from Hanoi to Luang Prabang

This put up could include affilliate hyperlinks. It signifies that should you purchase one thing by means of one in every of these hyperlinks, we would get a small fee at no further value to you. Affiliate fee helps us maintain this journey weblog operating.

Howdy, there! On this article, I’ll share our itinerary for two weeks in Vietnam in Laos, from Ho Chi Min Metropolis to Luang Prabang, that includes the very best of those two superb international locations. Laos is likely one of the most troublesome international locations to go to in Asia as a result of lack of worldwide flights to Laos, but it surely’s fairly straightforward to get there from Vietnam. Therefore, we determined to mix Laos and Vietnam in a single journey! 

Right here’s a brief overview of our itinerary for Vietnam and Laos in 2 weeks:

Days 1, 2 – Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, staying at Hammock Inn Ben Thanh

Days 3, 4, 5 – Phu Quoc island, staying at Salinda Resort

Day 6 – afternoon in Hanoi, staying at JM Marvel Resort

Day 7 – In a single day Ha Lengthy Bay cruise – Paradise Magnificence (E-book right here)

Days 8, 9 – Hanoi, staying at JM Marvel, optionally available tour to Ninh Binh

Day 10 – Vientiane, Laos, staying at S2 Boutique Resort

Days 11-13 – Luang Prabang, Laos, staying at The Belle Rive Resort

Day 14 – Flying again to Hanoi

Earlier than we dive into our itinerary, let me deal with a few FAQs:

Vietnam and Laos in a single Journey FAQs

What’s the very best time to go to Vietnam and Laos? When did we go to?

Vietnam and Laos are each all-year-round locations, however summer season may be sizzling and humid. We visited throughout winter, in December and January, and had the very best climate within the southern cities of Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh. Nevertheless, it was unusually chilly in Hanoi, with temperatures solely reaching 15-16 levels. This was an uncommon prevalence as December shouldn’t be usually that chilly in Hanoi. Vientiane was fairly sizzling as nicely, and Luang Prabang was a bit colder however nonetheless a lot hotter than Hanoi. Throughout the day, it was round 24-28 levels and at evening, it was a bit chilly. 

It’s powerful to pinpoint the very best time to go to Vietnam and Laos because it actually is dependent upon what you need to see and do. We selected December because it was the one time we might take break day for the journey over the Christmas holidays. Consequently, we labored round this time and selected locations with the very best climate through the winter season. If we had travelled in October, for instance, we might have needed to modify our itinerary and select totally different locations to go to in Vietnam.

We determined to skip the center of Vietnam, particularly the Hoi An space, because it will get very wet within the winter.

What’s the easiest way to journey round Vietnam and Laos?

Travelling round Vietnam is inexpensive should you take buses and trains, however you’ll want greater than every week to take action. In any other case, you’ll spend most of your time travelling from one place to a different. When you’ve got restricted time, you’ll must buy flights, which could be a bit costly. Nevertheless, we discovered inside flights with Vietnam Airways to be dependable and good total.

To journey from Vietnam to Laos, it’s good to fly. We flew with Lao Airways, and it was fairly an expertise. I like to recommend making an attempt to fly with one other airline, even when the tickets are a bit dearer. Nothing mistaken with the service – I simply felt that the aircraft was not in the very best situation and was in all probability retired by North American or European airways within the 90s and was flying in Laos since then. Fortunately for us, nothing occurred on all the three flights we had with Lao Airways, however I wouldn’t fly with Lao Airways once more. 

Additionally, you don’t must fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang – there’s a pace practice that connects these two cities, though shopping for tickets is considerably problematic. You’ll be able to solely do it in individual (as of early 2023), and it’s exhausting to purchase them with no native fee app (they don’t settle for money or overseas playing cards). Though, hopefully, it is going to change quickly!

When travelling inside cities in Vietnam, we advocate utilizing Seize, an Asian model of Uber. It’s dependable and really inexpensive. You should utilize my referral hyperlink to put in it.

With out additional ado, let’s begin our itinerary for Vietnam and Laos in 14 days:

2 weeks in Vietnam and Laos itinerary: from Ho Chi Min Metropolis to Luang Prabang

Days 1 and a couple of: Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

Exploring Bên Thanh and attending the road meals tour

Our flight from London to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was direct, touchdown at 5 AM. Since we couldn’t sleep on the aircraft, we booked an inexpensive lodge close to the airport to relaxation for a number of hours between 6 AM and 11 AM. It gave us a while to loosen up and relaxation earlier than exploring the town.

