Spend 13 days on a focused tour of the highlights of North Vietnam and Laos. Spend a few days touring Hanoi including a cruise on the mystical Ha Long Bay. Travel then to Luang Prabang, the spiritual capital of Laos. Spend time trekking through rural Khmu villages and interact firsthand with elephants on this great introductory tour of Vietnam and Laos.
Highlights
Cruise overnight in Halong Bay and visit fishermen villages
Explore the streets of Hanoi and the historical treasures of Vietnam
Trek through Khmu Villages and meet local families near Luang Prabang
Interact with elephants at a Lao Elephant Conservation Center
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where a local representative greets you with a welcome sign and assists with visa procedures and luggage collection. After clearing customs, meet your guide at the exit and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Optional: Fast-track arrival services are available. Contact your Trip Planner for more details.
Meet your guide and driver early this morning and head to Hoan Kiem Lake to join locals practicing tai chi and aerobics, a daily ritual in Hanoi. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an island in the lake, then stop at a traditional café to sample Vietnam’s signature iced coffee, ca phe sua da, and, if you're feeling adventurous, try the famous egg coffee.
Step into history at Hoa Lo Prison, followed by a stop at Huu Tiep Lake to see the remnants of a downed B-52 bomber. For lunch, enjoy bun cha, a flavorful dish of grilled pork and rice noodles.
In the afternoon, tour the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, then explore a narrow residential street built tightly around active railway tracks, perfect for striking city photos. Wrap up the day with a cold draft beer at a bia hoi, where locals gather to unwind.
*Since there are opportunities during the tour to try various street and local specialties, it’s recommended to skip the hotel breakfast.
Start the day with a morning pickup from your hotel and travel approximately 74.56 miles / 120 kilometers (2.5 hours) to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest nature reserve. Begin your visit at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you learn about efforts to conserve rare primate species. Explore a cave with ancient human paintings, then enjoy a traditional lunch at a local house on stilts. Afterward, trek through the park’s lush forest to discover its diverse flora and fauna. Visit the Park Center to learn about the ‘Cave of Early Man’ before returning to your hotel in Hanoi.
Begin the morning with a shared shuttle transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional wooden junk and cruise into the UNESCO-listed bay, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from the sea. Spend the day sailing through scenic channels, taking part in onboard activities as conditions allow. All meals are served on board while anchored in the heart of this iconic seascape.
*Note: This cruise operates on different ships, depending on the departure date. Contact us for more details.
Spend the day sailing through Ha Long Bay’s towering limestone islands. Enjoy scenic views, onboard activities, and peaceful moments as you explore one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.
Start the day with serene views as the cruise glides through Ha Long Bay. Enjoy brunch on board while passing limestone islets and tranquil waters. Disembark late morning and transfer by shuttle back to Hanoi for an overnight stay.
Spend a leisurely morning before you transfer to the airport for your flight on to Luang Prabang in northern Laos today. Spend the rest of your day exploring your new surroundings.
Optional: Fast-track arrival services are available. Contact your Trip Planner for more details.
Day 8: Khmu Village Trekking
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start with a 30-minute drive to the Nam Khan River and cross by boat to begin the full-day trek into the jungle-covered hills surrounding Luang Prabang. Hike 13 kilometers along the Longhut Trail, an adventurous and occasionally technical route that cuts through canyons, remote highland villages, and small lakes. Enjoy sweeping views of the Mekong Valley as you push through challenging terrain rated medium to difficult.
Arrive in a remote Khmu village by evening and settle into a traditional homestay. Share a locally prepared meal, explore the village with your guide, and connect with community members over a drink. Spend the night experiencing life as it’s been lived in these mountains for generations.
Set out on a 1.5- to 2-hour guided trek through rice paddies and forested hillsides to the remote Hmong village of Ban Tinpha. Take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains before descending to the riverside village of Ban Houay Yen. From here, board a local boat for a scenic cruise along the Nam Khan River to the Tad Sae waterfalls (seasonal). Choose to swim in the cool pools, relax in the shade, or enjoy lunch by the falls or village—based on your preference.
Return by boat to the Tiger Trail Adventure Camp, then transfer back to Luang Prabang by vehicle.
