--- title: "Highlights of Northern Vietnam and Laos in 11 days" id: "17560" type: "tour" slug: "highlights-of-north-vietnam-and-laos" published_at: "2018-10-09T10:13:50+00:00" modified_at: "2026-08-06T04:39:12+00:00" url: "https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/tour/highlights-of-north-vietnam-and-laos" markdown_url: "https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/tour/highlights-of-north-vietnam-and-laos.md" excerpt: "Embark on a rich cultural journey through two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries with this 11-day North Vietnam and Laos tour...." taxonomy_category: - "Indochina countries tours" - "Laos Tours" - "North Vietnam Holidays" taxonomy_destination: - "Ha Long Bay" - "Hanoi City" - "Laos" - "Luang Prabang" - "Ninh Binh" - "Pak Ou" - "Vang Vieng" - "Vientiane" - "Vietnam" --- # Highlights of Northern Vietnam and Laos in 11 days 9.82 Reviews - Excellent Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights Hanoi > Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc > Ha Long Bay> Luang Prabang (Laos) > Vang Vieng > Vientiane ![Highlights of Northern Vietnam and Laos in 11 days](https://vpt-en.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/h/27/Highlights-of-Northern-Vietnam-and-Laos.jpg) [https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293924-d8647177-Reviews-Paradise_Travel-Hanoi.html](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293924-d8647177-Reviews-Paradise_Travel-Hanoi.html) From US$1,128 pp Book Now --- Duration 11 Days / 10 Nights Departure Hanoi From US$1,128 pp Inquire Now ## Overview Embark on a rich cultural journey through two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries with this **11-day North Vietnam and Laos tour**. Designed for those who appreciate a balance of heritage, nature, and tranquility, this itinerary takes you from the historical heart of **Hanoi** to the serene landscapes of **Vang Vieng**, revealing centuries-old traditions and breathtaking scenery along the way. Begin in **Hanoi**, where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and a dynamic street culture provide the perfect introduction to Vietnam’s vibrant capital. From there, venture south to **Ninh Binh** with the former royal capital of **Hoa Lu** and the enchanting waterways of **Tam Coc**, where boat rides between towering limestone cliffs offer a peaceful window into rural life. Next, cruise through the emerald waters of **Ha Long Bay**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mystical karst formations and tranquil seascapes. After soaking in the natural wonders of northern Vietnam, take a short flight to Laos to continue your journey in the spiritual city of **Luang Prabang**. Discover gilded temples, quiet monk rituals, and the gentle rhythm of life along the Mekong River. The adventure continues in **Vang Vieng**, where dramatic mountains and river valleys create an outdoor playground perfect for soft adventure and relaxation. Finally, conclude in **Vientiane**, the laid-back capital of Laos, where tree-lined boulevards and Buddhist stupas offer a calm and reflective end to your journey. This **Highlights of North Vietnam and Laos** tour offers a seamless blend of iconic sites and lesser-known treasures, perfect for travelers seeking cultural depth and natural beauty across two enchanting countries. Show more ## Tour Highlights - Hanoi: Visiting the capital of Vietnam, you can discover the fusion between feudal architecture and French influence which is in harmony with modern infrastructure. - Ninh Binh: You can have a chance to visit Hoa Lu temple, which was dedicated to Dinh and Le dynasties, and Tam Coc, which is regarded as a “Halong Bay on land”. - Halong Bay: This UNESCO Heritage site will stun you with mist-shrouded limestone karsts, turquoise beaches, and pristine bays. - Vientiane: The city has many significant Buddhism icons of Laos such as That Luang monument, Haw Phra Kaew temple, Wat Sisaket temple, Wat Simuang monastery, etc. Beyond the temples, there are many other attractions such as Victory Gate Patuxai, Buddha Park, Lao Revolutionary Museum, etc. - Luang Prabang: Luang Prabang is the former capital of the country from the 14th to 16th century and again in the 19th century. Visiting Luang Prabang, tourists will have the opportunity to explore the monasteries, monuments, traditional costumes, collections of old French house since the colonial era, and beautiful scenery. - Vang Vieng: Known as a combination of natural wonder, backpacker area and party central, Vang Vieng always stun visitors with unprecedented experiences and breathtaking natural landscapes. Show more ## Detailed Itinerary [Expand all] ### [DAY 1: Hanoi arrival](#itinerary1) Dinner One Pillar Pagoda – Hanoi Upon your arrival at Noi Bai – [Hanoi](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/hanoi-city) International Airport, our tour guide will be holding a welcome signboard with Paradise Travel & your name outside the baggage claim area and escort you to Hanoi downtown with a brief introduction en route. Check in hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architectures and tranquil lakes of this unique city. ### [DAY 2: Hanoi](#itinerary2) Breakfast & Lunch Temple of Literature The capital of Vietnam, a city that celebrated 1.000 years in 2010 has countless fascinating cultural and historic sites and our days’ tour will visit the highlights. See the grand **Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh** (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov), the ‘icon of Hanoi’ – The **One Pillar Pagoda**, the beautiful **Temple of Literature**, West Lake’s **Tran Quoc temple** as well as the fascinating **Ethnology Museum**, the bustling **Old Quarter**, **Ngoc Son temple** and **The Restored Sword Lake**. Taking one hour around the Old Quarter to enjoy the beauty of Hanoi Old city. Having lunch at a nice restaurant. Enjoy a water puppet show in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi. *Notes: For children, we can take you to visit some places in Hanoi such as Hanoi Children’s Cultural Center, Times City Aquarium, Thu Le Park, etc.