FLAVOR OF VIETNAM

Day 1 : Arrival in Hanoi (- / L / D)

Hanoi also known as "Thang Long", its historical name meaning "flying dragon", was the main feudal capital of the country for hundreds of years - from the Ly Dynasty (11th century) to the dynasty of Le postérieur (late 17th century), so far the city of Hanoi still preserves the historical, traditional and typical monuments of Vietnamese culture and values of the immortal spirits of Hanoians.

Arrival at Hanoi airport, the guide and the driver will welcome you and proceed to the transfer to the city center. You will explore the city and the old quarters in a rickshaw. Then you will go to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) and you will listen to his legend. Foreigners cannot miss when they arrive in Hanoi because this lake is considered to be the heart of the city. Small visit of the Jade Temple and the Brush tower.

Option: If you don’t want to visit the city right after because of the long flight, we will suggest you a massage. You will have one hour to relax, extra cost of 15$ per person will be ask.

Included meals: lunch and dinner.

Day 2 : Hanoï - Visit of the city (B / L / D)

You will go to the Literature Temple. This is an important monument since it is considered as the first university of Vietnam. By visiting the temple, you can watch the old objects that reflect the past kingdoms of Thang Long.

You will visit the Ethnographic museum in which is retraced the ethnic minorities life in Vietnam. The objects, houses, clothes, documents are gathered among the museum. You will have the opportunity to enter in the long house of Ede, Jarai the Rong house or the earthen house of Ha Nhi.

You will arrive at the Tran Quoc Pagoda (the pagoda of the defense of the Fatherland), which was built in the 6th century under the Ly Antérieur Dynasty. It was the Buddhist center of the Thang Long Citadel during the dynasties of Ly, Tran (for about 250 years). Currently, it still preserves many ancient artifacts : the Buddhist canonical books, statutes, bells and drums... You will hear the story of the founding and development of Buddhism in Vietnam, a religion with a national character.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to explore the charm of the West Lake Pagoda which is located on the side of the lake. You will feel the rhythm of the daily Hanoian life entering the old quarters. Although the city is becoming more and more dynamic, active and modern, we can still feel past vibrations in the neighborhood of the 36 streets: the Kim Ngan Dinh (communal house jewelry), the old house at 87 Ma May, Hoan Kiem Lake,…

By late afternoon, you will attend a water puppet show. This is a traditional Vietnamese art that combines folk music and actions of wooden puppets.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 : Hanoï – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (100km/ 2h journey) (B / L / D)

At 95 km away from Hanoi in Ninh Binh province, there is a large number of rich historical heritages of Vietnam, as it was the ancient capital of the country according to the 11th century. Ninh Binh attracts visitors with its historic highness, and culturally rich destination. At Ninh Binh, visit the most authentic sights of this beautiful province Kenh Ga (natural hot springs), Thung Nang (Sun Valley) with a portion of the inland Halong Bay, Tam Coc (three caves also named the HaLong Bay inland), Thai Vi temple, Pagoda Bich Dong.

After breakfast, you will go to Ninh Binh. Arrival in Hoa Lu, visit the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Ly Dynasty and Le antérieur. Discovery of two temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Kings. Then you will go on an excursion in a rowing boat on the River Tam Coc (three caves). The cruise will last approximately 2 hours. Tam Coc is a small village whose inhabitants organize walks on the Ngo Dong River. You will see the rocks having the same appearance as Phoenix in mandarin hat, turtle. It will be beautiful. Sometimes the river will merge with rice fields and give you the impression of riding a real sea. Such a nice cruise ! By late afternoon, bike ride to visit Bich Dong Pagoda and the Temple of Thai Vy.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Jour 4 : Tam Coc - Baie de Bai Tu Long (170 km / 3h30 de route) (B / L / D)

Two days one night cruise to untouched Bai Tu Long Bay is ideal for you to discover natural beauty and local life, you will get to visit cave, go kayaking and visit a floating village. This trip takes you deep into natural wonder and experience a memorable night in the majestic bay. The route is off the beaten track and our staffs are keen on taking care of customer’s request, it is quite potential to be your highlight trip in Vietnam.

