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Scenic Vietnam
Overview of Laos and Vietnam
Our thoughtfully curated 12-day tour program is an ideal choice for your adventure. Meticulously designed by our experienced travel experts, this itinerary promises a truly remarkable journey. However, we understand that everyone has unique preferences, so we offer the option to customize the program to meet your specific requirements. Our dedicated team of experts will collaborate with you personally, ensuring a tailor-made solution that exceeds your expectations. If this tour captures your interest, please don't hesitate to send us a request. We also invite you to share any additional details or specific needs you may have, so we can further refine the program to create the perfect experience for you.
Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane City Tour
Day 3: Vientiane - Luang Prabang
Day 4: Luang Prabang - Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi City Tour
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay - Fly to Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An Walking Tour
Day 9: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10: Tour of Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 11: Mekong Delta Excursion
Day 12: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
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DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VIENTIANE
Welcome to Vientiane, Laos!
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and welcomed by the local tour guide of Custom Asia Travel and transfer to the hotel downtown. Free at leisure or take a walk to get acquainted with the city for the remainder of the day. If your arrival flight is early, some sightseeing activities would be arranged to keep you busy.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Meals
DAY 2: VIENTIANE CITY TOUR
Breakfast at the hotel before getting picked up to start the day of Vientiane. Firstly, the guide will accompany you to visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built-in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970. Your next stop is at one of the most photographed places in Vientiane–Patousay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arch of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath built this great sacred stupa in 1566. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha.
Continue to the Morning Market (Talaat Sao), known for its superior silk weaving, metalwork, and woodcarving. After lunch, visit the surroundings of Vientiane including the Buddha Park, located 15-miles (24-km) away, and take a look at the impressive Friendship Bridge. Return to Vientiane and visit the weaving village of BanNong Bouathong. Stroll along the banks of the Mekong River at sunset. If time permits visit COPE Visitor's Center before returning to your hotel.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 3: VIENTIANE - LUANG PRABANG
As usual, have breakfast at the hotel, then you will get transferred to the airport for the flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival at the airport, you are welcomed and get to the hotel in town for check-in. Afterward, you will be accompanied by your tour guide to visit The Royal Palace (official name "Haw Kham") which was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family Before sunset, ascend the 328 steps to the top of Phou Si Mountain that offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding rivers and cityscape before wandering through the bustling hilltribe market where traditional textiles and handicrafts made by the hill tribes are for sale. Do some shopping if you want or just for a look and taking photographs. Back to the hotel to end the day.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG - HANOI
After breakfast, you will take the cruise along a Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, where you will discover gold-lacquered Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes nestled deep in the limestone caverns. Embark on a cultural tour of Luang Prabang in the afternoon, you will explore the gilded temples such as Wat Mai, Wat Sensoukarahm and Wat Xieng Thong dotted across the city. Later in the afternoon, take the flight to Hanoi.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 5: HANOI CITY TOUR
After breakfast, you will start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Uncle Ho's house on stilts to learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved leader. Next, you will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique temple built on a single stone pillar, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university.
After a quick lunch break, you will head to the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War, to gain insight into the country's history of struggle and resistance.
Next, you will visit the Women's Museum, which showcases the important role of women in Vietnam's history and culture. You will then take a cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to soak up the atmosphere and experience local life.
