Panorama of Vietnam - 15 days

We pick you up from your hotel and depart for Duong Lam Village which is about 60 km west of Hanoi. This village has been known as a museum of laterite with ancient houses aged up to 400 years old. It is also the only place in Vietnam where the two kings came from. King Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen – the two heroes who led resistance wars against China's Sung and Southern Han troops to recover national independence. Walk around the village, you will explore the special architecture, traditional culture and traditions of countryside of Vietnam which is still well preserved today. Then, head to Mia Pagoda, built during the Tran Dynasty before 1632 and still preserves many ancient artifacts. Mong Phu is the biggest and the most famous commune of Duong Lam Village. Here, you also can admire ancient houses made of laterite and mud, two materials that are abundant in the area, stroll in small lanes, and watch local people in their daily activities. A visit to Duong Lam fore sure will help you understand much about the origin of Vietnam.
Depart at 2h00 pm from Hanoi to Mai Chau, a picturesque valley, predominantly inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. Arrive in Mai Chau around noon and transfer to your homestay.

Car: 150km/3h    Night: homestay

After breakfast, drive to Mai Ha, a village known for its production of rice alcohol and corn. From here, you will start a pleasant hike that crosses Thai villages at the foot of the Pu Poc Mountain range, then a large tropical forest covered with beautiful vegetation. The ride will take you to Ban Te, a Thai village little known to travelers. Stop at a Thai family for lunch. In the afternoon, you will cross a bamboo forest before reaching the village of Na Meo where your driver will be waiting for you. Return to Mai Chau.

Car: 30km    Night: hotel

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and transferred to Pu Luong. You enter Pu Luong Nature Reserve via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. You arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch, followed by some free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. 
In the afternoon, transfer to a place about 12 km from the Retreat, where you will start your walk to a suspension bridge over Cham River, afterward follow the river, walk from village to village looking for stunning water wheels. Get close to each wheel and discover how water is directed from the river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Arriving at Chieng Lau village, you can rest and enjoy tranquil streamside scenery. Walk to the main road to be transferred back to Pu Luong Retreat.

Car: 50km/3h    Night: hotel

You will leave the pretty nature reserve of Pu Luong to reach Tam Coc – nicknamed "The Ha Long Bay on land". The Ho Chi Minh track will cross a huge region dominated by the Muong. Sugar loaves on your way. Upon arrival, bike ride to the Bich Dong Pagoda located on the hillside. The afternoon will be devoted to a sampan ride to discover this magnificent region dotted with limestone peaks and rice fields. You will pass by the three caves of Tam Coc which cross the mountains… a spectacle at the same time sublime and soothing! Night at the hotel.

Car: 140km/3h    Night: hotel

After breakfast with the locals, drive to Lan Ha Bay through the provinces of Nam Dinh, Thai Binh and Hai Phong. Nam Dinh is known for its pagodas and temples dedicated to the emperors of the Tran dynasty (1225 – 1400). Crossing the Red River (Song Cai – Maman River) to enter Thai Binh province. The road will reveal a countryside landscape where rice cultivation prevails. At noon, embark on a traditional junk for a magical cruise in exceptional settings that UNESCO has not failed to include in its heritage. Kayaking in lagoons crossing rocky cavities and stops on deserted white sand beaches for swimming. Meal based on seafood served by the crew. Overnight on board.

Car: 180km/4h    Night: on the boat

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the bay. Breakfast on board around 7:30 am. The junk continues to sail in Lan Ha Bay, approaching the most beautiful peaks and rocks. Around 8:45 am, arrival at Viet Hai village, a small isolated fishing village. Bike ride to visit the village and discover its superb landscapes. Back on the junk to take a shower and free your cabins while the junk returns to Ben Beo. Lunch – brunch on board around 11am, then disembark and return to Hanoi. Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi.

Car: 120km/2h    Night: hotel

You will be picked up at the hotel at 8:00 am, starting the day trip with a visit of the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays) and his former stilt – house residence. We will continue with the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius, which served as the first Royal National University in Vietnam. The site also honors 82 Vietnamese doctorates who passed a number of rigorous exams in the feudal ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are engraved in 82 headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring one luck. Its peaceful green compound and its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. 
In the afternoon, we will visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays, the alternative being the History Museum), which offers informative and well – documented displays on the country’s 54 ethnic groups cultures, including elaborate and colorful hill tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinh to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.  Then back to the Old Quarter for a one hour and a half walking tour to give you a deeper insight into local daily life. Head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century, and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike. Transfer to the station and night train to Hue.

