Tonkinese colors Vietnam in 2 weeks

Description of the programme

• Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival (Guide and Driver) (Dinner)

  Arrival at Hanoi airport. Warm welcome from our Vietnam Lucky Tour driver and transfer to your hotel.

  At the beginning of the afternoon, let yourself be charmed by a pleasant walk around the magnificent Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Restored Sword. Take the opportunity to visit the famous Ngoc Son Temple, located on Jade Mountain, where you can experience its peaceful atmosphere and admire breathtaking landscapes.

  

  For an authentic experience, don't miss a pedicab ride through the old neighborhoods of the 36 corporations. For an hour, immerse yourself in the bustling life of the inhabitants of Hanoi and let yourself be transported by the excitement of this lively city. Don't miss the traditional water puppet show, a real artistic feat that will captivate young and old.

  

  In the evening, we invite you to a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savor the delights of Vietnamese cuisine renowned for its exquisite aromas and unique flavors.

  End this day in style by resting in the comfort of your hotel room in Hanoi from 2:00 p.m., a quick setup for a hassle-free stay.

• Day 2: Hanoi - City Tour (Guide and Driver) (B, D)

  After breakfast, your exploration of the city continues with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. You will have the opportunity to discover the famous mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, to take an exterior tour of the Presidential Palace, its house on stilts and its magnificent garden. Then, you will have the chance to admire the splendid One Pillar Pagoda.

  

  For lunch, you will have the opportunity to taste the delights of local gastronomy in a typical restaurant of the region.

  Your discovery of the capital will continue with a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, also known as Defense of the Fatherland, located on the banks of the majestic West Lake. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Temple of Literature, formerly dedicated to Confucianism and considered the first university in Vietnam. This temple is not only a symbol of Hanoi, but also a true testimony to the richness of Vietnamese culture.

  For dinner, you will have the freedom to choose from the city's many renowned restaurants where you can savor local culinary delights.

  

  Finally, you will spend a peaceful night in Hanoi, providing a well-deserved break before continuing your adventure the next day.

  Discover the unique charm of Hanoi and immerse yourself in fascinating Vietnamese culture on this memorable trip. Please note that your satisfaction and comfort are our priority, and we strive to provide you with a professional and unforgettable experience throughout your stay in the city of Hanoi - the pearl of Vietnam.

• Day 3: Hanoi - Nghia Lo (Guide and Driver) (Breakfast, Dinner)

  After breakfast, you leave Hanoi to go to Nghia Lo. You will cross the regions of the Vietnamese countryside: beautiful mountains, rice fields, river, tea field...

  

  Once you arrive in the charming town of Nghia Lo, you stay with a resident of the village of Nghia An, a picturesque place populated by 70 black Thai households, located in the second great valley of Northern Vietnam.

  Then go for a walk in the village to discover the traditional houses, green gardens, local cultures and the daily life of these people from the middle regions.

  End your day by enjoying a delicious dinner and spending an authentic night at a homestay in Nghia An.

• Day 4: Nghia Lo - Village La Pan Tan - Mu Cang Chai (Guide & Driver) (B, D)

  After breakfast, we take a short break at the Muong Lo market which is very lively every morning. We continue our journey towards Mu Cang Chai following the trail of photographers. We take planned breaks to admire the beautiful landscapes, especially the beauty of the Tu Le Valley, known as the land of origin of the best sticky rice in Vietnam. Crossing magnificent rice terraces, we reach the Thai and Mong villages, where the inhabitants proudly wear their traditional costumes and welcome us warmly.

  

  Just after the Khau Pha pass, perched at 1580 meters above sea level, we take a pleasant walk to the village of La Pan Tan, which is considered the rice terrace capital of Vietnam. It is a unique place where the hand of man has shaped these marvelous landscapes over generations.

  Arrival at Mu Cang Chai, check-in at a local's home and take a pleasant walk in the Thai ethnic village.

  Dinner is prepared at the homestay.

  Night in a Thai stilt house

   

• Day 5: Mu Cang Chai - Sapa - Menorita villages of Lao Chai & Ta Van (Guide & Driver) (B, D)

  Early in the morning, you leave Mu Cang Chai and head towards Sapa, crossing a magnificent plain formed by the Nam Na River before crossing the famous Hoang Lien Son, located near its highest point, Mount Fanxipan.

  You arrive in Sapa, nicknamed the “city in the clouds”. As the North West's premier destination, Sapa (pronounced Chapa) is nestled in a stunning valley, surrounded by magnificent mountains dotted with charming hamlets. This region, with a pleasant climate, is inhabited by several ethnic minorities: the black Hmongs, the red Dzaos, the Zays. Explore the city with its main points of interest, such as the Sapa Market, previously known as the Love Market, and the Cathedral built by French settlers.

  

  Continue your walk along scenic trails through the hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to the H'mong and Dzay ethnic minorities. You will be dazzled by the grandiose landscapes and will meet incredibly friendly locals. You will have the opportunity to visit the H'mong and Dzay communities, get to know them and interact with them.

