The colors of the Dragon country

Hanoi arrival / personal strolls and discovery(-)

Arrival in Hanoi.
Welcome by the guide and transfer to the hotel. Room available from 2:00 PM in principle

Free time to rest or for a first discovery of the city.

Meals at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi / visits and discovery of the capital and overnight train to Lao Cai (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:30 with the team for a day of visits and strolls in Hanoi

We will begin the visits:

the Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius and his disciples. This complex was the first Vietnamese University.

the Tran Quoc Pagoda (Buddhism) which means the Pagoda of the Defense of the Country, located on a beautiful peninsula in Ho Tay Lake (West Lake), undoubtedly the most beautiful lake among the lakes in Hanoi city

the Quan Thanh Temple (Taoism), dedicated to the genius of Tran Vu – an important protector of the ancient citadel of Hanoi

These three central monuments help you better understand the three dominant religions in Vietnam

Lunch during visits

In the afternoon, photos in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which dominates Ba Dinh Square, for the changing of the guard – the essence of political life.

And then a visit to Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, to better understand the life of a great man whose life was very modest.

And then the visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, famous for its original construction born from a legend dating back to the 11th century.

Towards the end of the day, you take a beautiful stroll towards Long Bien Bridge (or called Paul Doumer Bridge during the French era) and a look into the "Train Street" area.

Dinner at leisure in the city then transfer to the station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on board/Soft sleeper | 4-berth compartment

Lao Cai arrival – Sapa. strolls and ethnic encounters in the village of Lao Chai, Ta Van - Sapa (B,L)

Early morning arrival at Lao Cai station,
breakfast, then transfer by road to Sapa. The unfolding road offers us a fabulous panorama of terraced rice fields hidden behind the morning clouds.

Perched on a mountainside at some 1650 m altitude near the Chinese border, Sapa is the main tourist destination in the Northwest, especially in terms of landscape beauty (steep valleys, terraced rice cultivation...). Sapa is also surrounded by numerous small villages where different ethnic groups meet, such as the Flower H'mong, the Green Dao, some Tay or even Nung... The local markets alone are well worth a visit!

Rest at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we go for a walk to the villages of the Black H'mong in Lao Chai and the Dzay in Ta Van. A unique and very enriching opportunity to discover the specific cultures of each ethnic group. Return to Sapa.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Sapa.

Sapa / discovery, visits and strolls in Ham Rong mountain, Ta Phin village – Lao Cai and overnight train to Ha Noi (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 to visit Sapa's daily market where ethnic groups come to exchange their agricultural products or sell their traditional costumes meticulously handmade by women. Young couples also like to meet there.

But it's time to climb Ham Rong mountain (dragon's jaw) where we cannot miss the opportunity to take superb photos of the region. An interesting walk will lead us to the theater where we will have the opportunity to attend a dance performance by five ethnic groups of Sapa.

After lunch at a local restaurant, return to Lao Cai, we will make a small detour to Taphin village where we discover the centuries-old traditions of the Red Yao.

Before returning to the station, a stop at the Sino-Vietnamese border offers us the spectacle of the Red River, belonging to Vietnam, joining the Nam Thi River, which belongs to China.

Boarding for the 6:30 PM overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight on board the train, comfortable air-conditioned sleeper carriage.

Hanoi early arrival - Ha Long Bay / cruise and visits, relaxation with an overnight on board a Junk (B,L,D)

The train arrives around 05:00 at Hanoi station,
Breakfast and a shower at the Mango hotel opposite the station, we hit the road for Ha Long Bay. We cross the traditional Vietnamese countryside, with its villages, markets, rice fields, all making up the daily life of the farmers.
12:30 PM: Arrival at Hon Gai pier for transfer by small boat to the Swan Cruise.
12:45 PM: Welcome cocktail and briefing on board.
1:00 PM: Discovery of your cabin
1:30 PM: A delicious lunch of fresh seafood and Vietnamese cuisine will be served while the junk heads towards the heart of Ha Long Bay.
3:00 PM: Arrival at Cap Island for kayaking through the karst islets and magnificent nature. Swimming and relaxing on the beach.
5:30 PM: Return to the junk to enjoy the Sunset party. Anchor for the night.
7:00 PM: Impressive Vietnamese dinner (fixed menu).
8:30 PM: Free time. Possibility of squid fishing.

Night aboard the 4* Junk | Deluxe Cabin

Continuation of the excursion to Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha bays with visits – Thien Canh Son – Ninh Binh (B,L)

06.30: Morning Tai Chi session on the deck at sunrise (For those who wish...).
07.00: Breakfast (Asian and Western cuisine).
08.00: We sail towards the Thien Canh Son cave, which we will visit.
09.30: Back on the junk, it's time to vacate your cabin.
10.45: On the way back, enjoy the cooking demonstration before tasting a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12.00: Docking at Hon Gai.
12.30: Departure for Hai Phong city: stroll through the flower market, visit the Du Hang pagoda (Dating from the 17th century) to reach Ninh Binh at the end of the day.
Located southeast of Ha Noi, Ninh Binh Province is the southernmost point of Southeast Asia's karst rock plateau… It is also the terrestrial point in Viet Nam where these rocks are the most impressive, which gives it the name of "Terrestrial Ha Long Bay - little sister of the maritime Ha Long Bay".

