Great crossing from North to South and seaside stay on the island of Phu Quoc. 20 days and 19 nights.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1:

  Arrival in Hanoi - free day

  Your flight lands at Hanoi International Airport. After picking up your luggage, you will be met by our driver. He will take you to the hotel in the historic center. The opportunity for you to discover the outskirts of Hanoi then the urban landscapes, the dense traffic according to the schedule, the narrow streets full of charm of the old city center. A typical atmosphere, small shops, daily activities of the inhabitants, temples, long houses, colonial buildings: the discovery starts here! For this first day, we propose you to immerse yourself at your own pace, according to how you feel at the time. Perhaps you will need some rest, some time for yourself, or perhaps you will not resist the temptation to get lost in the alleys around the hotel: this is a free moment for you! If it's not 2pm yet, you can leave your luggage and go for a walk or have a bite to eat while waiting for your room to be available.

• day 2:

  Hanoi - City tour

  

  After breakfast at the hotel, the city tour starts with Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. It is a geographical landmark for all newcomers! From there, let's go for a rickshaw ride through the colonial district and its famous buildings: the opera house, the post office, St. Joseph's Cathedral, to the Long Bien Bridge which crosses the Red River. It is a characteristic building that will remind you of a famous Parisian monument... Finally, let's head for the Dong Xuan central market to discover spices. On foot, we walk through other alleys full of life. If we still have time, we will make a stop at the Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest in Hanoi! And if you are interested in the 4-ton statue of the genius Huyen Thien Tran Vu, head for the Taoist temple Quan Thanh! Finally, let's get back in the car to visit one of our favourite sites in Hanoi, the Temple of Literature. This site had the function of being a university since the 11th century! In the afternoon, we will go to the gardens of the former governor's palace. We will also discover Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Another surprising building then: the pagoda with a single pillar! Before a free dinner in Hanoi, we propose you to attend a puppet theater session on water, a secular artistic tradition of Vietnam. Night of day 2 at the hotel in Hanoi.

• day 3:

  Hanoi - Vu Linh and Lake Thac Ba

  

  In the morning, we take the road to Vu Linh through a territory marked by the Indochina war, near the town of Tuyen Quang. The Vietnamese government had established a headquarters there until 1954. Nowadays, it is a territory planted with tea plants as far as the eye can see, beautiful pictures in perspective! Then a good moment of relaxation awaits you: we will take a boat trip on the Thac Ba lake, a peaceful site, dotted with islands (they say there are 1300 of them). It is a freshwater reservoir built in 1963, it is possible to swim there. On one of the shores is the beautiful house on stilts of a family of the Dao ethnic group with white trousers. Upstairs, there is a common room where you will take your meals and sleep comfortably. Everything will be done to please you in this green setting. The traditional wooden houses are very beautiful, bordered by rice fields, small gardens...The villagers are very friendly, don't be shy, it happens that our travellers play a game of volleyball with the young people, participate in the preparations or small tasks, your curiosity will be rewarded.

• day 4:

  Vu Linh - Nghia Lo

  We leave the family after breakfast and drive towards the town of Nghia Lo. The passes are crossed one by one, giving us spectacular views of the northern mountains. We will branch off before Nghia Lo towards the beautiful H'mong village of Suoi Giang. The H'mong ethnic minority lives here at 1000 m altitude. They cultivate the sloping land and practice a little breeding. Here, the culture of tea attracts our attention: some tea plants are centenarian and classified as National Heritage for the quality and unique flavor of their leaves. We then travel the twenty or so kilometers separating us from Nghia Lo to meet the family who welcomes us to their home this evening, white Thais. The environment is very pleasant in this small plain surrounded by mountains. We will be able to taste typical dishes of the region, discover the way of life of the villagers and finally spend a good night! Night in a traditional Thai house on stilts.

• day 5:

  Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai

  

  In the early morning, you discover the landscape, the rice fields, under a different light. We have breakfast and discover the white Thai villages around. The wooden houses on stilts, the children walking to school, the elders walking along the paths or observing the comings and goings of the neighbors... The opportunity for us to exchange with the inhabitants. We leave our corner of the countryside to discover the central market of Nghia Lo. The opportunity to learn more about the sometimes surprising culinary traditions in this region... The handicrafts are also interesting, especially the bamboo items. Get your cameras ready, the next step will blow your mind! We drive along the "photographers' road" that separates us from the town of Mu Cang chai. The sublime landscapes unfold before your eyes, rice fields cultivated in terraces, traditional villages, impressive panoramas... We will have lunch at Tu Le, whose speciality is a popular sticky rice, and then contemplate the fascinating landscape from the terrace of a café a little further on. Finally, how about a walk? A path will lead us to the village of La Pan Tan, passing through small villages and terraced fields. An opportunity to meet villagers in their daily activities! This walk is extremely resourcing, we are impregnated by the beauty and serenity of the place, the kindness of the people, their smile. We arrive at La Pan Tan at the end of the afternoon. Night at the hotel in La Pan Tan.

