16 Day 5 Star Memoirs of Vietnam & Laos Premium Small Group Tour
You will be accompanied by various multi-lingual local guides during the tour, who will be responsible for guiding you through the various cities and attractions that you will be visiting. In each new city that you visit, you will likely be introduced to a new local guide who is an expert in that region. Depending on the itinerary chosen and your group size, your local guide may provide commentary in multiple languages.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Experience a 1 night luxury cruise on the iconic Halong Bay
✓ 14 nights in 5-star hotels throughout Vietnam & Laos
✓ Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated local guide in each region
✓ Dedicated coach transportation
✓ High speed train travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
✓ Airfares from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, Hanoi to Danang & Hue to Ho Chi Minh City
✓ 7 Day cooling off period
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
This 16 Day journey is a perfect blend of adventure and immersion in Southeast Asian culture. Experience the charm of Laos and Vietnam through local cooking classes, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. Discover the rich history of Luang Prabang and the cultural treasures of Hanoi, while enjoying authentic cuisine and warm hospitality.
Welcome to Laos and its capital and largest city, Vientiane.
Known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and laid-back atmosphere, Laos is a true Southeast Asia gem. The capital city, Vientiane, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, featuring Buddhist temples, iconic monuments which can be reminiscent of France. Vientiane’s relaxed vibe makes it an ideal starting point for discovering the natural beauty and cultural treasures of Laos.
On arrival at Vientiane airport, make your way to your 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Take some time to relax and depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at your leisure.
Special Information
The standard check-in time is 2pm. Should you arrive earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Today, we embark on an exploration of Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and the iconic sights. Our journey begins at Wat Sisaket, the oldest surviving temple in the city, renowned for its remarkable collection of over 8,000 Buddha statues. Next, we visit Wat Ho Phra Keo, once the home of the revered Emerald Buddha, a symbol of Laos’ deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.
We will then head to Pha That Luang Stupa, the most significant monument in Laos, which stands as a national symbol of pride. This striking gold-covered structure is not only an architectural marvel but also a site of great religious importance.
Continuing onto Patuxai, often referred to as the Lao Arc de Triomphe, this impressive monument features beautiful Laotian motifs and offers panoramic views of the city from its upper levels. It was built in honour of those who sacrificed their lives during past conflicts.
After lunch, we’ll make our way to Vang Vieng. Rather than a bustling town, Vang Vieng is a large village known for its karst landscapes and caves. Some of these caves, steeped in local mythology, are believed to be inhabited by spirits, adding an interesting layer to its natural beauty. Upon arrival and check-in, you'll have free time to explore the village at your own leisure - enjoy the stunning scenery and atmosphere.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Start your day with a scenic crossing of the Nam Song River, making your way through lush rice paddies toward the stunning Tham Phoukham Caves. These captivating limestone caverns, nestled within a forested backdrop, are renowned for their natural beauty. In front of the caves, you’ll find a serene natural pool—an inviting spot where , depending on the season you visit, you can take a dip to cool off from the heat.
Next, we’ll head to Blue Lagoon 3, famous for its picturesque, round-shaped natural pool. Here, you can relax on one of the two bamboo rafts floating on the lagoon or put your balance to the test on a sprawling horizontal tree walk.
After returning to town, we’ll visit Tham Chang Cave, the most famous cave in the area, rich in history and fascinating stories. This cave once served as a secure refuge during the invasions by northern Chinese. Today, an electric lighting system illuminates the path to the upper cave, where you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Nam Song River through a gap in the limestone wall.
After a full day of exploration at the caves and the beautiful surrounding area, we’ll return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning until it’s time to catch an express train to Luang Prabang.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Renowned as one of the best-preserved traditional cities in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang is captivated by its tranquillity, magical natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage.
After a short rest, we’ll embark on an orientation walk to explore the night market, where you can browse handmade textiles crafted by local artisans and hill tribe communities from the surrounding areas. This vibrant market offers a unique glimpse into the region’s artistic traditions.
Tonight we’ll gather for dinner at a local restaurant, Le Calao (or similar), where you can savour authentic Lao cuisine.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Depending on your arrival time into Luang Prabang, the day’s activities will be adjusted accordingly.
An early start to your day, but more than worth it with an incredible opportunity to participate in the daily alms-giving ritual, where saffron-clad monks receive offerings. This unique tradition, exclusive to Laos, is a beautiful testament to the country’s rich Buddhist heritage.
After breakfast, we will visit the National Museum located in the former Royal Palace, showcasing an exquisite collection of artefacts that reflect the depth of Lao culture through the ages. Discover why Luang Prabang is celebrated not only for its gilded temples but also for its history. We’ll explore the city’s oldest temple, Wat Sene, and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, home to the stunning “tree of life” mosaic crafted from coloured glass.