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh / walks and visits - Vinh (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 for departure from the pier, by buffalo cart or bicycle, for the crossing of a typical village with a stop to visit a traditional house.

Embark on small rowing boats for a 2-hour ride through the rice fields amidst a spectacular landscape.

Lunch on site before following National Road No. 01 to Vinh – the hometown of President Ho Chinh Minh. Late arrival at the hotel.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel in Vinh

Vinh - Phong Nha Cave / excursion and visits - Quang Binh (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 07:30 for departure to Phong Nha, still following National Road 01 and part of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Photo stops and visits along the way.
Quang Binh province is home to the famous Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2003.

Arrival at Phong Nha around noon, lunch then we embark for a cruise on the river towards one of Vietnam's most famous beautiful caves, Phong Nha cave. Formed more than 250 million years ago, it has been recognized by UNESCO as a natural world heritage site.

Return to Quang Binh for the night at the hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Quang Binh

Quang Binh – Hue / cruise on the Perfume River, visits to the ancient capital (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 and we still follow National Road 1 to Hue. We cross a place of remembrance: the 17th parallel bridge. In 1954, after the defeat of Dien Bien Phu, the Geneva Accords validated the partition of Vietnam and made the Ben Hai river the separation zone between Ho Chi Minh's Vietnam in the north and South Vietnam presided over by Bao Dai. They provided for the withdrawal of French troops. The agreement would not be signed by either South Vietnam or the Americans. We know what happened next: this demarcation line, which was supposed to be temporary, would last for 20 years, until the final outcome of 1975.

We arrive in Hue to go back in time and history: Citadel, inside it, the Imperial City and even inside it, the Forbidden Purple City... Sumptuous palaces, dozens of magnificently crafted gates... Although the complex is still undergoing renovation following the extensive damage caused by the wars, it still magnificently testifies to the magnificence of An Nam! We will extend our discovery with a short one-hour cruise on the Perfume River and dock at the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady.

Return to the city for lunch in a typical restaurant and then discover the city's largest covered market (Cho Dong Ba).

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hue.
Note that if you are a group of 10 people, we will organize a royal dinner for you as an option.

Hue / visit and discovery of tombs, villages – Hai Van Pass – Da Nang – Hoi An (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
Meet at 08:00 and we set off to discover a village specializing in the family production of incense sticks and conical hats. We continue our journey to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. It is perhaps the best known of the royal mausoleums but also the most impressive... The emperor himself designed it and... lived there before supposedly being buried there (The exact location of his burial is unknown).

We resume the road south towards Hoi An, passing the Hai Van Pass. Its reputation is far from usurped: you will discover a breathtaking panorama of the entire Da Nang coastline. Da Nang where we will make a detour to admire the art pieces of the Cham culture at the museum dedicated to it. We then continue to Hoi An.

Arrival in Hoi An at the end of the day.

Among one of the oldest ports and trading posts in Southeast Asia, Hoi An has become a charming destination in Central Vietnam. Located on the Thu Bon River, the city enjoys the calm and tranquility of the place to flourish and thrive to the rhythm of a rich local handicraft.

Dinner at leisure in the city and overnight in Hoi An.

Hoi An / city tours and suburban and free beach strolls (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
Meet at 08:00 and we depart to discover the ancient city of Hoi An and its treasures: the Chinese congregational communal house, the covered fish market, the Japanese covered bridge, and a traditional Vietnamese house. Then we will stroll during a cruise on the Hoai River to better understand the activities of the fishermen and soak in the spirit of the countryside outside the city.

Free time at the beach at the end of the day.

Dinner at leisure in town and overnight in Hoi An

Hoi An – Quy Nhon (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
we take the national road south, along the coast.

Lunch en route.

Numerous photo stops are planned throughout this charming journey.

Upon arrival in Quy Nhon, we enjoy this beautiful coastal city.

Dinner at leisure in town and overnight in Quy Nhon

Quy Nhon / visits – Tuy Hoa – Nha Trang (B,L)

After breakfast at the hotel,
we happily continue our "road-trip" on the national road south, along the coast.

Lunch en route. Photo stops are a must!

Arrival in Nha Trang, one of the most beautiful coastal cities and certainly one of the most popular seaside resorts.
A city tour will charm you with its striking beauty.

