A Private Tour of Vietnam, Laos & Thailand – HCM City, Hanoi, Luang Prabang, Halong Bay, Chiang Mai, Bangkok

Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Upon arrival in HCM City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon)
This morning, travel out of the city to ¬the Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground network was dug in 1948 for the guerrillas to hide from French air and ground sweeps. It also served as communication routes and food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the Vietnam war. The tunnel system was improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border that remained totally undetected until after the war! Here, You’ll have the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

Return to city for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we’ll visit some of the highlights of the city starting with the former Presidential Palace. This landmark gained its place in history as the first North Vietnamese tanks passed by, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. Take a walk along Book Street, passing by the Notre Dame Cathedral (outside only) and the colonial-era Post Office, featuring classic Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial designs. Next, drive to the Fine Arts Museum boasts a beautiful collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures. Stop by the colorful Ben Thanh market for some street food sampling and souvenir hunting before heading back to your hotel. Balance of the afternoon at leisure to relax and explore the vibrant surrounding area. (B,L)

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City (Upper Mekong Delta)
Travel south to the Upper Mekong Delta, a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country’s most enchanting landscapes traveling by car, bicycle, motorized boat and a hand rowed sampan into the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. A 2-hour scenic drive takes you to Ben Tre’s lush countryside of tranquil rivers and warm friendly people. We’ll hop on a bike for a leisurely 5-7km ride (otherwise motor-tricycle) through quiet village lanes surrounded by vegetable gardens, coconut trees and rivers. You might want to challenge yourself to cross over the monkey bridge, which is a handmade bamboo walkway built across canals and gullies. Ride further to the village communal house originally built in the 19th century where the farmers usually come to pray for their wishes. Wind your way to the only standing brick kiln factory in the area where the baking methods have not changed for centuries. As Ben Tre owns the largest coconut-growing area in the country, you’ll see how products are made from virtually every part of the fruit. Get on a motorized boat for a cruise along the main river for an insight into agriculture-river life; then on a motor-tricycle ride to a rustic local restaurant for lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialties (such as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp). Later, enjoy a tranquil ride on a sampan through picturesque canals amid shady water coconut groves. Return to the city by car in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Day 4 HCM City / Hanoi
Transfer for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel for time to relax and explore the local areas surrounding your hotel. This evening, enjoy a night foodies tour for which Hanoi is known. We’ll start with a walk through the maze of bustling streets of the city’s famed Old Quarter. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try Vietnamese snacks starting with famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon, followed by two barbeque stalls featuring meat, vegetable, and bread specialties grilled over hot coals.  Then, it’s time for dessert. Venture down a small alley try a cup of fresh fruit smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk. Continue on to one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, for a cup of coffee (or a beer) overlooking the city. Overnight in Hanoi. (B,D)

Day 5 Hanoi
Today’s tour hits the highlights of the Vietnamese capital. A city of lakes, parks and colonial mansions, Hanoi retains much of its historical charm and, with an eclectic mix of Asian tempo and French refinement, tantalizing foods and a great place to observe typical Vietnamese life. We’ll visit the 11th century Temple of Literature Vietnam’s first university; One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple known for its unique architectural design featuring a single pillar rising from a lotus pond; Visit Hoa Lo Prison (a.k.a. ‘Hanoi Hilton’), where the late John McCain spent 5 years in captivity during the Vietnam War, followed by a cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the city’s Old Quarter that boats a labyrinth of quaint streets and alleyways lined with shops of all trades. Afterwards, enjoy a simple lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a local hole-in-the-wall joint made famous by President Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s dinner outing in 2016. Enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Day 6 Hanoi / Halong Bay 
Morning transfer by road to Halong Bay (approx. 2.5 hours) for an unforgettable cruise around Halong Bay. Visit Dark and Bright Caves, the ideal place for you to get up and close to Ha Long Bay by bamboo boat or kayak, before continuing to Lan Ha Bay* where you can jump into the bay for a refreshing dip. Lunch and dinner are served on board. (B,L,D)

*Lan Ha Bay is featured by Orchid Premium & Classic Cruises  

Day 7 Halong Bay / Luang Prabang
For the early risers, join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck while tea, coffee and assorted pastries are served. Afterwards, enjoy kayaking activities followed by brunch on board before disembarking your cruise at around 11:30am. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for your early evening flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, bet met and transferred to your hotel. (B)

Day 8 Luang Prabang
Today, we’ll discover some of the priceless monuments around the old city, now under UNESCO protection as a World Heritage Site. Visit Luang Prabang’s National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Displayed inside is a collection of personal artifacts of the former Laotian Royal Family. Visit the nearby Wat Mai – the five-tiered roof epitomizes the graceful Luang Prabang architectural style. Next up is Wat Xieng Thong. Often said to be Luang Prabang’s most beautiful, this temple is characterized by its several roofs sweeping low to the ground and the impressive “tree of life” mosaic. Continue to Wat Visoun, the oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddha. Afternoon at leisure to relax and soak up Luang Prabang’s tranquil atmosphere. (B) 

Day 9 Luang Prabang (Ou Pak Caves)
Today, you will take the Mekong Riverboat trip to visit the Pak Ou Buddha Caves, located in the steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong River and Ou River, filled with Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route followed by several cultural and scenic visits before returning to the hotel. (B,L)

Note: optionally, an excursion to Kuangsi Waterfalls with light trekking can be arranged instead of Pak Ou Caves. 

Day 10 Luang Prabang / Chiang Mai
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure.  Be sure to check out the famous Night Bazaar or the Old City’s Saturday/Sunday Night Market! (B)

Day 11 Chiang Mai (Doi Suthep)
This morning, enjoy sightseeing of Chiang Mai City visiting local temples, markets and residential areas. Afterwards, drive up Doi Suthep Mountain and visit the most sacred Temple in Northern Thailand, located at an altitude of nearly 5,000 ft. Return to Chiang Mai in the afternoon and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. (B)

.Day 12 Chiang Mai (Elephant Experience)
Today, enjoy full day of a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience with your choice of elephant Experience at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary featuring an elephant care program. Include lunch. (B,L)

****Note: today’s elephant experience and transfers to/from elephant camp will be provided on a join basis (non-private) with other participants.

Day 13 Chiang Mai / Bangkok
Fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, embark on a foodies adventure around town. Traveling by Tuk Tuk, we’ll visit famous eateries around the city sample local street foods such as Khao Man Gai (Chicken & Rice), Pad Thai or Guay Tiew Kua Gai (Chicken Noodle Soup). Explore the Flower Market followed by a local temple before returning to your hotel by midnight. (B,D)

Day 14 Bangkok
This morning, enjoy a visit to the Royal Palace to see Dusit Hall (Funeral Hall) and the holy Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha), Wat Trimit (Golden Buddha) and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha). Afternoon free at leisure to eat, shop and explore Bangkok on your own. (B)

Day 15 Bangkok / Home
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight home. (B)

• Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
• Prices includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotels taxes & service charges
• Price excludes transpacific airfares, personal expenses, beverages and gratuities to guides and drivers.
• Holiday surcharges and/or compulsory gala dinners at hotels apply between Dec. 20 – Jan. 05
• Visas are required for Vietnam & Laos. Not included in package.
• All services subject to availability at time of reservation