Echoes of the Wild - Conservation in North Vietnam and Laos

📍 Noi Bai Airport - hotel in Hanoi (35-km): 50 mins

Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses. 

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 2 (T2), once you've passed immigration and collected luggage from the carousel, proceed to Exit A1 then to Pillar 7 (P7), where the guide/ driver will be waiting for the 50-minute private transfer to central Hanoi. In the event that you can’t find the guide/ driver, please call the 24-Hour Customer CARE hotline: +84 917332246 

Notes: The standard check-in time at hotels is 14:00.
                                                                  
Overnight in Hanoi
 

Inclusions:

📍 Walking distance: 3-5km Routes can change subject to interest.

Starting at 08:00 with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to the splendid St Joseph's Cathedral. This is the historic area of the city storied with countless tales both modern and ancient. 

The exploration continues with a walk through the old quarter along Phung Hung street which runs parallel to the railway track. This area offers the opportunity to delve into its historical significance, particularly during wartime. Originally constructed during the 1880s under French rule, these tracks continue to serve as an integral aspect of daily life in Hanoi. 

A section of the railway cuts through a narrow residential area, where locals have converted their homes into cafes. Depending on the current regulations, the train can be viewed from an upstairs cafe or with limited access to the train track, viewed from outside.

Escape the bustle in the quiet of a local home. Sip green tea (as the locals like it, strong) to learn more on the fascinating multi generational lives of the past and present inhabitants. 

Cap off the experience in true Hanoi style with unique coffee specialties like egg, salt, or coconut coffee in the heart of the Old Quarter, soaking in the slow pace amidst the bustling atmosphere; 

In the mid afternoon, hop on a vibrant cyclo ride from the Old Quarter leads to Dong Xuan Market, a bustling hub of trade and street food. 

Then continues to a serene garden house which offers a glimpse into ancestral traditions through its worship hall, fish pond, and herb garden. A culinary expert shares insights into Vietnamese flavors, followed by a cooking session to master traditional techniques.  

Learn the role of herbs, spices, and fish sauce in Vietnamese cuisine and the art of balancing flavors. Get hands-on with chopping, sautéing, and seasoning as  crafting authentic dishes like Hanoi fried spring rolls, beef noodle salad, and chicken pho, guided by expert instruction.

The experience concludes with a feast of homemade dishes, complemented by herbal drinks, rice wine (optional), and a special dessert, before returning to the hotel. 

Overnight in Hanoi

Travel for Good Category: Culture diversity; Arts, Food, and Creativity
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 From central Hanoi to Cuc Phuong (130 km): approx. 3-hrs From Cuc Phuong to Tam Coc Town (57 km): approx. 1-h45

Depart the hotel this morning at 08:00 for the 3 hours drive through urban northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province. 

Upon arrival, visit a Bear Sanctuary established by Four Paws, the global animal welfare organisation for animals. The sanctuary is not only a new home to bears rescued from bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam, but an unforgettable experience for learning and exploring in a natural setting.

Follow the representative of the centre to explore the bear kitchen, vet clinic and bear semi wild enclosures where rehabilitation processes and bear healthcare happen. The tour guide will share bear stories and give insightful information about the bears.

After the visit, enjoy a fresh vegetarian lunch at the centre. 

Continue to Cuc Phuong National Park to visit a second conservation centre, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center where some of the rarest primate species in Asia including langurs and gibbons can be seen (note primates are not always active during the hotter parts of the day).  

More wildlife discovery at the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre. The current permanent resident animals include Pangolin (lives in deep burrows during the day and usually comes out at night), Binturong, Mask Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, Owston’s Civet, and Common Palm Civet. Listen to their rescue stories and find out why they sadly cannot return to the wild. Depending on the season or time of the day or nocturnal nature, some animals mentioned might not be seen. 

Continue further into Cuc Phuong National and visit the ‘Cave of Prehistoric Man’, where human skeletons and stone tools dated to some 7.500 years old have been found.

