12 DAYS LAOS - VIETNAM CLASSIC TOUR (Private)

Private tour (LAVNVCTP12): Daily departure from Luang Prabang with local English-speaking guides (other language speaking guides at surcharge).

DAY 1: LUANG PRABANG – ARRIVAL (-/L/-)

Meet upon arrival at Luang Prabang Airport and transfer to the hotel.

The crown jewel of Laos and former Lanexang, Luang Prabang is perhaps the best-preserved traditional city in South-East Asia. Magical and charming, it has preserved its long-standing reputation as a stronghold of Lao culture with its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness. In 1995, UNESCO voted Luang Prabang as a World Heritage City.

Visit the National Museum (former King’s Palace), displaying a collection of personal artifacts of the Royal Family. Climb Vat Phousi hill for an outstanding view over the city. Continue to visit Vat Visoun, the site of an impressive stupa, That Makmo, stylistically more Srilankanese than Lao. Then walk to the nearby Vat Aham, which is one of the city’s major tutelary shrines, dedicated to Deveta Luang (spirit) Pu Gneu Ya Gneu (ancestors). Sunset at Vat Prabaht Tai located along the Mekong River.

Accommodation at hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Lunch at Un Petit Nid restaurant or similar

DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG – PAK OU CAVES – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)

Visit Vat Xieng Thong, considered as the most beautiful temple. The sim of the Vat represents the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture with roofs that sweep low to the ground. In the compound stand several small chapels housing bronze Buddha images, which were displayed in Paris in 1911. Near the East gate stands the Royal Funeral Chapel. Inside are an impressive 12-metre high funeral chariot and various funeral urns of each Royal Family’s member. The gilt panel on the exterior of the chapel depicts a semi-erotic episode from Ramayana.

Then board a traditional boat for a trip up the Mekong River to visit the famous caves of Pak Ou, housing thousands of statues representing Lord Buddha.

Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the confluence between the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers.

Return to Luang Prabang by boat and continue by car to visit Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village where traditional Sa paper is also produced.

Accommodation at hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Lunch at local restaurant

DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG – KHUANGSI WATERFALLS – LUANG PRABANG (B/L/-)

This morning, transfer to the boat pier and board a traditional riverboat for a trip down the Mekong River. Disembark on the riverbank opposite Luang Prabang (after around 20 minutes) to visit the pottery village of Ban Chan, populated by Lao Loum. Then board your boat for a further hour down-stream to the Lao Loum village of Ban Sing, where you will continue by road to the Khuangsi Waterfalls.

The waterfalls tumble over multi – tiered limestone formations into cool, clear pools ideal for swimming and relaxing. Picnic lunch near-by the waterfalls. After some time of relaxing and exploring the area by foot, return by road (approximately one hour drive) to Luang Prabang, with the remainder of the afternoon free to explore the Night Bazaar, if desired.

Accommodation at hotel in Luang Prabang

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Picnic lunch

DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE (B/L/-)

In the morning, get up early at 05:00 hrs to witness the age old tradition of alms giving. Then stroll through the historic streets to visit the morning market, where the locals and ethnic minorities of the surroundings come daily to trade their goods. Return to your hotel for breakfast.

Afterwards, visit the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre, which is a new museum about the ethnic cultures of Laos. The centre exhibits ethnic clothing, household objects, religious artefacts and handicrafts.

Transfer to the airport for Lao Airlines flight to Vientiane. Meet upon arrival at Vientiane Wattay airport, transfer and check-in at the hotel.

Vientiane’s major attractions are the serene Buddhist monasteries that dominate the centre of town. The city has kept its timeless charm with tree-lined avenues, brightly painted temples and quaint French architecture. This afternoon, visit Vat Sisaket, the oldest original temple in Vientiane. Built in 1818, Vat Sisaket is the sole survivor of an invasion in 1828. Vat Sisaket features remarkable frescoes and 6,840 Buddha images. Nearby is Ho Phra Keo, once the royal temple of Lao monarchy. Built in 1565, Ho Phra Keo has been used as a museum since 1970 and contains some of the finest Buddhist sculptures and artifacts in the country. The main structure originally housed the famous Emerald Buddha that now resides in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Keo. One of the most photographed images of Vientiane is Patouxay, the victory gate also known as Anousavari. Constructed in 1958, its architecture is inspired by the Arc of Triumph in Paris. Another famous Vientiane landmark is the That Luang Stupa. King Setthathirath built this great sacred stupa in 1566. Its central structure is 45 meters tall and echoes the curving lines of an elongated lotus. The original stupa was said to contain relics of Lord Buddha.

Accommodation at hotel in Vientiane

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Lunch at Pak Houay Mixay restaurant or similar

DAY 5: VIENTIANE – HANOI  (B/-/-)

Transfer to the airport and your flight to Hanoi. Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to the hotel.

