A 13 DAY WALKING TOUR FROM VIETNAM TO LAOS

Have you ever walked from one country to another country? Do you think it is impossible? Today, Idealtravelasia would like to introduce to you a walking tour from the North of Vietnam to Laos during 13 days. It would be very interesting for those who are crazy about hiking or trekking with a great deal of fascinating experiences.

Brief

Discover Vietnam’s incredible diversity: Walk through the ancient city of Hanoi, enjoy a boat cruise on the picturesque Halong Bay, experience a homestay with the Thai tribe people of Mai Chau, visit the old French battle field in Dien Bien Phu, and marvel at the peaceful countryside of the Red river and Northwest hill tribes.

To discover the enchanting land of Laos, cross over from Vietnam via the newly opened border gate of Tay Trang, head to the rugged mountain town of Muang Khua, and then down to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang. Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, local villages along the Mekong river, and the beautiful boulevards of the capital city - Vientiane.

This breathtaking and inspiring journey through Indochina is sure to astound you at every turn.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Welcome to Hanoi: Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your guide and driver will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center. In the evening savor a welcome dinner at one of Hanoi's finest restaurants.

Say hello to the capital of Vietnam - Hanoi

Meals: Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, before setting out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay. Spend 24 hours on a traditional Junk Cruise in the amazing bay: a natural wonderland composed of jutting limestone islands and sparkling turquoise waters.

Visit one of the wonders of the world

Arrive at the dock around noon and board your junk. Savor a gourmet lunch of fresh seafood onboard as we sail out into the mystical bay. In the afternoon, cruise around some of Halong’s many islands, including Dinh Huong and Ga Choi. Along the way visit one of the bay’s 3 largest caves (Thien Cung, Dau Go or Sung Sot).

Stop at an island cove with a sheltered white-sand beach and take a dip in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (weather permitting). Pass the night on your junk, lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of calm waters.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise on Halong Bay.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi City Tour

Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and watch the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore the nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for brunch, then take advantage of the sundeck to admire the amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay as you navigate back to Halong City. Your driver will meet you at the dock and take you back to Hanoi. Enjoy a 3-hour Hanoi City Landmark tour.

Meals: Brunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 4: Hanoi Mai Chau – Trekking

Your driver and guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and take you along highway No.6 to Mai Chau: a small town nestled in the midst of a lush valley and surrounded by emerald-green rice fields. Enjoy picturesque views of the scenic landscape, sown with pagodas and rural villages.

Stop along the way to visit the Muong tribe and then at Thung Khe Pass for a spectacular view of Mai Chau Valley. Have lunch in Mai Chau then spend the afternoon trekking off the typical tourist track, along the Song Ma River.

Feel the peaceful nature in Mai Chau

Trek through terraced rice paddies and small villages, discovering the natural beauty of the valley and encountering the culture of the White Thai people, living in the region. Stop at a Thai village for the night, having dinner with a local family and enjoying a live dance and music performance in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau.

Day 5: Mai Chau – Dien Bien Phu

Start the day with a simple breakfast with your host family. Farewell to your host of homestay drive to Son La. Let’s stop en route to visit villages of various tribes including the H’mong, Thai, Muong and Dzao and orchard, tea farm in Moc Chau plateau – Vietnam’s premier tea-growing region, before reach Son La (200km from Mai Chau) for a late lunch.

Visit the magnaninous point of heritage - Dien Bien Phu

In the afternoon, continue along winding mountain roads through North Vietnam’s stunning countryside. The most picturesque scenery here is Pha Din Pass, wellknown as a historical site during the 1st Indochina War ended in 1954, and a charming and dangerous pass at elevation 1,300m with breathtaking view. According to local legend, “Pha Din” means the connection between Heaven and Earth. On arrival, check in your hotel and spend rest of day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Dien Bien Phu.

See the rest of the journey now!

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