Laos | Vietnam & Laos Explorer
A journey through Vietnam and Laos will leave you energized and inspired. Be moved by the smiling faces of the enduring people and enlightened by an encounter with Buddhist monks in Luang Prabang. Be thrilled by the raucous street life in Saigon and Hanoi, and enchanted by the history and peace in Hoi An and Hue, then decompress on the banks of the Mekong in Vientiane. All this is set against a stunning backdrop of sweeping mountains, verdant fields and sparkling bays.
| Duration: | 14 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW254 |
| Trip Style: | Superior - 4 star |
| Departure Dates: | 12 Nov 2011, 19 Nov 2011, 26 Nov 2011, 03 Dec 2011, 10 Dec 2011, 17 Dec 2011, 24 Dec 2011, 31 Dec 2011, 07 Jan 2012, 21 Jan 2012, 28 Jan 2012, 04 Feb 2012, 11 Feb 2012, 18 Feb 2012, 25 Feb 2012, 03 Mar 2012, 17 Mar 2012, 24 Mar 2012, 14 Apr 2012, 21 Apr 2012, 05 May 2012, 12 May 2012, 19 May 2012, 02 Jun 2012, 09 Jun 2012, 16 Jun 2012, 30 Jun 2012, 07 Jul 2012, 21 Jul 2012, 04 Aug 2012, 11 Aug 2012, 25 Aug 2012, 01 Sep 2012, 15 Sep 2012, 22 Sep 2012, 29 Sep 2012, 13 Oct 2012, 27 Oct 2012, 03 Nov 2012, 10 Nov 2012, 17 Nov 2012, 24 Nov 2012, 01 Dec 2012, 08 Dec 2012, 22 Dec 2012, 05 Jan 2013, 12 Jan 2013, 19 Jan 2013, 26 Jan 2013, 09 Feb 2013, 16 Feb 2013, 23 Feb 2013, 02 Mar 2013, 09 Mar 2013, 16 Mar 2013, 23 Mar 2013 |
| Price: | From $3,065 |
| Single Supplement: | From $795 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
This small group journey is the perfect way for solo travellers to experience Asia. The style of travel means that you will experience Asia as a group of friends, not as part of an anonymous coach-load. Join your western tour leader and fellow travellers for an evening meal or sunset drink, or strike out on your own. The choice is always yours. This tour generally attracts a mix of couples, friends and solo travellers. The group never exceeds 16 passengers, which means you will always have the chance to get to know your fellow travellers.
If you don't want to pay a single supplement you can choose to share and pay the twin-share price. If there isn't one other person of the same sex willing to share on your departure, you will stay in a single room at no extra cost. Alternatively, you can ensure a room to yourself by paying a single supplement.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 16 max.
SEASONAL PRICE RANGE: $3,065 to $3,495
Single Supplement: $795 to $885
DAY 1 - ARRIVE SAIGON
Upon arrival in Saigon you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour leader (or local guide) for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.
DUXTON HOTEL - 3 nights
DAY 2 - SAIGON
See the sights of old and new Saigon in the central ‘French quarter' and the Chinatown district, then visit Cu Chi Tunnels.
DAY 3 - MEKONG DELTA
Explore the Mekong Delta's canals, orchards and towns by boat and interact with the friendly locals.
DAY 4 - SAIGON TO HUE
Fly to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital. Wander the last empire's Forbidden City - the Citadel and visit Thien Mu Pagoda. Visit the workers of Spiral Foundation.
SAIGON MORIN - 1 night
DAY 5 - HUE TO HOI AN
Visit the tomb of the former Nguyen Dynasty Emperor - Tu Duc before driving south to nearby Hoi An. Enjoy the architecture, local delicacies and friendly locals that make Hoi An a true Vietnam highlight on an afternoon walking and market tour with the students of ‘Streets' organisation.
HOI AN HISTORIC HOTEL - 2 nights
DAY 6 - HOI AN
Today is at leisure to enjoy Hoi An with its many galleries, tailor shops and restaurants.