Next, we’ll continue with an excursion to the breathtaking Kuang Si Falls. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit local ethnic minority villages, gaining insight into their daily life. Upon arrival at Kuang Si Falls, you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along the picturesque forest paths.
Lunch today is at Carpe Diem Restaurant which serves French and Lao cuisine in a beautiful setting downstream from the Kuang Si waterfalls.
After our day of exploration, you’ll transfer to your hotel to unwind and the rest of the evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately x hours.
After breakfast, you will be able to spend the day as you wish, or select an optional tour. This evening we will stay overnight in Luang Prabang.
Depart the hotel at 8 am for a Local Home Cooking Experience, starting with a visit to Phosy Market to meet your local host. She'll guide you through the market to select fresh, organic ingredients to prepare traditional Lao dishes. After shopping, you'll head to a local family’s home where the cooking begins. You’ll prepare dishes such as Noung Khao (steamed sticky rice), Bamboo Shoot Soup (Keang Nor Mai), Steamed Fish in Banana Leaf (Mok Pa), Luang Prabang Stew (Or Lam), and Eggplant Sauce (Jeo Mak Kheua), all cooked in a family-style setting over a fire stove.
The cooking session will wrap up between 10.30 am and 11.45 am. Next, you'll carry your dishes to a nearby village temple, where a monk will welcome you and bless the food. After the blessing, you can offer water to the temple grounds and pray for departed loved ones. The monk will then tie a cotton string around your wrist, signifying his hopes for your well-being.
Finally, you'll return to the cooking house to enjoy the lunch you've prepared, accompanied by seasonal fruits for dessert and homemade Lao Lao whisky. Engage in meaningful conversations with the family about Lao culture and village life before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.
Start time: 8.00am
Duration: 6 hours
Includes: Transfers, English-speaking guide, local home cooking experience, lunch
*Please note: a minimum of 2 participants will be required in order for the optional tour to operate
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, marking the conclusion of your memorable adventure in Laos.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met and transferred to your 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city. Take some time to relax and depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at your leisure.
Special Information
The standard check in is 2pm. Should you be arriving earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you meet your Hanoi guide and head off on a full day exploration of this charming city.
This morning we will visit Van Mieu, otherwise known as The Temple of Literature. The Confucian temple dates back to 1070, and features peaceful walled courtyards and graceful gateways and is one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Following this, we continue on to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex from the outside; an impressive mausoleum that houses the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh.
This afternoon we head to the charming Old Quarter where we’ll enjoy a walking tour through Hanoi’s most historic and picturesque neighbourhood. The Old Quarter is the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, highlighting more than 1,000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as 'The 36 Streets'. This is a wonderful place to soak up local life, and peruse market items from fabrics to crafts and exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect the specialised trade of the merchants who had shops there, such as silk traders or jewellers.
Return to your hotel for an evening of leisure, or you may want to join an optional evening tour to explore the city’s incredible food culture.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
In the hotter summer months the touring will be early morning and late afternoon for a more comfortable experience.
Experience a magical water puppet show at a traditional Vietnamese theatre in Hanoi. Marvel at the ancient art form of water puppetry made famous throughout the world for their skills operating the puppets on a water stage set to music, with modern special effects. Following the performance, your guide will take you on a culinary journey with a guided walk through the bustling Old Quarter and explore the various street foods on offer. Your guide will help you traverse the winding side streets full of pop-up restaurants which offer truly local food like bánh cuốn (rice rolls with pork and herbs inside), bánh gối (pillow cake), and many kinds of noodle dish, such as bún chả, phở. Depending on your preferences the guide will explain what is in each dish so you can choose the one you like the best, to try. You will be surprised how tasty these dishes are and how unique they are to Hanoi. A highlight is a stop at a ‘Bia Hoi’ store in the Old Quarter where you get to sample fresh, local homemade beer - famous all over Hanoi and other areas of northern Vietnam.
Start time: 6.00pm
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Transfers, Water Puppet Show & guided street food dinner
*Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required to operate
This morning we depart for a leisurely drive to Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival at this port city we will board our luxury Halong Bay cruise.
Onboard, enjoy a complimentary drink and take a seat in the lounge before a short welcome briefing with fellow guests. You’ll be shown to your luxury cabin where you can enjoy rich oak interiors, with high windows, a bathtub with a seaview and private balconies to make the most of the incredible views during your cruise. Enjoy a decadent lunch onboard made with fresh local ingredients as you cruise through Halong Bay and into Lan Ha Bay.
In the afternoon, the cruise anchors at Tra Bau area, known for its natural beauty and spectacular view of the limestone islands. Guests are free to relax, kayak and swim around the boat. Enjoy a feast of local Vietnamese specialties for dinner before retiring for the evening. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy the ship’s evening activities including squid fishing with help from the crew.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Please note - the final cruise itinerary is subject to change upon weather condition or chosen cruise.