We checked in early on the Hammock Ben Thanh lodge, which is located in a improbable location for exploring the town – Ben Thanh neighbourhood! It’s surrounded by cafes, eating places, and sights, and many of the main sights are inside strolling distance. It’s additionally fairly trendy and inexpensive! 

We explored the Central Market and its fruit, tea, and sweets sections, the place we bought some edible souvenirs. Ho Chi Minh’s Metropolis Central market can be well-known for its faux luggage and watches. For lunch, we tried the standard Vietnamese sandwich, Bahn Mi – top-of-the-line locations for Bahn Mi was situated steps away from the lodge – you may at all times see the massive queue outdoors, but it surely strikes shortly and is 100% value it!

Later within the night, we loved a avenue meals tour on bikes with native college students, which was a improbable expertise. For those who can solely do one factor in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, I like to recommend taking this avenue meals tour! You’ll be able to examine the costs and availability right here.

Sightseeing & having fun with Ho Chi Minh Metropolis from above

The following day, we headed to Little Hanoi Egg Espresso to attempt the standard Vietnamese Egg Espresso, a singular espresso with an egg inside (a must-try should you eat eggs!). Afterwards, we took a stroll across the upscale a part of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the place many of the boutiques are situated – and noticed the Individuals’s Committee Constructing and The Opera Home.

We visited the Bitexco Tower Commentary Deck, which gives a improbable view of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. It was once Vietnam’s tallest constructing earlier than the Landmark Tower was constructed. We additionally went to the Clean Lounge Espresso Bar by Nest on the Landmark Tower and loved the cocktails and desserts with a terrific view – the very best view within the metropolis! Additionally they had the very best cocktails and desserts we’ve tried in Vietnam! 

Our final cease in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was the outdated a part of the town, the place we visited the Sai Gon Central Submit Workplace and Notre Dame Cathedral. The put up workplace is free to go to and has a working put up workplace and memento retailers. Notre Dame Cathedral is a working cathedral that dates again to the center of the nineteenth century and is likely one of the oldest surviving buildings within the metropolis.

Days 3-5: Phu Quoc

The place to remain in Phu Quoc:

Selecting a lodge in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was a lot simpler than choosing a resort in Phu Quoc! There have been many elements to think about, from value to location and, in the end, whether or not we needed a small lodge or a resort. In the long run, we determined to choose a resort as a result of we simply needed to relaxation for a number of days, as Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is tiring and a bit demanding! 

We picked a resort referred to as Salinda, which was voted Phu Quoc’s greatest resort a number of occasions. I can undoubtedly advocate it!

Issues to do in Phu Quoc: 

For those who’re seeking to unwind and loosen up in Phu Quoc, the Salinda Resort is the right spot. You’ll be able to spend most of your time lounging on the seashore, swimming within the sea and within the afternoon, take a stroll down the excessive avenue and go to a therapeutic massage or espresso store, for instance.

Nevertheless, should you’re up for some journey, you may hire a motorcycle and tour across the island. Alternatively, listed below are some prime actions to do in Phu Quoc:

1. Go to the bustling evening market in Phu Quoc, the place you may attempt some superb Vietnamese avenue meals and purchase souvenirs. It’s solely a 9-minute taxi journey away from the Salinda resort.
2. E-book a scuba diving or snorkelling tour to find the colourful coral reefs and numerous marine life round Phu Quoc. You’ll be able to pre-book this tour prematurely right here.
3. Take a guided tour of Phu Quoc Nationwide Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to discover the plush forests and spot uncommon wildlife.
4. Take a look at the historic Phu Quoc Jail Museum to study in regards to the island’s previous through the Vietnam Battle and acquire perception into the resilience of the Vietnamese folks.

Additionally, should you’re within the temper for some superb cocktails, there’s a speakeasy bar situated simply throughout the highway from the Salinda resort that we cherished and extremely advocate!

Day 6: Hanoi 

On the sixth day of our Vietnam and Laos journey, we flew to Hanoi within the afternoon, leaving us with the morning to benefit from the resort and swim. The flight from Phu Quoc to Hanoi took nearly 2 hours and was longer than the one from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to Phu Quoc. After we landed at round 3 PM, we took a taxi that we booked by means of Seize app to our lodge, JM Marvel. Nevertheless, it took a while for the taxi to reach.

