Welcome by the guide of Hanoi Voyages 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 - Duong Lam - Thay and Tay Phuong Pagodas - Ha Thai Crafts - Ninh Binh: 330 km - 6h

• Discovery of the architectural ensemble of Duong Lam and its ancient houses over 200 years old made of laterite and rammed earth
• Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the authentic village with the village gate, communal well, and the Temple courtyard
• Visit the Thay Phuong and Thay pagodas
• Explore the artisan village of Ha Tay: lacquering, mother-of-pearl and eggshell inlays, and bamboo object manufacturing
• Enjoy a beautiful journey through the Vietnamese countryside to reach Ninh Binh, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century under the Dinh and Le dynasties
• Overnight in hotel

Ninh Binh - Hanoi - Night Train - Lao Cai: 100 km - 2h

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh in 2 hours

• Visit the Dinh and Le dynastic temples before arriving at the Tam Coc site, which boasts exceptional surroundings

The scenery is made up of stunning rock formations covered in vegetation, rising up from the tranquil green rice paddies

• Board a small rowboat paddled by a woman
• Savor the specialty of Ninh Binh (goat meat and puffed rice gratin) for lunch at a local and family-run establishment
• In the afternoon, cycle towards the Bich Dong pagoda. If time permits and you are up for it, climb the steps carved into the rock to reach the pagoda and enjoy an exceptional view of the entire site

Return to Hanoi in the afternoon and around 8:30 PM, transfer by private car to the Hanoi train station to take the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai

Lunch included

Overnight on train

Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van

Early morning arrival at Lao Cai station

Enjoy breakfast at a brasserie with your private guide and driver

Transfer by private vehicle to Sapa for a day of hiking around Sapa, meeting ethnic minorities in the heart of the rice fields

• Y Linh Ho village, in the Muong Hoa valley, is the starting point for the hikes
• Hike 6 kilometers through the terraced rice fields to the village of Lao Chai
• This small village is inhabited by the Black Hmong ethnic minority. Along the way, meet women from the village dressed in ethnic costumes. You will be touched by their kindness in walking a part of the way with you
• After lunch, take a short 2-kilometer walk to the village of Ta Van, inhabited by the Giay ethnic group
• The people of Ta Van specialize in stone and wood carving. The women work with hemp, weave on looms, and prepare indigo blue dyes after harvesting the plant

Overnight in hotel

Sapa - Bac Ha: 100 km - 3h

• Hike on a mountainous 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. Vietnam’s highest peak, 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

Transfer by private car to Bac Ha, where the Flower Hmong reside

Dinner and overnight stay with a homestay family or other accommodation (please consult us)

Bac Ha Market - Lao Cai - Bus - Hanoi: 7h

Other markets on different days (please contact us for more information)

• Visit the grand Bac Ha market that takes place on Sundays. It is the most colorful market in northern Vietnam. Although very touristy, it is also very authentic. The minority ethnic groups such as the Flower Hmong, Tay, and Phu La gather here for commercial and social exchanges. The market is full of excitement and vibrant colors
• The Hmong women wear outfits made up of large, elaborately embroidered skirts and black tops with shoulders and collars adorned with flashy embroidery. They are also adorned with beautiful silver jewelry
• Visit the baroque palace of the H’Mong leader, Hoang A Tuong, built in 1920 and well-restored
• Visit another village - Ban Pho village. Meet with the colorful Hmong and Tay ethnic groups

In the afternoon, your guide will take you to the express bus station in Lao Cai, which will bring you back to Hanoi in 5 hours

Dinner will be available at the stations, where different stands offer hot dishes and various food products

Upon arrival in Hanoi around 9 pm, our driver will be there to take you to your hotel

Overnight in hotel

Hanoi - Halong Bay: 155 km - 2h30

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
• Explore the Cong Do area
• Visit the Thien Canh Son Cave
• Cruise towards Hon Co Island
• Enjoy kayaking and a refreshing swim in the jade-colored waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (if possible)
• Dinner: Savor fresh seafood with an exquisite menu of carefully crafted dishes, beautifully presented, and served by qualified staff

Overnight on board

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly - Hue: 4h

Under the gentle morning sun, in an enchanting setting and a surprising calm, you'll enjoy your breakfast

• Discover the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng
• Morning cruise back to the port

Lunch on board the junk in the form of brunch will conclude this magnificent cruise

The entire crew will come to greet and thank you upon arriving at the port at 11 am

Return to Hanoi by private car

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

• On the way, visit the Phu Lang pottery village, one of the three oldest pottery centers in the Red River Delta. It is especially renowned because its potters and ceramists still use traditional techniques
• On the way, visit the But Thap Pagoda, with its very characteristic architecture, and which is one of the most famous pagodas in Vietnam

Transfer by private car with a driver (no guide) to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transfer to the hotel

Overnight in hotel

Visit the Imperial Citadel of the Nguyen Dynasty with its citadel, pagodas, and imperial tombs

The citadel, nestled within a heart-shaped moat, and an entire architectural ensemble composed of bridges, small temples, terraces, pavilions, small parks, and bodies of water

Relaxing cruise on a typical boat on the famous Perfume River to reach the Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady) dating back to 1601, one of Hue's oldest religious monuments Possibility to attend prayers with the bonzes

Situated at a height, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city

Visit the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang who reigned from 1820 to 1840

At lunchtime, your guide is at your disposal to take you to one of our best addresses to taste Hue's specialties

Hue's artisanal specialties

Hue is the capital of magnificent Ao Dai!

