Vietnam and Laos are both single-party Communist states but in many ways the similarity ends there. Laos’ untamed, wild and natural landscape is home to thousands of small, tranquil hill tribe villages and serene Buddhist temples. Vietnam is a country of sprawling cities, steaming jungles and remote mountainous outcrops. Experience the physical and cultural contrasts between these two fascinating countries and get a real chance to understand the diversity of South East Asia, as well as the true adventure spirit on this once in a lifetime trip!

TerrainThe terrain of these two countries is very varied and dependent on your itinerary. You could be exploring coast, jungle, mountains, or even rainforest.

LanguageVietnamese and Lao are the official languages. English is spoken in larger cities and some older generations also speak French.

ClimateTypical monsoon climate. Cool season and Hot season average around 25 °C-35°C+, followed by the warm, wet monsoon season.

Time zoneGMT +7

AccommodationTypical accommodation includes home stays, hostels and hammocks.

VietnamLaos&

“Good group, great trip. I learned so many things about myself that I thought that I could never achieve.” Abigail, Challenger.

Ha Long Bay

VIETNAM

LAOS

Gulf Of Thailand

Gulf Of Tonkin

Andaman Sea

THAILAND

CAMBODIA

Sapa

Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City

Nha Trang

Hoi An

Yok Don N.P.

Mai Chau

Vientiane

PakseXe Pian

Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang

MYANMAR

Phou Khao Khuay N.P.

Savannakhet

Dalat

Danang

ExploreYou will have the option of acclimatising in Laos or Vietnam. For example, in Laos, you could head up the Nam Ou River to explore the remote, hillside jungles of Muang Ngoi, learning jungle craft from local guides whilst wild camping and passing through traditional Lao villages.

Your could discover the wild side of Vietnam with a hill-tribe trek through the breathtaking Hoang Lien Mountains in North Vietnam. You’ll stay in village huts, mixing with locals and learning to cook Vietnamese food. Alternatively head south into the forests of Dalat, where you can trek through jungle, camping under the stars in the shadow of Lang Bian Mountain.

Challenge yourself

In Vietnam, Khoa Dinh Nguyen will be your In-Country Agent. Having worked originally as a guide, he knows the country better than most! He now lives in Ho Chi Minh City with his family.

Over in Laos our agent is Tom Baul. A former Challenger himself, Tom’s first experience of travel was with World Challenge to Thailand and Laos in 2009! He settled in the town of Luang Prabang two years ago.

You will have the rewarding opportunity to experience a different culture through community development schemes, and working in villages and schools in Vietnam or Laos.

Contribute Chill outYour team will have the chance to visit the ancient temples, jungle waterfalls and exotic night markets in Laos and may also be able to reach the Emerald Waters of Ha Long Bay. Once there, book yourselves a tour to explore the stunning islands.

The Ba Vi centre looks after the elderly, homeless people, disabled adults, and disabled infants from all over Hanoi. Since 2011, 20 World Challenge teams have visited and provided support. Activities included installing a water tank, maintaining facilities and most importantly, caring and interacting with residents, especially those with no family.