Hanoi to Luang Prabang Overland

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

 Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Hanoi

 DAY 2-4 HANOI

After arrival, spend three days in Hanoi, enjoying a range of exclusive, tailored experiences, accompanied by your private guide.

Rise early to explore the colourful, markets and stroll around the lake as the Hanoians practise badminton, t’ai chi and aerobics in the street. Immerse yourself in the old town which is dissected by Hanoi’s main railway artery; here the residents go about their daily chores almost oblivious to the slow-moving trains!

Sip Vietnamese coffee, discover the city's lively street food culture and try a cold local beer at a roadside stall. Marvel at the French colonial architecture and explore the labyrinthine alleyways of the old quarter. Peruse the museum of your choice: ancient history, military history, fine arts or the serene Temple of Literature.

DAY 5 & 6 NINH BINH

With your guide and driver, you’ll head about 2 hours south to the province of Ninh Binh and its ancient capital.  Spend two days exploring the region by boat and bike: the glorious landscape of rice fields and lakes surrounded by towering peaks of craggy limestone, and the meandering waterways of Trang An Ecosystem which are often compared with Guilin in China and with Halong Bay. 

DAY 7 & 8 MAI CHAU FARMSTAY

Head northwest from Ninh Binh towards the Mai Chau valley where you’ll check into your resort in the paddy-fields.

During your stay there will be a chance to take a walk through the hills to the local villages, to learn how to cook local delicacies or help out on the farm.

DAY 9  VIETNAM/LAOS BORDER CROSSING

Spend today travelling through the mountains from Vietnam to Laos. The border crossing is about halfway between Mai Chau and the next stop, Sam Neua. Following the completion of border formalities, you will transfer into the hands of your Laos guide and travel through stunning countryside and beautiful limestone karst scenery to the Sam Neua. Enjoy your evening at leisure.

DAY 10  SAM NEUA AND VIENG XAI CAVES

Today there is an optional walking tour around Sam Neua followed by a visit to the Vieng Xai Caves where Laos’s communist leaders lived during the Vietnam War. An audio tour includes a visit to the leaders' caves and the Artillery Cave which offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

DAY 12  NAM ET NATIONAL PARK

Depart Sam Neua for the 3-hour drive to the village of Ban Son Koua. Here you’ll board a longtail boat for a cruise on the Nam Nern River to your jungle camp, where you’ll have lunch. Mid-afternoon you’ll depart for the night safari, stopping along the way at a salt lick where your local guide - a skilled hunter and tracker - will identify animal tracks. After sunset, relax around a campfire and enjoy a BBQ dinner. A couple of hours after dark, float down the river while your local guide looks out for wildlife by torchlight. Accommodation is in basic, traditional Lao style huts in the forest. Surrounded by jungle noises, an atmospheric night is guaranteed!

DAY 13 NAM ET TO NONG KHIAW

Rise early for a morning jungle tour and then, after breakfast, cruise downstream, making a stop at a prime location for birdwatching. Then it’s on to Nong Kiaw through more breathtaking scenery.

DAY 14 NONG KHAIW

Today you’ll cruise along the river and trek through hilltribe villages, passing several cascades en route. When you reach the summit, you'll be rewarded with what must be one of the best views in Laos. Here you can also enjoy a delicious Lao style picnic lunch, served on banana leaves, before hiking back down and boarding a longtail boat to take you back to Nong Khiaw.

DAY 15 NONG KHIAW  TO LUANG PRABANG BY ROAD

Today, head south by road to Luang Prabang. The morning drive brings you out into rolling countryside where you can admire the beauty of the Nam Ou River and the surrounding rice paddy fields. Along the way you’ll stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two caves set in a limestone cliff facing the Mekong River and crammed with thousands of Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Arrive in Luang Prabang around lunchtime where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 16 & 17  LUANG PRABANG

Spend two full days in beautiful Luang Prabang. Your guide will bring the city’s most impressive structures to life, including the country’s most historic and enchanting temple Wat Xiengthong. You’ll also visit Mt Phousi, which offers a spectacular sunset and a panoramic view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

It's worth rising early one day to witness and partake in the daily almsgiving to the monks. Your guide will also offer you the chance to visit the fresh market to see how the locals shop and take you to beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall for a luxury gourmet picnic breakfast before other tourists arrive.

DAY 18 FLY HOME

Depart Luang Prabang for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, we can tailor your trip to include an extended stay in Luang Prabang, a more in-depth tour of Laos or a beach extension in a neighbouring country.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK