Vietnam & Laos - A Travellers Introduction

Vietnam and Laos offer travellers a captivating journey through Southeast Asia, blending dramatic landscapes, rich history, distinctive cuisine and warm hospitality. Vietnam stretches from the misty mountains and rice terraces of the north to the lively cities, beaches and waterways of the south. Hanoi’s old quarter, Ha Long Bay, atmospheric Hoi An and energetic Ho Chi Minh City each reveal a different side of the country. Street food is a highlight, with fragrant pho, crisp banh mi, fresh herbs and strong local coffee.

Neighbouring Laos moves at a gentler pace. Its forested mountains, limestone scenery and communities along the Mekong create an appealing setting for relaxed exploration. Luang Prabang combines golden temples, French-era architecture and bustling markets.

Both countries reward curiosity and patience. Dress respectfully at religious sites, ask before photographing people, carry cash outside major centres and allow time for changing road conditions. Whether exploring by boat, bus or bicycle, visitors will find memorable encounters, beautiful scenery and a strong sense of place. Together, Vietnam and Laos make an especially rewarding two-country adventure.

Vietnam has three distinctive climates, all at the same time, varying from north to south. Generally you will experience lovely weather in November, but we warn you, you will get wet at some stage. Very wet! But, please do not let that put you off. After all, the rain is warm, almost as warm as the hospitality.

Included in the holiday cost:

·       Return flights from Dublin to Vietnam

·       Pre-bookable seats on flights to/from Vietnam

·       Airport Lounge at Dublin pre-departure

·       All other flights mentioned in the itinerary

·       20kgs checked luggage. Please read notes

·       8kg carry-on luggage

·       Private transfers throughout

·       Itinerary and excursions as outlined in the itinerary below.

·       Most meals.

·       Airport Lounge at Hanoi at end of tour.

·       Full ATOL financial protection

·       Escorted by Alan Couser

Not included:

Travel insurance, visas, meals, drinks or excursions not included in the itinerary below.

Flight Details (Provisional)

Nov27 

Dep. Dublin 14.20  Arr. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) 14.30 +1

Nov27 

Dep. Hanoi 01.30    Arr. Dublin 12.20 (Same day)

Seating Preference

Choose your seat at time of booking by specifying window, middle or aisle and also who you wish to sit with. Nearer the departure date, many of the window and aisle seats will already be fully booked. So, book early and nominate your seating preference.

Note: There are only 10 extra legroom seats on some flights and only 6 on others. First come, first booked.

In standard economy, we can allocate seats as you wish but you need to let us know at time of booking. For upgrades to Premium or Business, please ask us to check availability and exact supplement.



Baggage and flight upgrades.

Baggage Allowance per person 20kg checked PLUS one cabin bag weighing no more than 7kgs and measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 22cm)PLUS one small cabin bag to fit under seat. (Max 40 x 30 x 20cm)

In Premium, as above only you can take two checked pieces weighing no more than 35kgs between them.

Business Class passengers are allowed another cabin bag over and above Premium.

In economy, 1 piece of 20kgs and 1 underseat bag

In Premium and Business,

Choose your seat                        included 

Fares:

Based on twin or double sharing. £4675 pp

Based on single occupancy          £5785

Supplements

Extra legroom seats            from       £380 round trip

Upgrade to Premium  (approx.) £900 round trip. TBC.

Upgrade to Business   (approx.) £3800 round trip. TBC



ITINERARY

(See all hotel details at end of itinerary)

Day 1.

If you are joining us in Belfast

Meet in Belfast at Grand Central Station 08.45am

Travel to Dublin by coach.             Depart 09.00am

Dublin Airport                                  Arrive   11.15am

If you are meeting us in Dublin

Check in for flight                               from 11.30am

Emirates Flight EK162 / EK364

Clear Security and visit Airport Lounge. If you are travelling Business Class, you go to the Emirates Lounge. If you are in Economy/Premium, you go to the Phoenix Lounge.

Go to gate (to be confirmed)                       1.40pm

Flight departs for Dubai                                2.20pm

Day 2. (D)

Flight EK162              Arrive Dubai               00.50am

(option to use Marhaba Lounge - £40)

Flight EK364              Depart Dubai              04.00am

Flight arrives Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)       2.30pm 

Clear Immigration (Approx 90 minutes)

Meet local guide and transfer to hotel.     