Dinner at leisure in town and overnight in Nha Trang

Nha Trang / visits to the Cham towers of Po Nagar, and excursion to Hon Tam island (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 and you depart for a day of visits and excursions.
Ranked among the 29 most beautiful bays in the world, with sunshine all year round and an average temperature of 23°C, how can one not succumb to the southern charm of Nha Trang?
This does not prevent us, after breakfast at the hotel, from visiting the Cham Towers of Po Nagar and Long Son Pagoda.

In the afternoon, we head for Hon Tam island, off Nha Trang bay. It is the ideal place for swimming in emerald water, and underwater diving to marvel at a superb wild nature.

Those who do not dive can dock on Bong Nguyen island (Hon Mieu) to immerse themselves in Tri Nguyen aquarium and admire the most complete collection of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and turtles that inhabit the South China Sea.

Dinner at leisure in town and overnight in Nha Trang

Nha Trang / visits en route – Da Lat / visits and discovery (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 and on the way to Dalat, passing through Phan Rang where we visit the Cham towers of Po Long Giarai dedicated to the Cham king of the same name and from the 13th century.

We continue our journey by crossing the Col des Splendides (Ngoan Muc). A stop at the summit will convince you of the origin of its name, as the view there is... splendid!

Descending from the pass, we arrive in Dalat. In the late 1800s, a certain Alexandre Yersin crossed rivers and tropical forests of Vietnam and learned to live in these places. He would settle and remain attached to what was at that time a small fishing village: Nha Trang. It was during this first expedition that he discovered the site and the excellent climate of what would become Da Lat, which he co-founded with Paul Doumer and which takes the ancient name of the Lat tribe. The "city of eternal spring" is now known for its waterfalls, lakes, flower valleys, green meadows, and pine forests.

After lunch, we will visit the Dalat botanical garden, the Valley of Love and Xuan Huong Lake.

Dinner at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Dalat.

Da Lat / visits – Sai Gon (B,L)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 and we leave the city of poetry and love, to continue our journey to Ho Chi Minh City. It can be said that this is the most beautiful road of the trip: roses, daisies and all kinds of seasonal flowers decorate the 300 km journey. In the background, coffee, tea, and rubber tree fields compose the tableau of the Central Highlands, both romantic and grandiose.

We will stop at Bao Loc, to give ourselves the opportunity to taste all the regional specialties.

We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Sai Gon), the economic center of Vietnam. Located in the heart of Cochinchina in the Mekong Delta, it is also the largest metropolis, with a population of over 8 million inhabitants.

Dinner at the restaurant and overnight in Saigon.

Sai Gon – Mekong Delta / excursion in the area of My Tho and Ben Tre (B,L,D)

After breakfast,
Meet at 08:00 in the early morning, departure for the Mekong Delta.

Upon arrival in My Tho, we enjoy a boat trip through the islets planted with tropical orchards and cross the Xep canal.
At the other end of the canal, horse-drawn carts await us for a ride through the villages. A gourmet stop in an orchard with fruit and honey tea tasting. Then we embark on rowing sampans to navigate a smaller canal.

At noon, lunch break on Tortue Island, in the middle of the mangrove forest.

In the late afternoon, arrival at a local's home and free time to rest.

Dinner and overnight stay at a local's home.

Ben Tre / visits and walks – Sa Dec / visits – Long Xuyen (B,L) (Driver)

Breakfast at a local's home,
Meet at 08:00 AM and then a walk in the orchard with the owner. You will then go to the village market and participate with him in the preparation of Vietnamese dishes, the pleasure of tasting them will remain long in your memory...

Disembarkation at My Tho, to set off for Long Xuyen via Sadec, where we visit Kien An Cung Pagoda, the Huynh Thuy house (In "The Lover" by Marguerite Duras) and the Trung Vuong school, where her mother, Madame Donadieu, had taught.

We continue to Long Xuyen where we arrive at the end of the day.

Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Long Xuyen.

Long Xuyen / Long Xuyen floating market – Sai Gon (B,L)

Early in the morning,
we visit the very lively and authentic Long Xuyen floating market by private sampan. A unique and ideal opportunity to discover the daily activities of people living on the Mekong. 

Visit Cu Lao Ong Ho, on foot and aboard small boats through several arroyos.

Drive to Saigon with photo stops and lunch en route.
Arrival in Saigon, direct transfer to the hotel
Free dinner in the city and overnight stay in Saigon

Sai Gon / visits, city walks – departure (B/L)

After breakfast at the hotel, city tour: 
The Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick building in Neo-Romanesque style, was consecrated in 1880. The Post Office built by Gustave Eiffel, the opera house or the city hall are testaments to beautiful French architecture and then we go for a walk in the Chinatown of Cho Lon. A multitude of small family businesses thrive today in this "Chinatown" dedicated to trade and money. The richly decorated Chinese pagodas and temples are very different in style from Vietnamese sanctuaries. Visit Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Wholesale Market.

Free time for your shopping or your own discovery of the city before the transfer to the airport.

Meeting and transfer to the airport for the return flight.