses based on personal nature.
6: performance and show not included in the tour.
2: international and domestic air tickets not listed in the tour.
3: specific local flavor not mentioned in the tour.
4: tips for the guide and driver.
5: expenses based on personal nature.
6: performance and show not included in the tour.