In the late afternoon, take part in a private Baci ceremony at a local family home in Ban Mano village. Witness this traditional Lao blessing ritual as villagers tie symbolic cotton cords around your wrists, offering wishes of luck, health, and safe travels in a heartfelt cultural exchange.
Note: Tad Sae Waterfall may be dry from February to July and may be omitted.
Rise early to witness the sacred tradition of morning almsgiving in a quiet village outside Luang Prabang, where barefoot monks silently collect offerings. Participate respectfully by giving alms, and if taking photographs, do so discreetly without disrupting this revered ritual. Then, visit the local Morning Market to see fresh produce and ingredients used in everyday Lao cuisine. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, explore Luang Prabang’s UNESCO-listed old town on foot. Begin at Wat Xieng Thong, a 500-year-old temple showcasing classic Lao design. Walk through side streets and alleys, stopping at temples and engaging with locals as you go. Visit the National Museum, once the Royal Palace, then climb 328 steps to the summit of Phousi Mountain for sweeping city views.
In the afternoon, travel to the Pak Ou Caves. Cross the Mekong by boat to reach these sacred caverns filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Cruise back to Luang Prabang, stopping at riverside villages including Ban Xang Khong to observe traditional textile weaving and mulberry paper-making. Enjoy local snacks and a drink on board as you sail past rural life along the river.
After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for a 3-hour overland transfer to Sayaboury. Upon arrival at Nam Tien Lake, board a boat to reach the Elephant Conservation Center. Settle into your private bungalow before heading into the forest with your guide. Walk past the enclosures and conservation sites, then enjoy a traditional Laotian picnic by the lakeside.
In the afternoon, observe bath time at the nursery, where young elephants and their mothers cool off and socialize. Return to the center by boat and visit the elephant hospital. A Laotian vet assistant or biologist will explain medical treatments, injuries, and elephant care while answering your questions. Get up close to watch them bathe, scratch, and socialize while learning about their unique stories. Join a short forest walk as the mahouts guide them to their overnight grazing area.
Before dinner, relax at a scenic viewpoint, swim in the lake, paddle a canoe, or explore the elephant museum. At 6 p.m., attend a conservation presentation, then unwind with a Lao-style cocktail at the bar.
Day 12: Elephant Conservation Center | Return to Luang Prabang
Start the day by meeting the elephants in the forest. After spending the night in the jungle, the elephants are ready for their morning bath. Enjoy walking alongside these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Once they’ve had their fill of water, they are brought to the Socialization Area, where they can freely interact with each other throughout the day in a semi-natural living environment.
Follow your guide around the area to learn more about the group’s dynamics. Spend time observing how the elephants form their herd, an opportunity that offers a deeper understanding of their natural behavior. This experience is unique to the Elephant Conservation Center and difficult to find elsewhere.
Lunch will be served at the center.
After lunch, leave the Elephant Conservation Center by boat and meet your guide and driver for the transfer back to Luang Prabang.
Day 13: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Today is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. When it's time, your driver and guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport. Return home or extend your trip with an option in neighboring Thailand or Cambodia.
Note: Check-out time varies by hotel. Please confirm the details with your Trip Planner.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for May 12, 2025 not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for May 12, 2025 are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$2,650
Notes
$398 Single Supplement Additional Cost for Private Room when traveling with others. Traveling Solo? Contact us for a custom quote.
Initial deposit is 30% ($400 minimum) + Internal flight cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. Final payment by credit card may be subject to surcharge and a maximum $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
1 month ago
We really enjoyed the guides and itinerary. Everything went very smoothly.
John K
5 months ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
10 months ago
We have used All Adventure Life many times over the years and the team members have been amazing through all the planning processes! Jeff has been our planner for China last year and Vietnam next year, and he is very responsive and overall terrific!
Cindy Gordon
10 months ago
great service so far
Jennifer Szerb
11 months ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
1 month ago
We really enjoyed the guides and itinerary. Everything went very smoothly.
John K
5 months ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
10 months ago
We have used All Adventure Life many times over the years and the team members have been amazing through all the planning processes! Jeff has been our planner for China last year and Vietnam next year, and he is very responsive and overall terrific!
Cindy Gordon
10 months ago
great service so far
Jennifer Szerb
11 months ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
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