Your last stop of the day will be at Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple, where you can learn about the legend of the lake and its significance to the people of Hanoi. To wrap up the day, you will attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique and entertaining art form that has been a part of Vietnam's cultural heritage for centuries.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 6: HANOI - HALONG BAY
In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and driven to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier in Halong City, you will board the cruise ship. As you cruise through the mesmerizing limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters, a delicious lunch will be served on board. Take in the stunning scenery as you glide along the bay. You will have the opportunity to visit a fascinating cave, where a guided tour will unveil its impressive formations. In the afternoon, you can choose to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the sun deck. As the sun sets, enjoy a delectable dinner on the boat, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Halong Bay. You will spend the night on the cruise ship, immersed in the serene ambiance of the bay.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
DAY 7: HALONG BAY - FLY TO DA NANG (HOI AN)
Wake up early to witness the captivating sunrise over the bay. Participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind. After a hearty breakfast, the cruise will continue to explore different areas of Halong Bay, allowing you to discover more hidden treasures and awe-inspiring landscapes. A delicious brunch will be served on board as the boat gradually returns to the pier. After disembarking from the cruise, you will be transferred back to Hanoi and then onward to the airport for a short flight to central Vietnam. Upon arrival at Danang airport, our team will be there to pick you up and transfer you to the beautiful city of Hoi An. Check into your hotel and enjoy a comfortable stay for the night, immersing yourself in the charm and atmosphere of this historic town. Please note that the exact itinerary may vary depending on the chosen cruise company and weather conditions.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 8: HOI AN WALKING TOUR
Hoi An is a charming city, a beautifully preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port, dating back from the 15th to the 19th century, and its unique heritage is reflected in its buildings and street plan, influenced by both indigenous and foreign cultures. On this day, you will get picked up and head to the boat dock after breakfast for a unique experience in a fishing village. You'll have the opportunity to see and learn about the life of the fishing community, and take a short ride in a basket boat, cycle through the countryside along quiet country roads lined with fields of rice, coconut, and corn. Return to Hoi An town and spend the afternoon with your local guide for a delightful excursion to Hoi An! Discover the charm of this well-preserved trading port as we explore its historic buildings, cultural exchanges, and local lifestyle. Marvel at the ancient Cam Pho communal house and iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. Immerse yourself in the authentic Quan Thang ancient house and vibrant Fujian Assembly Hall. Visit the bustling central market, where you'll witness the daily life of locals and find an array of delicious food. But that's not all! As a special highlight, you'll also have the unique opportunity to learn the art of making traditional lanterns. Under the guidance of enthusiastic craftsmen, you'll experience each stage of lantern-making, from bending the frame to completing your very own lantern. After this unforgettable experience, return to your hotel to end the busy day!
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 9: HOIAN -HO CHI MINH
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a captivating journey to the My Son Holy Land in the morning. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, just an hour away from Hoi An, was once the heart of the Champa Kingdom. Explore the ancient Hindu temple ruins, dating back to the 4th century AD, amidst stunning surroundings. The afternoon, after your lunch, transferring to the airport for your afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Getting picked up at the airport, check-in your hotel in downtown of the city. Relax and stay overnight.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 10: TOUR OF SAIGON & CU CHI TUNNELS
After your breakfast in the hotel, start the day by visiting the War Remnants Museum and the former Presidential Palace. Thence stroll to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office. After lunch, the car will take you out of the bustling city for Cu Chi District, locates approximately 70 km northwest of Saigon. This is a beautiful green land with fruit gardens, rice paddies, and plantations. Cu Chi Tunnels are like a spider web in the soil of Cu Chi District. It consists of more than 200km of narrow underground tunnels that connecting half or total covered hideouts, shelters, fighting bunkers, hospital, school, living rooms and so on... All were built and used by Viet Cong for resistance against their enemy during the French and American wars. Thence we will drive back to the city in the late afternoon.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 11: MEKONG DELTA EXCURSION
You will have a full day to visit the lush Mekong Delta today. After 2.5-hour transfer by car, you will arrive at Phong Nam, Ben Tre. Get on your private motorized boat and will cruise along the Chet Say River (a branch of the Mekong). Have stops at various local workplaces such as coconut candy, brick-making workshop, straw mat... You also have time to ride a motor cart that takes you through green lush fruit gardens. Lunch today is served at a peaceful garden restaurant. Ride a sampan boat along a narrow canal edged by rows of water coconut trees before getting back on your motorized boat for the dock. In the afternoon, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for the last night of your trip.
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/ Lunch/
DAY 12: DEPARTURE FROM HO CHI MINH CITY
As your adventure in Vietnam draws to a close, take some time to relax and reflect on your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps some last-minute shopping before we pick you up for your private transfer to the airport. Whether you're returning home or continuing on to your next destination, we hope you leave Vietnam with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for this beautiful country. Safe travels and we hope to see you again soon!
What's Included
Accommodation
Tour
Transfer
Guide
Breakfast/
How did people say about us!