You will cross all the northern basin of the Red River to reach Halong Bay.

12h15 Embark. Enjoy welcome drink as Cruise Manager gives you a brief overview of the itinerary and important safety guideline. Check in your cabin.

13h00 Start cruising among famous Islets (Indochina studio, Am Islet…) of Bai Tu Long Bay, the wildest beauty with the panoramic natural views. Admire the grace of the bay while enjoying the delicious lunch in the restaurant at the first deck.

14h30 Explore the well-hidden Co Cave (known as Thien Canh Son Cave). Relax on white sandy beach or walk along the beach at Hon Co Island (no swimming).

15h45 Return and enjoy the wonderful beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay at sunset; admire the striking islands and islets, savoring the fresh and peaceful atmosphere which could hardly be found in land while cruising to Cong Do sleeping area.

16h30 Enjoy kayaking at Cong Do or relaxing on the cruise.

18h00 Onboard the vessel, surrounded by a stunning, setting in motion, attend our chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking (spring roll) on the sundeck.

19h15 Dinner is served in the restaurant at the first desk. You can enjoy the charm of Bai Tu Long Bay at night.

21h00 Evening activities: relax at leisure; enjoy our Movie Night, Board Games or our Massage & Spa services (massage and spa fee is not included in the price), squid fishing.

Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 : Bai Tu Long bay – Hanoï (170 km/ 3h30 de route) (B / L / D)

06h30 Welcome a new day with an amazing dawn on Bai Tu Long Bay. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi session on the sundeck.

07h00 Catch the morning view of seascapes while enjoying the breakfast with cookies an tea, coffee at the restaurant.

07h30 Visit Vung Vieng village - the famous fishing farm by bamboo boat and discover life of local people living on the surface of Halong Bay.

08h30 Return to boat.

09h15 Pack up the luggage and check out of the cabin.

09h30 Enjoy the brunch in the restaurant while cruising back to Vinashin tourist harbor.

11h00 Disembark. Back to Hanoi.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 : Hanoï. Flight to Dong Hoi (488km/1h flight) (B / L / D)

The Quang Binh province is 500 km away from Hanoi and 1220 km from Ho Chi Minh City. 85% of its surface is covered with mountains, forests and beaches on nearly 117 km in length. It becomes an ideal destination for beach holidays and discovery travel. A UNESCO heritage site, the National Park Phong Nha-Ke Bang aims to protect the most important karst formations in the world. The park is famous for its caves, the vast Phong Nha cave, the largest in the world which flows the longest underground river in the world.

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the flight Hanoi-Dong Hoi. The guide and driver will welcome you. Then you will take the road and go to Phong Nha national park - Ke Bang where you will take a cruise on rowing boat on the underground river, length of 1500 meters. You will enter in a pure space to explore the Phong Nha cave, a natural rock together forming a maze of 8 km length, dug 14 caves bristling with stalactites and stalagmites. Then you can stroll into the cave and admire the natural rock carvings. This walk will be very relaxing.

You will continue the tour by visiting the Thien Duong cave (Paradise Cave). It was discovered by scientists of the British Speleological Association in 2005. With a length of 31 km, it is considered as the longest dry cave in Asia. With natural primitive characteristics, the cave looks like a picturesque landscape painting which is very attractive for visitors.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 : Dong Hoi - Quang Tri – Hue (230km / 4h30 journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast you will visit the citadel of Quang Binh, built in 1631 under the Nguyen Dynasty. This monument was intended to protect the ancient royal citadel. By visiting the citadel, you will admire the original architecture in harmony with the military art of the time. Old of 4 centuries, the fortress reflects the history symbolizing vitality and longevity of this territory.

