Will this Vietnam and Laos trip plan work? Recommendations? – Vietnam Forum

18 thoughts on “Will this Vietnam and Laos trip plan work? Recommendations? – Vietnam Forum”

1. 

   Vietnam

   Travel Expert Michael P says:

   “Thank you”

   My pleasure.

   “How is the train travel in Vietnam?”

   It’s okay. Many folks add a train journey or two just for the experience.

   Are you doing Vietnam in addition to Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand?

   Too many destinations, too much travel.

   You’ll want to cut something.

   I’ve never used Viator.

   Tours and transport are easy to book upon arrival in each destination.

   Take care.

   5 months ago at

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2. 

   Vietnam

   Travel Expert StingRay says:

   Train travel is slow and distances are far. Even flying you will lose half a day each time.

   I would avoid Viator. Getyourguide has been recommended on here.

   5 months ago at

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3. 

   Vietnam

   Post Author sjchef says:

   @Michael Thank you.

   The plan is to fly between these locations. I just came back from Europe and the train travel is good (during the day – anywhere from 2 hours to 5.5hrs). How is the train travel in Vietnam?

   Also, the plan is to land in a city and take local day tours to all the nearby places. I see Viator travel. Any other good suggestions?

   5 months ago at

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4. 

   Vietnam

   Travel Expert Michael P says:

   “Last week of January”

   First week of Feb, in Hanoi.

   Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh can be very wet in February.

   Better to wait and look at the weather when you arrive in Hanoi before committing to a cruise.

   A one night cruise could be enough.

   You can fly from Hanoi to Hue, then work your way south to Da Nang/Hoi An.

   Or, take the overnight train from Ninh Binh to Hue.

   Edited: 1:51 am, January 02, 2026

   5 months ago at

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5. 

   Vietnam

   Post Author sjchef says:

   Last week of January..

   5 months ago at

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6. 

   Hong Kong

   Travel Expert ctm7944 says:

   What month?

   5 months ago at

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7. 

   Vietnam

   Travel Expert StingRay says:

   I agree 1-2 days in each place with travelling as well does not work. You will spend about half your time travelling. Some places you will only have half a day in. You need to factor in travel time and waiting at airports and checking in at hotels.

   5 months ago at

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8. 

   Netherlands

   Active Member Annie5566 says:

   Agree with WindyMiller

   That’s way too much travelling..which is very slow in Vietnam. It makes me dizzy reading it.

   Each time you move to a new destination its half to full day travel

   Annie

   5 months ago at

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9. 

   United Kingdom

   WindyMiller says:

   This ‘plan’ seems to have you magically arrive in your next destination without the usual half day travel that is necessary. AI will do that, I guess.

   This is way too much. Almost pointless.

   Edited: 3:44 pm, December 31, 2025

   5 months ago at

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10. 

    Vietnam

    Post Author sjchef says:

    I am planning my Vietnam and Laos trip and would like to get your recommendations. Will this work? Appreciate any places to see and commute between the locations. I am thinking of going to a location and renting or going on a local tour. Any thoughts?

    28-Jan 1 Laos Fly Penang → Luang Prabang

    29-Jan 2 Laos Kuang Si Waterfalls, forest scenery, Wat Xieng Thong

    30-Jan 3 Laos Mekong River cruise, Pak Ou Caves, Old Town stroll

    31-Jan 4 Vietnam Fly Luang Prabang → Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake

    1-Feb 5 Vietnam Temple of Literature, West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda

    2-Feb 6 Vietnam Trang An UNESCO boat ride, limestone karsts

    3-Feb 7 Vietnam Transfer & board 2-night cruise, karst scenery

    4-Feb 8 Vietnam Full cruise day: lagoons, quiet bays, sunset

    5-Feb 9 Vietnam Cruise → Hanoi → fly Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An

    6-Feb 10 Vietnam Ancient Town, rice paddies, lantern evening

    7-Feb 11 Vietnam Scenic Hai Van Pass coastal drive

    8-Feb 12 Vietnam Fly Hue → HCMC, riverside city views

    9-Feb 13 Vietnam Palm-lined canals, slow boat, garden lunch

    10-Feb 14 — Fly Ho Chi Minh City → Singapore

    11-Feb 15 Singapore Optional free day

    12-Feb 16 Singapore Fly Singapore → Home

    Thank you.

    5 months ago at

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