* ### [DAY 3: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc](#itinerary3) Breakfast & Lunch Hoa Lu – Ninh Binh Enjoy breakfast at hotel, we leave Hanoi for Hoa Lu – Tam Coc, enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the rural areas on the way. After arriving in [Ninh Binh](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/ninh-binh) province, the guide takes you to visit **Hoa Lu** – the Ancient Royal capital of Viet Nam. We will visit Dinh king temple and Le king temple. In the 10th century, finding out the heroic histories of this two Kings in Chinese Wars. Tam Coc – Ninh Binh After that, we go to **Tam Coc** (10 km far from Hoa Lu), you will have lunch at a nice restaurant before boarding a small boat to visit Tam Coc, meaning literally, “Three Caves”. With majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious yet inviting caves, as well as countryside sights, like peaceful streams, rice paddies, and deserted green fields, Tam Coc is definitely a must-visit attraction. Then, you will be transferred to hotel in Ninh Binh. Night at hotel. ### [DAY 4: Ninh Binh - Halong](#itinerary4) Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner Halong Bay In the morning, our driver and guide will pick up and transfer you to [Halong Bay](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/halong-bay) from your hotel. It will take roughly 2 hours to arrive Halong. Arrival at lunchtime, check in our luxury cruise and start your wonderful time in Halong Bay. Spend whole afternoon to enjoy magnificent sceneries around you, there are thousands of limestone islands standing in the middle of sea water, all of them are covered by a thick layer of green forest which make Halong bay more and more beautiful. Have lunch, dinner and stay overnight on boat. ### [DAY 5: Halong bay - Hanoi](#itinerary5) Breakfast & Lunch Halong Bay Wake up early to enjoy fresh air of the sea, take part in some morning exercises on sundeck with our master. Then, have breakfast and our boat lift anchor to start cruising in the bay again. Keep camera ready on your hand to take the best photos of Halong Bay in the morning. Check out and have lunch on boat. Our boat finished cruising at the harbor and time to say goodbye Halong bay, catch our car/bus back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at around 4 pm. ### [DAY 6: Hanoi - Flight to Luang Prabang](#itinerary6) Breakfast & Lunch Luang Prabang Today, you will be picked up from your hotel to Noi Bai International Airport for the flight to [Luang Prabang](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/luang-prabang) . Meet our driver and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Luang Prabang. *Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The tranquility and charm of this town with its splendid natural scenery and cultural sights make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Laos. Today is free at your leisure to explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textile made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.* ### [DAY 7: Luang Prabang City Tour - Pak Ou Cave](#itinerary7) Breakfast & Lunch 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. Pak Ou Cave After breakfast, we enjoy a short-guided tour to see the city’s oldest temple **Wat Sene** and the magnificent **Wat Xieng Thong**. We’ll also see visit the impressive stupa of **Wat Visoun** and the shrines of **Wat Aham** and Wat Mai. We then board an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside. We’ll make sure to stop at the [Pak Ou Caves](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/pakou) , sanctuaries consisting of two large caverns, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images. We will also stop at a few villages during the day, including **Ban Xanghai** where the local rice wine is produced. Back to Luang Prabang, We then climb up to the top of **Mount Phousi** for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang. ### [DAY 8: Luang Prabang - Elephant Camp - Khuang Si waterfalls](#itinerary8) Breakfast & Lunch Khouang Si Waterfalls After breakfast, we proceed to the **Elephant camp** out of town with natural green surroundings. You will have a-30-min experience of riding elephants through plantations and fields. Afterward, we head out to visit some ethnic minority villages to experience their daily life. We then drive to the beautiful [Khouangsi Waterfalls](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/kuangsi-waterfalls) where you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit ethnic minority groups in the Ban Ouay, Hmong, Ban Ou, Lao Loum, Ban Thapene, and Khmu Villages. We return to Luang Prabang in the late evening to observe the sunset at **Wat Phabath**. Overnight in Luang Prabang. ### [DAY 9: Luang Prabang - Vang Vieng](#itinerary9) Breakfast & Lunch Vang Vieng – Nam Song River After breakfast, we will transfer you to [Vang Vieng](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/vang-vieng) , a small tranquil town nestled on a river bend of **Nam Song River**. It sits amidst a stunning scenery, a mixture of quiet atmosphere and limestone outcrops. Take a bamboo raft along Nam Song River with its limestone cliffs and valleys. Vang Vieng is home to numerous caves. The most famous of them is **Tham Jang cave**, which was served as the defense against Chinese invaders in the early 19th century. Overnight in Vang Vieng. ### [DAY 10: Vang Vieng - Vientiane city tour](#itinerary10) Breakfast & Lunch That Luang Stupa After breakfast, start walking around the bustling central market, then drive to [Vientiane](https://www.vietnamparadisetravel.com/travel-guide/vientiane) . After checking in hotel, we explore the capital by visiting the major sights including **Wat Sisaket**, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, **Wat Ho Prakeo** the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and **That Luang Stupa**, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the **Patuxay** (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built recently in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark. Overnight in Vientiane. ### [DAY 11: Vientiane departure](#itinerary11) Breakfast After breakfast, the tour ends after our driver picks up and transfers you to Wattay airport for departure. See you next time! ## Prices Prices are in **USD**, per person. *This tour can be customized to fit your own demands.* | Hotel / Group | 2 guests | 3~4 guests | 5~6 guests | 7~8 guests | 9~12 guests | Single surcharge | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 3 Star | 1,366 | 1,261 | 1,180 | 1,131 | 1,128 | 788 | | 4 Star | 1,778 | 1,661 | 1,577 | 1,538 | 1,522 | 1,037 | | 5 Star | 2,132 | 2,013 | 1,927 | 1,889 | 1,870 | 1,307 | #### What's included - Accommodations (Hotels, resorts or homestays as mentioned in program) - Meals as indicated in the program (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) - Airport and land transfers - Ha Long Bay cruise package - Tour guides (English speaking or other languages upon request) - Entrance fees as per itinerary #### What's excluded: - Visa/ passport - Flight ticket Hanoi – Luang Prabang - Travel Insurances - Meals/ drinks not mentioned in program - Peak season surcharges (if any) - Tips, laundry and gratuities - Other personal expenses #### Cancellation by Customer Please note that some services such as **flights, hotels and other bookings may have cancellation fees** once they have been confirmed and paid. Any applicable supplier cancellation fees will be charged to the traveler. The following are the **maximum cancellation fees** that may apply: - **After booking confirmation:** Any applicable cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or other suppliers. - **11–20 days before arrival:** Up to 20% of the total tour price, plus any applicable cancellation fees charged by airlines, hotels, or other suppliers. - **3–10 days before arrival:** Up to 30% of the total tour price, plus any services already used or any applicable cancellation fees or penalties charged by airlines, hotels, or other suppliers. - **Less than 3 days before arrival, during the tour, or in case of no-show:** Up to 100% of the total tour price, limited to 10% management fee and the actual costs incurred, including services already used and any applicable cancellation fees or penalties charged by airlines, hotels, or other suppliers **Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your trip. We will always do our best to minimize any cancellation costs where possible.** #### Children Policy - **Children under 5 years old:** Travel **free of charge** when sharing a room and meals with a full-paying adult. Any applicable **airfare, entrance fees or additional expenses** will be charged separately. - **Children aged 5 to under 11:** Pay **50% of the adult rate** when sharing a room and services with a full-paying adult. - **Children aged 11 and above:** Pay the **full adult rate**. **Please note:** The child rates apply when children share a room and services with a full-paying adult. **Additional charges may apply** for extra beds, private rooms, special meals or other services requested for children. Child rates may also vary depending on the specific tour, hotel policy and services included. PT-17560From **USD 1,128** per person Book Now - Competitive Local Rates - Local Travel Expertise - Simple Booking Process - Flexible Booking Support - Tailor-Made by Local Experts Add to wishlist ## Customer reviews 9.8 Excellent2 Reviews Itinerary 10.0 Food/Drink 10.0 Activity 9.5 Tour guide 9.5 Accomodations 10.0 Maisie AtkinsonLeeds, United Kingdom January 26, 2018 10.0Exceptional TripOur tour: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong - Luang Prabang - Vientiane - everything was perfect and we appreciated everything you prepared on our trip. The Halong Bay cruise on the Signature was relaxing and we had 2 perfect nights on the boat. Beautiful Hanoi, amazing Tam Coc and Hoa Lu, exotic Luang Prabang and quaint Vientiane - highly recommend Paradise Travel for holidays to Vietnam and Laos. --- Jett SleathSydney, Australia November 18, 2018 9.6Two Thumbs up to Paradise TravelWe took a trip through Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh), and Laos (Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane city) with Paradise Travel and we are so impressed with the promptness and organization of this company! Our tour was beautifully done by Helen. She was quick with the email and messenger responses and thorough with her suggested itinerary. We like to pack our days full of activities and she was able to line up all of those in the short time we had available.This is our first time traveling with Paradise Travel and we are thrilled with the excellent customer service and precision of our itinerary. We highly recommend this company and we would definitely use their services again! Thank you for a wonderful trip!More --- #### We are here to make your trip Happy & Easy! Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip? Call our local experts: [+84 98 939 1076](tel:+84989391076) Start to Customize Your Trip ## Customers who viewed this also viewed... 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