Welcome by the guide upon your arrival at the airport, and transfer by private car to the hotel

After the long flight and the challenges of jet lag, you'll first want to rest, ensuring you can enjoy your first day in optimal conditions

Welcome reception

During these friendly moments, over a refreshment and a welcome gift, you'll meet your travel consultant who personally worked on your itinerary

Enjoy a one-hour cyclo ride to discover:

• The colonial quarter with its charming architecture and tree-lined avenues
• Hoan Kiem Lake, its legend, and the lovely Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of the lake
• The maze of bustling streets filled with small shops in the heart of the famous and fascinating "Old Quarter of 36 Guilds" and its renowned Silk Street (Hang Gai)

To soak up the atmosphere of Hanoi, take a walking tour to explore:

• The Old Quarter of 36 Trades
• Colonial architecture: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, the exterior of the Hanoi Opera House, and the exterior of the State Bank of Vietnam
• Overnight in hotel

We’ve selected the highlights of an in-depth tour of Hanoi

Everything is suggested, nothing is imposed! You choose

Based on your interests and timing, you can work with your guide to decide which visits to do and in what order! You can even fit it all in if you're an early riser!

• The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• The One Pillar Pagoda
• The Quan Thanh Temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda
• The Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and Scholars
• The Ethnology Museum, a marvel born from French-Vietnamese cooperation
• The Train Street: an astonishing sight where houses are built side by side, crossed by a railway, and residents live on the tracks. Kitchens, bars, restaurants – no matter... They know the train schedule, clear the way when it's time, and set everything back up after it passes!

In the evening: a Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a choir and traditional Vietnamese instruments

Performed by talented and skilled artists, this delightful show reveals Vietnam’s rich culture, from the legend of the dragon to multiple scenes depicting rural life

Overnight in hotel

Hanoi - Sapa: 315 km - 5h

Very early in the morning, transfer to Sapa by private car with a guide

Via a winding road that climbs from valley to valley to reach an altitude of 1,650 meters, you can marvel at the terraced rice fields on the slopes of majestic mountains, where authentic small villages exist outside of modern times

Colorful ethnic groups, dressed in traditional costumes with headdresses and charms, populate this grand scenery, radiating warmth and charm along the roads and paths

Sumptuous landscapes, unforgettable encounters, and peaceful walks—our invitation to experience a surprising northern region!

• Walk through preserved and isolated small villages
• Meet children heading to school, or catch them in their daily exercises in the schoolyard
• Admire the women in traditional attire working in the rice fields, and see the men and buffaloes
• Immerse yourself in local daily life, witness the work of hemp fibers, weaving, indigo dyeing, and H'mong embroidery
• Climb the ever-more beautiful, harmonious, and alluring rice terrace steps
• And lose yourself in the various colorful and authentic ethnic markets, gathering places for minority groups

Cascades, landscapes sculpted with rice terraces, a sumptuous setting!

A 6 km hike through terraced rice field scenery to the village of Lao Chai

This small village is home to the Black H'mong minority

Along the way, you'll meet village women in traditional costumes. Their kindness in walking part of the way with you will touch your heart

You'll see children's faces and natural scenes of daily life, existing outside of modern times

The buffalo still works alongside humans. In local attire, the men toil in the fields with tools from another era

After a lunch break, enjoy a short 2 km walk to the village of Ta Van, inhabited by the Giay ethnic group

The residents of Ta Van create stone and wood sculptures

Women work with hemp, busy at weaving looms, preparing indigo dyes after harvesting the plants

Along the path, you'll encounter them engaged in embroidery, with their creations later sold at nearby markets

They craft their traditional garments themselves

Your guide will explain the secrets of the embroidery that adorns their clothes

Then, transfer by private car to Topas Ecolodge, 26 km from Ta Van, perfectly located between two cone-shaped hills in the spectacular Sapa valley

Overnight in hotel

You will explore the ethnic villages in the Thanh Kim Valley. Located 20 km from Sapa, near Topas Ecolodge, the Thanh Kim Valley is home to the Red Dzao and H'mong people, who continue to uphold their traditions and culture despite the influences of modern life

The hike offers beautiful panoramic views of the Thanh Kim Valley. After 3 hours of walking, you will arrive at the village of Lech, inhabited by the Red Dzao and H'mong. There are three hamlets scattered along the mountain slopes. You'll discover the village, its inhabitants, their way of life, customs, and typical homes

After lunch, the trek becomes easier, primarily downhill

Overnight in hotel

Free time to enjoy your accommodation or engage in personal activities

Overnight in hotel

Lao Cai - Train - Hanoi: 5h

Hike on a mountainohus road with terraced rice fields on either side. Sapa is a former high-altitude station founded by the French in the early 20th century. Sapa is home to over 30 ethnic minorities and boasts the highest peak in Vietnam, Mount Fansipan, which stands at 3143 meters above sea level

