Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women

Detailed Itinerary | Vietnam & Laos Heritage Discovery – 13 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your dedicated female guide from Vietnam Women Travel and transferred by private vehicle to your carefully selected 4-star hotel. Enjoy a welcome lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing or exploring the lively streets, cafés, and local markets of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. In the evening, savor an authentic Southern Vietnamese dinner at a carefully selected restaurant before overnighting in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network that played a vital role during the Vietnam War. Explore hidden passageways, underground command centers, and living quarters while learning about Vietnam’s remarkable history and resilience. Following lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the War Remnants Museum, the historic Reunification Palace, the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral, and the beautiful Central Post Office, showcasing the city’s impressive French colonial heritage. End the day with dinner featuring authentic Southern Vietnamese cuisine. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 3: Mekong Delta – Ben Tre Experience (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Following breakfast, journey to Ben Tre, the peaceful heart of the Mekong Delta. Cruise along scenic waterways while observing traditional brick kilns, coconut workshops, and riverside villages. Visit local families producing handcrafted coconut products, enjoy traditional Southern folk music, and ride a tuk-tuk through lush coconut groves and quiet countryside lanes. Continue with a peaceful sampan ride beneath water coconut palms before enjoying a delicious Mekong-style lunch prepared with regional specialties. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy dinner before overnighting at your hotel.

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang – Hoi An Ancient Town (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An and begin a guided walking tour through its beautifully preserved Ancient Town. Visit centuries-old merchant houses, colorful Chinese Assembly Halls, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and traditional temples while learning about Hoi An’s rich trading history. Continue to a local artisan’s home where you’ll discover the traditional craft of lantern making and experience daily life in this charming riverside town. Enjoy a delicious Central Vietnamese dinner before overnighting in Hoi An.

Day 5: Hoi An – Hai Van Pass – Hue (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before spending free time relaxing on An Bang Beach or wandering through Hoi An’s lantern-lined streets. After lunch, depart for Hue via the spectacular Hai Van Pass, offering breathtaking views of mountains and coastline. Along the journey, visit the Marble Mountains, the fascinating Cham Sculpture Museum, and the traditional Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village. Arrive in Vietnam’s former imperial capital and check into your elegant 4-star hotel before enjoying a royal-style Hue dinner. Overnight in Hue.

Day 6: Imperial Hue – Flight to Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest and most famous pagoda in Hue. Continue exploring the magnificent Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, once home to Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. Following lunch, visit the elaborate royal tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh or Emperor Tu Duc, admired for their remarkable architecture and beautiful landscapes. In the evening, transfer to Hue Airport for your flight to Hanoi, where your guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.

Day 7: Explore the Cultural Heart of Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Begin your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to discover the fascinating cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. After lunch, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and one of the country’s finest historical monuments. Later, enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter before watching the famous Water Puppet Show. End the day with an authentic Hanoi dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Hanoi – Halong Bay Luxury Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, depart for the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, passing through the fertile Red River Delta and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, board your premium overnight cruise and enjoy a welcome drink before a gourmet lunch while sailing among thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters. Spend the afternoon kayaking, exploring hidden caves, swimming, or relaxing on the spacious sundeck surrounded by spectacular scenery. In the evening, indulge in a delicious seafood dinner followed by optional activities such as squid fishing or stargazing. Overnight aboard your luxury cruise.

Day 9: Halong Bay – Return to Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Rise early for a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck while watching the sunrise over Halong Bay’s extraordinary limestone landscape. Enjoy breakfast as the cruise continues through the bay before returning to the harbor. Travel back to Hanoi by private vehicle, stopping for lunch along the way. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Hanoi’s charming cafés, shopping streets, or historic neighborhoods before enjoying a delightful farewell Vietnamese dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Hanoi – Flight to Luang Prabang, Laos (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Following breakfast, enjoy free time until your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your elegant 4-star hotel. Enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon exploring the charming UNESCO-listed town, famous for its peaceful temples, French colonial architecture, and scenic riverside setting. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Lao welcome dinner. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 11: Pak Ou Caves & Mekong River Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Early risers may participate in the optional alms-giving ceremony, where saffron-robed monks collect offerings in one of Laos’ most cherished spiritual traditions. After breakfast, visit the historic Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong before boarding a scenic boat cruise along the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues. Along the way, admire peaceful countryside landscapes and stop at Ban Xang Hai, famous for its traditional Lao rice whisky, as well as nearby artisan villages. Return to Luang Prabang for dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Elephant Sanctuary – Kuang Si Waterfall (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, explore the beautiful temples of Wat Visoun, Wat Aham, and Wat Mai before browsing the lively Phosi Market. Continue to an ethical elephant sanctuary where you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience interacting with these gentle giants while walking through lush forest surroundings. Following lunch, visit nearby ethnic minority villages before discovering the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfall, famous for its cascading turquoise pools and tropical scenery. Climb Mount Phousi for spectacular sunset views over Luang Prabang before browsing the vibrant Night Market. Enjoy a memorable farewell Lao dinner before returning to your hotel.

Day 13: Luang Prabang – Departure (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, visit the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, where fascinating exhibits showcase Laos’ royal heritage and history. Continue to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic communities through engaging displays and authentic artifacts. Enjoy a farewell lunch before transferring to Luang Prabang International Airport. Depending on your departure time, dinner will be served before your flight or provided as a carefully prepared takeaway meal. Your unforgettable journey with Vietnam Women Travel – Premium Private Tours Led by Women concludes with lasting memories of Vietnam’s vibrant culture, Laos’ peaceful beauty, and exceptional hospitality.