As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered to be the cultural centre of Vietnam, where every dynasty has left behind their imprint. Hanoi is located in the centre of the Northern Delta with a population 6.2 million people and an area 3,398 square km. Hanoi is an ancient city which had been established and developed for almost 1,000 years since 1010. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike. Historians liken the life-giving Red River with its banks crowded with green rice paddies and farms to the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; a cradle of civilization.

Rest of the day at leisure or join our wonderful optional excursions in and around Hanoi, such as our walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter for first impressions.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 6: HANOI – HALONG BAY (B/L/-)

After breakfast, check out of the hotel. In the morning, you experience the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Vietnam’s capital. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s former Residence and Mausoleum (the Mausoleum is closed during the entire months of October and November), the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam and built more than 1,000 years ago.

Then enjoy a 01-hour cyclo ride through the Old Quarter past the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple to a local restaurant for lunch.

Visit the History Museum and drive to Halong Bay (165 km east of Hanoi).

Accommodation at hotel in Halong

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Lunch at Au Lac local restaurant or similar

DAY 7: HALONG BAY – HANOI (B/L/-)

Have breakfast at the hotel and start the day with a relaxing and wonderful 05-hour cruise through Halong Bay, passing bizarre rock formations. You will discover Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty, known in Vietnamese as “Dragon descending to the sea“. The picturesque Halong Bay has more than 3,000 limestone islets rising from the clear emerald water, many of them containing beautiful grottoes, of which you will visit one of the most stunning ones. During the boat trip fresh seafood fingertips will be served for your delights (please let us know if you do not eat seafood).

Return to Hanoi and attend a performance of the famous water puppetry, a traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century. Afterwards, you may have some free time to explore Hanoi.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Lunch on board

DAY 8: HANOI – DANANG – HOI AN (B/-/D)

The morning is at leisure until your airport transfer for the flight to Danang in the early afternoon. From the port town of Danang we drive the short distance south past famous Non Nuoc Beach onto the enchanting town of Hoi An.

On foot visit the historic town of Hoi An, listed by UNESCO as a World Culture Heritage and was once a well-known trading centre in Southeast Asia from the 16th to 18th centuries. Its sizeable community of foreign merchants resulted in a unique architectural style with Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese influences. The town with friendly inhabitants, narrow streets, old houses, temples and wooden bridge still remains its ancient character

Accommodation at hotel in Hoi An

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Dinner at hotel

DAY 9: HOI AN – DANANG – HUE (B/L/-)

After breakfast, start the journey to Hue, the former Imperial City of the last dynasty of Vietnam. En route visit Marble Mountain, a scenic spot with caves, temples, shrines, pagodas and a great view of the surrounding area. The caves can be reached by climbing steep steps.

In Danang, visit the Cham Museum, which houses the finest collection of Champa sculptures; some may date back to as early as 7th century. Have lunch at a local restaurant and continue the journey to Hue over the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Have a short stop on top of the pass – once regarded as the prime mountain pass on the North-South national road.

Arrival at Hue – a charming town set on the banks of the Perfume River.

Located in Central Vietnam, Hue is the only place in the country where many historic, cultural, architectural as well as artistic values have been preserved. Tangible cultural heritage - the system of historic monuments - and intangible cultural heritage - the Imperial court music - have their own national and international values that were acknowledged as World Cultural Heritages. Hue is also the site where the northern and southern ecosystems meet, the area of river-hills, greenery and beautiful landscapes.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Accommodation at hotel in Hue

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Lunch at Apsara local restaurant or similar

DAY 10: HUE – HO CHI MINH CITY  (B/L/-)

In the morning, enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda or Heavenly Lady pagoda, one of the oldest ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. Situated 4 km upstream on the banks of the Perfume River, it is an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. After the boat trip visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue with the Purple Forbidden City.

The Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River. It covers an area 500 ha and has a system of three circles of ramparts: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). The Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Visit the local Dong Ba market, have lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Tu Duc Royal Tomb. Each ruler of the Imperial City built his own tomb during his reign and today you will visit one of the most beautiful mausoleums.

Transfer to Phu Bai airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Formerly known as Saigon, today’s Ho Chi Minh City is the bustling and vibrating economic centre of the South. Over the past few centuries, Saigon was called the “Pearl of the Far East” and was an important trading centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants who travelled along the Saigon River.

Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Lunch at The Temple local restaurant or similar

DAY 11: HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNELS – HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/-)

After breakfast, drive to Cu Chi district (75 km from HCMC) to visit the amazing complex of underground tunnels at Cu Chi. 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 this amazing system of tunnels before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch.

In the afternoon our walking tour will take you from the Saigon River past the Opera House, Town Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Post Office (all magnificent sights from the French colonial period) to visit the Reunification Palace (museum). Finish the tour at the famous Ben Thanh Market, where you can purchase souvenirs for your beloved ones.

The evening is free at leisure. You are welcome to join our optional dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

Accommodation at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Lunch at Indochine local restaurant or similar

DAY 12: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE  (B/-/-)

Time at leisure. You are welcome to join our interesting optional excursions in and around Ho Chi Minh City, such as our Good Morning Saigon Tour.

