First time in Vietnam 13 days Tour

Description of the programme

• Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

  Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide who will assist you in collecting your luggage. You will then be transferred to your hotel. Please note that check-in to rooms will be possible from 2:00 p.m.

  Lunch will be free, allowing you to enjoy your first meal in Hanoi as you wish.

  In the afternoon, your discovery of the city will begin with a pleasant walk around the lake of the restored sword, towards the temple of Ngoc Son. This historic shrine offers a fascinating insight into Vietnamese culture.

  

  Then, you will board a pedicab for a picturesque ride through the historic center of the 36 corporations. Each street in this thousand-year-old neighborhood bears the name of the products sold there, ranging from colorful spices to shoes, even including fake notes intended for offerings (Hang Ma)!

  You will then have free time to further explore the surrounding area according to your preferences.

  Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes.

  The night will be spent at your hotel, providing a well-deserved rest after a first day of discoveries in Hanoi.

• Day 2: Discovery of the city of Hanoi (B,L,D)

  This morning, treat yourself to an exceptional experience by visiting the prestigious Hanoi Museum of Ethnography, a true cultural treasure that will immerse you in the rich heritage of Vietnam. Explore the different exhibitions that highlight the traditions, customs and lifestyles of the country's different ethnic groups. Be amazed by the beauty and diversity of these fascinating cultures.

  After this enriching visit, go to the famous Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a small island in West Lake. Let yourself be lulled by the serenity of the place and admire the magnificent decorations and Buddhist statues which adorn the pagoda. Take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere to meditate or simply recharge your batteries.

  

  After a busy morning, it's time to enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the city's many traditional restaurants. Taste the delights of Vietnamese cuisine, renowned for its exquisite flavors and subtle balance of spices and fresh ingredients.

  Next, head to the One Pillar Pagoda, a one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece. Admire the elegant structure and deep symbolism of this pagoda, considered a symbol of Vietnamese spirituality. Take time to soak up the spiritual atmosphere and connect with your inner self.

  To complete this memorable day, go to the Temple of Literature, a sacred place dedicated to Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher. Be inspired by the teachings of Confucius and discover the richness of Vietnamese culture and education through the temple's beautiful pavilions and peaceful gardens.

  

  At the end of the day, witness a unique water puppet show, an ancient tradition that has captivated spectators for centuries. Let yourself be transported into an enchanted world where puppets come to life thanks to the skill of the puppeteers and the magic of water. This show promises you many moments of joy and wonder.

  End this extraordinary day by enjoying a delicious dinner at one of the city's gourmet restaurants. Savor the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and be surprised by the innovative culinary creations of local chefs.

  After this busy day, rest and relax in the comfort of your hotel. Relive the highlights of your Hanoi tour and prepare for new adventures that await you in this fascinating city. Good night !

• Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (B,L,D)

  This morning, drive to the Van Long nature reserve, located between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. This reserve covers an area of 3,000 hectares and is made up of a network of canals, lakes, streams and limestone mountains forming an island-like landscape.

  Upon your arrival, you will board a bamboo boat for a pleasant stroll along the magnificent Van Long River. Along the water, you will discover caves, rice fields, mountains and you will get a glimpse of the daily life of the local inhabitants.

  

  After this enriching experience, you will continue your exploration by bike, in order to delve further into the lives of the region's inhabitants. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in their culture and discover their way of life.

  For lunch, we suggest you enjoy a typically local meal in a restaurant in the region. Once satisfied, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can settle in and relax.

  The rest of the day will be free, allowing you to enjoy your leisure time as you wish. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, before spending a pleasant night in your comfortable rooms.

  This excursion to Van Long Nature Reserve is a unique opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the area, while soaking up local life. Let yourself be guided and enjoy this unforgettable experience.

• Day 4: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B,L,D)

  Head towards the magnificent Halong Bay, one of the natural wonders of Vietnam. Embark aboard a collective junk for an unforgettable 24-hour cruise. As soon as you arrive, you will be warmly welcomed by the experienced crew who will ensure that your experience is as pleasant as possible.

  

  Once on board, you can enjoy a delicious lunch carefully prepared by our talented chefs. Let yourself be seduced by the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine while admiring the breathtaking landscape that passes before your eyes.

  The first stop on this adventure is a visit to Sung Sot Cave, a natural wonder that will amaze you with its unique rock formations. After this fascinating exploration, climb to the top of Titov Island for a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay. Let yourself be carried away by the striking beauty of this magical place.

  Then go back down to the beach and dive into the crystal clear waters of Halong Bay. Enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation while relaxing on the fine sand, under the radiant Vietnamese sun. To enhance your experience, don't miss our "Happy Hour" at the bar and deck, where you can enjoy exotic cocktails while admiring the splendid view that stretches out before you.

  

  Then, take part in a cooking class led by our talented chefs. Discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine and learn how to prepare delicious traditional dishes. You can then taste your creations during a sumptuous dinner on board the junk.

