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...

• Start the day at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square. The visit includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.
• Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple situated on the Truc Bach Lake shore.
• Visit the Temple of Literature.
• Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
• Grab a Vietnamese coffee while waiting for the train to pass by at the Train Street.

Your evening: Water puppet show, accompanied by a choir and traditional Vietnamese musical instruments.

Free time: If you have some time left……

A lacquerware workshop, a Vietnamese specialty.

https://hanoivoyage.com/en/blog/vietnamese-lacquer.html

Overnight at a hotel.

Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong : 4 – 4.5h drive

Leaving Hanoi, it takes about 4 hours by road to reach the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, nestled in a peaceful valley of Thanh Hoa province.

Before arriving in Pu Luong, take time for a refreshing dip in the natural pool of Hieu village.

When you finally reach Pu Luong, its beauty will captivate you.

Overnight at a hotel.

By car or on foot – to be arranged with your guide

Pu Luong is home to the Thai ethnic group, who live in traditional stilt houses with roofs made of thatch or palm leaves. 

Your guide will take you around Pu Luong.

Just outside Pu Luong, the village of Tom reveals its giant waterwheels, ingeniously built to channel water to the rice fields.

At Ban Don village, some Thai culinary influences have made their way into local kitchens.

A visit to the village of Kho Muong is a must. 

Overnight at a hotel.

Another morning in Pu Luong to discover the local lifestyles and you can stroll around the villages.

Late afternoon, continue your journey to Ninh Binh. Nestled in the ancient land of Hoa Lu – Vietnam’s very first capital – offers a journey into both natural wonder and cultural heritage.

Just 7 km from Ninh Binh’s city center, you’ll stop in Van Lam, a traditional embroidery village renowned for its refined craftsmanship.

Overnight at a hotel.

Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, nestled in the ancient land of Hoa Lu – Vietnam’s first capital – offers a journey into both natural wonder and cultural heritage.

• Wrap up your journey in Hoa Lu, once the cradle of Vietnamese royalty. Wander through the atmospheric temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
• Embark on a serene sampan journey through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. 
• You’ll be taken to a local, family-run restaurant where you’ll enjoy a variety of delicious regional dishes.
• Continue to the awe-inspiring Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex.

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay: 180 km - 3h30

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 - Night Train - Dong Hoi: 155 km - 2h30

Travel from Halong Bay to Hanoi in 2 hours 30 minutes

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

At the end of the day, transfer to Hanoi train station to Dong Hoi

Overnight on train

Dong Hoi - Phong Nha: 45 km - 1h

After your arrival in Dong Hoi, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for breakfast. Then, you will visit the Phong Nha and Thien Duong caves

Phong Nha Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh. This cave has been recognized as one of the most extraordinary caves in the world for several reasons: it features the longest underground river in the world, it is considered the most impressive of the dry caves, it has beautiful sandbanks and reefs, and it boasts spectacular stalactites

This was the first cave opened to the public in the region (in 1997) and was at that time the largest known cave in Vietnam. It served as a shelter, storage area, and hospital during the Vietnam War. You will see many remnants from that period on the walls. This cave is definitely worth visiting, especially for the expedition along the river and into the cave aboard a traditional dragon boat. This expedition is suitable for all fitness levels

Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave) is considered the longest dry cave in the world. Its interior is both imposing and divine, creating a tranquil atmosphere reminiscent of a grand cathedral

Venture into Phong Nha by car and visit the animal rescue center and the botanical garden

Enjoy the area by swimming or kayaking in the lake or river

Overnight in hotel

Phong Nha - Hue: 215 km - 5h

Meet at the Vinh Moc Tunnels, which served as a refuge for nearly 400 Vietnamese during the bombings of Operation "Rolling Thunder," lasting nearly 2,000 days. By visiting this site, you will learn more about Vietnam's history during the war and discover how the refugees lived during those dark days

Return to Dong Ha for lunch before continuing to the old DMZ further north. This was a location that marked the border between North and South Vietnam for 18 years. You will have the opportunity to cross the Freedom Bridge over the Ben Hai River, the only physical boundary that distinguished the North from the South

Return to Hue

Overnight in hotel

Visit the Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty, featuring the citadel, pagodas, and imperial tombs. 

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the famous Perfume River, heading to the Thien Mu Pagoda.

Explore the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Visit the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.

FLASH PERFORMANCE – Optional Activity – CONTACT US FOR PRICE

We invite you to attend a performance at the Royal Theatre.

Visit Tay Ho Village – The art of the conical hat, the soul of Vietnam – renowned for its traditional craftsmanship of the nón lá.

To complete your immersion in local culture, take a stroll through the bustling Dong Ba Market.

Overnight at a 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

Laughter, new encounters, surprises, wonder, and delicious food - a wonderful day that will never cease to amaze you!

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel for your "Bamboo Saga" day.

First, you'll discover your charming round bamboo basket boat and take a leisurely paddle!

Did you know: Thuyen Thung is a hand-woven bamboo boat that takes only a day to make?

Accompanied by a rower who knows how to handle the Thuyen Thung, you'll glide for 30 minutes on the river.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, to the gentle rhythm of the dancing Thuyen Thung, you'll experience a delightful moment.

The bamboo saga continues... with the Lanterns, an 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 you remain unmoved by the charm of these thousands of lanterns?

Lanterns, lamps, lanterns, in fabric, in silk, in bamboo, in a palette of colors with multiple nuances, swaying at the slightest breeze, Hoi An's lanterns have the power to make you rediscover your inner child and transport you into the imagination!

Young and old, come and create your own foldable lantern to take home with you!

Our workshop, whose address we keep secret, is a resounding success!

And with bamboo engraving...

Bamboo is ubiquitous in Vietnam, and our creative artists with their limitless imagination have long acquired the indispensable dexterity to work with this natural material.

To give life to a piece of bamboo, you must know how to engrave a beautiful ideogram that carries a powerful meaning. Part calligrapher and part sculptor, our artist-creator is an expert in using the wood chisel with unmatched dexterity.

Even on bamboo roots with strange shapes, our artist exercises his talent by sculpting them into magnificent works of art!

We will take you behind the scenes of our preferred workshop to discover with wonder an art that has recently been 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

Free time to enjoy the pleasures of the beach (without a guide, driver, or car)

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 - Ben Tre: 260 km - 4h30

Round-trip travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Ben Tre in 4 hours 30 minutes

Departure for the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is an extremely fertile region, crisscrossed by water and land, with canals and ditches, and characterized by verdant rice paddies known for producing the most fragrant rice in the country. The vast expanse of rice fields has led to the Delta being called Vietnam's "rice bowl." This generous land also hosts abundant fruit gardens, fish farming, and shrimp farming

Around 10 AM, arrival in Ben Tre, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River. Board a motorboat for a ride along the natural creek, where you'll witness lively activities

• Visit a traditional brick-making workshop with kilns along the Ham Luong River, where rice husks are used as fuel
• Visit a coconut and ginger candy workshop where you will learn how to open and peel a coconut by hand
• Detailed explanations of the candy-making process, from preparing the coconut caramel to packaging the candy
• You will also meet a farmer who specializes in weaving natural mats from the raw materials he produces himself.

During lunch, enjoy the regional specialty, "elephant ear fish," served with rice pancakes and a typical sauce

Take a short walk in a relaxing environment, surrounded by lush greenery and flowers, and enjoy a 15-minute rowing boat ride along a canal to see the bordering vegetation

Transfer by boat to the Ben Tre port, where your driver will greet you for the return to Ho Chi Minh City

Overnight in hotel

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