From the bustling city of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, the historic town of Hoi An, and the vibrant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, this tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Further, explore the lesser-known northern regions of Thailand along the River Mekong and discover their main cultural attractions during this magical tour of the country. This beautiful part of Thailand is overflowing with elaborate monuments, verdant dreamlike landscapes, eclectic markets, and a spectacular natural river setting. Get closer to the mix of Thai and Laotian cultures and see how it makes this area different from other parts of Thailand. Visit the natural miracles at Khao Kho and Chiang Khan, get closer to religion while exploring Nong Khai, stroll the bustling streets of Udon Thani, and much more. Enjoy this memorable trip that allows you to explore and understand the culture in northern Thailand.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Hanoi: Explore Hanoi’s iconic landmarks, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
Halong Bay: Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise and enjoy a seafood dinner on board.
Hoi An: Discover the charming town of Hoi An and take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families of Kim Bong Village.
My Son: Visit the ancient ruins of My Son Sanctuary and learn about the fascinating history of the Champa Kingdom.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Ho Chi Minh City, including a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and a visit to the War Remnants Museum.
Mekong Delta: Cruise along the Mekong Delta and experience the local culture, cuisine, and way of life of the people who live along the river.
Khao Kho: This beautiful natural attraction presents a perfect combination of gentle mountains, scenic drives, and lovely pine forests. This is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Chiang Khan: The natural scenery on the Mekong riverbank, picturesque teakwood houses, and the relaxed, sleepy atmosphere make this historic town a fantastic destination.
Nong Khai: Located on the banks of the Mekong and at the Laotian border with Vientiane, this small city is an important gateway to the Isaan region.
Udon Thani: One of the four major cities of Isaan, Udon Thani is home to a large expat population.
The short itinerary
Day 1 : DEPART NEW YORK
Day 2 : ARRIVAL HANOI
Day 3 : HANOI CITY TOUR FULL DAY (B, L)
Day 4 : MAI CHAU VALLEY - BA KHAN VILLAGE RESORT (B, L)
Day 5 : BAKHAN VILLAGE - HANOI (B, L)
Day 6 : HALONG BAY WITH OVERNIGHT ON A CRUISE (B, L, D)
Day 7 : HALONG BAY CRUISE - HANOI/FLY TO HOI AN (B, L)
Day 8 : HOI AN EXCURSION/THU BON RIVER BOAT TRIP (B, L)
Day 9 : HALF-DAY TOUR TO MY SON SANCTUARY (B)
Day 10 : HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY BY FLIGHT (B)
Day 11 : HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR - CU CHI TUNNELS (B, L)
Day 12 : MEKONG DELTA/RIVER BOAT TRIP (B, L)
Day 13 : HO CHI MINH CITY – BANGKOK (B)
Day 14 : BANGKOK – LOPBURI – KHAO KHO (450KM – 6 HRS) (B/L)
Day 15 : KHAO KHO – PHU RUEA NATIONAL PARK – LOEI – CHIANG KHAN (240KM – 4 HRS) (B/L)
Day 16 : CHIANG KHAN – NONG KHAI (200KM – 3.5 HRS) (B/L)
Day 17 : NONG KHAI –DEPART UDON THANI (70KM – 1.5 HRS) (B/L)
Tour Ends
Accommodation options
Hanoi : TK-123 Hanoi Hotel
Halong Bay : Victory Cruise
Hoi An : Phu Thinh Resorts Hoi An
Saigon : Elios Saigon
Khao Kho : Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort
Chiang Khan : Chiangkhan River Mountain
Nong Khai : Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel
Hotels : Your accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. If the hotels mentioned in the itinerary are unavailable you will stay in hotels of a similar, or a higher standard. The rating and category of the hotels are not standardized across the world. Therefore, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country’s standards.
Triple Room : The third bed will be a rollaway bed.
Wheelchair access : The hotels and tours are not suitable for wheelchair users. If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or would prefer this tour to be a private tour for you, you must contact us by email at sales@lumle.com or by telephone at 0203 006 2722 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met. We try our best to assist but please note each trip are unique operation in different parts of the world and it may always not be possible to cater to specific needs.