  When night falls, make yourself comfortable in your private cabin and let yourself be lulled by the gentle movements of the water. Enjoy a peaceful and restorative night, lulled by the calm of Halong Bay.

  Night on board

• Day 5: Halong - Flight to Danang - Hoian (B,L,D)

  In the cool of the morning, enjoy a Tai Chi session on the terrace with a breathtaking view of Halong Bay (subject to favorable weather conditions). Then enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off to discover the bay's buried secrets, including the famous Luon Cave. Board a traditional rowing boat and let yourself be guided through the crystal clear waters of this enchanting region.

  At lunch, enjoy the refined dishes served on board. Upon arrival in Halong, a transfer will be arranged to Haiphong Airport for your flight to Danang. When you get off the plane, your  local guide will be there to warmly welcome you and take you to a local restaurant for a tasty dinner. Afterwards, you will be driven to your hotel in Hoian where you can settle in comfortably and spend a peaceful night.

  

  Professional and attentive, our program will allow you to discover Halong and its hidden wonders in an unforgettable way. We will ensure that every moment of your trip is perfectly orchestrated, so you can focus solely on your enjoyment and relaxation.

• Day 6: Visit Hoian (B,L,D)

  In the morning, set off to explore the magnificent town of Hoi An, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Start your visit with the Phuc Kien communal house, a true treasure dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of fishermen and sailors. Then continue to the ancient Tan Ky house, which will transport you into history with its traditional architecture. Also be sure to visit Quan Cong Temple, a religious monument dating from 1653, which is full of photographs and ancient objects. End this cultural morning by crossing the famous Japanese covered bridge, dating from the 16th century, and visiting the historic cultural museum.

  

  After this enriching morning, take some free time to stroll through the artisan and tailor quarter, where you will find many unique souvenirs to take home. Then, treat yourself to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste the culinary specialties of the region.

  In the afternoon, treat yourself to an authentic experience by hopping on a bike and heading to the Tra Que market gardening village, located just 8 km from the city center. During this peaceful walk, you will have the opportunity to meet the local people who work in the gardens and learn about their traditional farming techniques. After this enriching walk, relax with a foot massage with medicinal herbs, a traditional therapeutic practice that will leave you feeling deeply well-being.

  In the late afternoon, embark on a scenic cruise on the Hoai River, where you will have the opportunity to release paper lotus lanterns into the water, illuminated by a candle inside. This magical experience will leave you with unforgettable memories. End this day in style by enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can taste the authentic flavors of Hoi An cuisine.

  

  After this day full of discoveries, return to your hotel for a well-deserved night's rest, remembering all the extraordinary moments you experienced in Hoi An.

• Day 7: Hoian - Hue (B,L,D)

  You will leave the magnificent town of Hoi An to reach the incredible Hue, passing through the famous Cloud Pass. Your first stop will be in Danang, where you will have the opportunity to visit the fascinating Cham Museum. Continuing your route, you will stop in the charming village of stone sculptors located at the foot of the majestic Marble Mountains.

  Once there, you can undertake an ascent on foot to the top of the water mountain, Thuy Son, offering breathtaking views of the region. Your second stop will be at Lang Co, where you will be amazed by its white sand beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the country. After enjoying a delicious lunch, you will take the road towards Hue.

  

  Upon arrival, a transfer to your hotel will be arranged so you can settle in and relax. To end this day full of discoveries, you will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting boat excursion in the Tam Giang lagoon. This body of brackish water is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, with an area of 21,600 hectares. You will be dazzled by its beauty and biodiversity.

  Dinner will be served to you in an enchanting setting, before returning to your comfortable hotel room for a restful night. Enjoy this unique experience between Hoian and Hue, where every moment will be imbued with professionalism and excellence.

• Day 8: Hue - Sai Gon (B,L,D)

  In the morning, after a delicious breakfast served at the hotel, we invite you to explore the magnificent imperial city of Hue, located in the heart of the Citadel. You will be dazzled by the majestic Flag Tower, also known as the King's Horseman (Ky Dai). You can admire the South Gate (Ngo Mon), the place where the emperor made his important decisions, as well as the Palace of Supreme Harmony (Dien Thai Hoa), a throne room decorated with purple and yellow lacquered columns. Don't miss the Nine Genie Cannons (Cuu vi than cong), cast from weapons from the Tây Son.

  Next, we will take you to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, whose seven-story stupa shape, rising 21 meters high, is one of the symbols of the ancient capital. You will then enjoy a picturesque cruise on the Perfume River, to the village of Thuy Bieu, famous for its sweet grapefruit gardens. You will have the opportunity to have lunch with locals, for an authentic and warm experience.

  

  In the afternoon, we invite you to visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, of the Nguyen dynasty, located on the right bank of the Perfume River. You will be impressed by the beauty and serenity of this historic place. Then we will drive you to the airport for your flight to Saigon.

