Northern Vietnam & Laos Explorer 14 Days

Arrive in Hanoi, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the bustling Old Quarter. Depending on your arrival time, explore on your own—try the famous egg coffee, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, or relax before your journey begins.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Start your day with a guided exploration of Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital known for its blend of colonial charm, ancient temples, and bustling street life. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader. Nearby, visit the Presidential Palace and the simple stilt house where Uncle Ho lived and worked, offering insight into his modest lifestyle.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple built on a single stone pillar rising from a lotus pond—an iconic symbol of Hanoi. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, originally built in 1070 as Vietnam’s first university. Walk through its peaceful courtyards and admire its traditional Vietnamese architecture dedicated to Confucian scholars.

In the afternoon, gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s ethnic diversity at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where informative exhibits and traditional houses provide a fascinating look at the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

Later, take a walking tour through Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter, where streets are named after ancient trades and the rhythm of local life pulses through narrow alleys, hidden temples, and buzzing shops.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a drive through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival at the pier, board your cruise, where a welcome drink and safety briefing will be offered as you begin your voyage into the mystical bay.

As the boat cruises deeper into the karst seascape, enjoy a delicious lunch onboard while admiring the view of hundreds of towering limestone islets emerging from the emerald water. In the afternoon, take part in a sheltered lagoon for swimming or kayaking through calm waters and hidden grottoes (activities may vary by cruise line).

Later, you may choose to relax on the sundeck, try your hand at traditional Vietnamese cooking in a demo class, or join a short hike for panoramic views (if your cruise offers this option). A happy hour is often held before a freshly prepared seafood dinner is served onboard. Enjoy some evening activities like squid fishing, board games, or simply unwind under the stars.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Rise early to enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere of Halong Bay. Join a light Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply relax with coffee as the boat gently cruises through more of the bay’s stunning limestone formations. Depending on the cruise itinerary, you may visit a floating village or pearl farm before returning to the pier.

Enjoy a brunch onboard as you cruise back to the harbor. Disembark late morning and begin your drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the afternoon. After checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore more of the Old Quarter at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic 5.5 to 6-hour drive to the cool highlands of Sapa via the expressway. The route offers a changing landscape—from the fertile Red River Delta to misty mountains, valleys, and tea-covered hills as you approach Lao Cai province.

Arrive in Sapa around midday and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, begin your soft trek through the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley, passing terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. Walk from Lao Chai (Black H'mong village) to Ta Van (Dzay community), with plenty of opportunities to interact with locals and admire traditional stilt houses set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Dinner and overnight at a local homestay in Ta Van, where you can experience rural life and warm hospitality in a serene setting.

Wake up to fresh air and misty mountain views. After breakfast, continue trekking through bamboo forests and along rice terraces to Giang Ta Chai, a village of the Red Dao people. Cross a suspension bridge and visit a small waterfall before concluding your trek. Your driver will take you back to Sapa town, where you can relax or explore the stone church, local market, or enjoy a hot herbal bath.
Overnight in Sapa.

Today’s drive takes you deep into Vietnam’s remote northwest mountains. Depart Sapa and follow winding roads through stunning scenery, passing by Tram Ton Pass, Sin Ho Plateau, and small ethnic villages of the Thai and H’mong peoples. Stop for local lunch and enjoy multiple photo stops en route. Arrive in Dien Bien Phu in the late afternoon and settle into your hotel.
Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

Spend the day exploring the historic battleground of Dien Bien Phu, where the French colonial army surrendered in 1954. Visit key sites including the Dien Bien Phu Museum, the A1 Hill (Eliane 2), General de Castries' bunker, and nearby war memorials. In the afternoon, visit the Thai ethnic village of Him Lam, where you can meet locals and learn about traditional weaving.
Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

After an early breakfast, begin your scenic overland journey to the Tay Trang border gate, where you’ll cross from Vietnam into northern Laos. After immigration formalities, continue your drive to Muang Khua, a quiet riverside town nestled along the Nam Ou River.

Late in the afternoon, arrive in Nong Khiaw, a tranquil town tucked between soaring karst mountains. Settle into your guesthouse and enjoy the sunset over the river.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

This morning, travel upstream by boat to the peaceful village of Muang Ngoi, once only accessible by river. Upon arrival, explore the surrounding countryside on foot with an easy trek through local rice paddies and limestone foothills. Visit Ban Na, a Khmu minority village, and the Tham Kang Cave, once used as a shelter during wartime.

After a local lunch in Muang Ngoi, you’ll return to Nong Khiaw in the afternoon. If you're feeling active, you may opt for a short hike up to Phadeng Peak Viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley at sunset.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw.

After breakfast, depart Nong Khiaw by road toward Luang Prabang, a 4–5 hour drive through winding roads and lush green hills. Along the way, stop at small villages or scenic viewpoints to break up the journey and stretch your legs.

Arrive in Luang Prabang in the early afternoon and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to unwind or explore this UNESCO-listed town—take a riverside walk, sip coffee at a colonial café, or browse the colorful night market.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Begin your city tour with visits to Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, and the Royal Palace Museum. Learn about Laos’ Buddhist heritage and royal history. In the afternoon, head out to the turquoise pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls, where you can swim, hike, or visit the Bear Rescue Center. Return to town and enjoy dinner by the riverside (on your own).
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Today, cruise the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, sacred shrines filled with thousands of Buddha images. Stop at Ban Xang Hai, known for traditional Lao rice whiskey (lao lao). Return to Luang Prabang for a leisurely afternoon—take a Lao cooking class, shop for H’mong textiles, or enjoy a massage.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your Vietnam & Laos adventure ends with memories of unforgettable landscapes, warm cultural exchanges, and remote mountain trails.