Highlights of Laos, Vietnam & Thailand 23 Days

Upon your arrival at Danang International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed and driven directly to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. Once a bustling international trading port, Hoi An remains beautifully preserved with wooden shop houses, mossy tiled roofs, and lantern-lit lanes. The town’s architecture reflects a rich confluence of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences — a testament to its vibrant past. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to relax and absorb the peaceful atmosphere of this charming riverside town.

Your day begins in the Hoi An countryside, where you’ll get a hands-on glimpse into rural life. Visit an organic garden, learn farming techniques from locals, and try your hand at watering, planting, and hoeing the soil. Then, take a scenic river cruise, switching to a traditional basket boat for an unforgettable ride through the coconut palms — once used as hiding spots by Viet Cong soldiers. Try net fishing with local fishermen and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s atmospheric Ancient Town on foot. Visit landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chua Ong Pagoda, and centuries-old merchant houses. The blend of architectural styles and colorful market life makes it easy to see why Hoi An is a favorite for travelers worldwide. Your evening is at leisure.

Enjoy a leisurely morning and afternoon to soak in Hoi An at your own pace — perhaps wander the boutiques, take a cooking class, or relax at a riverside café.

In the evening, hop aboard a vintage Jeep for a fun and flavorful food adventure through the town. You’ll stop at multiple local eateries to sample regional specialties like grilled squid, stir-fried sea snails, and goby fish skewers, all paired with beloved local beers. Along the way, learn how to “cheers” in Vietnamese style — “Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!” Wrap up the evening with karaoke fun and a refreshing tropical fruit shake before returning to your hotel.

These three days are yours to enjoy the coastal serenity of Hoi An’s beaches. Check in to a beachside resort where swaying palms, golden sands, and warm breezes await. Whether you prefer sunbathing, swimming, or sipping cocktails poolside, this is your time to unwind.

You may also choose to explore nearby fishing villages, try local seafood, or indulge in a traditional spa treatment. With Hoi An’s town center just a short ride away, you can easily pop in for a sunset stroll or dinner by the lantern-lit riverside.

This morning, you’ll journey northward toward Hue, crossing the stunning Hai Van Pass — one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal drives. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of Lang Co Beach, mountain peaks, and the sparkling lagoon below.

Upon arrival in Hue, your guide will lead you through the Imperial Citadel — once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Walk through the majestic Noon Gate, explore the Thai Hoa Palace and the Royal Urns, and learn about the imperial legacy that shaped this historical city. Conclude your afternoon with a stroll through Dong Ba Market, where daily life hums amid colorful stalls. Overnight in Hue.

Start your day with a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, gliding past peaceful scenery en route to Thien Mu Pagoda — one of Hue’s oldest and most iconic spiritual landmarks.

Continue to the majestic Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an exquisite example of traditional Sino-Vietnamese architecture set in lush, forested grounds. After lunch, visit the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, a striking fusion of Vietnamese and European aesthetics with intricate mosaic interiors and dramatic hilltop views.

Before returning to your hotel, you’ll visit one of Hue’s traditional garden houses — private residences that once belonged to mandarins or royal descendants. These homes blend architecture with nature, creating a uniquely harmonious and serene setting.

Today, travel north through Quang Tri Province, a region steeped in wartime history. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Old Citadel of Quang Tri and La Vang Church, a Catholic pilgrimage site associated with local miracles.

Your journey continues through the former DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), a historically significant area during the Vietnam War. You’ll arrive in Dong Hoi by late afternoon and check in at your peaceful countryside retreat — Chay Lap Farmstay. Surrounded by karst mountains and verdant fields, it’s the perfect base for your next day’s adventure.

Set off this morning for Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular cave systems and ancient limestone formations. Begin with a cruise along the Son River to visit Phong Nha Cave, famous for its underground rivers and fantastical rock formations named the “Royal Court” and “Fairy Caves.”

After lunch, continue to Paradise Cave, one of the largest accessible caverns in the area. Reach the entrance via a stair climb, then descend into a surreal subterranean world of towering stalagmites, shimmering stalactites, and winding wooden walkways. Spanning over a kilometer, the cave’s cathedral-like chambers are both awe-inspiring and serene. Return to your farmstay for a restful evening.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your own pace until your driver takes you to the airport for a short evening flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in the capital’s Old Quarter. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy Hanoi’s timeless charm — stroll the lantern-lit streets, sip Vietnamese coffee, or simply unwind after a travel day.

Today, head south to Ninh Binh, often dubbed “Halong Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone karsts and lush rice paddies. Begin your exploration at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Visit temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings and learn about their short but significant reigns.

Next, take a scenic drive to Tam Coc and board a rowboat to glide along the Ngo Dong River. You’ll pass through peaceful rice fields and into three cave grottoes carved through limestone mountains. After lunch, challenge yourself with a climb up 500 stone steps to the summit of Mua Cave. The panoramic view over the Tam Coc valley and winding river is well worth the effort. Return to Hanoi in the evening.