While strolling through Dong Ba market, mingled with the local crowd, fabrics in abundance, made-to-measure in record time of this wonderful dress

The making of incense sticks will no longer hold any secrets for you after this stop in a small village very close to Hue, specializing in this activity

A sweet and fine scent floats in the air, incense being obtained from naturally perfumed plant substances. Bamboo sticks dyed red unfold in the sun, in front of the many small shops

Visit the village specializing in the making of conical hats, including the "poem hat"

Overnight in hotel

In the morning, transfer to the bustling dock, lively with fishing activity, for a boat excursion on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Celestial Lady Pagoda, dating back to 1601

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest religious monuments in Hue. There is an option to attend prayers with the monks. Located on a hill, it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city

Continue to the Thuy Bieu village to gain a deeper insight into the local life with a short bike ride

• Visit the old worship house
• Discover the incense-making process
• Meet the villagers busy in their vegetable gardens

At the Thuy Bieu market, with its local colors, you will gather all the ingredients needed for the cooking class

• Vietnamese cooking class: demonstration and lesson followed by a tasting lunch. Informative and delicious

Foot bath with herbs and a massage to end the afternoon in a Zen manner

Enjoy a little free time for your personal discoveries

Overnight in hotel

Hue - Hoi An: 120 km - 3h

• Take the Mandarin Road and cross the Cloud Pass for a stunning view of the Lang Co peninsula before heading to Hoi An
• Make a stop in Danang to visit the Cham Sculpture Museum. The Chams are an ethnic group from India
• Discover the Marble Mountains, also known as the “mountain of the five hills”
• By climbing a staircase of 156 steps or taking the elevator, you will reach the summit of Mount Thuy Son to admire the panorama of the Marble Mountains and the countryside
• Enjoy the rest of the day as “free time” to enjoy the beach or the town at your leisure
• Overnight in hotel

Hoi An - City tour - Saga Bamboo

Hoi An is now a UNESCO World Heritage site

A delightful walk through the old town of Hoi An, a former trading port now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you wander through its charming streets, you will discover its low, colorful houses with wooden balconies. The architectural heritage is very rich, featuring Chinese congregation houses, temples, pagodas, museums, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Afternoon Saga Bamboo!

Our driver will pick you up at the hotel for your 'Bamboo Saga' day.

First, you will discover your charming 'round basket boat,' which you will gently glide in for a short ride! It’s called THUYEN THUNG! It is made of woven bamboo, crafted in just one day! Accompanied by a rower who skillfully handles the Thuyen Thung, you will drift for 30 minutes along the river. In the heart of lush vegetation, to the leisurely and rhythmic movement of the Thuyen Thung, you will experience a delightful moment! Your rower will show you what skilled hands can create with simple coconut palm leaves: rings, headpieces, baskets, etc.

The bamboo saga continues… with LANTERNS, the emblem of HOI AN. As night falls, HOI AN is adorned with a soft, tender red light, the color of joy and fidelity! How can one remain indifferent to the charm of these thousands of lanterns? Lanterns of all kinds—paper lanterns, silk lanterns, bamboo lanterns, in a range of colors and shades—swaying with the slightest breeze… the lanterns of HOI AN have the power to rekindle your inner child and transport you to a world of imagination! Adults and children alike, come create your own lantern in just 1 hour, foldable, of course, to slip into your luggage! Our workshop, whose address we keep secret, has a success that needs no confirmation!

…And with bamboo engraving. Bamboo is omnipresent in Vietnam, and our creative artists, whose imagination knows no bounds, have long mastered the skill required to shape this natural material. To give life to a piece of bamboo, one must engrave a beautiful ideogram with a powerful meaning. Our artist-creator, both a calligrapher and sculptor, is an expert with unparalleled wood carving skills. Even on bamboo roots that sometimes have unusual shapes, our artist exercises their talent by sculpting and transforming them into magnificent works of art! We will take you behind the scenes of our favorite workshop to marvel at an art form recently brought back into the spotlight

Overnight in hotel

Hoi An - My Son: 40 km - 2h

Uncover My Son Sanctuary - the UNESCO World Heritage site in Quang Nam province:

Departure for My Son, the former religious capital of the Cham civilization until the 12th century, and visit the Cham archaeological site, influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. Only a few remnants have withstood the passage of time, but the site is of great beauty. It was rediscovered by the French School of the Far East in 1869

During this visit, we invite you to attend a beautiful 'Khmer' dance performance

On the way back, stop at the 'pottery village' of Thanh Ha, where you can see artisans at work and admire their renowned durable pottery

In the afternoon, free time for personal activities

Overnight in hotel

Hoi An - Da Nang - Fly - Ho Chi Minh: 1h30

Private transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Ho Chi Minh City guide to start the city tour

• Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
• Visit the Central Post Office in memory of Gustave Eiffel
• Visit the Reunification Palace, former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975, when Northern soldiers made a brutal intrusion with their tanks, symbolizing the end of the war against the United States
• Visit the War Museum
• Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda located in the heart of the Chinese district
• Visit Ben Thanh, the largest covered market in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, colorful and very lively
• Overnight in hotel

Ho Chi Minh - Cao Dai Temple - Cu Chi Tunnels: 100 km - 3h

Depart to Tay Ninh, the center of the Cao Dai religion, a unique blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritism, Christianity, and the worship of "geniuses"

Visit the Main Temple, where the diversity of styles is striking, followed by a walk through the sacred spaces

You'll attend the midday religious ceremony (1-hour duration), a colorful spectacle in one of the most original architectural settings

In the afternoon, head to one of the most gripping sites from the Vietnam War: the Cu Chi Tunnels, a true underground city with over 250 km of tunnels where the Viet Cong fought their resistance against American troops. Exploring this impressive complex offers a unique experience, showing the extreme hardships Vietnamese soldiers faced during the war. Note that some tunnel entrances have been widened for visitors, as most of us would not fit otherwise!

Overnight in hotel

Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta: 130 km - 3h

Depart from your hotel in a private car towards Cai Be to board your Le Bassac junk boat

Le Bassac is a beautiful cruise boat, a traditional rice barge fully renovated for your comfort. Your private cabin is elegantly furnished and decorated by Vietnamese artisans, complete with a bathroom and air conditioning. It has direct access to the deck

The boat also features an open-air restaurant, a sun deck, excellent cuisine, and a dedicated crew at your service, creating the perfect setting for a special experience. A French-speaking guide will be on board

After boarding, you'll be introduced to the boat and its crew, followed by settling into your cabin, with a complimentary "welcome" drink offered

Set off towards Cho Lach, downstream on the Tien Giang River

Lunch is served on board during the journey, and you can relax on the upper deck near the bar

Witness the bustling activity of rice and sand barges, and be amazed by the colorful boats carrying fruits and vegetables

Visit a village on the banks of the Mang Thit River, an opportunity to experience the local lifestyle and hospitality. Explore nearby lush orchards or rice fields

Back onboard, sail towards Mang Thit, enjoying the sunset with a refreshing drink before dinner

Le Bassac anchors downstream of Tra On for the night

Overnight on boat

Mekong Delta - Can Tho - Rach Gia - Boat - Phu Quoc: 5h

Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM while the Bassac navigates on Tra On, heading towards Can Tho

Arrival at the Cai Rang floating market, where you will disembark from the cabins and transfer to a smaller boat to explore the market, cruising along the canals and waterways to discover the life organized around water and trade. The Cai Rang floating market is the largest in the delta, featuring impressive floating stalls where boats filled with fruits and vegetables gather daily

This excursion will allow you to appreciate the peaceful setting in which some of the Delta's residents live

Arrival at the Ninh Kieu pier in Can Tho around 10:30 AM. Welcome by the driver

Next, take the fast boat from Rach Gia to Phu Quoc

Overnight in hotel

Free time to enjoy the beach in Phu Quoc

Located in the far south of Vietnam, off the coast of Cambodia, facing the Gulf of Thailand, and just a 1-hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc is a trendy beach destination

Its climate, which allows for visits from October to April, hints at a future similar to Thailand’s popular beaches

Duong Dong is the island's main hub for tourists

Here, golden sands and coconut trees invite relaxation!

Other quieter beaches offer postcard-perfect scenery, best explored by motorbike on a day tour around the island

The lively and colorful day market is a must-see, while the night market is a true delight!

Small food stands serve fresh fish, seafood, and shellfish made to order

Other stalls will tempt you with white or black pearls straight from the local pearl farms

Phu Quoc's famous Nuoc Mam, the essential condiment in Vietnamese cuisine, can be sampled at small artisanal factories that offer guided tours

To end your day, squid fishing by lamplight is one of Phu Quoc’s popular nighttime activities

Overnight in hotel

Phu Quoc - Fly - Ho Chi Minh: 1h

Free time for personal activities until transfer to the airport by private vehicle (with driver, without guide) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City and your departure flight