In Quang Tri, you will have the opportunity to visit the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge. These are important sites, they mark the violence of the fights in the province of Quang Tri during the American war. Drive to Hue. Arrival in Hue, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 : Hue. Visit of the city (B / L / D)

After breakfast, you will board at the Toa Kham wharf for a cruise on the Perfume River. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, the symbol of Hue city. The pagoda is located on the hill. You will have to walk while you will be listening to the legend of the heavenly Lady. The river is like a mirror embracing the pagoda. Continuation of the visit of Hue with the historical sites: the Imperial City, the Tu Duc mausoleum, Minh Mang mausoleum.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 : Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (130 km/ 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

You will continue your tour to Hoi An - one of the main ports of Vietnam in the 17th and 18th centuries. You will ascend the hill of Hai Van (Hill clouds). From above, you will be able to watch the beautiful coastal landscapes of the Centre. Stop at Da Nang - colonial Touran to visit the Cham Museum, which houses a large collection of sculptures typical of Champa Kingdoms.

Arrival in Hoi An - a city with the old quarters regarded as one of the 8 heritages of Vietnam by UNESCO. Passengers, travelers, merchants... there are lots of people but older homes are still hiding in a quiet space. Yellow walls and small shops represent the traditional face of Hoi An. After having lunch in a local restaurant, you will continue to discover the beauty of the city. The guide will take you to the pagoda Phuc Thanh - the oldest one in Hoi An which was built in 1454 by a Chinese monk, in addition with the Japanese bridge, the town hall Phuoc Kien, and the traditional house of Tan Ky. You’ll be able to taste the specialties of Hoi An.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 : Hoi An – Tra Nhieu – Tra Que – Hoi An

We invite you to come discover Hoi An and its surrounding countryside differently. Together, we will guide you away from the usual tours. We will help you discover little known locations that have maintained their charm and authenticity. Each of our tours is limited in size to ensure maximum comfort, service and quality. And, rather than offering a run-of-the-mill tour. We organize custom-tailored excursions, according to your personal interests. And, we personally accompany you on a cycling “adventure”, taking the time to answer your questions, so that you will discover and share our love for this marvelous country.

The guide takes you from your hotel and riding to where you board the shuttle to cross the river Thu Bon for about 15 minutes, to the Kim Bong carpenters village. You will visit the shipbuilding workshop, wood carving, mosaic and other workshops. The locals will teach you how to make the traditional wooden boats that move the rivers, try the famous basket boats at Mr. Kha’s workshop has 85 years, which manufactures cart boats, woven by bamboo and palm trees.

Continue your ride to the Tra Nhieu mat village; you will be listened to the presentation of the war history and their activities. The fishermen leave their nets, boats and prepare their tools for a long ride 2-3 weeks at sea. Taking the path along the river, you will see coconut water, fishing nets, and wild birds, then visit the craft mats making.

Go back at the dock, you board the boat with residents and cycling to the Tra Que vegetable village - About 150 farmers and 400 owners live on site, cultivate about 20 types of vegetables and herbs including mint, salad, basil, cilantro, broccoli among the other more than 40 hectares of land, 8 tons of Tra Que vegetables are sold each year. The farmers do not use pesticides or OGM but natural fertilizers in particular, a kind of seaweed that is in the river, harvested by gardeners by boat every morning.

To Tra Que village, you will be warmly greeted by Mr. Minh family , 3 generations one , a welcome drink "basil juice", stroll through the village and meet local people who work in the garden. The local farmer will teach you all about cultivation methods and how to protect developing vegetable from the insects as well as join the farmers in preparing gardening activities such as raking the ground, sowing, watering greens, transplanting and tending greens. Then relax and soak your feet with a mix of local herbal remedy and Chinese traditional medicine in order to reduce your aches and pains, rheumatism. Prepare lunch with a local family. You will learn how to make “ Tam Huu” spring roll, “Xeo” pancake. Your lunch will consist of many local delicacies including “Tam Huu” spring roll, “Banh Xeo” or local pancake of people in Centre of Viet Nam. After lunch, take a bit rest before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 : Hoi An – Da Nang. Vol pour Sai Gon (B / L / D)

Speaking of Saigon, we immediately think of a big city, bustling with shopping malls, tall buildings, which never sleeps. But in depth, the city reveals its "precious pearls" - historical, cultural testimonies expressing the life and spirit of the local people.

Free time until the transfer to the airport for your flight Danang - Saigon.

You will visit the city. Cho Lon is very well known by visitors. It was founded in the 17th century by Chinese migrants, it has attracted many traders from other countries. Until now, Cho Lon and its surroundings are the cohabitation of space and trade of Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese.

By visiting the region of Cho Lon (market), you'll discover another face of the city of Saigon, a multicultural place. Visit the Hindu Temple Mariaman : the temple is located in the middle of Saigon, we recognize it through its native architecture and mystical. It is appreciated as a famous heritage among three current Hindu monuments in Saigon. This is the place where we practised the Mariaman cult - Indian woman genius. By visiting this temple, visitors can watch the statutes, sculptures, antiques, listen to the story of the foundation, and discover the spirits of the temple.

Then you will head to the mosque at number 66 Dong Du Street. The mosque is one of the Islamic centers, which was built as early as in Saigon in 1935. The mosque attracts many believers and tourists. Its architecture is simple, spacious and airy with arches, columns and long corridors that symbolize the typical Indian art. Outside the religious function, the mosque is still the place where public activities are organized and where children learn about the ideologies of the Koran. You will be able to go and watch believers pray every friday. A Muslim spectacle in the heart of Saigon. Then you will visit: the former Catinat Street, the Cathedral, the Temple of the Jade Emperor, the Temple of the Protecting Goddess of the Sailors Thien Hau.

In the evening, we'll take you on the Indochina junk for a romantic dinner. You will spend a romantic moment in a charming and intimate space. You will make a 2-hour cruise on the Saigon River and admire the city on the other side. While tasting wine and specialties, you will look at the buildings full of lights as bright as crystals. You’ll feel a romantic and poetic Saigon.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 : Saigon – Ben Tre – Can Tho (180 km/ 4h00 journey) (B / L / D)

In Vietnamese, the Mekong is called Song Cuu Long which means the river of the Nine Dragons, referring to its nine major tributaries that flow into the South China Sea. In this region known as the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, Mother Nature delivers its benefits besides. Rich and fertile land, clear water and fish, dreamy landscapes, nothing is missing.

Breakfast at the hotel. Around 8.00am, you will head to Ben Tre province in the middle of the Mekong Delta. After 2.30pm, you will go to the Vietnam capital of coconut trees. From the pier of Hung Vuong, you will make a motorized sampan trip on the river Tien towards Ben Tre. A quick stop in the brick-making workshop.

Visit of a workshop production of coconut candies. You’ll continue the tour to the village of Thanh Nhon. You will visit the mats workshop. Then you will take "xe loi" or the bike for a ride through the coconut gardens, rice paddies and vegetable fields to discover the local life. In the afternoon, you will make a rowing boat cruise through the canals of water surrounded by palm trees. Transfer by boat back to the pier and landing. Drive to Can Tho.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 13 : Can Tho – Chau Doc (110 km/ 2h30 journey)

The road continues to Chau Doc, a pleasant small town near the Cambodian border which has significant Chinese communities, Cham and Khmer. You will visit the Vinh Te canal, created in 1814 under Minh Mang Dynasty and Preah Ang Chan, King of the Khmer. 80,000 Vietnamese workers and Khmers digs the 91 km long, 25 meters wide and 3 meters deep channel. It serves provinces of Cambodia Peam (Ha Tien) to the province of Moat Chrouk Vietnam (Chau Doc).

You will stop at the port of Hotel Da Nui Sam for a walk to discover the pagoda Ba Chua Xu. Visit of the famous pilgrimage site of Nui Sam, of 230 meters high. It is a sacred mountain for the Vietnamese who come on pilgrimage. It brings together many temples of Chinese influence like the Cham and Khmer. Climb to the top of Night Sam and see the Cambodian border. At the Sam top, you will have a panoramic view of the Mekong Delta.

On the way back, you will visit a floating fish farm where they breed thousands of fish for exporting. Then you will visit the village of Cham in the town of Tan Chau, discover embroidery and discover the mosque of the village.

Check-in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 14 : Chau Doc- Sai Gon (300 km/ 7h00 journey) (B / L / D)

You will visit the floating market in Chau Doc before landing. Then drive to Saigon.

Arrival in Saigon and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 15 : Sai Gon. Return flight (B / - / -)

You will have free time in Saigon until your transfer at Tan Son Nhat airport for your return flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

End of the Tour