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

Hanoi - Train - Lao Cai

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!

Around 8:30-9:00 PM, a private car transfer to Hanoi station to board the sleeper train to Lao Cai.

Train:

You’ll be traveling in a special sleeper train, with a superior-class cabin.

• Air-conditioned sleeper compartment, elegantly decorated, spotlessly clean
• Comfortable bedding with a mattress, sheet, thin duvet, duvet cover, and pillow
• Electrical outlets
• Individual reading light
• A small bottle of water per person

Overnight on train

Lao Cai - Sapa - 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

To help you get started on the right foot, we’ve arranged a room where you can freshen up with a shower and change before heading out.

Next, a private car transfer takes you to Sapa (around 1 hour) 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 - 2h30

• 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. 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
• To end the day, we offer you our Zen Moments with the Red Dao people. In an authentic establishment in the north and part of our trusted network, you will relax with the benefits of a medicinal herb bath

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

• Visit the village of Bac Ha, meet the locals, explore their homes, and their way of life
• Dinner and overnight in homestay

Bac Ha - Lao Cai - Hanoi: 310 km - 4h

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 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 5h

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 - Ninh Binh: 100 km - 2h

In the morning, depart through the Vietnamese countryside. 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

Return to Hanoi

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
• 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 train

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Fly - Phu Quoc: 5h30

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

Transfer back to Hanoi by private car

As soon as you disembark, your driver will be waiting at the port to take you back to Hanoi

Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Phu Quoc. Upon arrival, the guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel

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