Indochina Odyssey: Unveiling Treasures and Traditions 15-Day | Best Tour Package from Ho Chi Minh City to Luang Prabang

Discover the beauty and diversity of Vietnam and Laos in this 15-day tour package that takes you to some of the most stunning destinations in these countries. From the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh to the serene Luang Prabang, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and historical sites.

1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War.
2. Discover the Mekong Delta and take a boat trip along the river, stopping to explore local villages and markets.
3. Visit Hoi An, a charming ancient town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a boat trip along the scenic Thu Bon River.
4. Journey back in time as you explore the My Son Sanctuary, a complex of Hindu temples built by the Champa Kingdom between the 4th and 14th centuries.
5. Travel to Hue and discover its imperial treasures, including the UNESCO-listed Citadel and the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors.
6. Enjoy a full-day city tour of Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital city, including its historic Old Quarter and the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake.
7. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise, where you can kayak through caves and swim in the turquoise waters.
8. Visit Luang Prabang, one of the most charming cities in Southeast Asia, and explore its historic temples, local markets, and stunning waterfalls.
9. Take a full-day tour to the Pak Ou Caves, where thousands of Buddha images are housed in two large caverns, and stop at local villages to learn about traditional handicrafts.
10. Conclude your tour with a relaxing day in Luang Prabang, where you can soak up the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful scenery before departing for home.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! On your first day, you will arrive at the airport at your preferred time as the only scheduled activity for the day is the airport pickup. A friendly driver from Legend Travel Group will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, you can take the rest of the day to relax and settle in, or explore the city on your own to get a feel for the local culture and attractions.

We understand that traveling to a new country can be stressful, so we have included airport transfers in the itinerary to make your trip hassle-free. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride knowing that your transportation has been taken care of.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for an exciting adventure! With a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for your Vietnam trip. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate, and get ready for the amazing experiences that await you.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Golden Central Hotel Saigon - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Golden Central Hotel Saigon - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am to start your journey to My Tho, the capital city of Tien Giang Province. This picturesque city is located on the Mekong River, about 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its lush orchards and rice fields that produce grains for the entire country.

During your visit to My Tho, you will have the chance to explore one or two of the islands known for producing traditional handicrafts, such as coconut candy and bee farms. You will also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. To reach the pagoda, you will take a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the river and the surrounding areas. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boasts intricate architecture and stunning sculptures.

After your tour of My Tho is complete, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hoi An (via Da Nang Airport). Upon arrival at the airport in Da Nang our representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. You will spend the night in Hoi An.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Your tour will start with a visit to a temple located in the center of Hoi An. The temple has partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda that is dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel that has origins dating back to the 1700s.

Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later in the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

Finally, you will return to your haven on the world-famous “Cua Dai Beach.” Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight in Hoi An.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will leave at 8:00 am to visit My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 50 km southwest of Hoi An. My Son was once a capital and religious center of the Cham people and is now home to red brick towers and sanctuaries. It is considered to be one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, along with Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. The towers and sanctuaries were built between the 7th and 13th centuries.

During your visit, you will explore the lush valley and learn about the Cham civilization and their beliefs. You will have the opportunity to admire the intricate carvings and sculptures on the temples and learn about their significance.

You will return to Hoi An town for lunch on your own around 1:00 pm. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to go shopping or explore the town at your own pace. Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns, tailor-made clothing, and handcrafted souvenirs, so you might want to explore the local shops and markets.

The trip ends with an overnight stay in Hoi An.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Phu Thinh Resorts and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at your hotel, at 9:00 am, a driver from Legend Travel Group will pick you up and take you to Hue City. On the way, you will stop at Cham Museum and Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Da Nang. You will need to purchase the tickets for these attractions on your own. Then, continue your trip with the driver to Hai Van Pass, where you can take in the stunning views of Son Tra Peninsula from the top. Have a short break at Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hue City in the afternoon. Check in at your hotel and have some free time to explore the imperial city. Overnight in Hue.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Cherish Hotel Hue - 3-star or similar

White Lotus Hue Hotel - 4-star or similar

La Vela Hue Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a delightful boat trip along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, which is the oldest and most revered site in Hue. Admire the stunning views of the river and the lush surroundings, and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the pagoda from your knowledgeable guide. Next, you will visit the mausoleums of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, two of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Hue.

Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the local dining culture.

In the afternoon, continue your Hue sightseeing tour by exploring the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur and sophistication of the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover the fascinating history and architecture of the Purple Forbidden City, which was once the exclusive domain of the emperors and their royal family. Next, visit Thuy Xuan incense-making village, where you can witness the traditional process of making incense and learn about its cultural significance in Vietnam. Finally, head to Dong Ba market, the largest and most vibrant market in Hue, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties.

After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Hue. Get ready for more exciting adventures tomorrow!

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Cherish Hotel Hue - 3-star or similar

White Lotus Hue Hotel - 4-star or similar

La Vela Hue Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Hue City, you will have some free time to explore the city at your leisure until it's time to transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax. You will spend the night at your hotel before continuing your journey.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by our friendly guide to begin your exploration of Hanoi City. The first stop will be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and was built in the 6th century. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of this important landmark.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.

Afterwards, head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.

The city tour will conclude with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."

After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Glory Legend Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Check in at your hotel and take advantage of some free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. Take the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local street food or browse the shops for souvenirs. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the entire day free for leisure or shopping in Hanoi until it's time for your flight to Luang Prabang. Your airport transfer is included in the itinerary, so you don't have to worry about arranging transportation on your own.

Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. You can then spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the beach city on your own or relaxing at the hotel. Overnight stay is in Luang Prabang.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar

Le Sen Boutique Hotel - 4-star or similar

Kiridara Hotel - 5-star or similar

We will embark on a full-day tour of Luang Prabang City and Pak Ou Caves. We'll start with a short-guided tour of Wat Sene, the city's oldest temple, and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, which features a stunning "tree of life" mosaic made of colored glass. Then, we'll take an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, offering breathtaking views of the serene countryside. During the day, we'll stop at several villages, including Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced, and Ban Xiengmene and Ban Chan. The highlight of the day will be our visit to the Pak Ou Caves, two large sanctuaries that house thousands of Buddha images.

After returning to Luang Prabang city, we'll take a short drive to Ban Xang Khong and Ban Xieng Lek, two small villages famous for their silk weavings and Saa (jute) Papermaking. Luang Prabang is considered one of the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia, with its natural beauty and cultural sites making it a charming place to visit in Laos. During our city tour, we'll visit the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai. Finally, we'll climb Mount Phousi to explore the sacred, gilded stupa and enjoy a stunning view of the city and the Mekong River at sunset. We'll end the day at the Night Market, where you can shop for handmade textiles. We'll spend the night in Luang Prabang.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar

Le Sen Boutique Hotel - 4-star or similar

Kiridara Hotel - 5-star or similar

Having breakfast at the hotel.

An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning alms giving ritual to saffron-clad monks. This tradition is unique to Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving this procession. Later in the morning, we visit Phosi Market, which has an eclectic selection of foodstuffs and souvenirs. Afterwards, we head out to visit some ethnic minority villages and see how these colorful people live. We then drive to the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths.

Next, we visit the Ock Pop Tok shop - The Living Crafts Centre, which has to be one of the most beautiful spots in Luang Prabang. Here, you can sit and enjoy the views out across the Mekong at sunset while relishing some incredible traditional Laos dishes. All this happens to the background click-clacking of the looms at work at the hands of Ock Pop Tok's incredibly talented craftspeople. We return to the city by late evening to observe the sunset at Wat Siphouthabath.

In the morning, we visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. We also will see the Central Market. After visiting these sights, there will be free time to venture into town and stroll around the shopping areas.

---------------------------------

Accommodation Options:

Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar

Le Sen Boutique Hotel - 4-star or similar

Kiridara Hotel - 5-star or similar

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing for the airport for your international flight back home or to your next destination. We hope that you have had an incredible time exploring Vietnam and Laos with Legend Travel Group and have made unforgettable memories.

Thank you for choosing us as your travel companion and we look forward to embarking on new adventures with you in the future. Please note that airport transfer is included in your itinerary and our team will ensure that your departure from Luang Brabang is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.