Mobile number : Please be sure to fill in your mobile number when booking. This is so that the driver can get in touch with you.
Flight Times : Please note that flights may be subject to change, delay, or postponement by the provider and that flight times are provisional. We search for the best times for you and will do our utmost to provide you with the flights detailed above. However, please note that flight times are subject to availability and may be amended.
E-Ticket : Please remember to print your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Group : In Cambodia & Vietnam you will travel in a group of minimum 02 and maximum 20 people
Vietnam Visa : Please note that to visit Vietnam, Irish passport holders are required an e-tourist visa. E-visa must be arranged in advance (before traveling) through this link https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt You MUST select the port of entry as per your itinerary to be allowed to enter Vietnam. UK passport holders are exempt of this requirement for stays up to 15 days.
Cambodia Visa : To have a better experience, we recommend that you apply for your tourist visa for Cambodia online as it will reduce your transit time at the border control.
You can obtain your Cambodian tourist visa in the following ways:
- Online: Apply for your E-VISA for Cambodia at least 7 days before your holiday. Click on this link https://www.evisa.gov.kh and select ‘VISA T’, the cost is approximately USD $36. The port of entry will be the port of entry in border control as per your itinerary.
- On Arrival: If for any reason you are unable to procure your Cambodian e-visa online don’t worry, you will have an option to gain a visa at the Cambodian border control on arrival. We recommend that you bring a ‘passport’ photo (35 x 45 mm) with you and USD $36 for the payment.
While a Cambodian Visa can also be procured at the destination, VIETNAM VISA MUST BE PROCURED IN ADVANCE TO BE ABLE TO ENTER THE COUNTRY. (Required for Irish passport holders).
Passport : Please note that your passport MUST be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the validation date of your visa.
Travel Documents : Please ensure you take all your final travel documents with you to Cambodia & Vietnam.
Personal Information : Please ensure that your details are filled in identically to the data on your passport. If this information does not match, you cannot travel to and from your destination. Amendment to this information if entered incorrectly will result in additional charges. If married, please fill in your surname as it appears on your passport.
Tour Itinerary : Please note that in exceptional circumstances viz adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the itinerary and/or excursions included in the program may be subject to change or cancelled without any notice for reasons outside of the control of Lumle Holidays.
Vaccination : If you are travelling to Cambodia & Vietnam, you may need to be vaccinated. For the most up-to-date health advice, you should visit your local doctor/GP or visit www.gov.uk
Tipping : Tipping in Vietnam ultimately depends on your discretion, yet it is typical for servers or service providers to expect it. In these cases, please bear in mind that, the typical tipping standard is around $4/person/day for guides, and half of that for drivers and servers.
Domestic Baggage : Cambodia & Vietnam domestic flights baggage restrictions:
- Vietnam Airline : 1 checked bag of 23kg and 1 hand baggage of 12kg per person.
- Bamboo Airways: 1 checked bag of 20kg and 01 hand baggage of 7kg per person.
- Cambodian Angkor : 1 checked bag of 23kg and 1 hand baggage of 7kg per person.
Optional activities/sightseeing : Sightseeing as per the itinerary is supported by the local English-speaking guide. Please note that, the optional activities/sightseeing are not exclusive to Lumle customers and groups will be mixed with customers from other travel companies.
Halong Bay Cruise : Each cruise is only permitted to pick one routing/itinerary to either Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Routing/itinerary is subject to change without earlier notification according to the weather conditions or local administration regulations.
Transportation : Transportation is based on air-condition tourist vehicle. Transfers are assisted without English speaking guide.
Wi-Fi : While on road travel, it is highly unlikely that your transportation will be equipped with Wi-Fi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will take place for long-distance journeys. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee data with an internet connection.
Cancellation Conditions : This offer is non-refundable, cannot be cancelled or modified
What do I need to bring?
- Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for traveling in Vietnam & Thailand.
- Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings.
- Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house.
- Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.