In December, Hanoi’s climate may be fairly unpredictable. Throughout our keep, the temperature was 14C levels on the primary day, 16 levels on the second day, and 21 levels every week after we returned from Laos. It is suggested to pack heat garments, reminiscent of a light-weight, packable goose climate jacket from Uniqlo. On our first night in Hanoi, we dined at Duong’s restaurant, which is a well-liked spot really useful by many journey guides. They provide conventional Vietnamese dishes with a singular twist.

After dinner, we visited the well-known practice monitor cafes to observe the trains move by. The world is a pedestrian-only avenue with practice tracks operating within the center, surrounded by cafes and retailers. When the practice approaches, everybody must clear the road and keep within the cafes/retailers because the trains move very near the folks. We then strolled round Hanoi’s centre, loved some milk tea, and headed again to our lodge, JM Marvel, to relaxation early for our early pick-up for the Ha Lengthy Bay cruise.

Day 7: In a single day Ha Lengthy Bay Cruise 

Reserving your Ha Lengthy Bay cruise prematurely is essential, as many cruises can promote out weeks prematurely. After we tried to ebook the Athena cruise a month forward of time, there was no availability, so we went with the Paradise Magnificence cruise as a substitute. The company supplied a free switch service to the cruise and again, which was very useful, and the minibus was fairly comfy.

We have been picked up from our lodge foyer round 8:25 AM after which drove to a different lodge close by to choose up one other couple. The journey to Ha Lengthy Bay took round 2-2.5 hours, with a technical cease on the Pearl Museum, the place you may go to a museum, a big pearl store, a number of cafes, and a bathroom.

After arriving on the lodge for check-in at 11:20 AM, we acquired totally different colored bracelets that dictated your boarding time. Since we received black bracelets, we have been among the many final ones to board at 12:20 PM and needed to wait within the lodge foyer for an hour. On board the Excellence Ha Lengthy Bay cruise, there have been 2-3 actions obtainable on the primary day and 1 exercise on the second day.

We determined to skip the kayaking and pearl farm go to as a result of chilly climate however loved the go to to Titov Island, which included a pleasant seashore and nice views of Ha Lengthy Bay. There was a free cooking class throughout sundown and dwell music after dinner. The following morning, we visited the biggest and most well-known collapse Ha Lengthy Bay, adopted by breakfast and checkout by 9:30–10 AM.

General, the 2-day, 1-night Ha Lengthy Bay cruises are extra like 24 hours, and we have been again in Hanoi by 1:30 PM. For those who’re involved in reserving the same cruise, you may examine the costs and availability right here.

Days 8-9: Hanoi

On our final 2 days in Vietnam, we had loads of time to discover Hanoi, so we determined to do some sightseeing. Listed here are a few of the landmarks that I like to recommend visiting:

• The Imperial Citadel is likely one of the oldest and most spectacular buildings in Hanoi. It was the political centre of Vietnam for over 13 centuries and served because the capital of the nation through the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties. Contained in the Citadel, you will discover palaces, temples, and residences constructed in numerous intervals, every reflecting distinctive architectural kinds and cultural influences.

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the ultimate resting place of Vietnam’s most well-known chief. Guests will pay their respects to Ho Chi Minh and study his life and legacy.

• The Temple of Literature is a historic temple devoted to Confucius, with beautiful structure, tranquil gardens, and a wealthy historical past. This web site is a must-visit for anybody involved in Vietnamese tradition and historical past.

Another locations I like to recommend visiting in Hanoi embrace Hoan Kiem Lake, surrounded by lovely parks, temples, and historic buildings, and the Previous Quarter, a glimpse into Hanoi’s previous and a terrific place to expertise the town’s vibrant tradition.

For those who nonetheless have time and power left, I counsel visiting the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the place you may study in regards to the nation’s 54 ethnic teams by means of interactive reveals and demonstrations and take a avenue meals tour to pattern the native delicacies and expertise the bustling ambiance of Hanoi’s evening markets. Nevertheless, should you already took avenue meals in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, it is perhaps a little bit bit repetitive. For those who desire to take a sightseeing tour, this superb Hanoi tour by classic bike is likely one of the best-rated within the metropolis!

You can too take a day tour to the beautiful Vietnamese countryside – to Ninh Binh – one of the crucial lovely locations in Vietnam! You’ll be able to examine the costs and availability right here.

Day 10: Exploring Vientiane

In your tenth day of the Vietnam and Laos journey, it’s time to lastly fly to Laos! There are flights to each Vientiane and Luang Prabang from Hanoi, so you may decide whichever works higher for you after which modify the itinerary based mostly on that. 