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City / Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight. (Check-out time: 12:00 hrs – late check-out is not included.)

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

“WE WISH YOU AN ENJOYABLE JOURNEY”

OUR PRICE IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING HOTELS

Deluxe Maison Souvanaphoum Hotel - Garden Wing room (Luang Prabang), Settha Palace Hotel - Deluxe room (Vientiane), Hilton Hanoi Hotel – Deluxe room (Hanoi),  Novotel Halong Hotel – Superior Bay View room (Halong), La Residence Hotel & Spa – Superior room (Hue),  Victoria Hoian Beach Resort & Spa – Superior room (Hoi An), Intercontinental Asiana  – Deluxe room (Ho Chi Minh City)

First Santi Resort & Spa - Deluxe room (Luang Prabang), Lao Plaza - Regular Floor room (Vientiane), Silk Path Hotel –  Executive room (Hanoi), Royal Lotus Hotel – Superior room (Halong), Gerbera Hotel – Standard City View room (Hue),  Boutique Hoian Resort – Superior room (Hoi An), Equatorial Hotel – Deluxe room (Ho Chi Minh City)

Superior Vangthong Hotel - Standard room (Luang Prabang), Mercure Hotel - Standard room (Viantiane), Marigold Hotel –Deluxe room (Hanoi), Mithrin Hotel – Superior room (Halong), Park View Hotel – Superior room (Hue), Historic Hoi An  – Superior room (Hoi An), Family Inn Hotel – Standard room (Ho Chi Minh City)

Please contact us for rates based on different hotels.

TOUR PRICE

(*)  Child policy:

Discounted rates are applicable for 1 child (from 2 – 11 years of age) accompanied by 2 full-paying passengers (in other words, for every 2 full-paying participants 1 child is entitled to the special child rate).

TOUR PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF

Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom

Meals as stated in the programme B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner

• Transfers and tours with local English-speaking guides in air-conditioned vehicles

All entrance fees, boat fees and / or cyclo fees as mentioned in the programme

Drinking water and cold towels available on the vehicles

NOT INCLUDED ARE

• Domestic airfare (quoted separately)

• International airfare to / from Vietnam (quoted separately)

• Optional tours

• Surcharges for other language guides

• Surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday

• Personal travel insurance

• Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.

• Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme

• Drinks with meals

• Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking

• Visa application and visa stamp fees at Vietnamese embassies overseas and/ or upon arrival (Please note that a visa is compulsory for most nationalities.)

• Laotian visa and visa application fee (compulsory for most nationalities)

• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme

CANCELLATIONS

• Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after the tour arrangements have commenced.

• FIT (Individuals): Cancellation charges are calculated from the day the written notification is received by the company or agent as a percentage of the net total tour price as shown plus any surcharges (e.g. ticketed air sectors, other penalties imposed by suppliers such as hotels):

• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  According to the costs incurred will be charged

• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 25% of package price

• Between 14 days and 8 days prior to departure: 50% of package price

• Between 07 days and 2 days prior to departure: 75% of package price

• 1 day prior to departure or no show:   100% of package price

• GIT (Groups): Cancellation of tours due to minimum number of participants will be advised 6 weeks before departure of the tour; in which case Happy Go Travel will offer an alternative tour of a similar standard or a full refund. Cancellation policy for GIT bookings will be advised separately case by case.

• HOTEL ONLY

• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  no charge

• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 60% of accommodation price

• Between 14 days and 0 days prior to departure: 100% of accommodation price

• Certain Hotels impose stricter cancellation policies which will be advised separately.

PLEASE NOTE

• For air ticket reservations, we require the guests’ full names AS THEY APPEAR IN THEIR PASSPORTS. Airfares and reservations are always subject to change until paid in full and ticketed.

• Airfares are subject to increase without prior notice.

• Please be advised that prices will be adjusted periodically in case of fuel price increase by our suppliers.

• This is a quotation only and neither reservations for services nor hotel bookings have been made.

• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.

CONTACT INFORMATION OF HAPPY GO TRAVEL

HAPPY GO TRAVEL - HANOI HEAD OFFICE:

Address:  5th floor,  130F Thai Thinh str, Trung Liet, Dong Da,  Hanoi, Vietnam

Telephone during office hours:  +84 24 32 686 686; +84 24 32 898 898

Fax:  +84 24 32 171 783

EMERCENCY CONTACTS (ENGLISH AND GERMAN-SPEAKING)

Mobile: Mr. Thang (Managing Director) (+84) 934556056

IMPORTANT NOTICE

 Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices. Happy Go Travel is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmes. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.

 Programmes, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.

 We strongly advise to leave valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewellery, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times. Happy Go Travel is not responsible for any loss or theft.

 Vietnam being a developing country is in full process of upgrading its infrastructure. Therefore, driving overland can be cumbersome due to ongoing road constructions.

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