9 days in Vietnam & Laos Itinerary

While most Southeast Asian countries have at least one booming metropolis, none seem to bustle nearly throughout like Vietnam does. While busy locals zoom about on motorbikes, visitors fill their Vietnam vacations with a mix of cultural sightseeing and exploring the landscape. Big cities and towns boast colonial architecture, open-air markets, outstanding spa complexes, and modern restaurants. The country also features over 3,200 km (2,000 mi) of coastline dotted with sandy bays that attract scuba divers and kitesurfers. Away from busy urban centers, a tour of Vietnam reveals a rural landscape of lush rice paddies, jagged mountain peaks, and timeless villages unspoiled by the outside world.

Long overlooked by travelers due to its reputation as one of the world's poorest nations, Laos is drawing a growing number of visitors with its laid-back charm, natural beauty, and numerous archaeological sites and historic temples. Many visitors make the trip to Laos from nearby Thailand, combining the two neighboring countries into one memorable experience of Southeast Asia. Others focus their Laos vacation on the Mekong River, which serves as a major source of irrigation for local farms and represents a popular alternative for sightseeing by car. On top of the rich cultural heritage and impressive natural landscapes, its major treasure remains its people--friendly and devout Buddhists welcoming visitors with a genuine hospitality rarely felt in other parts of the world.