Explore the stunning landscapes and cultural marvels of Vietnam and southern Laos through an adventure featuring trekking, cycling, motorbiking, climbing, and caving for an unforgettable experience.
Heritage Trails: Unveiling Vietnam & Laos
16 Days
Hanoi – Phong Nha – Ho Chi Minh City – Nam Cat Tien – Pakse – Ban Khiet Ngong – Don Daeng – Si Phan Don
Trip Highlights
- Experience three days of thrilling adventure and camping in the world's largest cave.
- Trek through lush national parks and vibrant wetland conservation areas.
- Kayak amidst the stunning beauty of the 4,000 islands in the Mekong River.
- Cycle through picturesque countryside to visit a UNESCO-listed Khmer temple.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Hanoi | Cycling Through an Ancient Village
- Explore Nom, a charming village untouched for over two centuries.
- Cycle along red-brick streets, visit a bustling local market, a serene lakeside pagoda, and admire ancient architecture like the ornate village gate and stone bridge.
- Engage with locals in a traditional home, gaining insights into Nom’s rich heritage.
Days 2-3: Hanoi – Ba Vi – Phong Nha | Scenic Trekking Adventure
- Ride north to Duong Lam Village, famed for traditional wooden homes, and explore the stunning Ba Vi National Park.
- Climb the park’s mountain peaks for panoramic views and discover an 11th-century shrine.
- Continue your journey to Phong Nha, relaxing overnight at tranquil Chay Lap Farmstay amidst lush farmland.
Day 4: Phong Nha – Hang En Cave | Camping in Nature’s Marvel
- Journey along the scenic "Road 20" of the historic Ho Chi Minh Highway, exploring stunning landscapes.
- Arrive at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO site, and trek to Hang En, the world’s third-largest cave.
- Set up camp overnight within this incredible underground wonder.
Day 5: Son Doong Cave | Explore the World’s Largest Cave
- Descend from Hang En into Son Doong Cave, beginning an epic three-day exploration.
- Hike, climb, and cross underground rivers, encountering awe-inspiring formations like the towering ‘Hand of Dog’ stalagmite.
- Spend the night at a unique campsite deep within the majestic cavern.
Days 6-7: Son Doong Cave – Phong Nha | Exploring Underground Jungles
- Journey deeper into Son Doong, navigating exciting climbs and traversing lush underground jungles.
- Witness awe-inspiring rock formations and some of the world’s tallest stalagmites.
- Conquer the impressive 'Great Wall of Vietnam' to exit the cave and return to the verdant jungle.
Day 8: Phong Nha – Dong Hoi – Ho Chi Minh City | Cycling Through Cultural Neighborhoods
- Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and cycle through its rustic neighborhoods.
- Explore riverside markets, traditional boat-making villages, cross the ferry into bustling China Town (Cholon), and visit the traditional medicine street and ornate Thien Hau Pagoda.
Days 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City – Cat Tien National Park | Wildlife Immersion
- Travel to Cat Tien National Park, home to Vietnam’s largest lowland rainforest.
- Explore diverse wildlife habitats on guided treks, enjoy nocturnal wildlife sightings, and visit Crocodile Lake, renowned for birdwatching and crocodile spotting.
Days 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City – Pakse – Ban Kiet Ngong | Trekking in Laos Conservation Area
- Reach Kingfisher Ecolodge in Ban Kiet Ngong, Laos, surrounded by scenic wetlands and rich forests. Embark on guided treks around Phou Asa Mountain, experience stunning panoramas, archaeological ruins, and encounter endangered wildlife.
Day 13: Ban Kiet Ngong – Don Daeng | Cycling to UNESCO Heritage
- Depart for Don Daeng, a scenic Mekong River island recognized by UNESCO.
- Cycle through picturesque landscapes, visit the ancient Wat Phou Temple—a pre-Angkorian Hindu site—and overnight at a charming riverside lodge.
Day 14: Don Daeng – Si Phan Don | Discovering Mekong’s ‘4,000 Islands’
- Cycle through Si Phan Don’s enchanting islands.
- Ferry to Don Khong, the largest island, and explore Don Kamao’s local fishing villages and noodle workshops, with a chance to try traditional noodle-making yourself.
Day 15: Si Phan Don – Pakse | Kayaking, Dolphins & Waterfalls
- Kayak through Si Phan Don’s stunning islands, passing historical landmarks like the colonial railway bridge and Liphi Waterfalls, bordering Laos and Cambodia.
- Visit Khone Phapheng, Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall, before returning to Pakse.
Day 16: Departure
- Transfer to Pakse Airport for your onward flight.
For more information, email our friendly team at info@quietasia.com
On each trip we will buy 1 tree to plant
By planting one tree on each journey, we aim to nurture nature and promote sustainability for future generations.