We should arrive at the hotel around 5.00pm.

Free time to relax or go for a walk before dinner.

Welcome Dinner at local restaurant.

Return to hotel.

Day 3. – Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B,L,D)

Morning excursion to visit Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), War Remnants Museum. Afterwards, stroll through the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral inaugurated in 1880 became the spiritual and cultural crucible of the French presence in the Orient as was the Post office designed by Gustav Eiffel and resembling a grand railway station, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (formerly Hôtel de Ville) which is one of the most photographed buildings in Vietnam - notable for its gardens, ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant

Afternoon free to relax, visit the local market, sightseeing on your own.

Dinner at local restaurant

Day 4. Mekong Delta (B,L.D)

Today’s excursion is an unforgettable experience. After breakfast, you will meet our local guide in the lobby of the hotel for an early start. Drive to Ben Tre the heart of the Mekong Delta, famous for its vast rice fields and most beautiful landscapes.

Arrive at meeting point, get on a tri-motor cycle (xe loi) ride to enjoy the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the narrow village roads. There is also an opportunity to cycle. (See below)

Arrive at the waterfront, board the charming “cruise” for a glimpse of the Delta scenery while enjoying coconut juice. First stop : a visit to the coconut processing, then back to your cruise, which will stop at a brick making factory, where the locals still use centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand and where you will start a bicycle trip around Phong Nam village around 4km. (Non-cyclists travel in a buggy.) Then, continue the bicycle trip for about 05 minutes to Mrs. Huong’s home. Her family lives on fishing shrimp and farming. Enjoy the tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden before taking the rowing sampan , be paddled by a personalized rower trip to discover the maze of small canals.

Note regarding bicycle tour: (There is an alternative to take a ride in a jeep/tuk tuk instead. Anyone wishing to cycle must have recent cycling experience. Cycling area is safe from traffic but the paths can be pot-holed and uneven. Caution is necessary, but it’s great fun!)

Then head to the restaurant and enjoy your lunch and freshen up before switching to a bicycle and riding 500m, about 4 minutes (or 7-10 minutes’ walk) on village roads past green gardens and local houses. Then enter the local house of Mr. Ba Tài to learn the fascinating process of rice wine making. Lastly, a memorable visit to Mr. Sau Tuong, who is a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now, he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and learn about the crispy rice paper made by his wife and see how it is made.

After the visit, the boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre city where the car will be ready to take you back to Saigon.

Day 5. – Cu Chi Tunnel (B,L)

After breakfast, you will enjoy the journey of around  75 km from Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnels - a complex of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. There are more than 200 km of tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. You have the chance to crawl through a small part of this amazing system of tunnels. For a more “thrilling” experience, you can even test your shooting skills on original AK47s and other guns from past war times (subject to a surcharge and not recommended. Imagine people from Northern Ireland shooting AK47’s!).

Back to Hochiminh city for free time and overnight.

Dinner is NOT included this evening, so you can choose to enjoy the delights of Saigon by night.

Day 6. – Da Nang & Hoi An (B,D)

We’ll depart the hotel around 08.00am for the transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport for our flight to Da Nang. The times are still not available but should be around 11.00am, arrive 12.20pm.

We will be warmly welcomed upon arrival at Danang International Airport by our local guide then transfer to the hotel in Hoi An

There is no lunch included today, so you will need to bring a snack with you for the flight or enjoy some street food on arrival, or a light lunch at a restaurant.

Afternoon free at your own activities.

Evening meal  at a local restaurant (TBA)

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Day 7. My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An Lanterns (B,L,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for My Son Sanctuary, one of Vietnam’s most important archaeological sites and a remarkable legacy of the ancient Champa Kingdom.

Upon arrival, explore the complex of ancient Hindu temple towers nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by lush mountains. Learn about the history, architecture, religious significance, and cultural heritage of the Cham civilization while visiting the remaining temple groups and archaeological ruins.

After the visit, return to Hoi An for lunch at a local restaurant.

Around 15:00 our guide will pick you up from hotel and you will discover Hoi An. One of the best ways to discover Hoi An and its surroundings is by walking, and during your leisurely walk you will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the daily life of the local people: green paddy fields, vegetable gardens, markets, temples, historic houses, fishermen and stunning countryside scenes will simply mesmerize you. This tour offers great photo opportunities and you may find yourself chatting with the locals and inhaling unforgettable memories.

