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Hanoi to Luang Prabang Overland

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Hanoi to Luang Prabang Overland

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This itinerary is a breathtaking overland journey through some of the most beautiful, remote and fascinating parts of Vietnam and Laos.

Highlights include

  • Discover Hanoi’s lively street food culture while sipping a cold local beer at a roadside stall
  • Sail past the towering peaks of craggy limestone in the Trang An ecosystem
  • Stay in a thatched-roof bungalow deep in North Vietnam’s paddy-fields
  • Explore the remote caves that Laos’s communist leaders lived in during the “secret war”
  • Track animals on a night safari in Laos’s jungle
  • Trek past cascading waterfalls and hill-tribe villages
  • Soak up atmospheric Luang Prabang with your private guide

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive ‘Journey Planner’ here.

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.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

La Siesta Hanoi

La Siesta Hanoi, Hanoi

A charming hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter with nice rooms and superb service.

 Mai Chau Ecolodge

Mai Chau Ecolodge, Mai Chau

Spacious eco-lodge with great facilities in a splendid mountain location with spectacular scenery.

Mandala Ou

Mandala Ou, Nong Khiaw

Mandala Ou is a lovely riverside boutique hotel with just 10 rooms and an infinity pool.

Sam Neua Hotel

Sam Neua Hotel, Sam Neua

Quirky hotel in the centre of the remote Sam Neua, close to the border with Vietnam.

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Tam Coc Garden Resort , Ninh Binh

Tangles of lush greenery, calm waters, rice paddy fields, bamboo groves, orchards and tropical flowers - just 100km from Hanoi.

Villa Maydou

Villa Maydou, Luang Prabang

Traditional Laos design meets a charming french influence in the centre of Luang Prabang.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Luang Prabang - Full Day Tour

Luang Prabang - Full Day Tour, Luang Prabang

A full day tour exploring the rich cultural heritage of Luang Prabang

Nam Et Park Experience

Nam Et Park Experience, Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area

National Protected Area offering one of the only opportunities in Laos to view rare wildlife.

Pak Ou Caves

Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang

Home to many thousands of Buddha images since the 16th century.

Vieng Xai Caves

Vieng Xai Caves, Vieng Xai

Fascinating trip around the caves which were used by the Pathet Lao army during the war years

Finish your serious travelling experience with a day or two of luxury crusing around Halong Bay. The Red Dragon is small, personal and friendly.  To really shake off the rigours of the journey how about the Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi? 

Indochina Junk

Indochina Junk, Halong Bay

Indochina Junk offer small, quality boats, the ideal choice for exploring Bai Tu Long Bay.

Sofitel Legend Metropole

Sofitel Legend Metropole, Hanoi

Hanoi's finest luxury hotel fusing colonial-era grandeur and modern style, with a history dating back to 1901.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Hanoi to Luang Prabang Overland'

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Countryside, Caves & Beach

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  • Destinations
    • South Asia
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