Visit the Ma Tra village of the Black Hmong ethnic minority and the Ta Phin village where the Red Dao people live

End of the day, transfer to Lao Cai station for the night train to Hanoi

Overnight on train

Hanoi - Seaplane - Halong Bay: 1h

Take off from Hanoi airport and land at Tuan Chau Island marina, or vice versa—departing from the Tuan Chau marina and landing at Hanoi airport

The flight lasts 45 minutes, whereas the drive takes 3 to 4 hours

You will fly over the Red River Delta, floating fishing villages, and the important port city of Hai Phong

Then, enjoy 15 minutes of flying over Halong Bay

The flight is at low altitude, providing breathtaking views of this exceptional site with its countless karst islets. Known as 'sugar loaves,' there are over 2,000 scattered in the emerald waters of the Tonkin Gulf. You will discover the floating fishing villages, junks navigating the bay, secret coves, and soar over the port city of Hai Phong

Halong Bay, with its 1,969 islands bathed in the turquoise waters of the East Sea, was recognized as a "natural beauty" and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994

Halong means "descent of the dragon": according to legend, a dragon descended into the bay to tame the sea currents. With its powerful tail movements, it carved deep into the mountains. Then, it plunged into the sea. The water level rose, leaving only the highest peaks visible

Cruise through this mythical bay with its spectacular seascape!

• Departure from the hotel, private car transfer without guide to Halong Bay
• Welcome reception with a welcome drink late in the morning
• Check-in to private cabins
• Crew introduction by the captain
• Cruise begins while enjoying lunch

Lunch served in the dining room or on the outdoor deck, with an excellent menu of carefully crafted dishes, beautifully presented, and served by a qualified staff

You’ll admire this breathtaking scenery that surprises you at every moment. These islands with their surprising shapes that resemble animals, the jade-colored water, and the enchanting landscape that never gets old

You’ll be gently lulled by the breeze as you discover the infinite charm of the bay, gliding through this majestic site with its signature rounded peaks emerging between the blue sky and turquoise sea

• Sun loungers are available for you to admire the passing scenery
• Take a short kayaking adventure around Cap La
• Return to the main boat and relax while watching the sunset unfold
• Dinner: Savor fresh seafood with an exquisite menu of carefully crafted dishes, beautifully presented, and served by qualified staff

Evening activities: Squid fishing, spa services, or simply unwinding on the upper deck

Overnight on board

The day begins with a Tai Chi session on the upper deck

Under the morning sun, in a calm and enchanting setting, enjoy a peaceful breakfast

• Visit the mysterious Thien Canh Son Cave
• Discover Hon Co Island with a kayaking activity
• Cruise to Cong Dam, exploring the geological wonders of Bai Tu Long Bay

Beach BBQ Lunch:

A delightful and unique experience awaits on a private beach. Your table is set on the sand, and you’ll enjoy freshly grilled seafood right in front of you

• Traditional cooking demonstration on the upper deck (Banh Xeo)

Free time

Dinner: Indulge in a delicious seafood menu, carefully crafted and beautifully presented by talented chefs, with a refined touch and excellent service

Evening activities: Squid fishing, spa services, or relaxing on the upper deck

Overnight on board

Halong Bay - Ninh Binh: 185 km - 4h

The day begins with a Tai Chi session on the upper deck

Under the early morning sun, in a magical and peaceful setting, enjoy your breakfast

• Discover the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng
• Spend the morning cruising back to the port, with arrival planned late in the morning
• A brunch on board will mark the end of this wonderful cruise

The entire crew will greet and thank you upon arrival at the port at 11 a.m

As soon as you disembark from the junk, your driver will be waiting for you at the port. Drive to Ninh Binh

Overnight in hotel

The Tam Coc site, often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land," is set in an exceptional environment. The stunning landscape features lush green rice fields, dotted with towering limestone karsts covered in vegetation. Many scenes from the film Indochine were filmed here

At this beautiful site, you'll board a small rowboat piloted by a local woman. A charming two-hour ride along the Ngo Dong River will immerse you in a serene and peaceful atmosphere before reaching the Tam Coc caves, known as the "three caves"

This region is also famous for its culinary specialties, including com cháy (crispy rice) and goat meat

Your guide will gladly share insider tips on the best places to sample these two local delicacies

A short bike ride takes you to Bich Dong Pagoda. If time allows and you're feeling adventurous, climb the stone-carved steps to reach the pagoda and enjoy an exceptional view of the entire area

Next, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Explore the Dinh and Le dynastic temples

Overnight in hotel

Ninh Binh - Hanoi: 100 km - 2h

Free time for personal pursuits until transfer to Hanoi

Overnight in hotel

Free time for personal activities until your private transfer to the airport (with driver, no guide) for your international departure flight