In the evening, you will visit Hoi An Ancient Town and enjoy a memorable lantern floating activity on the Hoai River. After a short walk through the lantern-lit streets, board a small wooden boat and gently release your floating lantern onto the water, making a wish for peace and good fortune.

After the experience, continue exploring the Hoi An Night Market and the old town at your own pace before returning to your hotel.

Dinner is not included tonight but Hoi An Market is an excellent venue for freshly cooked food or you could visit one of the thousands of restaurants.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Day 8. Hoi An Memories Show (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the morning and afternoon at your leisure. Relax at the hotel or explore the charming ancient town of Hoi An at your own pace. Lunch is not included today.

03:30 PM: Transfer by buggy to Hoi An Memories Land, where you will have time to explore the park and enjoy its cultural attractions and performances.

Enjoy dinner at Non La Restaurant.

08:00 PM: Experience the spectacular Hoi An Memories Show an impressive outdoor performance on a huge stage, featuring hundreds of performers, elaborate costumes, music, lighting, and choreography that bring the rich history and culture of Hoi An to life.

After the show, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9. Hoi An Free Day (B)

Completely free day to relax by the pool, stroll through Hoi An, maybe even go to the beach.

Just breakfast included.

Day 10. Da Nang – Hanoi (B,D)

After breakfast proceed to Danang Airport for your domestic flight to Hanoi.

Estimated flight times 11.35 – 13.00.

All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport by our local guide then transfer to our hotel  

Afternoon free. Dinner at local restaurant. (TBA)

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 11. – Hanoi City Tour (B,L,D)

After breakfast at hotel, you will visit The One Pillar Pagoda, which was founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s smallest but most iconic temples. Close by is the Mausoleum of the historic Father Figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the Former President's House on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.

(The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays and may also close annually for maintenance. During closure, guests will visit the exterior only)

Then you will enjoy a leisurely one-hour tri-shaw tour through the streets of this fascinating city, you will come face to face with the daily lives and activities of Hanoi’s streets as you pass through the congested, but delightful, Old Quarter. Ride through the fascinating streets, which still bear the names of the shops that could be found there in the 15th to 18th centuries. Lunch at local restaurants.

Afternoon. Visit the Temple of Literature. Built in 1076, This was Vietnam's first university, established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

After visiting the Temple of Literature, continue to Van Lake (Ho Van), located just opposite the temple, where you will join a Vietnamese calligraphy workshop. Learn about the traditional art of calligraphy from a local calligrapher and try creating your own calligraphy piece as a unique souvenir to take home.

Dinner at local restaurant. TBA.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 12. – Hanoi – Lao Cai – Sapa -Tavan (B,L,D)

In the morning, we will depart from Hanoi for Sapa by private vehicle, enjoying a scenic drive through the countryside and mountainous landscapes of northern Vietnam. The journey takes approximately 5–5.5 hours, with a short break along the way.

Upon arrival in Sapa, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, drive from Sapa town to Lao Chai Village, with beautiful views over the Muong Hoa Valley, surrounding mountains, and impressive rice terraces. Along the way, you may encounter local ethnic minority communities such as the H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao.

Upon arrival at Lao Chai, enjoy a walk through the Black H’mong village and experience the daily life of the local people. Continue trekking to Ta Van Village, home to the Zay ethnic group, while enjoying the peaceful countryside scenery.

(We will have alternative transport for non-hikers)

After the visit, transfer back to Sapa town.

Dinner at local restaurant TBA.

Overnight in Sapa.

Note: Due to the mountainous terrain, narrow roads, and local traffic regulations in Sapa, large vehicles may not be able to access certain areas. In such cases, large coaches can only transfer clients to the designated parking area in Sapa. From there, all sightseeing transfers within Sapa will be arranged by smaller vehicles.

Day 13. – Mount Fansipan (B,L,D)

This morning you will enjoy a spectacular cable car ride - the world’s longest three-rope cable car system, extending from the northern Lao Cai Province’s Sapa Town to the summit of Mt Fansipan – the highest mountain in Indochina. If the weather is clear, the panoramic views are amazing. Return to Sapa town and enjoy lunch at local restaurant

In the afternoon, you will be free at leisure to explore Sapa town, visit the local market, enjoy its charming cafés and shops, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful mountain town.