Rise early to experience the magical dawn over the sea. In Vietnam, the "East Sea" is poetically referred to as the "Eastern Sea," and watching the sunrise over the bay’s scattered islets is truly a sight to behold. Start your day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi lesson or enjoy some peaceful time in your cabin.
After breakfast, the cruise continues through stunning areas where nearly every islet is named for its shape or unique features. Take in the serene beauty as you visit the Dark & Bright grottoes and islets by traditional rowing boats, exploring the untouched and mysterious landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
As the cruise heads back to the mainland, enjoy a leisurely brunch on board. Once docked, bid farewell to the crew and transfer back to the wharf. From there, we will take you to Hanoi Airport for your flight south to Danang, followed by a transfer to the charming town of Hoi An.
On arrival in Hoi An, we check into our 5-star resort, located only a short walk from the ancient town. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and make the most of the hotel’s beautiful facilities or take a short walk and wander the ancient streets and canals of this beautifully preserved town.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and spend time mingling with local vendors at the Hoi An Market. Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was once the most important trading port in the region. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city is one of the best places to discover well-preserved Vietnamese architecture.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. As the sun goes down, the city lights up with a sea of colourful lanterns, giving Hoi An the moniker ‘City of Lanterns.’ Expect a thoroughly photogenic and romantic atmosphere!
Inspiring Highlights
Experience the iconic Hoi An Memories show. The show features more than 500 performers in colourful costumes accompanied by music to create a high-tech show that recounts the history of Hoi An. Round-trip transportation is provided from your hotel.
Start Time: 7:30pm
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Inclusions: Transfers from/to hotel in Hoi An, show ticket, English-speaking guide.
*Please note: the show runs daily, except Tuesdays and a minimum of 2 passengers is required to operate
Enjoy one free day in Hoi An! Explore every corner of this ancient town or just relax on the beach, Cua Dai beach and An Bang beaches are just 4-5km from the old town. Alternatively, you may wish to join the optional tour to the Golden Bridge and Bana Hills.
This evening enjoy an Inspiring Taste as you join a cooking class and learn to make one of Hoi An’s traditional dishes: the white rose dumpling. Following your class, enjoy a delicious dinner before returning to the hotel.
Inspiring Highlights
Begin your day with a transfer to the stunning Ba Na Hills, where you'll embark on a scenic cable car ride that holds five world records. Your first stop is By Night Station, where you will explore Vong Nguyet Hills, the serene Linh Ung Pagoda, and the historic French Colonial Villas.
Afterward, descend by cable car and continue to the majestic Nui Chua Mountain, the highest peak in the Ba Na range. Here, visit the iconic Golden Bridge, a 150-metre-long structure elevated 1,400 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views of the lush mountainscape. Opened in June 2018, the bridge is famously held aloft by two giant stone hands.
The tour continues with visits to Nghinh Phong Peak, Le Nim Villas, and the vibrant Orchid Garden, offering a well-rounded experience of this breathtaking region.
Start Time: 8:30am
Duration: 7 hours
Includes: Transfers from/to hotel in Hoi An, round-trip cable car ticket, buffet lunch, English-speaking guide.
*Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required to operate
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before transferring by road to Hue. En route we stop by the picturesque Lap An Lagoon for some amazing photo opportunities, as well as the famous Hai Van Pass.
On arrival in Hue, we board a local dragon boat for a tranquil cruise along the famous Perfume River. The river bore the name Huong (perfume) for over a century as a result of the orchards upstream dropping into the water during autumn and omitting a strong floral scent. We take the cruise to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and then a road transfer to visit the Imperial City. Established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802 CE, this historic city is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Centre and retains many architectural highlights, temples, and palaces.
Afterwards, we’ll visit the nearby village of Thuy Bieu, well-known for its rustic ancient houses and gardens, before transferring to our hotel for check-in, and an afternoon of leisure and relaxation.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Enjoy breakfast before we transfer to the airport for our included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formally known as Saigon. With over 9 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, buzzing with activity 24/7.
On arrival, you are transferred to your 5-star hotel located in the heart of this exciting city.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s most loved sights, including Dong Khoi Street, the city’s major thoroughfare connecting French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers; the beautiful Saigon Central Post Office with its Neo-classical European architecture and Asian influence, and the War Remnant’s Museum which is home to 20,000 documents, artefacts, and films about the Vietnam War and its consequences.
After a fun and full day of sightseeing, we return to the hotel where the rest of the evening is spent at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast at the hotel, we depart the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre, a beautiful tranquil province in the Mekong Delta region. You’ll love its lush green landscapes, winding rivers, and friendly locals. On arrival, we board a boat and cruise along the mighty Mekong taking in scenic canals, islands, floating villages and seeing locals going about their daily lives. The cruise will stop at a local brick factory and a coconut workshop before disembarking to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.Following lunch, we return to Ho Chi Minh City where the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your tour concludes at the hotel after breakfast. At the appropriate time make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Taste
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
3 - Balanced
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,053.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 16
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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