• day 6:

  Mu Cang Chai - Sapa

  Today, after breakfast, we drive through the northern mountains in the direction of the famous Sapa. This is the territory of the Dao and the H'mong. On the other side, a greener area cultivated by the black Thai awaits us. A stroll is worthwhile in Than Uyên: the warm-hearted inhabitants will be delighted to show you their still very traditional way of life. Then we take the car back to a mountain range called Hoang Lien and to the Tram Ton pass which signals, at 2000 m. of altitude, our approach to the town of Sapa. This altitude allows us to have an incredible view of the surroundings! We discover the Silver Waterfall: 100 meters of waterfalls, it's impressive. Once in Sapa, a walk allows us to discover the points of interest of the city, its lake, the shopping streets, the places of relaxation...The highest peak of Vietnam is here: the Fansipan, which rises at 3143m of altitude. Finally, a little rest. Night at the hotel in Sapa.

• day 7:

  Sapa - Bac Ha

  

  We have breakfast and then continue towards the district of Bac Ha, known for its markets with varied ethnic populations. We arrive there in the early afternoon and meet our hosts. On foot, we explore the surrounding countryside and the villages where the H'mong flower and the Phu La are settled. This is an opportunity to discover new types of habitats. We help prepare dinner and celebrate our meeting with a glass of local corn liquor. After dinner, overnight at a local house on stilts.

• day 8:

  Bac Ha - Ethnic market - Hanoi

  On Wednesdays and weekends, the inhabitants meet in the biggest market of the region in Bac Ha! You will find the H'mong flowers which are the most numerous, but they also rub shoulders with the Nung, the Phu La, the Dao or the Tay... The opportunity to admire and compare the traditional outfits all hand embroidered and colorful. You will be able to buy some of them here. What else can be found on the market of Bac Ha? Everything is divided into sectors: costumes and fabrics on one side, with ornaments, kitchen equipment on the other, spices, fruits and vegetables, and animals and meat. On the right, when you arrive, there are stalls to eat. We will have lunch in a local restaurant after strolling through this lively market. Then comes the time to close our loop to the North! We will take the road again to Hanoi, for an arrival at the end of the afternoon. Night at the hotel in old Hanoi.

• day 9:

  Hanoi - Ninh Binh

  

  This morning, we take the road to the town of Ninh Binh. We will visit the giant pagoda of Bai Dinh, the most imposing pagoda in Southeast Asia. You will be impressed by the importance and beauty of this Buddhist site which covers 500 ha! In the center, the giant Buddha made of 100 tons of bronze, lacquered with gold leaf, but many other wonders await you. By bicycle, we will go to the Bich Dong pagoda thanks to paths winding between the blocks of stone. A scenery that you can find in the film Indochine with Catherine Deneuve! Then, we will go for a boat ride in a poetic and calm setting. The route literally takes us through the mountains! This site is nicknamed "Halong Bay on land" because we find there these famous karstic rock peaks. We sail on the river, slowly, in order to savour this moment! Night at the hotel in Tam Coc

• day 10:

  Ninh Binh - Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay (South area of Halong Bay)

  

  We leave early to Hai Phong to reach the island of Cat Ba. The area of Lan Ha Bay, south of Ha Long Bay, is just as beautiful and less frequented by tourists. Embarkation around noon on a junk, discovery of a floating village of fishermen of the bay...Let's enjoy the beauty of the site, of this sea strewn with hundreds of islets which is part of the world heritage of humanity. We drop anchor near a beach to take the time to have lunch aboard the junk. In the afternoon we sail to Cam Island. Those who wish can go kayaking or take a boat tour. Return to the junk and head for a nice quiet beach to swim and relax. The sunset on the bay is a magical moment, we admire it from the junk. And if you feel like it, squid fishing with the local fishermen! Dinner and night on board the boat.

• day 11:

  Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island - Hanoi - flight to Hue

  

  We leave the junk after breakfast and set foot on land on Cat Ba Island, near the village of Viet Hai. These are the last hours in Lan Ha bay, we must take advantage of it! A ride on a bike or an electric cart, it's really pleasant on this path lined with tropical vegetation. Back on the junk, the walk continues from island to island. We have a good meal on board and disembark at the port of Ben Beo around noon and then Hanoi for the flight Hanoi - Hué. Arrival in Hue, we are greeted by our driver then transfer to the hotel. Installation and night at the hotel in Hue.