  During this excursion, you will be able to discover many craft activities, such as weaving and embroidery. You will be welcomed into a Dzay family and will even be able to visit a primary school in the village of Ta Van, where you will meet students from different minority ethnic groups.

  You will spend the night in a traditional house, where you can enjoy a dinner prepared in the locals' home.

  Accommodation: Homestay.

• Day 6: Ta Van - Minority village of Giang Ta Chai - Bac Ha (Guide & Driver) (B,L)

  After breakfast carefully prepared by the owner of the guest house, you embark on an exceptional adventure to discover the village of Giang Ta Chai. This unforgettable trek will take you through enchanting bamboo forests and majestic waterfalls, where the fascinating Red Daos community resides.

  As you continue your journey, you will be amazed by the mountainous landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. The road will take you to Bac Ha, where you will have the opportunity to visit picturesque remote villages such as Thai Giang Pho, Nalo and Ban Pho. These preserved places are inhabited by the colorful H'mong and the Tays, who will warmly welcome you into their unique cultural universe.

  

  During this exciting adventure, you will also have the chance to explore the Royal Palace of the H'mongs. Built in 1922 during the French colonial era, this palace was once the residence of the H'mong king. Its remarkable architecture and refined decorations bear witness to the fascinating history of this community.

  End this day full of discoveries by enjoying a free dinner, where you can taste local culinary delights.

  Night in Bac Ha in a local hotel

• Day 7: Colorful market - Village Path - Ha Giang (Guide and Driver) (B, D)

  After breakfast, you can start your day by getting up early to explore the bustling and colorful Bac Ha market, famous for being a meeting place for the region's different ethnic groups, especially the colorful Hmong. This special market which takes place every Sunday is not only an ideal place to discover the rich culture of minorities, but also a place conducive to the exchange of feelings between girls and boys.

  

  Then, you take the road towards Hà Giang, 180 km from Bac Ha. Stops planned to visit some villages along the route. You will have the opportunity to admire the colorful clothing of the Pathen minorities. This ethnic group is still relatively rare in Vietnam, with an estimated population of around 4,000. This encounter with a unique and preserved culture will undoubtedly be a precious moment of your stay.

  After a busy day, you can enjoy a free dinner in the charming town of Ha Giang.

  At night, you will be accommodated in a comfortable standard mini hotel, which will offer you everything you need to rest and regain strength before continuing your adventure.

• Day 8: Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Yen Minh - Dong Van (Guide & Driver) (B, D)

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  On the way to Dong Van, the fascinating Stone Plateau of Vietnam, passing through Quan Ba and Yen Minh, take the time to stop and admire the majestic Heavenly Gate, the Fairy Mountains and the H'mong village with its remarkable traditional weaving. 

  

  In the afternoon, you continue the road with very beautiful landscapes. You visit the Royal Palace of H'mong King Vuong Chi Sinh, a historic site dating from the colonial era, which is very renowned.

  Enjoy a free dinner to explore local culinary delights.

  Overnight in Dong Van.

  Accommodation: Mini hotel - Standard

• Day 9: Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (Guide and Driver) (B, L)

  After breakfast, the adventure continues towards Meo Vac, through the majestic Mount Ma Phi Leng whose altitude exceeds 2000 meters. A short hike along this mountain offers you the opportunity to admire a breathtaking panorama of a valley dotted with terraced hemp fields, karst hills, houses on stilts belonging to the H'mong and Dao ethnic groups, as well as the peaceful and romantic Nho Que River, which originates in China and extends across Vietnamese territory like a soft white silk ribbon. A trip to the village will allow you to contact the local inhabitants, discover their culture and their daily life.

  

  Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to regain your strength.

  Then, continue your journey to Bao Lac, taking the famous Vietnamese Happiness Road.

  Dinner is free so you can choose your own dining experience.

  Night at the hotel in Bao Lac, where you will be welcomed in a standard mini hotel for a well-deserved rest.

• Day 10: Bao Lac - Lo Lo Noir Village - Ba Be Lake (Guide & Driver) (B, D)

  After breakfast, continue your adventure by going to Ba Be for a day full of surprises.

  Just 13 km from Bao Lac, you will arrive at the picturesque village of Lo Lo Noir, famous for having been the filming location of the film "Unknown Land" broadcast on France 2. Immerse yourself in the enchanting universe of this village and experience moments unforgettable with its inhabitants.

  At the beginning of the afternoon, go to the village of Bac Ngoi, where the Tays Noir will welcome you warmly. Surrounded by an extraordinary jungle, this village is located on the edge of the magnificent Ba Be Lake. Enjoy a pleasant walk in the peaceful valley inhabited by the Tays and discover their authentic daily life.

  

  Settle into a charming stilt house typical of the Tay ethnic group, where you will be welcomed like a member of the family.

