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

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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.

Trip Highlights

  1. Experience three days of thrilling adventure and camping in the world's largest cave.
  2. Trek through lush national parks and vibrant wetland conservation areas.
  3. Kayak amidst the stunning beauty of the 4,000 islands in the Mekong River.
  4. Cycle through picturesque countryside to visit a UNESCO-listed Khmer temple.

Itinerary Summary

Day 1: Hanoi | Discovering an Ancient Village by Bicycle

Explore Nom, a charming village that has preserved its traditional charm for over two centuries. As we cycle along red brick streets, we'll visit the local market and a lakeside pagoda, and admire the village's ancient architecture, including a beautifully carved gate and a unique stone bridge. A stop at a traditional house offers us the chance to engage with a local family and learn about Nom's rich cultural heritage.

Days 2-3: Hanoi – Ba Vi – Phong Nha | Trekking Through Picturesque Landscapes

Travel north of Hanoi on motorbike to visit the historic Duong Lam Village, famous for its traditional wooden homes, and Ba Vi National Park, an area known for its stunning natural scenery. Ascend the park’s three-peaked mountain for breathtaking views and explore an 11th-century shrine. After a scenic drive to Phong Nha, unwind at the beautiful Chay Lap Farmstay, surrounded by serene farmland.

Day 4: Phong Nha – Hang En Cave | Camping in Nature's Marvel

Traverse the “Road 20” section of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Highway, revealing some of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes. Upon arrival at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, trek to Hang En Cave, the world’s third-largest cave. Enjoy a short hike to the cave’s entrance, where you’ll camp in an extraordinary underground environment.

Day 5: Son Doong Cave | Journey into the World’s Largest Cave Hike from Hang En

Cave to the river valley, where an exhilarating descent into Son Doong Cave awaits. Prepare for a three-day expedition through this colossal cave system, featuring short climbs, bouldering, and traversing underground rivers. Marvel at stunning geological features, including the towering ‘Hand of Dog’ stalagmite. Spend the night in a cozy campsite set within a cavernous passage.

Days 6-7: Son Doong Cave – Phong Nha | Discovering Underground Jungles

Venture deeper into Son Doong Cave to uncover more remarkable sights. Encounter challenging climbs and explore authentic underground jungles, magnificent rock formations, and some of the tallest stalagmites in the world. Ascend the daunting ‘Great Wall of Vietnam’ for the passage out of Son Doong Cave, before returning to the lush jungle above.

Day 8: Phong Nha – Dong Hoi – Ho Chi Minh City | Cycling Through Cultural Neighborhoods

Depart for Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, and experience the city's vibrant rustic neighborhoods by bicycle. Visit riverside markets, traditional boat-making villages, and cross one of the last remaining ferry routes to China Town (Cholon). Highlights include a traditional medicine street and the ornate Thien Hau Pagoda.

Days 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City – Cat Tien National Park | Immersing in Indigenous Wildlife

Leave the bustling city behind for Cat Tien National Park, a sanctuary for one of Vietnam’s largest remaining lowland tropical rainforests. Arrive by ferry and embark on treks to observe local wildlife. Experience a nocturnal excursion and explore diverse bird species, as well as the crocodile habitat at Crocodile Lake.

Days 11-12: Ho Chi Minh City – Pakse – Ban Kiet Ngong | Treks in a Laos Conservation Area

Arrive at Kingfisher Ecolodge in Ban Kiet Ngong Village, surrounded by stunning wetlands and forests rich in biodiversity. Enjoy a guided trek around Phou Asa Mountain for breathtaking views and discover archaeological ruins and endangered wildlife.

Day 13: Ban Kiet Ngong – Don Daeng | Cycling to a UNESCO Heritage Site

Set off from Don Daeng, a Mekong River island recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Cycle through idyllic landscapes and take a guided tour of Wat Phou Temple, a pre-Angkorian Hindu temple complex. Spend the night at a charming riverside lodge on Don Daeng Island.

Day 14: Don Daeng – Si Phan Don | Exploring the 4,000 Islands of the Mekong

A full day of cycling unveils the wonders of Si Phan Don, the enchanting ‘4,000 Islands’ archipelago. Ferry across to Don Khong, the largest island, and visit Don Kamao Islands, where local fishing and noodle production are thriving. You may even get a chance to participate in traditional noodle-making.

Day 15: Si Phan Don – Pakse | Kayaking with Dolphins and Waterfall Adventures

Spend the day kayaking among the breathtaking 4,000 Islands. Paddle close to historical sites, such as a French colonial-era railway bridge, and enjoy views of Liphi Waterfalls, a natural border between Laos and Cambodia. Finally, visit Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia and a major natural attraction. Day 16: Departure Transfer to Pakse Airport for your onward flight.

For more information, email our friendly team at info@quietasia.com
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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.