Car: 70km    Overnight on the train

In the morning, we will take a boat trip on the poetic Perfume River. Stop to visit Thien Mu Pagoda (Celestial Lady Pagoda) built in 1601, the symbol of Hue city. Cruise toward Thuy Bieu eco – village, an old laid-back village on the bank of the Perfume River, well known for its green tea fruit orchards. In the village, join our cooking class to prepare Hue’s signature dishes under our chef’s instructions, then enjoy your creations in the open-air riverside restaurant surrounded by lush trees. The afternoon is reserved for walking through the peaceful village, visiting several communal houses, ancient temples and the garden – house, a typical and unique feature of Hue. Soaking your feet in medicinal herb water followed by an excellent massage will refresh them after a day of sightseeing.
The afternoon will be spent visiting Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful architectures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City or Tu Cam Thanh. We will then visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes 50 monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall and covers an area of 12 hectares. Take time to soak in its tranquil and relaxing setting.

Car: 1h    Cruise: 1h    Nigth: otel

After breakfast, drive on the Mandarin Road, a scenic journey from Hue to Hoi An, which allows you to see a picturesque Vietnam with stunning beaches and lush tropical forest. On the way, take some pictures at Danang Beach and visit Marble Mountains and the Cham Museum. In Hoi An, check – in at your hotel and have lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s ancient town visiting the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, Chinese streets, old Phung Hung houses, Hoi An’s market and ancient port. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Hoi An’s ancient town is lit up by hundreds of colorful lanterns, ever more sparkling. Following the tour, you will stop over at Reaching Out tea house, a tranquil oasis in the center of bustling Hoi An.

Car: 140km/3h    Night: hotel

After breakfast, cycle to Phu Thinh beach, passing through lush paddy fields. On the way, stop at the Precious Art Gallery Museum to discover Vietnam ethnic minorities. Upon arrival, go for a swim and have an enjoyable massage facing the sea. Seafood lunch will be served on the beach. After that, transfer to Da Nang airport and flight to Sai Gon.

Car: 25km    Night: hotel

Departure from the hotel at 8:00 am to Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta. Arrive at Hung Vuong Pier, 90km far from Sai Gon, where you’ll cruise along the Ben Tre River and visit an artisanal brick factory and its imposing ovens. Stop for teatime, a sweet break in a coconut candy manufacture, and discover how coconut flesh is used and processed. A short bike ride or a tuk – tuk drive (a motorcycle allowing to transport 6 passengers) will allow you to explore the countryside and to visit a family braiding mats. Lunch in a local restaurant offering typical dishes. Then, board a rowing boat to join the canal through a maze of arroyos and return to the landing stage. Transfer and overnight at the hotel in Can Tho.

Car: 200km/4h    Cruise on the river: 2h    B, L    Hotel

In the early morning, go on an excursion to the floating market of Cai Rang, the largest one in the region, where boats full of fruits and vegetables gather every day. Then take a walk in one of the orchards of Mr. Ba Cong, where you will be able to enjoy fresh tropical fruits and visit a vermicelli factory.
Stop at Mr Hai My in the village of Tam Binh. Visit his large vegetable garden and have lunch with this great farmer with traditional dishes. Arrival in Sai Gon at the end of the afternoon. 70 – year – old man, Hai My is the oldest child in the family. This excellent cultivator has spent his life planting many varieties of fruit trees and bonsai in his garden: sapodos, rambutans, longaniers, mango trees ... Stop at home to meet his daughters and his wife and savor the delicious local cuisine. Nothing is better than to understand the daily life of the South as well as the hospitality of its inhabitants!

Car: 170km/4h    Cruise: 2h    Night: hotel

After breakfast, head to an authentic place where the elders exhibit collectible birds. Enjoy the atmosphere of the green park of Tao Dan around a good coffee. Then visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. From the cathedral, take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. Finally, stop at The Reunification Palace, formerly known as Presidential Palace, which was the residence of the president of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the War Remnants Museum, formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes. This is a poignant display of the futility of war. Please be aware that some rooms may be inappropriate for children regarding some war victims’ pictures. Then, head for a secret weapons cache used during the last Indochina war. Nestled in a period house, it allows you to experience the life of the resistance fighters when entering these same cellars and to see how all kinds of weapons were hidden. Next on the sightseeing list is the pagoda of the Emperor of Jade, icon of the inhabitants of Saigon venerated for a hundred years. The prayers of the faithful passing through were thought to increase fertility and even influence it. Another site that cannot be missed is Binh Tay Market or ‘Cho Lon’, which can be roughly translated to ‘big market’. Although the whole district lives up to its name, a visit to this market really says it all. Selling everything from fake Ray Bans to dried squid, you are bound to enjoy a walk through the maze of stalls in this bustling market. 

Car: 20km/3h    Night: hotel

Depending on the schedule of your return flight, take advantage of your free time to shop in the bustling streets of Saigon: Le Loi, Ton Duc Thang, Nguyen Hue, Pasteur, or rest at the hotel (room available until 'at 12). Transfer to the airport. End of our services.

Car: 10km