• day 12:

  Hué - Visit of the old capital

  We dedicate this beautiful day to the 300-year-old Imperial City! The Nguyen dynasty ruled here, building the historic buildings that you will soon be able to admire The citadel may have suffered from the bombardments of the war against the Americans, but it remains standing and valiant! It is of course a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But first, let's go to Dong Ba market. The morning is always propitious to discover the markets which are also indicators of the way of life of the inhabitants, all the more so as Hué is famous in Vietnam for its elaborate gastronomy. It is recommended to taste it! The Citadel then awaits us, as well as the famous pagoda of the Celestial Lady and the tombs of two kings of the Nguyen dynasty, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. Depending on the course of the day and according to your wishes, we will be able to discover a workshop for making incense sticks and conical hats. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.  

• day 13:

  Hué - Hoi An

  

  Our next target is the charming town of Hoi An. On the way, we stop in the morning at the beach and the fishing village of Lang Co. Our road continues to Tra Que which is a few kilometers away from Hoi An: this village is very famous for its organic vegetables, we have lunch there. Then we reach Hoi An, also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city was the main port of the Kingdom of Champa, it has lived a rather incredible history over the centuries: a port open to world trade! Hence its very particular and preserved architecture. We will visit its remarkable monuments: the Japanese bridge, an old house and the temple of Phuc Kien then we will walk through the city to the market along the river. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

• day 14:

  Hoi An - My Son Temple - Flight to Saigon

  This morning, we left Hoi An for the Cham shrine of My Son about thirty kilometers away. The peculiarity of the site is that these are Hindu temples dating, for the oldest, from the 4th century! The Cham Empire settled down to the South in the year 192 developed the site for centuries, until the 13th century. Here too, a Unesco World Heritage listing recognizes the architectural and historical value of the site. Do not hesitate to do some reading about this kingdom and culture, it is really interesting. Then, our driver will accompany you to Danang airport, direction Saigon. There you will be welcomed by the guide and the driver, they will accompany you to your hotel. Hotel night in Saigon.

• day 15:

  Saigon - City tour

  

  Let's go exploring Saigon today! We'll get stronger with a good breakfast and discover this modern city which was the capital of Indochina until its liberation in 1975. Currently, Saigon is the economic capital of Vietnam. We will leave in the footsteps of the past: the central post office and its steel structure, the reunification palace, the Notre-Dame cathedral, the majestic city hall or the pagoda of the Celestial Lady Tien Hau. Afterwards, we will go to the Chinese district whose market is worth the detour. At the end of the day, you will be free to continue your discovery of the daily life of the Saïgonnais! Installation at the hotel and night in Saigon.

• day 16:

  Saigon - Ben Tre - Can Tho

  The day is dedicated to the discovery of the Ben Tre area, in particular the way of life of the inhabitants of the Mekong Delta region. The canals of Ben Tre are perfectly adapted to a nautical course on a sampan. What is produced here? Honey, coconut sweets. We make carpets, we grow all kinds of fruits and vegetables... So many opportunities for us to visit, taste, and multiply exchanges with the inhabitants. Then, we leave: direction the provincial capital of Can Tho and its port. You will have free time to explore the surroundings.

• day 17:

  Can Tho - Floating market - Rach Gia - Phu Quoc

  

  In Can Tho, the floating market of Cai Rang is a must! Each boat has its own speciality, announced by the pole set up at the bow, a way to attract the barge. Let yourself be tempted by some fresh products, you won't be disappointed, the Mekong delta is a place where farmers know how to take advantage of the silt that fertilizes their fields. We will go to a fruit garden, then to a workshop for making rice vermicelli and finally to the An Binh market. We will then drive to the port of Rach Gia and embark on a speed boat. Finally, let's sail to the beautiful island of Phu Quoc! The hoteliers will pick you up and proceed to your installation. You will be free to walk around the island and enjoy the beach for the rest of the day. Overnight at the hotel on Phu Quoc Island.

• day 18:

  Phu Quoc Island - Free day

  In order to make the most of this time of seaside tourism, you will be free to organize your time as you wish in Phu Quoc. The free days take place without guide or driver, between idleness and activities of your choice. Thus, on the island, you will be able to enjoy nautical activities such as scuba diving or water excursions with fins, mask and snorkel. Then, various visits are possible, such as the one to a workshop where the famous nuoc mam sauce is prepared. There are possible excursions to go fishing, visit villages and tour the island by motorbike, for example.

• day 19:

  Phu Quoc Island - Free day

  

  In order to make the most of this time of seaside tourism, you will be free to organize your time as you wish in Phu Quoc. The free days take place without guide or driver, between idleness and activities of your choice. Thus, on the island, you will be able to enjoy nautical activities such as scuba diving or water excursions with fins, mask and snorkel. Then, various visits are possible, such as the one to a workshop where the famous nuoc mam sauce is prepared. There are possible excursions to go fishing, visit villages and tour the island by motorbike, for example.

• day 20:

  Phu Quoc - Flight to Saigon - Departure flight

  Today, enjoy your last morning freely in Phu Quoc. A driver will come to accompany you to the island's airport. You will reach Saigon and then board your international flight back home, with your memory and heart full of memories. End of our services.