Conclude the day with a drive to Tam Coc Town.

Overnight in Ninh Binh
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From Ninh Binh to Pu Luong (125 km): approx. 3-hrs

After breakfast, transfer to Thung Nham. Developed as an ecotourism destination with a strong focus on preserving its natural environment, particularly its rich bird life, this area provides a laid back experience.

On arrival embark on a 2-hour sampan boat trip, paddling along the river past Hang But (Grotto of Buddha) to reach the bird station. The area is home to more than 40 to 50 bird species, primarily water birds such as storks, egrets, pond herons, Asian openbills, little egrets, and grey herons. (Note: Bird-watching opportunities are greater in the early morning or late afternoon, depending on the season and the natural habits of each species.) The sampan paddle continues with leisurely strokes through the tranquil waterways back to the pier.

The journey to Pu Luong takes around 3 hours, during which we'll swap the flat plains and limestone karsts of Ninh Binh for the rolling hills and valleys leading to north-central Vietnam's lush, forested mountains. Upon arrival, we'll discover tiny villages featuring stilt houses, rice terraces layered into the hillsides, and winding roads that cross dramatic mountain passes. 

Overnight in Pu Luong
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Walking & sightseeing route: 6- 12 km easy walking – approx.3-5 hours

Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet tasty breakfast among the tranquil setting of fields and mountains. 

Today, we embark on a scenic walk, descending through the valley to explore local villages, farmland, and stunning rice terraces.

Our route leads us to Lan Village, a traditional weaving community where vibrant fabrics are still made on authentic looms. Here, we'll gain insight into the weavers' skills and local village life.
We will continue our walk and stop for lunch at a local house before enjoying a refreshing swim at Hieu waterfall. A vehicle will then take us back to our lodge.

Note: Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed. 
Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels. 

Overnight in Puluong
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Pu Luong to Border: 3 hours( 114km) Border – Viengxay: 1,5 hours (58km) Viengxay – Sam Neua (32km) 1 hour

Our journey to the border with Laos will take us along mountain roads passing ethnic Thai villages. We will stop at the border and take a little time to complete the immigration formalities leaving Vietnam and entering Laos. Upon arrival to the border and after completing customs formalities, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to Viengxay. 

Upon arrival, explore Viengxay, a town featuring hundreds of caves which acted as a shelter during the Vietnam/American War. Between 1964 and 1973, when Laos was caught up in the middle of the conflict, more than 20,000 people lived in a 'hidden city' they built inside these limestone caves.

Take an audio tour learning all about this hidden city, including interviews from locals who lived during the period. 

Overnight in Sam Neua
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Sam Neua – Ban Son Koua (50 km) 1 hour

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a short city tour of Sam Neua and stop at the local market to browse stunning Houaphanh textiles and other unique local creations. Following the visit, depart directly for Ban Son Khoua, the gateway to the Nam Nern Night Safari. 

Upon arrival, meet the village guides and National Park staff to receive an overview of the Nam Et–Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA), the largest of Laos’ national parks at 4,229 Km. The area consists of primary forest and a high level of biodiversity, providing a sanctuary for endangered species including the gaur, Sambar deer, and white-cheeked gibbon. 

Continue with a 1.5-hour journey by longtail boat to the park substation, spotting wildlife and learning about the region’s rice cultivation along the way. After a briefing on the efforts to protect tigers and their prey, enjoy a picnic dinner by a campfire. One to two hours after dark, float silently downstream with engines off to spotlight nocturnal animals such as Sambar Deer, Otters, Civets, and Slow Loris.

Overnight in Nam Nern
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Nam Nern – Nong Khiaw (210 km): 7 hours

Before breakfast, head out with the local guide for a walk around the jungle, learning about the use of medicinal plants and also hearing a bit of history of the area from during the Secret War. After breakfast, the boats float back to the village at a relaxing pace with engines off, pointing out birds along the way.