Our Traveler's Beloved Programs
Traveler Reviews
Jay M
Date of Experience: Mar 2023
We highly recommend Custom Asia Travel for your trip to Southeast Asia! They provided a great combination of visiting historical and religious sites, temples, and also cultural connections in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia that we could have never made on our own. Our local guides were informative, and shared personal experiences that made our journey meaningful. We asked for an active trip, and Custom Asia Travel tailored our request with biking, kayaking and hiking. We enjoyed local cuisine in Laos, and were amazed by the history and significance of the temples in Cambodia, experienced via a beautiful bike tour.
Date of Experience: Mar 2023
We did a day trip in a Jeep in Ninh Binh with Thu, which included Trang An, Hang Mua, Bich Dong and Tam Coc. Thu was an amazing tour guide and was extremely helpful throughout the whole day, organising everything from start to finish and giving us insightful information about the things we saw, as well as life in Vietnam and it’s history more generally! The lunch was also great and the day turned out to be one of the best days of our trip! Couldn’t recommend Thu enough 😊
Nadine
Date of Experience: Mar 2023
We had an amazing time! Me and my friends visited the Halong/Lan Ha Bay and the Dry Halong Bay. Everything was perfectly organized & all the pick-ups were punctual. The guide and driver were very nice. The cruise ship and the eco lodge, in which we stayed, were great. The staff was very friendly and everything was clean. We can definitely recommend booking a trip with Custom Asia Travel! The organisation and contact with the company was great before, during and after the trip.
Whitney B
Date of Experience: Dec 2022
I cannot say enough positives about Custom Asia Travel! We visited Vietnam in December/January 2023 and had an amazing trip with our 3 teens. The itinerary exceeded our expectations! We travelled to Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Nha Trang. We had no issues with any of our transportation around the country - our drivers and guides were always there on time (early, actually), friendly and helpful. The accommodations were excellent and our guides were fantastic (Tanh, Tanh, and Viet - they were awesome!). Every place we stayed put our rooms right next to each other, often adjoining, and the kids’ room always had two twin beds and a cot, while my husband and I had a king bed. This was perfect as our teenagers did not want to share beds, lol! The activities were super fun and appealed to all of us. So many highlights - the kids loved the rice farm tour (riding the water Buffalo elicited the biggest smile we’ve ever seen from our 16 year old!), seeing the caves in Ninh Binh, the cooking class in Hoi An, and Ha Long Bay. I really appreciated that some of our itinerary was focused on less crowded activities - a couple of the temples we saw were practically empty, allowing us to enjoy and experience these beautiful sites on our own. We did a couple of bike rides which were also highlights, such a great way to explore and see the area! Minh was available and responsive while planning the trip and while we were there. I agree with others reviews about whether she ever sleeps! She was able to coordinate our luggage getting dropped off as it did not arrive with us, and contacted one of the hotels about a ring that had been left, and arranged for us to pick it up. She was warm, friendly, knowledgeable, and so helpful. We truly had a relaxing and stress free trip because of the excellent customer service from Minh and our guides. With only having 12 days to visit we were so grateful to be able to enjoy the travel and know that Minh and her team were there if and when needed. I highly recommend using this company, you will not regret it! Now I am dreaming of how quickly we can make it back!! Thank you thank you to Minh and the team, our trip was unforgettable!
Date of Experience: Feb 2022
We are over 60 yers old and for eficiency we decided to organise our trips in Vietnam with a local agency. Custom Asia Travel is the wright agency. We decided to visit Hanoi, Tam Coc, Ha Long, Da Nang, Hoi An, My son Sanctuary and Ho Chi Minh City with help of this agency. The organisation and planing of the tours, the selection of the places to visit, hotels, restaurants,cars ( clean and comfortable), drivers and guides was perfect. The drivers and guides where friendly and polite. The guides ( Cường Xi,in Hanoi and Tam Coc, Tran Thanh Binh in Ho Chi Minh as also the guide in Da Nang area) where perfect. They gave us many interesting information about the visited places, organized perfect the details of the trips. The boat arrangement done by Custom Asia Travel in Ha Long Bay - Peony 1 was perfect. The prices for the offered services are fair. We kindly recommend this agency for tailor made trips.
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