  Upon arrival in Saigon, you will be greeted by our guide and we will take you to the local restaurant for a delicious dinner. Then we will drive you to your hotel where you can settle in and enjoy a good night's rest.

  Take advantage of this professional program to discover the treasures of Hue and Saigon, two emblematic cities of Vietnam.

• Day 9: Sai Gon - Cai Be (B,L,D)

  Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we take the road from Saigon to Cai Be. Upon arrival, embark on a charming boat ride to discover the famous Ba Dac Floating Rice Market, Vietnam's main rice export market. Then, take a local ferry to Tan Phong Island, where you will enjoy a pleasant bike ride through the village's picturesque trails, encountering the daily life of local people. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of a rowing boat that will take you further into the countryside, sailing peacefully along small canals.

  

  For lunch, you will have the opportunity to feast at a local's home, thus tasting the delights of Vietnamese gastronomy. In the afternoon, we will make our way back to the boat, to cross one of the largest rivers in the world, the majestic Mekong, to reach An Binh Island. There, enjoy a scenic cruise on the Muong Lo Canal, before checking into the guesthouse where you will spend the night. A moment of relaxation is granted to you, to fully recharge your batteries. Then, let yourself be intoxicated by the captivating sounds of a small concert of southern folk music, while tasting the tropical flavors of the region's fruits.

  At the end of the afternoon, we invite you to participate in a cooking class, where you will discover the secrets of traditional Vietnamese dishes. To end in style, enjoy a delicious dinner at your guest house, before resting there for the night.

• Day 10: Cai Be - Sa Dec - Can Tho

  Breakfast at the guest house, followed by a pleasant morning walk in the village to enjoy the fresh air. Then, head to the local workshop to discover the secrets of making rice paper, delicious coconut candies and pop-rice, a popcorn specialty...

  To accompany these tasty treats, enjoy a cup of hot tea. Then, embark on a boat tour to visit the famous brick kilns, where locals create magnificent pottery from clay. Our boat will sail along the floating village, where you can observe catfish farming techniques on the Mekong River. In Vinh Long, disembark and visit a lively local market.

  

  Then continue your journey towards the charming town of Sa Dec. On arrival, embark on a pleasant walking tour through its narrow streets and beautiful old houses. Visit the Trung Vuong School (exterior) where Marguerite Duras' mother taught, as well as the Kien An Cung Pagoda, a place of Taoist worship for the Chinese community. During your visit, enjoy lunch at a local's home.

  In the afternoon, take the road towards Can Tho. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to settle in and relax. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

  Night at the hotel.

• Day 11: Can Tho - Marche flotat de Cai Rang - Sai Gon (B,L,D)

  Breakfast at the hotel. Around 07:00, we will start our day by visiting the famous Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to observe the daily life of locals who mainly depend on the river's resources. You will be amazed by the liveliness and dynamism of this bustling floating market where merchants sell their products from their colorful boats.

  

  Then we will head to the Co Bac wharf, where we will board a boat to reach the islet of Son. There we will have the opportunity to visit a fish farm. You can learn about traditional fishing techniques and see how local people use the river as their main source of livelihood. You will be fascinated by the diversity of fish raised here and you can even feed the fish yourself.

  After this immersive experience, we will continue our walking tour to visit a local orchard. You will have the opportunity to taste delicious fresh fruits and explore the different varieties grown in this region. As we walk, we will meet warm and curious local people, who will be happy to share their daily lives with you.

  For a complete immersion in the local culture, you will also have the chance to attend a local cooking demonstration. Local chefs will show you how to prepare delicious shrimp rice cakes, a traditional specialty of the region. You can even try cooking these delicious dishes yourself and you will come away with valuable culinary skills.

  After this busy day, we will return by boat to dry land and take the return road to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel where you can settle in comfortably. To cap off this memorable day, we invite you to dine at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic and succulent Vietnamese dishes.

  

  Professional and well-organized, this excursion will allow you to experience the daily life of Can Tho residents in a unique way and immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine.

• Day 13: Sai Gon Tour and Departure Flight

  This morning, you will have the opportunity to visit the prestigious Reunification Palace, an emblematic symbol of Vietnamese history. You will then immerse yourself in the majestic atmosphere of Notre-Dame Cathedral, reflecting the influence of French colonial architecture. Then, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the splendor of the central post office and stroll along the old rue Catinat, a true tribute to the rich heritage of the French presence in Vietnam.

  

  After this captivating cultural morning, you will enjoy a quality lunch that will delight your taste buds. Then, we will take care of your transfer to Saigon airport, in the comfort of quality service. Let us take care of all the logistical details to ensure your experience goes smoothly.

  Dinner will be self-guided, giving you the flexibility to choose where you want to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Take this opportunity to explore the unique and varied flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

  Then, we will accompany you for all check-in and boarding formalities before your departing flight. Home sweet home. Thanks so much for travelling with us!