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Sapa — a picturesque mountain town in Vietnam’s far north, nestled amid terraced rice fields and towering peaks. The journey takes you through changing landscapes, from bustling cityscapes to serene countryside and eventually into the cooler mountain air of Lao Cai province.

Arriving in Sapa, check in at your hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure to explore the town. Whether you stroll through the lively market, sample local street food, or simply soak in the mountain views, this charming town is an ideal base for exploring the vibrant ethnic cultures of northern Vietnam.

This morning, set off on a rewarding trek through some of the region’s most scenic and culturally rich areas. Start with a hike to Sa Seng village, home to the Black H’mong people. The trail offers sweeping views over terraced valleys and traditional homes nestled into the hillsides.

Continue downhill toward Hau Thao village, passing through rice fields and past panoramic viewpoints of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, including the iconic Mount Fansipan. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a hilltop church and take time to observe the daily lives of the locals. This immersive journey provides deep insight into the customs and heritage of Vietnam’s northern ethnic communities.

After an early breakfast, travel to the colorful Bac Ha market, held weekly in a remote valley near the Chinese border. Here, members of various ethnic minorities — including Flower H’mong, Black Dzao, and Tay — gather to trade produce, textiles, livestock, and handicrafts. The market is as much a social occasion as it is a place of commerce, making it an unforgettable cultural encounter.

Later, visit a nearby Black Dzao village before returning to Lao Cai. You’ll then head to Hanoi airport to catch your evening flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the night in this peaceful riverside city.

Begin your day at dawn with a unique cultural experience — the traditional alms-giving ceremony, where locals offer food to passing monks in saffron robes. Then explore the local morning market before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Your guided city tour includes visits to the National Museum and Wat Visoun, known for its watermelon-shaped stupa. At Wat Xiengthong, admire the exquisite rooflines and intricate mosaics of this masterpiece of Lao architecture. Conclude your morning at the Arts and Ethnology Centre, offering valuable insights into Laos’ diverse ethnic groups. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure in Luang Prabang.

Travel into the countryside today, beginning with a visit to Ban Long Lao, a H’mong village where life remains deeply traditional. From here, embark on a scenic trek through jungle trails and forested hills leading to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls — a series of cascading turquoise pools perfect for swimming or relaxing.

After a refreshing afternoon at the falls, return to Luang Prabang. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Baci ceremony — a spiritual blessing involving chanting, cotton string rituals, and heartfelt hospitality. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and traditional Lao dance performance, creating memories of connection and culture.

This morning, cruise upstream along the Mekong River to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues left behind by pilgrims over the centuries. Explore both the lower and upper caves, marveling at the serene setting where the Nam Ou meets the Mekong.

Continue to a nearby village known for its traditional rice whisky before lunch at a local riverside restaurant. Return to Luang Prabang and visit textile weaving villages before heading to the airport for your afternoon flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the evening.

Start your Chiang Mai adventure with a drive up Doi Suthep mountain for panoramic views of the city. At the summit, visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a revered temple adorned with golden spires and intricate carvings.

Return to the city and tour several iconic temples: Wat Chiang Man, Chiang Mai’s oldest temple; Wat Chedi Luang, once home to the Emerald Buddha; Wat Phra Singh, known for its classic Lanna architecture; and Wat Suan Dok, final resting place of Chiang Mai’s royal family. Discover the city’s spiritual heritage and vibrant culture before returning to your hotel.

Today, immerse yourself in a memorable ethical wildlife experience at the Elephant Nature Park. This rescue and rehabilitation center provides a sanctuary for elephants once exploited in logging and tourism industries.

Help prepare food, feed the elephants, and observe them as they roam, bathe, and socialize in their natural surroundings. Walking alongside these gentle giants through the jungle is a truly humbling and joyful experience. In the evening, stroll through Chiang Mai’s lively night market or simply unwind at your hotel.

After a relaxing breakfast, transfer to Chiang Mai Airport for your flight to Koh Samui. On arrival, you’ll be greeted and driven to your beach resort. Surrounded by palm-fringed beaches and warm turquoise waters, Koh Samui invites you to unwind and embrace island life. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the sea.

Today is completely yours to enjoy at your own pace. Lounge on powdery beaches, swim in crystal-clear waters, or explore the island’s many offerings — from snorkeling and island-hopping to Thai cooking classes or wellness spas.

Koh Samui is famed for its tropical charm and laid-back ambiance. Whether you prefer tranquil sunbathing or vibrant beach bars, the island has something for every type of traveler.

Your epic journey across Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand comes to an end today. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok, where you can connect to your international departure flight. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back to Southeast Asia again soon!