Dinner at local restaurant TBA.

Overnight in Sapa

Day 14. – Sapa (Free day) (B)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, followed by a day of relaxation. Only breakfast included today.

How about visiting the Sapa Culture Museum, join a half-day or full-day hike with a local guide, potter in the stalls and shops of Sapa or simply relax and do nothing. (Alan will be hiking, and maybe Ann, too!)

Day 15. Sapa – Hanoi – Luang Prabang (Laos) (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and depart Sapa for Hanoi Airport via Lao Cai (approximately 6–6.5 hours’ drive). The flight to Luang Prabang.

Flight is currently scheduled as 19.10 – 20.20

Upon arrival at Luang Prabang International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the evening is free at leisure.

Only breakfast is included today but you will have ample opportunity to get something to eat throughout the day.

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 16. Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves (B,L,D)

After breakfast, embark on a leisurely cruise upstream along the Mekong River, enjoying picturesque views of the peaceful countryside along the way. Continue to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site consisting of two interconnected caves filled with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, placed there by pilgrims over the centuries.

En route, stop at Ban Xanghai Village, known for its traditional production of local rice wine. After the visit, cruise back to Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel.

Dinner at local restaurant or hotel. TBA

Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 17. Kuang Si Waterfalls (B,L,D)

It’s an early start today but you’ll have time tomorrow to relax.

05:30AM Wake up as the sun rises, we will prepare to join the most sacred tradition of Laos, the daily morning alms giving, which dates to the 14th century. More than 200 Buddhist monks depart from various temples to gather their daily meal from the faithful residents sitting quietly on the streets.                 

We then visit the morning market near the former Royal Palace which offers a glimpse into daily life, with vendors selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and textiles. These experiences provide a unique and authentic cultural immersion.

(You can skip this early morning excursion, if you wish, and just have a lie-in.)

08:30AM – After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a climb of 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. (Those not able to climb will have to sit this one out. Sorry!)

Continue to the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfalls, the largest and most famous waterfall in the Luang Prabang area. Cascading over three tiers, the falls plunge approximately 50 metres into a series of stunning turquoise pools before flowing downstream. The natural pools are also popular spots for swimming and relaxation. (Bring your swimsuit!)

For those who wish to explore further, take a short walk to the nearby Ban Thapene Village and discover some of the area's lesser-visited waterfalls. You may also visit the nearby Bear Rescue Centre, home to rescued bears that have been saved from poachers and illegal wildlife trafficking.

On the way back to Luang Prabang, stop at the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, beautifully situated along the Mekong River. This traditional craft centre showcases skilled artisans at work, including weavers, spinners, and batik makers producing high-quality Lao textiles. A guided tour offers an interesting insight into Laos' rich textile heritage and traditional craftsmanship. (Of course, there’s a shop!)

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner TBA. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 18. Luang Prabang – Hanoi (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will have most of the day free at your leisure until check-out in the afternoon.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Luang Prabang International Airport for your flight back to Hanoi.

Flight currently scheduled 17.25 – 18.35

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to dinner at local restaurant before check-in hotel. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 19. Halong Bay Cruise 2 nights (FB)

After breakfast, you canl enjoy the 3 hour drive to Halong Bay. Subject to time, we’ll probably stop to see how pearls are cultured. Opportunity to buy, if you wish. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. Be welcomed onboard and lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations.

Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on Halong Bay.

Day 20. Ha Long Bay – (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast on board and continue cruising through Ha Long Bay.

During the day, join the cruise’s scheduled activities and excursions, with time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the bay.

Lunch and dinner will be served on board.

Overnight on the cruise in Ha Long Bay.

Day 21. – Homeward bound (B,L,D)

Breakfast and lunch today may actually be a brunch!

Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong early in the morning while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon enjoy an early dinner. Then transfer to the airport for check-in. We have arranged access to one of the airport lounges to relax and eat before your flight home.

Day 22. Flight departs

Flight EK395                                   depart   01.30am

Arrive Dubai                                                     5.05am

Depart Dubai on EK161                                 7.25am

Arrive Dublin                                                  12.20pm