Itinerary

Days 1-3 • Saturday-Monday

U.S. / Luang Prabang, Laos
Fly from the U.S. to Luang Prabang, the beguiling ancient capital of Laos, where we begin our Laos and Vietnam tour itinerary. Transfer to the Chang Heritage Hotel, our home for the next three nights, before dinner on your own. With its ideal location, all the history and romance of Luang Prabang are at your doorstep from this boutique hotel on the banks of the Nam Khan River. (Meals Aloft)

Day 4 • Tuesday

Luang Prabang
In a country that has been open to tourism for less than a decade, the town of Luang Prabang is widely regarded as the most authentic and peaceful city in Southeast Asia, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its combination of traditional, colonial and urban architecture. We’ll explore a variety of traditional wats (monasteries), including Wat Vsoun, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Xieng Muan, where monks are learning skills to maintain their temples. Also visit the Royal Palace Museum and Phu Si Hill before a Baci ceremony welcoming us as “most honored guests.” (B,L,D)

Day 5 • Wednesday

Luang Prabang
Delve into the diverse cultures of Laos during a visit to an ethnic minority village, where you’ll distribute school supplies purchased through our local partnership with Big Brother Mouse. Big Brother Mouse, a Lao-owned project in Luang Prabang, is striving to bring the fun of reading to the children of Laos by publishing books in their language. In many villages, children have little to read except textbooks; however, in 2008, more than 30,000 rural Lao children got the first book they had ever owned through a Big Brother Mouse book party. We’ll also explore the Pak Ou Caves before an evening at leisure. The center of Luang Prabang is a pedestrian-friendly area, inviting locals and travelers alike to stroll its charming lanes. Explore the sprawling and eclectic night market this evening. (B,L)

Day 6 • Thursday

Luang Prabang / Khiet Ngong / Xe Pian National Protected Area
Arise early to be enveloped in the silence and ceremony of tak bat, the sacred practice of giving rice to the over 1,000 orange-robed monks as they make their way through the city streets. From Luang Prabang, fly south to Pakse. Spend the next three nights at Kingfisher Ecolodge in Xe Pian NPA, near the village of Khiet Ngong. Tonight enjoy a discussion on Laos' NPA system with a local expert. (B,L,D)

Day 7 • Friday

Khiet Ngong / Xe Pian National Protected Area
Our Laos and Vietnam adventure begins with an elephant ride to the ancient temple ruins of Pho Asa Mountain and the village of Khiet Ngong, where mahouts (elephant drivers) are trained. Visit Wat Phou Champassak, an UNESCO World Heritage Site was designed to express the Hindu vision of the relationship between nature and humanity. (B,L,D)

Day 8 • Saturday

Khiet Ngong / Bolaven Plateau
For the next part of your Laos and Vietnam adventure, travel to the lush highlands of the Bolaven Plateau. Spend the day strolling through coffee and tea plantations and discovering the plunging Tadfan, Tad Yeung and Phasuean waterfalls. Stop for a visit with the Katou people of Ban Houeihoun, learning about traditional crafting techniques and this tribe’s colorful lore before returning to the Kingfisher Ecolodge. (B,L,D)

Day 9 • Sunday

Khiet Ngong / Vientiane
Our Laos and Vietnam expedition itinerary takes us into the heart of French-colonial Indochina as we travel to Vientiane, the country’s capital. After a tasty lunch of Loa cuisine at Makphet Restaurant, a project started to teach skills to the city’s at risk youth, tour the city, seeing Wat Sisaket, Ho Phra Keo, Patousay and That Luang Stupa. Spend tonight at the Green Park Boutique Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 10 • Monday

Vientiane / Hanoi, Vietnam
Rise early today to visit the city’s lively morning market and visit Ban Nong Bouathong school before we fly to Hanoi, Vietnam and transfer to the five-star Melia Hanoi, our home for the next two nights. (B,L)

Day 11 • Tuesday

Hanoi
Every dynasty of Vietnam has left their mark on Hanoi, a city inhabited since 3000 B.C. Begin our survey of the city by touring the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. After lunch at Anh Tuyet, a restaurant operated by a well-known local artist and chef, enjoy a cyclo-rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter. Tonight enjoy the Thang Long Water Puppet show. (B,L,D)

Day 12 • Wednesday

Hanoi / Halong Bay Cruise
Drive past the rice paddies of Vietnam’s countryside en route to Halong Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin. Embark our junk – a traditional wooden sailboat – for a cruise among this spectacular seascape of 1,600 limestone islands and islets. Stop to explore the Cave of Surprises on Bo Hon Island before returning to the boat to watch sunset paint the limestone pillars. (B,L,D)

Day 13 • Thursday

Halong Bay Cruise / Hanoi
Watch the sunrise and take in the astounding natural setting of romantic Halong Bay as we sail through the turquoise blue lagoon waters aboard excursion boats. After disembarking after lunch, our Laos and Vietnam adventure travels back toward Hanoi, stopping for a ceramics demonstration en route. Return to the Melia Hanoi, with an evening free to explore. (B,L)

Day 14 • Friday

Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Fly south to modern Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Before checking into the Sheraton Saigon, tour this historic city, seeing the Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, Presidential Palace — where we tour the war rooms used by U.S. and South Vietnamese officers to coordinate war efforts, China Town, Binh Tay market and Thien Hau pagoda. Spend time strolling the motorbike filled streets. Then enjoy our a farewell dinner before sailing on the scenic Mekong. (B,L,D)

Day 15 • Saturday

Saigon / Mekong Delta
After driving through the lush, fertile countryside of the Mekong Delta, board a boat in My Tho heading into the bustling waterways that wind through the Mekong Islands. Spend a full day exploring the quaint villages on the islands, tasting honey and coconut candy before a lunch of the local delicacy — elephant fish. Return to the Sheraton for the night. (B,L)

Day 16 • Sunday

Saigon / En Route
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

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