Laos may be very totally different from Vietnam regardless of being so near it. Laos resembles Thailand far more – the languages are very related, and the tradition can be a bit related (and so is the meals). 

Vientiane is a really quiet capital – it doesn’t have that many vehicles and it’s fairly calm total (in comparison with Hanoi, which by no means sleeps). We spent a day in Vientiane and did a little bit of sightseeing. We picked S2 Trendy Boutique Resort as our in a single day lodge, and it was fairly inexpensive however very removed from in every single place. Nevertheless, distances in Vientiane are giant (the town may be very unfold), so no matter the place you keep, you’ll have to ask for a number of taxis. 

Listed here are a few of the greatest issues to see in Vientiane:

1. Pha That Luang: This golden Buddhist stupa is a very powerful nationwide monument in Laos and an emblem of the nation’s Buddhist religion. It’s believed to include a relic of the Buddha and is surrounded by lovely gardens.
2. Patuxai: Often called the “Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane”, Patuxai is a grand monument inbuilt honour of those that fought for independence from France. Guests can climb to the highest for beautiful views of the town.
3. Wat Si Saket: This lovely temple is likely one of the oldest in Vientiane and encompasses a beautiful courtyard stuffed with 1000’s of Buddha statues.
4. Buddha Park: Simply outdoors the town, this park is residence to greater than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues, together with an enormous reclining Buddha. It’s a terrific place to spend a day exploring and taking within the serene ambiance.

Additionally, the evening market within the coronary heart of the outdated city, proper subsequent to the Mekong, is an attention-grabbing market to go to. Nevertheless, there isn’t a lot to purchase there except you’re searching for very inexpensive garments with misspelt logos. There are many locations to eat close by, in order that is perhaps a bit extra attention-grabbing!

Days 11 – 13: Luang Prabang

On the morning of the following day, we took a brief inside flight to Luang Prabang. Whereas we initially needed to purchase the practice, we weren’t positive we might be capable to safe it as tickets are likely to promote out and it was not potential to purchase them on-line. To keep away from risking dropping in the future in Luang Prabang, we determined to pay a bit extra and get an inside flight as a substitute. 

The place to remain in Luang Prabang?

Lastly, let’s speak about lodging and the place to remain in Luang Prabang. We stayed on the Bel Air Resort with beautiful river views. Nevertheless, the situation wasn’t the very best as a result of each time we would have liked to go someplace (all of the locations apart from the airport have been throughout the river), we needed to cross a really scary bridge. Not the stunning Bamboo bridge, however the Previous French Bridge that appeared prefer it was on the breaking point, with lacking picket planks and nails protruding in every single place. In contrast to the Bamboo bridge, this bridge was very excessive within the air, and any fall would have been deadly. 

As an alternative, I like to recommend staying on the following locations:

Luxurious resorts: If cash shouldn’t be an issue, these resorts could be a tremendous choice: Burasari Heritage, Rosewood, 3 Nagas

Mid-range motels and resorts: The Belle Rive, Angsana Maison

Very inexpensive however fairly good place to remain in Luang Prabang: Villa Ouis

Finest issues to do in Luang Prabang in 3 days:

Whereas 3 days in Luang Prabang (which is just a bit greater than a village) seems like a number of time, it’s truly not! There are such a lot of issues you are able to do in Luang Prabang. If you wish to see the complete checklist, I wrote this text in regards to the 18+ superb issues to do in Luang Prabang >>

Right here I’ll simply give attention to the actions now we have loved probably the most in Luang Prabang:

Sundown cruise alongside the Mekong River 

A sundown cruise alongside the Mekong River is a must-do exercise in Luang Prabang. There are many choices obtainable, from luxurious to easy boats. Head to Khem Khong Road, and also you’ll discover many boat homeowners providing their providers. We discovered a flyer for a $5.5 per individual sundown cruise from Svan Mekong Cruises and have been fortunate to have the boat all to ourselves. With bean luggage and cosy seats, we have been in a position to get pleasure from our drinks and snacks whereas admiring the beautiful views. It could actually get chilly, however blankets have been supplied. Don’t miss this distinctive and unforgettable expertise!

If you’d like a fancier expertise, you may ebook a dinner cruise with a 3-course dinner right here >>

Stroll the Unesco Heritage-protected a part of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang turned a UNESCO world heritage web site in 1994 and that was completely deserved – Luang Prabang may be very fairly. The most effective issues you are able to do in Luang Prabang is to put on comfy sneakers and for for a stroll or a motorcycle journey across the Previous City – there are many lovely streets!

