Vietnam from North to South - 15 days

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. The day ends with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) before watching the traditional water puppet show. Evening transfer to the station for the train to Lao Cai, departure around 9 p.m. Overnight on board in fairly comfortable sleeper wagon.

Car: 30km    Night: on train

We will arrive in Lao Cai around 6:00 am and continue to Sapa, situated 40km further, with a private car. This day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start your walk in the ancient and busy Cau May Street in the center of Sapa Town. En route, admire the rice terraces playing hide and seek with the morning mist, a truly awe–inspiring sight.
Follow a small track and cross Muong Hoa River on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Past the colorful rice terraces, you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River, you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses and decorative patterns. We will have lunch at a local home. The walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. Rest and refresh yourself near a waterfall, then climb uphill where a car is waiting to take you back to Sapa for overnight.

Car: 1h    Night: hotel

This is the biggest local ethnic market of the region and it takes place every Sunday. Tribal people from surrounding villages flock here to exchange their products. Join the local ethnic people for about 2 hours to enjoy the exciting atmosphere as well as the activities of this weekly market. Walk from section to section, seeing and smelling different local products, spices, vegetables, farming tools, handicraft, even medicinal herbs… above all meeting smiling people everywhere. The market is always crowded from the morning to after lunchtime. Finally take a 46 km road transfer back to Lao Cai station to catch a night train to Hanoi. 

Car: 160km/4h    Overnight on train

In the morning, our car and guide will pick you up to travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam, about a two–hour drive from Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will visit two temples, one of them dedicated to Emperor Dinh and the other in memory of Emperor Le, followed by a brief visit to the remains of the Old Palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the three caves of Tam Coc, a peaceful valley often compared to Ha Long Bay on the dry and probably Vietnam’ most underrated destination. There, you will be rowed down a gentle river along rice paddies and through the caves. After the boat trip, we will cycle the rest of the day along winding roads passing lotus ponds, temples and cottages, typical of Vietnamese countryside to visit Bich Dong Pagoda situated on a hillside.

Car: 100km/2h    Night: hotel

In the morning, our car and guide will pick you up to travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam, about a two–hour drive from Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will visit two temples, one of them dedicated to Emperor Dinh and the other in memory of Emperor Le, followed by a brief visit to the remains of the Old Palace. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the three caves of Tam Coc, a peaceful valley often compared to Ha Long Bay on the dry and probably Vietnam’ most underrated destination. There, you will be rowed down a gentle river along rice paddies and through the caves. After the boat trip, we will cycle the rest of the day along winding roads passing lotus ponds, temples and cottages, typical of Vietnamese countryside to visit Bich Dong Pagoda situated on a hillside.

Car: 100km/2h    Night: hotel

Awakening to the tranquil beauty of the bay, you have time for an early morning dip while the sun rises, followed by breakfast on board. We will sail through the bay all morning to explore more secluded areas. The junk will stay close at all times serving as a backup vessel for those who require it. Around midday we will return to the main harbor and drive to Hanoi airport. Flight to Hue.

Car: 160km/3h    Nigth: hotel

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    Night: hotel

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 the Marble Mountains and the Cham Museum. In Hoi An, check–in at your hotel. 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 having breakfast, our guide and car will pick you up at your hotel and take you to My Son Holy Land, which was once, between the 4th and 12th century, the capital city of the Champa Kingdom. My Son is a large complex of religious relics that comprises more than 70 architectural works. Including temples and towers connecting to each other with complicated red brick designs.
In the afternoon, transfer to Da Nang airport. Flight to Ho Chi Minh city. 

Car: 100km/2,5h    Night: hotel

Departure from the hotel at 8:00 am to Ben Tre province in the Mekong Delta. Arrive at Hung Vuong Pier, 90km from Saigon, 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. Overnight in Coconut homestay.

Car: 110km/2h    Night: homestay

After feasting on a homemade breakfast, you will first cross an arm of the Mekong in a sampan boat. Then take on a bike ride that will allow you to discover the local’s daily life. The path winds gently through pretty traditional houses. Stop several times along the canal to observe coconuts workers. Leave the sampan crew near the town of Cho Thom and take the road back to Can Tho.
The day will continue with a visit to Binh Thuy's old house, scenery where the movie “L'Amant” was shot in 1992, an adaptation of the famous novel by Marguerite Duras. The rest of the afternoon is free so you can explore the shops near the port.

Car: 100km/2h    Cruise: 1h    Night: 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. Tu Dung, where you will be able to enjoy fresh tropical fruits and visit a vermicelli factory.
Stop at Mister 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 men, 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/3h    Night: hotel

After breakfast, head to an authentic place where the elders exhibit collectible birds. We will enjoy the atmosphere of the green park of Tao Dan around a good coffee. Then we will visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office. Finally, stop at The Reunification Palace, formerly known as the 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. Drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels situated 70km from Saigon. The Cu Chi Tunnel system was created around 1948 to assist the Viet–Minh in their fight against the French occupiers. Construction and enlargement continued during American bombings, and it was turned into an underground city with living areas, kitchens, storage, weapon factories and field hospitals. The Cu Chi Tunnels could house up to 10,000 people who lived underground for years, got married and raised children there. During the Vietnam–American War, the entire area of Cu Chi was designated as a fire free zone yet was heavily bombarded. Since 1988, two sections of the tunnels have been open to the public so people could crawl through and have a better understanding of this war. Overnight at the hotel in Saigon.

Car: 120km    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: 20km