  End this memorable day by enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by your hosts and spend a relaxing night at a homestay in Ba Be.

  Accommodation: Homestay.

  Explore the splendid village of Lo Lo Noir, share unique moments with the Tay Noir and discover the beauty of Ba Be through the eyes of its inhabitants. A professional and unforgettable experience awaits you.

• Day 11: Ba Be - Cruise on the lake - Thai Nguyen - Hanoi (Guide & Driver) (B, D)

  Today we have the pleasure of enjoying a peaceful boat trip across majestic Ba Be Lake to the Nang River. This natural wonder offers us the opportunity to explore the surrounding tropical national park, with a must-see stop at Puong Limestone Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall.

  

  After disembarking, we hit the road again towards Hanoi, but not without making a few stops along the way to discover charming ethnic villages and capture magnificent shots of a tea plantation.

  Finally, we will arrive in Hanoi at the very end of the afternoon.

  Dinner will be free, allowing everyone to choose and enjoy a meal according to their preferences.

  The night will take place in Hanoi, offering everyone the comfort and tranquility necessary to rest after this beautiful day of exploration.

  Night at the hotel

• Day 12: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Junk cruise (Guide and Driver) (B, D)

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  We begin our journey to Halong Bay, one of the eight wonders of the world, where nearly 3000 limestone sugar loaves extend over an area of 1553 km2. Arriving in Halong, we will discover this magical place at the end of the morning.

  Upon arrival at Hon Gai port, we will be transferred to the junk by a tender boat. Once on board, we will be greeted with a welcome drink before checking into our rooms.

  

  We will enjoy a lunch of local specialties while sailing through Bai Tu Long Bay. We will be amazed by the limestone islets with varied shapes, created naturally by the erosion of air and water.

  A visit to the fishing village of Vung Vieng by rowing boat will allow us to meet the local inhabitants. We will also have the opportunity to visit the floating school and the pearl farm.

  We can swim in the emerald waters of the bay before returning to the junk. At dusk, we will enjoy the magnificent landscape of the bay...

  During the cruise, we will have the opportunity to participate in a short cooking class. We will anchor in the Cong Do area to spend the night.

  An unforgettable seafood dinner, based on Vietnamese and Western cuisine, awaits us. In the evening, we will have the choice between watching a good film, playing chess, playing the guitar, fishing or simply admiring the starry sky from the terrace.

  We will spend the night on the junk, lulled by the waves.

  Please note that the cruise program may be modified depending on weather conditions and navigation requirements.

• Day 13: Halong Bay - Continuation of the cruise - Tam Coc (Guide and Driver) (B,L,D)

  Wake up early to attend a Tai Chi class on the deck of the boat, a refreshing experience that will help you start the day right.

  

  After this relaxing session, you will be happy to know that breakfast is already waiting for you, ready to indulge.

  Once you've had your fill, get ready to explore the magnificent Thien Canh Son Cave. This natural wonder will transport you into a magical universe, with its stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by time.

  Back on board the junk, it's time to rest and check out your cabin before getting comfortable.

  During the journey back to the port, a brunch buffet will await you, offering you a variety of delicious foods to sample.

  Once disembarked, you will be welcomed at the pier to begin your excursion to Tam Coc, through the picturesque provinces of the Red River Delta.

  

  Arriving in Tam Coc, you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area by bike, allowing you to experience the lives of local people and immerse yourself in their authentic culture.

  Dinner will be self-guided, allowing you to choose where you would like to enjoy your meal and explore the culinary delights of the region.

  After a busy day, you can finally rest peacefully in Tam Coc, where you will spend the night, surrounded by an enchanting setting.

   

• Day 14: Tam Coc - Boat trip - Dance Cave - Hanoi (Guide & Driver) (B,L,D)

  After breakfast, it is time to board a boat and explore the splendid landscapes of the Ngo Dong River. Be captivated by the majestic granite cliffs and calm waters for a relaxing and wonderful afternoon. And let's not forget the magnificent Bich Dong Pagoda which also awaits you.

  

  Along the way, don't miss the opportunity to take a break at the dance grotto. As you climb the 486 stone steps that lead to the top of the bell-shaped mountain, you can gaze at the panoramic beauty of “land Halong Bay”. On one side, you will be amazed by the winding Tam Coc River and its numerous boats, while on the other side, a cultivated plain will stretch out before you, dotted with sugar loaves emerging here and there. You can then go back down and pass through the dance cave, located at the foot of the mountain.

  Then we will leave for Hoa Lu, in Ninh Binh province, where the ancient capital of Vietnam of the three feudal dynasties of Dinh, Tien Le and Ly is located. You will have the opportunity to visit the two temples dating from the 19th century, dedicated to kings Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, and thus delve into the fascinating history of this region.

  After this day full of discoveries, we will take the road back to Hanoi in the afternoon. Then transfer to the airport for your departure flight (flight at your expense). Home sweet home. Thanks you and hope to see you again with another trip.