The Best of Northern Vietnam and Laos: From Hanoi to Luang Prabang

Upon arrival at N?i Bài International Airport, you will be met by one of our representatives and privately transferred to your accommodation where you will be staying for the first three nights of your trip in the heart of Hanoi’s old town, a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. Relax in the comfort of your contemporary hotel’s well-equipped, cosy rooms; enjoy a drink at the bar; devour the famed local cuisine in the modern restaurant; and perhaps book a blissful post-flight treatment at the on-site spa.

Early risers should take a stroll to Hoan Kiem Lake, where locals mindfully practice morning tai chi surrounded by beautiful gardens. Then it’s time for a hearty hotel breakfast — the perfect prep for a private tour of central Hanoi. The Vietnamese capital is a bustling and vibrant city that’s steeped in history and culture, where pagodas, temples, and old-fashioned charm rub shoulders with searing skyscrapers. Immerse yourself in fascinating sights including Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to the legendary hero Tran Hung Dao, and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the country’s communist leader. Food lovers also have the option of joining a private cooking class, to unlock the secrets of Vietnam’s world-famous dishes.

Discover more of the capital’s delights, including The Temple of Literature – a must-visit destination for anyone interested in local history and culture. This ancient temple was built in 1070 and served as Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucius and his teachings. Your private tour starts at the main entrance, where you can admire the beautiful gate and the traditional Vietnamese architecture. Once inside, explore the various courtyards and buildings, each with its own unique story and significance. At The Pagoda of One Pillar, enjoy a moment of reflection. Surrounded by a small pond, the impressive structure resembles a lotus flower rising from the water and the pagoda is filled with shrines dedicated to different deities and spirits and adorned with beautiful decorations and offerings. Another important building in the complex is the 17th-century Dien Huu Pagoda, which is dedicated to Quan Am, the goddess of mercy. Next, sample mouth-watering Vietnamese street food during a private tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with traditional shops and restaurants. This area is famous for its street food, and you’ll sample local delicacies such as pho, banh mi and bun cha, perhaps over a beer and a chat with the friendly locals.

Over the next three days, get set to discover a very different side of Vietnam, accompanied by your local guide. The Pu Luong Nature Reserve, around a four-hour drive from Hanoi, contrasts sharply with the bustling capital. Blessed with rice terraces, green valleys and gushing waterfalls, this area is renowned for its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife and traditional villages. Enjoy guided hikes through lush forests and fields, where you can spot a variety of flora and fauna including monkeys, birds and butterflies. Stay in a traditional stilted house in this lesser-known spot, enjoying refreshing pool swims, and sampling flavourful local cuisine while taking in the spectacular surroundings.

Following a two-hour drive, a wonderful surprise is in store. Tam Coc in Ninh Binh province is a peaceful haven in an impressive natural setting. Affectionately called ‘Halong Bay on Land’, this area is known for its towering limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies and winding rivers. A homestay lunch is planned, followed by a bike ride in the Van Long Nature Reserve and a boat trip through rice fields and spectacular rocky peaks. You’ll arrive at Ninh Binh in the late afternoon to spend the night in a traditional hotel. The rooms are spacious and bright, and the surroundings are a wellbeing haven, with swimming pools, a fitness room, a spa, and an organic Vietnamese restaurant serving healthy local dishes based on fish, rice and vegetables.

Following a three-and-a-half-hour drive, enjoy an unforgettable overnight stay on a wooden junk boat leaving from Hon Gai Port. Your destination is Bai Tu Long Bay. Every bit as beautiful as its famous neighbour, it presents a laidback alternative to the touristy bustle of Halong Bay. This is a pristine paradise of jade-green waters, secluded beaches and breathtaking islets. The boat is traditionally designed and decorated, with comfortable cabins and a spacious deck for relaxing and enjoying the dramatic scenery of jutting rocks and mysterious caves. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on board, followed by a peaceful night’s sleep in your sleek cabin.

Wake up to stunning scenery and enjoy a leisurely breakfast while cruising back to Hon Gai for your two-and-a-half-hour drive to Hanoi and one-hour-ten-minute flight to Laos. Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you’ll be whisked away by private transfer to your charming boutique hotel, where you can settle in for three restful nights on the banks of the Nam Khane.

Today is all about discovering Luang Prabang on two wheels, during a private cycling tour of the city. Ideally located on the banks of the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is known for its golden pagodas, and seemingly endless cultural, architectural and culinary riches. Take in some of the must-sees such as the National Museum, housed in the former royal palace, and the temples of Wat Visoun, Wat Aham and Wat Xien Thong. The latter, located at the end of the peninsula, is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful mosaics. The leisurely tour concludes at Mount Phousi, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Mekong, which turns to liquid gold at sunset.

Discover more sides to this fascinating region as you witness a traditional dawn ceremony before a private walk beside the Mekong River. From daybreak, the UNESCO-listed town is awash with Buddhist monks who depart from their temples in orange drapes. Tak Bat is a daily almsgiving ritual where locals prepare food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to offer gifts. Following a hearty hotel breakfast, head to Wat Xieng Thong pier to board a traditional boat that will take you to the starting point of your hike. Enjoy stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains as you wander through banana fields and past isolated temples to reach Ban Xieng Mene – a traditional Lao village. For a fitting close to an unforgettable holiday, attend a traditional Baci ceremony (a ritual that involves tying strings around the wrist to preserve good luck) in a local family home.