Go to the evening market on Sisavangvong Highway

Sisavangvong Highway is probably the most well-known, busy and in style avenue in Luang Prabang. It will get particularly crowded within the night, round 6 PM, when the evening market opens. The evening market in Luang Prabang has loads of stalls promoting garments, souvenirs and artwork. I’d say it’s primarily aimed toward vacationers, but it surely’s a must-visit attraction anyway.

Listed here are another superb issues to do in Luang Prabang in 3 days: 

• Strive native avenue meals (proper initially of the Night time Market, there’s a everlasting avenue meals market. The preferred dish in Laos is Laap – a meat or fish salad, which is scrumptious however very spicy. Really, most dishes in Laos are very, very spicy!)
• Go to the Kuang Si waterfall – one of many essential sights of Luang Prabang, 45 minutes away from the city. You’ll be able to both get there by bike, purchase a tour or rent a taxi that can await you there for 3-4 hours for $20. Alternatively, you will get there by boat should you purchase a tour.
• Stroll the bamboo bridge throughout the Nam Khan River – it’s solely open 6 months a 12 months and will get rebuilt yearly because it will get destroyed as soon as the water ranges rise. It’s worthwhile to pay 10,000 kips ($0.6) per individual to cross the bridge, but it surely’s completely value it.
• Climb Mount Phou Si – there are many stairs to climb. Nevertheless, the views from there are nicely value it. The ticket to enter the higher a part of Mount Phou Si prices circa $1 per individual. 
• See probably the most lovely temples in Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang has so many beautiful temples, monasteries and stupas. Essentially the most lovely is undoubtedly Haw Pha Bang, situated proper on the backside of Mount Phou Si. 
• Observe the Alm Giving ceremony with the Buddhist monks – should you’re an early chook and also you wish to observe a singular, lovely ceremony that is essential to locals, head to the Previous City round 5:30 AM. It’s a ceremony the place native Buddhists supply alms (do-it-yourself sticky rice) to the monks. Nevertheless, except you’re a Buddhist, you shouldn’t take part. As an alternative, you may quietly observe the ceremony. You can too take pictures (with no flash), however be sure you’re not in the best way and never obstructing anybody.

Day 14: Fly again to Hanoi and residential

Although there are such a lot of issues to do in Luang Prabang, it’s a excellent vacation spot for stress-free. It’s quiet, the distances are small, and nobody is speeding wherever. I hope that after 3 days in Luang Prabang, you’ll really feel well-rested and prepared for an extended journey residence! 

When you’ve got time between your flight to Hanoi and your flight again residence, you may discover one other a part of Hanoi that’s the closest to the airport, subsequent to the Chùa Kim Liên temple! There are many issues to see and do there! 

Abstract and helpful hyperlinks on your journey to Vietnam and Laos:

I hope you loved this itinerary for two weeks in Vietnam and Laos and located it helpful! As I discussed earlier than, we visited Vietnam and Laos in winter, December-January, to be exact, and our itinerary was dictated by the climate in these locations. For those who’re planning this journey in summer season, for instance, it’s value checking the climate in all these locations and see if visiting them nonetheless is smart (it may very well be the center of the wet season, for instance) 

I’ve acquired a number of requests to supply a quick abstract of all of the vital and helpful hyperlinks used on this put up for different articles that includes our itineraries, so right here’s an outline of helpful hyperlinks for this itinerary for two weeks in Vietnam and Laos:

Flights: Skyscanner for the flights to Vietnam and inside flights. I like to recommend flying with Vietnam Airways

Taxis: Seize

SIM card: you may both purchase one on the airport or purchase a multi-country sim like Drimsim that works in a number of totally different locations world wide

Plug sort: use this adaptor 

Excursions: avenue meals tour of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis by bike with native college students, Ninh Ninh Tour, Classic bike Hanoi sightseeing tour, Luang Prabang cruise with a 3-course dinner

Ha Lengthy Bay cruise: ebook right here

Resorts: Hammock Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc, JM Marvel Hanoi, The Belle Rive Resort Luang Prabang

Another articles you would possibly discover helpful:

Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh Metropolis: should you can solely go to one metropolis in Vietnam

18+ superb issues to do in Luang Prabang 

7 days in Japan: a really fast-paced itinerary

48 hours in Kuala Lumpur