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 - Ninh Binh: 100 km - 2h30

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

Then, transfer to Ninh Binh, through the Vietnamese countryside. Watch the rice fields unfold, where women in conical hats work and fishermen cast their nets. The serene landscape is dotted with sunlit pagodas and scattered cemeteries amidst the cultivated fields.

Settle into our homestay in Tam Coc where you'll spend a night in the family's house

Overnight in homestay

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

Tam Coc, often called the "Halong Bay on land," is set in a truly stunning environment. The landscape features incredible limestone peaks covered in greenery rising above serene rice fields. Many scenes from the movie Indochine were filmed here

Despite its popularity, the site retains a sense of authenticity and calm. A small rowboat takes you on a 2-hour journey along the Ngo Dong River, with the peaceful surroundings leading to the famous Tam Coc caves, or "three caves"

This region is also known for its culinary specialties, such as Ninh Binh’s crispy rice (chay) and goat meat, which are a must-try

A relaxing bike ride leads to Bich Dong Pagoda. Time and energy permitting, a climb up the stone stairs offers stunning views of the entire site

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride to the Bich Dong Pagoda. If time and energy permit, you can climb the stone stairs carved into the rock to the top of the pagoda and admire the breathtaking views of the entire site

On the way back to Hanoi, stop at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 10th century, during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Visit the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le kings

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 - 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

Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An: 120 km - 3h30

Route to Hoi An via the Mandarin Road and the Cloud Pass

A bird's eye view of a turquoise sea bordered by a golden sand beach reveals all the beauty of Lang Co Peninsula, with small fishing boats in the distance

A detour to Da Nang for a visit to the Museum of Cham Sculpture. The Cham people are an ethnic group from India

Created at the initiative of the French School of the Far East in 1919. The museum houses collections of sculptures inspired by Hindu art that represent the evolution of Cham art over the centuries between the 7th and 15th centuries

Discover the Marble Mountains, also known as the "Five Elements Mountains," each named after an element that constitutes our planet. Admire the sculptors at work in the midst of the beautiful marble quarry

Ascend 156 steps or take the elevator to the top of Mount Thuy Son for a panoramic view of the marble mountains and the countryside. This marble mountain is home to Buddhist deities that you will visit

A delightful stroll through the ancient port town of Hoi An. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the rich architectural heritage of charming low houses with colorful facades and wooden balconies, Chinese congregations, temples, pagodas, museums, and the Japanese Covered Bridge

Discover the old port of Hoi An on a short walk under the last rays of the setting sun before being captivated by the ambiance of hundreds of small lanterns that illuminate the night

Overnight in hotel

Hoi An – Tra Que Village and Cam Thanh – Cooking Class

With our guide, and by bicycle from your hotel, head to Tra Que village, a charming small village 3 km from Hoi An.

The guide will explain the history of the village and its unique vegetable culture.

Indeed, the fertilizers used are algae from the nearby lake.

Discover the vegetable gardens and learn about the use of different herbs in traditional Vietnamese medicine.

And if desired, try your hand at a bit of gardening!

Then, transfer to the water coconut village of Cam Thanh.

The small round basket boat is called Thuyen Thung!

Watch the artisans at work and marvel at how well it resists the gentle waves of Hoi An and how, with a little patience, one can steer it with just a single, unique oar!

With your rower who knows perfectly how to tame Thuyen Thung, glide for 30 minutes on the river

Surrounded by lush vegetation, and with the gentle rhythm of the boat, enjoy a serene and delightful experience.

Now it’s time to "get hands-on" with a cooking session at a local family’s home, where you’ll prepare delicious Vietnamese dishes to savor together.

This lovely encounter with the local family will conclude with a foot massage using Hoi An herbs.

Return by bicycle to your hotel in Hoi An.

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 – Cai Be – An Binh (Vinh Long): 130 km – 3h

Departure for the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is an extremely fertile region, crisscrossed by water and land, canals, and waterways, adorned with verdant rice fields in a lattice pattern that gives it the reputation of being the most fragrant in the country. This rich land also hosts abundant fruit orchards, shrimp farming, and livestock, which together make the Mekong Delta the "rice bowl of Vietnam"

Visit a puffed rice factory, coconut candy workshop... and taste local specialties

Lunch in a traditional house, discover the region's specialty by savoring "elephant ear fish" eaten with rice pancakes and a typical sauce

Take a 15-minute sampan ride along a canal to observe the vegetation. Visit an old colonial house

Then, continue the stroll towards the Bonsai Garden

In the afternoon, relax or explore the island along shady tree-lined paths, wandering through the village to experience everyday rural life

Overnight in homestay

An Binh (Vinh Long) - Boat - Can Tho

After breakfast, take the ferry to Vinh Long

Bike to Long My to visit the Long Thanh Elderly Asylum, a volunteer-run shelter for the elderly without family and orphans

Continue towards Tra On and Binh Minh, exploring the daily life of the Khmer people in Soc Tro village, then visit Phuoc Hau Pagoda and Phu Ly Pagoda

Proceed to Can Tho, the largest city in the Mekong Delta

Overnight in hotel

Can Tho - Boat - Cai Rang Floating Market - Ho Chi Minh

Early morning cruise through the canals to discover the life organized around water and commerce, with a visit to the Cai Rang floating market, the largest in the delta. Impressive floating marketplaces where boats filled with fruits and vegetables gather daily

Visit a colonial house and an orchard where you can taste exotic fruits and see durian, mangosteen, and orange plantations. Then, visit the century-old Binh Thuy house. This excursion offers a glimpse into the peaceful lifestyle of some Delta inhabitants

Explore the Can Tho market halls before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City late afternoon

Overniht in hotel

Ho Chi Minh - Fly - Phu Quoc Island: 1h

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Phu Quoc Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Free time to enjoy the pleasures of the beach

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