MEETING WITH THE ETHNIC GROUPS OF VIETNAM

Day 1 : Arrival in Hanoi (- / L / D)

Arrival at Hanoi airport, the guide and the driver will welcome you and proceed to the transfer to the city center. You will go to the Literature Temple. This is an important monument since it is regarded as the first university of Vietnam. By visiting the temple, you can watch the old objects that reflect the past kingdoms of Thang Long.

In the afternoon, 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 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 its legend. Foreigners cannot miss when they arrive in Hanoi because this lake is considered to be the heart of the city. 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, temple of Jade, the Brush tower. Then, you will attend a water puppet show. This is a traditional Vietnamese art that combines folk music and actions of wooden puppets.

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 – Duong Lam – Tay Phuong (53km/ 1h20 de route) (B / L / D)

Walls moss, red tile roofs, small roads, centuries-old banyan trees make up this quiet and peaceful area of the ancient village of Duong Lam. At 30 km away from Hanoi, the village is a heritage of typical sculpture of the inhabitants of Kinh, next to the Red River. "The land of the two kings" keeps until now, all the spirit and cultural values of a traditional Vietnamese village.

After breakfast, you will start your stay with a pleasant walk in the old village. You will visit the tomb of King Ngo Quyen, the temple of the king of Phung Hung, the communal house of Mong Phu. The people still keep their ancient customs in their daily lives such as the market, small shops in the streets, or wells. You will have a little time to rest under the roof all while tasting the « che lam » (type of candy, the village specialty) and green tea. In the afternoon, you will explore the Tay Phuong Pagoda (Tay Phuong means the world of Western Buddhas), an ancient pagoda which is located on the hill in the middle of a rural area. Return to Hanoi.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 3 : Hanoï – Ha Long (170 km/ 3h30 journey) (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 4 : Ha Long – Hanoï. Night train to Lao Cai (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. Then transfer to Hanoi train station for the night train to Lao Cai - Sapa / KING EXPRESS train (or LIVITRANS EXPRESS, or CHAPA EXPRESS) - Cabin with 4 berths for categories STANDARD & SUPERIOR; Cabin with 2 berths for DELUXE category/ Departure 20:40.

Night on board.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5 : Lao Cai – Ma Tra – Sa Pa (40 km/ 1h00 journey) (B / L / D)

Located 367 km away from Hanoi, Sapa is considered as a very attractive destination by visitors, as the heart of the North-East region of Vietnam thanks to its pleasant climate and beautiful landscape. It is also a place where ethnic minorities live together with their own traditions. These specialties are the face of a the "city in the clouds" that travelers would like to reach.

Arrival at Lao Cai train station, you will be welcomed by the driver and the guide. Along the way you will visit the village of Ma Tra lying 7 km from Sapa. Village life remained authentic, which will be a great opportunity to discover the traditions and customs of the inhabitants. You will definitely have the opportunity to meet the minorities. You will continue your road to Sapa. Upon arrival, you’ll make a city tour : Old Cathedral, market, and the colonial houses.

Overnight in the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6 : Sa Pa – Ban Khoang – Ta Giang Phinh – Sapa (B / L / D)

After breakfast, you will hike to the village of Ban Khoang while exploring the beauty of a region off the beaten tracks. You can admire the rice fields, the activities of the inhabitants. Arrival at the village of Ban Khoang. After a short break to have some rest, you will continue hiking to the village of Ta Giang Phinh - the cohabitation space between black ethnic Hmong and Dao red. You will discover authentic landscapes. Then drive to Sapa. Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7 : Sa Pa – Bac Ha – Lao Cai – Night train to Hanoi (130 km/ 3h00 journey) (B / L / D)

Located in the mountains, 76 km away from the town of Lao Cai, Bac Ha weekly market is considered as a unique, attractive, interesting and authentic place by visitors. The market operates every sunday, it is the place of exchange of agricultural products essential to everyday life of the North Vietnamese. The merchants gather at dawn on a wide field under small tents with their products, the women sell skirts, hats, belts... handmade with colorful fabric emblematic of the region. Other women shout customers to buy vegetables, fruits, medicinal roots or corn alcohol.

This is a strong exchanging place, where young people laugh, sing, dance and play the flute pan. Moreover, this market is considered as a center of trade livestock such as horses, buffaloes and dogs.

