Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi
Meet your private driver and settle into the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi. The remainder of the day is deliberately free after the journey.
Northern landscapes, Luang Prabang & Thai coast
North Vietnam, Laos & Khao Lak
A beautifully varied journey through northern Vietnam and Laos, followed by ten unhurried nights at The Sarojin on the Khao Lak coast.
19 nightsLuxury culture and beach journeyGuided touring throughout
Jump to itinerary Our specialist view
Why this journey works
“The touring is concentrated at the beginning, when each stop brings a genuine change of scene. Luang Prabang then softens the pace before a long beach stay in Khao Lak, so the holiday finishes feeling restorative rather than rushed.”
Hanoi→Mai Chau→Ninh Binh→Lan Ha Bay→Luang Prabang→Khao Lak
Your journey, day by day
Every tour and experience, in order
Day 2
Hanoi with a local guide
Explore Long Bien Bridge, a local market, the Imperial Citadel and Temple of Literature before discovering the lanes and everyday life of the Old Quarter.
Day 3
Hanoi to Mai Chau
Leave the capital for the quieter valleys of Mai Chau. Check into Avana Retreat and keep the afternoon free to enjoy its mountain setting.
Day 4
Nature and village life
Walk with a guide through the countryside surrounding Avana, passing cultivated fields and villages while learning more about local life.
Day 5
Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
Travel to Ninh Binh for ancient Hoa Lu, the viewpoint at Hang Mua, a small-boat journey through Tam Coc and a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda.
Day 6
Begin the Lan Ha Bay cruise
Board Heritage Line Ginger and cruise between limestone islands. Cycle towards Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island, return for a cooking experience and spend the night on the bay.
Day 7
Lan Ha Bay and Luang Prabang
Begin with Tai Chi and time to kayak or swim before leaving the ship. Continue to Luang Prabang and settle into Avani+ in the heart of the former royal capital.
Day 8
Kuang Si Falls and Luang Prabang
Visit Kuang Si Falls, a weaving centre and the bear rescue centre, then explore the Royal Palace, important temples and Mount Phousi with a local guide.
Day 9
Pak Ou Caves by river
Cruise along the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, stopping to discover village life and traditional weaving along the way.
Day 10
Luang Prabang to Khao Lak
Leave Laos and continue to Thailand. A private transfer takes you to The Sarojin on the Khao Lak coast for the relaxing final chapter.
Days 11 to 19
Time at The Sarojin
Nine complete days are left free to enjoy the beach, gardens, dining and service at The Sarojin. Experiences can be added, but there is no need to fill the time.
Day 20
Depart Khao Lak
Enjoy a final morning before your private transfer for the onward journey.
Shape it around you
Keep the contrasts, change any detail.
The hotels, experiences and number of nights are a starting point. We will check the best route for your dates and tailor the balance of touring and beach time around you.