DAY 7 - HOI AN TO HALONG BAY
Free time before you fly to Hanoi. On arrival, transfer to Halong City.
ROYAL LOTUS HOTEL - 1 night
DAY 8 - HALONG BAY TO HANOI
Spend the morning cruising the spectacular Halong Bay, with its thousands of limestone islets that rise out of the sea, as you enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch onboard. In the afternoon journey to Hanoi before an evening theatrical water puppet performance.
SILK PATH HOTEL - 2 nights
DAY 9 - HANOI
Discover the Old Quarter on a walking tour, then explore Hanoi with visits to historic Ba Dinh Square, the infamous Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton) prison and the peaceful Temple of Literature, then, the remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 10 - HANOI TO VIENTIANE
Fly to the sleepy Lao capital city, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Choose to either explore the waterfront area of the Mekong or relax by the hotel pool this afternoon.
MERCURE VIENTIANE - 2 nights
DAY 11 - VIENTIANE
Spend the day exploring the capital's most famous landmarks and temples, then pay a visit to a fair-trade silk weaving organization. In the afternoon, visit the COPE Centreand cap off your day with a traditional Lao Baci welcome and blessing ceremony.
DAY 12 - VIENTIANE TO LUANG PRABANG
Fly to Luang Prabang this morning. Spend the afternoon walking around the city's many beautiful wats. In the evening participate in a cooking class of traditional Lao cuisine where you have the chance to taste your own creation.
SALA PRABANG - 3 nights
DAY 13 - LUANG PRABANG
Visit the National Museum, then on to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, where you will gain insight into Laos' ethnic groups. Travel up river by slow boat to visit Pak Ou (thousand Buddha) caves, enjoying a picnic lunch en route. Return midafternoon for some free time to relax.
DAY 14 - LUANG PRABANG
Rise early to witness of monks perform the morning alms tradition. Visit a local market then drive to the beautiful Kuang Si falls for swimming. finish off the day with a game of petanque and sunset drinks on the famous Mekong River. DAY 15 - LUANG PRABANG Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey
ACCOMMODATION
Saigon - DUXTON HOTEL
Fantastic location, very good service and facilities including pool. A comfortable, internationally managed four-star property.
Hoi An - HOI AN HISTORIC HOTEL
Fantastic location just on the edge of Hoi An's old town. Recent renovations make for good facilities including a nice pool and new spa centre. Three-star.
Hue - SAIGON MORIN
This former French colonial property boasts large, comfortable rooms. Opposite the Perfume River in the heart of the south bank, the hotel features a lovely internal courtyard with al fresco restaurant and pool.
Halong City - ROYAL LOTUS HOTEL
Located on the edge of town and one of the better options in Halong City. Very comfortable with modern facilities including a pool and 3 restaurants. Three to four-star.
Hanoi - SILK PATH HOTEL
Great location in the old quarter of Hanoi. All rooms are of a modern design with all amenities. Four star.
Vientiane - MERCURE
Comfortable, well-maintained 3.5-star hotel with excellent facilities and 24 hour service. Nice pool, gym and bar area.
Luang Prabang - SALA PRABANG
Not a hotel per se, but a converted series of historic houses with rustic charm, clustered together in the heart of Luang Prabang. Rooms do not have extra amenities such as television, phone, or mini-bar, but with its restored original buildings, this accommodation has great character and is unbeatable in terms of location and atmosphere.
Trip grading: EASY
Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility. Fly between major destinations.
DELUXE OPTION AVAILABLE - CONTACT US FOR DETAILS
Inclusions
- 14 nights hotel accommodation
- Three domestic flights
- 1 international flight from Hanoi to Vientiane
- all road transport by modern, air-conditioned vehicles (touring in Luang Prabang by foot and tuk-tuk)
- all sightseeing as specified (excluding entrance fees)
- Western tour leader based on a minimum of 7 travellers
- local English-speaking guides throughout
- arrival and departure transfers
- breakfast daily, three lunches and one dinner
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