Then start walking to visit the hamlets around Bac Ha Ban Pho Ban Pho 1 and 2 inhabited by the ethnic Hmong colorful. Visit the abandoned remains of Huang A Tuong, a former head Hmong.

Transfer to Lao Cai for the night train to Hanoi/ KING EXPRESS train (or LIVITRANS EXPRESS, or CHAPA EXPRESS) - Cabin with 4 berths for categories STANDARD & SUPERIOR; Cabin with 2 berths for DELUXE category/ Departure 20:40.

Night on board.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Note : Bac Ha market opens every Sunday, so if your stay does not fall on a Sunday, we suggest you either change the route a bit, or we'll take you to other authentic ethnic markets as, the market Coc Ly on Tuesday morning, the market Lung Khau Nhin Thursday morning or Can Cau market on Saturday morning.

Day 8 : Hanoï – Flight to Hue (700 km/ 1h10 flight) (B / L / D)

Arrival in Hanoi Railway Station at 5.00am, transfer and accommodation at the two-star hotel to rest and have breakfast. Transfer to Noi Bai airport for the flight Hanoi-Hue. On arrival you will be greeted by our guide and driver to explore the city.

Hue is the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue has a simple beauty, taciturn and quiet with the sun covering the red roofs of the royal palaces. Perfume River increased the romance of the city every sunset.

Start your bike ride through the streets of the former capital and feel the rhythm of local life. Shops, homes and people are quiet and peaceful. When you reach the front door of the Royal Citadel, you will discover the world’s heritage of UNESCO in Vietnam. The citadel is considered as a real art museum, historical testimony, and as a place of the last kings of Vietnam. Under the roofs of the palace, watch the images, sculptures symbolizing the typical oriental Vietnamese art.

Drive to the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc & Khai Dinh, another royal monument. Before ending the day, you will learn how to make incense sticks and poetic hats in both professional villages. Stop to visit the pagoda "énuques- Tu Hieu" Back to Hue.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9 : Hue (B / L / D)

08:00 Depart from your hotel, Embarking on boat for cruise along the poetic Perfume River you can see a pavilion that the king and royal family used to have bath. You also experience the daily life of local people as well as contemplate the beauty of landscapes and fill your heart and mind with fresh air. Main destination of our journey is the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda (Heavenly Lady Pagoda) which was built in 1601-the symbol of Hue city.

10:00 Continue your trip biking around the village which is located in the city center and the Nguyen Emperors’ tombs. Thuy Bieu is a wonderland of pomelo that possesses a very special taste and fragrance. Keep cycling toward Thuy Bieu Village along verdant paths; you can see local people’s daily life. Thuy Bieu Village has been well-known with its immense grapefruit gardens, which its grapefruit is different from other species throughout Viet Nam. It’s smaller but sweeter and known under the name of Thanh Tra people which was only provided for the Royal Family.

Have a nice biking and walking around quiet Thuy Bieu Village, feeling the comfortable relax in a friendly air of local. While biking , taking short stop in schools, communal houses, ancient temples and especially the garden house - Its housing architecture is typical of Hue and the Nguyen dynasty with small cottages hidden in large luxuriant gardens, long gates and fences carved out of ornamental trees. Thuy Bieu is a hidden gem of untouched nature and culture Keep biking through 2 most pristine hamlets Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan where you can contemplate lush greens, laid back lifestyle. We continue biking through an orphanage. to fulfill their dream to go to school.

12:00 Come back to a local house in Thuy Bieu for cooking class, you will prepare lunch by yourself with our chief’s instruction. Have lunch with Hue traditional dishes you have just cooked.

13:30 Relax by steeping your foot in medicinal herb water – a traditional therapeutic practice. Retour to your hotel at 14h.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10 : Hue – A Luoi – A Roang (70km / 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

Located 70 km away from the center of Hue, A Luoi is a mountain town where we find the Pako, Katu, Pa Hy, and Ta Oi inhabitants. You will be in direct contact with the villagers, and that will be the opportunity for you to discover the various minorities’ state of mind. You will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful wild landscapes.