Upon arrival in the village, sample some earthen jar rice wine (lao hai). Before departing, fill out a wildlife monitoring form that is used to monitor wildlife abundance and indicate the amount of bonuses put into the village development fund from the tour costs. This is one of the keys to the success of the project because locals are therefore incentivized to preserve the wildlife and the habitat. 

Please note: Though it is quite rare, if groups are lucky enough to spot a tiger, it may be asked to  pay an additional 1,800,000 Kip (roughly $225) per sighting per group.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue driving to the sleepy town of Nong Khiaw. Arrive late afternoon and the remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Nong Khiaw
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Nong Khiaw – Nam Ou dam by car (70 km): 2,5 hours Nam Ou dam – Luang Prabang by boat (50 km): 2 hours

After breakfast, travel by car towards Luang Prabang. Upon reaching the dam, board a boat for the cruise down the spectacular Nam Ou River, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. 

Stop for a visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, located at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers. Locally referred to as Tam Ting, these two caves are carved out of towering limestone cliffs and contain thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues. Continue downstream for another 2 hours to Luang Prabang. 

(Note: there is an option to drive from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang, taking approximately 2.5 hours but this does not allow a stop at the Pak Ou Caves)

Just prior to dusk, climb the stairs of Mount Phousi and watch the sun set over the city and surrounding hills.  Transfer back the hotel, stopping along the way at the hill tribe evening market for some shopping.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Luang Prabang. Begin with a visit to Wat Visoun, the holiest temple of the city, followed by the 16th century Wat Aham and Wat That, where the ashes of King Sisavang Vong are kept inside the large central stupa.

Continue the day tour with a visit to the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center, learning all about local hill tribes in Laos. 

Enjoy lunch at Tamarind Restaurant, one of the most celebrated eateries in Luang Prabang (included). 

In the afternoon, begin touring at the former Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum, offering a unique display on the history of Laos. Continue on foot to Wat Mai, a temple renowned for its golden bas-relief, and Wat Sensoukarahm, which features a beautiful dazzling golden façade. Finish this morning’s tour at Wat Xieng Thong, the most revered temple in Luang Prabang. Located at the end of the peninsula, this temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat and is decorated with ornate carvings and mosaics.

Overnight in Luang Prabang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Luang Prabang – Kuang Si Waterfalls (32 km): 45 min

For early risers, there is a very special dawn visit to watch the monks collecting the alms.  As the sun begins to rise, long lines of orange-robed monks leave their pagodas and walk barefoot down the streets collecting offerings from Luang Prabang residents. It is a beautiful, serene ceremony that highlights the spiritualism of the Laos people.  Return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, the guide will provide a hotel pickup for the short transfer through the Luang Prabang countryside to Kuang Si Waterfalls. The road out is illustrated by beautiful landscapes of rice fields, hills and small villages. 

Upon reaching Kuang Si Waterfall, relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. The jungle and dense woods surrounding the falls are perfect for exploring on foot. For the adventurous type, walk to the top of the falls for some amazing panoramic views.

At the base of the falls, there is also the opportunity to swim in the turquoise pools below. 
Note: if bathing, please wear a sarong to avoid showing too much skin.

There is an optional visit on the road back to the Free the Bears Fund, a sanctuary housing 23 Asiatic Bears rescued from poachers. Continue on the road back to Luang Prabang for a visit to the unique Lao Buffalo Dairy Farm, a social enterprise that produces sustainable and delicious cheese while giving back to the community and environment. While the buffalo may be the stars here, there are also playful pigs, cheeky chickens and rollicking rabbits that are just as fun to interact with for the young and young at heart. Enjoy a homemade ice cream at the cafe before saying goodbye to the Buffaloes and the team. (Opening Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday) 

The rest of the day is free at leisure in Luang Prabang.

Overnight in Luang Prabang
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang Airport (4 km): 15 min

In the morning, enjoy free time to walk around town or do some last minute shopping. The guide and private car will be waiting at the hotel to provide transport back to the airport for the departing flight. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast