Exploring Vietnam

In flight

In flight

You will arrive at Hanoi Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide and driver, then taken to your hotel.

Then, enjoy some free time to settle in.

In the late afternoon, the guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and you will take a short walk around Hoan Kiem Lake before having dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Hanoi Tokyo Hotel 4* or similar.

Dinner included.

After breakfast

The morning will be dedicated to visiting the Vietnamese capital: you will visit the House on Stilts, as well as the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong. End the morning with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which is certainly one of the most interesting in the country. Created in November 1997 during the Francophonie summit, it is both a research center and a public museum presenting the different ethnic groups of Vietnam. In the afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Literature (“Van Mieu” in Vietnamese), the “First University of Vietnam”. Built in 1070 by Ly Thanh Tong, the son of Ly Thai To, this university was intended for princes and mandarins. With its sumptuous inner courtyards, altars, and roofs, Van Mieu is a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture. The tour of Hanoi will continue with the discovery of the old craft quarter and the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Discovering Hanoi’s street food

This evening, you will have the opportunity to discover what makes Old Hanoi such an enchanting district by tasting a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties. You will start with Banh Cuon, steamed filled rice pastry sheets. After this first tasting, you will stop by a famous restaurant on Hang Dieu Street to taste Vietnamese noodles prepared in the southern style, which are equally popular with locals and travelers. You will then go to a “hidden” corner of Hanoi for a short walk along a “graffiti wall” where you will also find cafes offering a beautiful view of the bustling streets of Hanoi. You will be able to enjoy your drink and feel the rhythm of the capital’s nightlife.

Duration: 3 hours.

Accommodation: Hanoi Tokyo Hotel 4* or similar. (B-L-D)

Today, you will leave Hanoi to go to the mountainous region of Mai Chau. The road gradually ascends until you find yourself in the midst of a landscape of medium-altitude mountains.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, a welcome dinner prepared by a local family will be served to you in a traditional house.

In the afternoon, you will mount your bicycle to travel a flat and easy terrain in the middle of this vast “green stadium,” taking roads that stretch among the rice fields, passing from one village to another: Pom Coong – Tong Dau – Mai Chau – Lac – Na Phon – Na Thia – Chieng Chau – Pom Coong.

After your bike ride, you will return to your hotel.

Distance and duration of the bike ride: 16 kilometers – maximum 2 hours.

Accommodation: Mai Chau Mountain View 3* or similar

Breakfast, dinner, and supper included

In the morning, you will travel by road to Mai Hich, where you will begin your day’s hike.

Start walking through the rice paddies and admire the magnificent landscape of the surrounding mountains. The walk will take you through various villages of the White Thai ethnic group. You will pass by various local plantations such as corn, sugar cane, cassava, peanuts, etc.

You will continue to walk on a slight uphill to reach the village of Buoc for your dinner in a local house.

After dinner and a bit of rest, you will take a short transfer to the village of Van, an area inhabited by the White Thai ethnic minority. Here, you will start your hike by walking along a trail surrounded by palm trees. This trail will then lead you to a bamboo forest before reaching the village of Hai, where you can admire the magnificent terraced rice fields that stretch up to the high mountains. You will then continue your journey to Cun Pheo, where you will start to climb to reach the summit. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of the terraced rice fields and local farmers working in the fields.

After a short break, you will begin the descent passing through the village of Cun. You will have the opportunity to see stilt houses inhabited by the White Thai and learn more about their life and culture.

In the end, you will join the main road where your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Mai Chau Mountain View 3* or similar

Hiking distance and duration: 15 to 17 kilometers – 5 to 6 hours. Elevation gain: 200 meters

Breakfast, dinner, and supper included

Leave Mai Chau for the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, inhabited by White Thai and Muong people. Your journey through the beautiful villages, rice field landscapes with karst mountains in the background, and primary forest will allow you to discover a region that is still little visited.

Once you arrive at the Pu Luong Center, you will begin a 2-hour hike that will last until late morning. You will start from Ban Don village and descend into the valley, surrounded by terraced rice fields, ducks, chickens, and probably locals working in the fields. You will quickly arrive at a very photogenic rice field amphitheater. You will continue walking along the rice fields and pass by numerous Thai minority houses, an excellent opportunity to learn more about their traditions and how they build their homes. You will return to the starting point just before dinner.

In the afternoon, you will take a short transfer and start your hike at the entrance of a village. You will start by taking a road that descends towards another village and you will arrive in the middle of lush terraced rice fields. You will go down a relatively steep path and cross a forest passing by several local houses. Once at the river, you will take a bridge made by the locals before continuing on a beautiful flat path surrounded by lovely rice fields to finally arrive at the village of Hang. After a break, you will take a small road that will lead you to the last village. You will finally reach the main road after a steep path section. Return to Mai Chau at the end of the day.

Distance and duration of the hike:

• Morning: 5.2 kilometers – 2 h 30 min
  Elevation: +201 meters / -201 meters
• Afternoon: 8.5 kilometers – 3 hours
  Elevation: +63 meters / -486 meters

Terrain: climb and descent, some paths with a really steep descent in the afternoon, may be slippery in case of rain

Accommodation: Mai Chau Mountain View 3* or similar

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Leave Mai Chau and head towards the site of Hoa Lu. You will take a route that crosses lush and picturesque landscapes. You will arrive at noon in a village where you will enjoy lunch in a local house.

In the early afternoon, you will return to the village of Gia Hung where you will take a bike to explore the surrounding villages and their inhabitants. Once you reach the Van Long nature reserve, you will board typical small rowing boats for a ride through the rice fields and the spectacular landscape composed of rocky peaks, canals, and vegetation (1h 30 min). You will then travel to the hotel.

Duration and distance of the bike ride: 8 kilometers – maximum 1 hour

Accommodation: Ninh Binh Legend Hotel 4* or similar

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

You will depart in the morning by road towards Halong, where you will arrive around noon. There, you will board a junk boat for a cruise in the must-see Halong Bay. This bay, known worldwide, is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes, with its gigantic rocky islets covered in vegetation that seem to rise from the water. Halong Bay includes some 1,900 islands and islets of rocky peaks, generally uninhabited and pristine. This ensemble creates a spectacular marine landscape, which earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1994. Dinner and supper are served on board.

Accommodation: Swan Cruises (Bai Tu Long Bay) or similar

Breakfast, dinner, and supper included

Depending on the season, it is advisable not to get up too late to enjoy the beautiful sunrise that gradually illuminates the bay, revealing all its wild beauty. Then, the cruise will continue to the heart of the bay until your disembarkation in late morning. You will then return to Hanoi. Next, head to the airport for a flight to Hue.

In Hue, you will meet your other guide and driver, then you will proceed to the hotel.

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel 4* or similar

Breakfast and dinner included

In the morning, you will meet your guide at the hotel for a morning briefing. You will start your journey by heading towards the imperial citadel. After visiting it, you will cycle towards the charming village of Phu Mong. This ancient village of the mandarins boasts houses with superb architecture. You will continue through old garden houses and stop at one of them. You will be welcomed by a village family with a cup of green tea and fresh fruits from the garden. Your next stop will be the unmissable Thien Mu pagoda, one of the most important monuments in Hue. You will then cross the river with a local ferry and head to the village of Thuy Bieu, where you will have the chance to admire rice fields, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and communal houses. You will stop at a house for dinner and enjoy a foot massage to relax.

In the afternoon, you will follow and enjoy very beautiful views of the Perfume River. After a descent, you will cross a village where you will understand the process of making incense sticks and conical hats, then you will continue to pedal towards the tomb of Tu Duc, often considered one of the most beautiful imperial tombs in Hue. After the visit, you will return to Hue and head to the Hue lagoon to admire the sunset. Return to your hotel by vehicle or bicycle depending on your choice.

Distance and duration of the cycling tour: ~45 kilometers – 5 hours
Terrain: paths and paved roads with some dirt roads
Transport: Support vehicle throughout the day

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel 4* or similar

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

Today, you will cycle towards the Tam Giang lagoon, located 25 kilometers from Hue, one of the largest in Southeast Asia, offering magnificent landscapes. Along the way, you will stop at an impressive cemetery, enjoy the serene landscapes, and take a break on a beach before reaching a village in the Tam Giang lagoon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by a family to discover the village. Enjoy a break before boarding a local boat to head to a fishing village where you will be introduced to local fishing. Afterwards, you will dine in a local house to savor the culinary specialties of the region.

In the afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Hue with free time to explore the ancient capital of Vietnam.

Distance and duration of the bike ride: 35 kilometers – 2 to 3 hours
Terrain: paved paths and roads with some dirt trails
Transport: Follow vehicle during the Lagoon – Hue route: 35 kilometers – 1 hour

Accommodation: Eldora Hotel 4* or similar

Breakfast, dinner, and supper included

You will leave the hustle and bustle of Hue behind as you head towards Bach Ma National Park. After a 90-minute drive, you will reach the park located at an altitude of 1,450 meters, which is home to rich fauna and flora. After a 2-kilometer walk towards Hai Vong Dai, you will discover a splendid panorama of the mountains, lagoons, and charming surrounding villages. You will continue your hike through the jungle to explore the Five Lakes of the park. You will take a break at the fifth lake to enjoy your dinner before diving into the refreshing water. You will then continue on your way to the impressive Do Quyen waterfall, surrounded by the famous flowers of the same name that bloom in spring. From the top of the waterfall, you will have a spectacular view of the water cascading over the rocks, the lush green forest, and the blue sky. You will then return to the parking area to continue your journey towards Hoi An.

Hiking distance and duration: 7-8 kilometers – 4h 30min

Notes:

• Departure time from Hue: we strongly recommend leaving at 7:30 AM.
• The hike is not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo as the route includes cliffs.
• The trail can be slippery in rainy weather.
• We recommend wearing comfortable clothing such as pants, hiking shoes, and using insect repellent.

Accommodation: Hoi An Ancient House Resort and Spa 3* or similar

Breakfast, dinner, and supper included

You will start your bicycle journey from your hotel to reach the old town of Hoi An, where cars cannot access. You will engage in narrow paths to discover the local life around Hoi An, and then continue to a village surrounded by palm trees where you will take a break at a local house to taste some regional dishes: grilled fish and rice paper, and interact with your hosts. Next, you will cross a bridge to reach the other bank of the Thu Bon River. You will stop in the village of Dong Binh, renowned for its mats, and enjoy the Hoi An countryside. From there, you will continue to the carpenters’ village to admire the wood carving art of the craftsmen, then board a local ferry to return to Hoi An. You will cycle to the village of Tra Que, known for its vegetable plantations, and enjoy a foot massage and a lunch in a village house.

In the afternoon, you will return to Hoi An either by transfer or by bicycle (maximum 5 kilometers) depending on your hotel’s location.

In the late afternoon, after a break at the hotel, you will visit the town of Hoi An at sunset.

Distance and duration of the bicycle ride: ~ 35 kilometers – 5h 30min including stops, visits, and dinner
Terrain: paved roads and village paths
Transportation: Support vehicle all day

Accommodation: Hoi An Ancient House Resort and Spa 3* or similar

Breakfast, dinner, and supper included

Hoi An – My Son

The morning will be dedicated to visiting the My Son site (which means “the good mountain”), nestled in nature at the foot of the mountain of the same name. This place is the most important testimony left by the Cham civilization. Stretching from the 4^th to the 13^th century, the construction of the 70 buildings that make up this site shows that the Cham civilization was contemporary with, and quite close to, the Khmer civilization. The My Son site is thus considered as important as the Angkor sites in Cambodia, Borobudur in Indonesia, or Bagan in Myanmar.

After the visit, you will have a local dinner before heading south of Hoi An.

South of Hoi An – Visit of the Towers, Tunnels, and a Distillery

In the afternoon, you will head south of Hoi An to visit the Ky Anh tunnels. These were built during the Vietnam War. Shaped like a chessboard, they stretch through thickets and pass through village houses. During the visit, you will go through the main tunnel for about a hundred meters, allowing you to understand the overall system. You will also explore the underground meeting room located next to the temple. Next, you will stop at the Chien Dan towers, considered a major example of Cham architecture and culture of the ancient kingdom of Champa. Your day will end with the discovery of a local rum factory. After a welcome cocktail, you will learn more about the transformation of sugarcane juice into rum with the help of the master distiller who will guide you. During the visit, you will have the chance to see an original French still, traditional rum production, and a method of rum aging. You will conclude this unique excursion with a rum tasting and can enjoy the garden to relax.

The visit to the Ky Anh tunnels is not recommended for claustrophobic individuals.

Sunset at the Fishing Village

In the late afternoon, you will head south of Hoi An to visit a fishing village. This will be an opportunity to discover the authenticity of local life in central Vietnam. Most of the fishermen will be preparing their boats before heading out to sea where they will spend the night fishing. You will stroll alongside the small port and visit small markets at the heart of the village. To end the day, you will enjoy a drink or coffee at a local spot and watch the sun set over the colorful boats.

Accommodation: Hoi An Ancient House Resort and Spa 3* or similar

Breakfast and dinner included

In the morning, you will go to Danang Airport and take a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, the guide and the driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. You can freshen up a bit before visiting the city in the afternoon.

You will discover that the architecture in the center of Ho Chi Minh City is still very representative of the colonial era and Chinese influence. The city’s historic sites are located in District 1: the central post office, whose metal framework was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Opera House, the Reunification Palace, and Dong Khoi Street.

Accommodation: Muong Thanh Saigon 4* or similar

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

In the morning, you will leave Ho Chi Minh City to explore Ben Tre, located on the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in Ben Tre, you will board a boat and begin cruising on one of the branches of the Mekong. You will make a brief stop at a coconut candy factory before walking to a brick factory and discovering another factory where coconuts are opened by hand. You will get back on the boat which will take you on a smaller canal, lined with coconut trees, before visiting a local house’s coconut orchard where you can taste tropical fruits. You will then take another boat, paddled by a local rower. Once ashore, you will take a bicycle to explore the surrounding countryside, then stop for lunch at a lovely local restaurant where you will enjoy the specialties of the Mekong region.

In the afternoon, you will walk along a small path to reach a wharf where you will find the boat that will take you back to Ben Tre. At the end of the tour, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City by car.

Distance and duration of the bike ride: 6 kilometers – 30 minutes
Terrain: good road, easy to drive

Accommodation: Muong Thanh Saigon 4* or similar

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included

This day will allow you to explore the resistance of the Vietnamese people during the war against the United States. You will depart early in the morning towards the Cu Chi tunnels. Dug by hand by the Viet Minh during French Indochina, this network of underground galleries was expanded during the Vietnam War. Extending 200 kilometers and reaching depths of 3 to 4 meters, it was very well equipped, even including meeting rooms and medical posts. Today, it is one of the largest historical sites of the Vietnam War. You will begin the visit with a documentary on the tunnels and the war of the 1960s and 1970s, followed by venturing through various narrow underground passages to discover the chambers, work offices, kitchens, meeting rooms, weapon reserves, and even hospitals. At the end of the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste a culinary specialty of Cu Chi, khoai mì luộc (boiled cassava), a Vietnamese dish that the inhabitants ate daily during the war. After your visit, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City. Note: visit not recommended for claustrophobic individuals.

After departing from the hotel, you will meet your driver and guide and proceed to the airport for your return flight.