While leaving the town, you will take the bus to the town of A Luoi. You will pass through the mountains and forests. From above, you will be able to watch the streams and the small houses hidden on the hill. Despite urbanization, people retain a traditional lifestyle. Arrival in A Luoi, you will begin the discovery with a visit in the home of the regional culture. It looks like a small museum that features objects related to history, for travelers’ culture. You will continue your way to A Roang - the coexistence of space Kotu communities and Ta Oi.

In the afternoon, the chief of the village takes you to watch the daily life of residents. You will discover how to fish... Then you will be able to swim in the natural mineral hot water. Then return to the communal house and prepare food. You will taste the specialties of the region. It will be possible to try dishes of insects. Unforgettable night in the town hall.

Overnight in the communal house.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 11 : A Roang – Hue (70km / 2h30 journey) (B / L / D)

Get up early and you'll have the chance to admire the dawn with white clouds kissing the red sun. Breakfast. Then head to trek for about 4 hours in the forest of A Roang. You will have the opportunity to discover the beauty, the tranquility, the authenticity of Hue. You will listen to nature : birds, sources, animals... Swimming in the village of A Ka.

In the afternoon, visit the Zenvillage where you will learn to weave with the legs, with the Van Kieu and Pako women. Then return to Hue.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 12 : 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 - the colonial Touran to visit the Cham Museum, which contains 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.

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 13 : Hoi An – Tra Nhieu- Tra Que - Hoi An (B / L / D)

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 14 : Hoi An – Kon Tum  (230km / 5h journey) (B / L / D)

Tay Nguyen (the highlands) is part of Central Vietnam, which contains the 5 provinces : Kon Tum, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Dak Nong and Lam Dong. It is a territory that still retains the specific traditions and cultures. It is also the space of coexistence of people of Gia Rai, Ede, M-nong, K-ho... members of the 54 Vietnamese ethnic minorities. With a wealth of spirits, Tay Nguyen attracts many travelers. Visiting this area will be a great opportunity to discover a dynamic picture of the Centre minorities daily life.

After breakfast, the guide and driver will welcome you at your hotel and you will begin the journey of discovery of the highlands. You will take the national road 14B, also called the Ho Chi Minh Trail through the hills, forests and villages of minority residents of the Centre as Jarai, Bahnar, Ede, or M'nong. Breakfast in a local restaurant. You will continue the journey and visit historic war landmarks : the crossroads of Indochina, Dakto, or the Phoenix Airport. Arrival in Kontum, visit of the wooden cathedral, orphanage Vinh Son I, the Thua Sai seminary, and the Konklor bridge.

Overnight at hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 15 : Kontum - Pleiwer – Pleiku (90km / 2h journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast, departure to a trek through the villages of Bahnar people. You will make a canoe trip on the wild river of Dakbla. You will continue to Pleiku. Along the way you will visit the village of Pleiwer (or Pleiphun) of Jarai, one of the largest ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands, but also collective tombs with statues, and the water point. And then you will go to Lake Sea to contemplate an ancient volcano extinct for hundreds of millions of years.

Overnight at hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 16 : Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot (190 km/ 4h30 journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast, you will start the tour by Minh Thanh Pagoda, the largest and beautiful one of the region. You will continue to the city of Buon Ma Thuot. On the road, you will make a short stop in the large and vast coffee plantations of rubber and pepper. Arrival in Buon Ma Thuot. In the afternoon, you will visit the Ethnographic Museum of Buon Ma Thuot.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 17 : Buon Ma Thuot – Dray Sap –De Don Village (40km / 1h journey) (B / L / D)

After breakfast, you will make a walk to the Falls Dray Sap, mist falls because its waters rush violently and noisily into the valley forming a veil of mist. Then you will enter in the Don village, the village of elephants and the ancient capital of Dak Lak province in the 19th century.

Lunch with the locals. You will make a ride on an elephant and visit the bamboo suspension bridge, the old house on stilts over 100 years of Laos, the tomb of the elephant’s king. Back to Buon Ma Thuot.

Overnight at the hotel.

Included meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 18 : Buon Ma Thuot - Vol pour Hanoï/ Sai Gon - Return flight (B / - / -)

After breakfast, you will have a free time before going to Buon Ma Thuot airport for the flight to Hanoi & return flight.

Included meals: breakfast.

End of the Tour