Description

Heading out from Vietnam’s Hanoi, cycle along quiet roads that travel through karst scenery in Tam Coc, to cheeky monkeys at the Primate Rescue Centre, past H’mong villages and cascading waterfalls near Luang Prabang, along river scenery in Vang Vieng and to the laidback Lao capital of Vientiane. Get to know these two beautiful countries at a relaxed pace and get up close and personal with the surprising locals, culture and landscapes of Northern Vietnam and Laos.

Highlights

• Cycle through Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Visit the inhabitants of the Primate Rescue Centre.
• Pedal alongside emerald-green rice paddies.
• Swim under delightful waterfalls near Luang Prabang.
• Marvel at the hundreds of Buddhas at the Pak Ou Caves.
• Explore Laos's laidback capital.
• Vientiane.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Hanoi

Hanoi is famous for its tranquil lake settings, French-colonial architecture, ancient temples, delectable cuisine and as the resting place of the revered former leader, Ho Chi Minh.

Day 3 Tam Coc

The scenery at Tam Coc is truly stunning - the river has carved three beautiful caves from the limestone karsts which rise spectacularly from the surrounding rice paddies.

Day 4 Cuc Phuong National Park

With great trekking, an inspiring animal rescue centre, beautiful botanical gardens and a diversity of staggering landscapes, Cuc Phuong National Park is completely captivating.

Day 5 Vieng Xai

Located in a remote area of northern Laos, the caves around Vieng Xai served as the headquarters for the Pathet Lao leadership throughout the Indochina conflict.

Day 6 Sam Neua

The capital of a region featuring some of the best mountain scenery in Laos, Sam Neua is an interesting place to explore, well off the tourist trail.

Days 7-8 Phonsavanh

Phonsavanh is the capital of Xieng Khuang Province and home of the 'Plain of Jars', an area covered with huge jars made from sandstone, granite or calcified coral.

Days 9-11 Luang Prabang

Nestled in the hills of northern Laos, the tranquil city of Luang Prabang is studded with ornate temples, brimming with colourful markets and enriched by French colonial architecture.

Days 12-13 Vang Vieng

Surrounded by stunning limestone karst scenery, Vang Vieng is a small haven with fascinating caves to explore, a myriad of water-based activities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 14 Vientiane

As the most relaxed capital in South-East Asia, Vientiane is a lovely mix of riverside calm, outstanding temples, fabulous food and charming locals.

Day 15 Overnight train

Vientiane isn't far from the Thai border where the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connects the two countries.

Days 16-17 Bangkok

Loud, bright, chaotic and delightful, Bangkok is a city of modern excesses intermingled with simple traditions, all wrapped up in the famous smiles of the locals.

Group Size

Maximum of 18 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel, Overnight sleeper train

Transport

Bicycle, Boat, Bus, Train

Important notes

1. You may bring your own bike, or hire one at additional cost. Your sales consultant will be able to advise the cost for bike hire. Please see Trip Notes (Important Notes) for details.