The Essentials of Northern Vietnam

Program description

• Day 01: Hanoi Arrival

  Arrival in Hanoi. Your French-speaking guide will warmly welcome you and ensure your transfer to the city center. The heart of the city, frozen in old-world charm, transports visitors to a bygone era with its temples and pagodas, shaded alleys, and beautiful lakes. Hanoi has preserved its unique heritage over the years.

  The streets of the city still bear the names of the trades and goods that have defined its reputation for generations. Hang Gai Street, also known as Silk Street, is the main artery of the Old Quarter. From this central street, a maze of alleys weaves its way—eastward toward the ancient city walls and the Red River, and westward to the old Co Loa Citadel. Exploring these historic treasures promises a truly immersive experience.

  Your room will be available from 2:00 PM. After your arrival in downtown Hanoi, you will enjoy an introductory guided tour of the Vietnamese capital, including a visit to the Dong Xuan Market, the Opera House, and the beautiful St. Joseph’s Cathedral. You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you can settle in comfortably.

  Take a short break in your room to relax before dinner at a local restaurant. You will spend a peaceful night at your hotel, enjoying some well-deserved rest.

• Day 02: Hanoi – Halong Bay

  After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Hanoi toward the magnificent Halong Bay, passing through picturesque rural villages. Halong Bay, shaped by wind and tides, is a breathtaking landscape of 3,000 limestone islets. It is undoubtedly one of the most visited wonders of the country. The islands rise from the emerald waters, offering a dazzling spectacle where the colors shift depending on the time of day and Neptune’s mood.

  After approximately 4 hours on the road, we arrive in Halong around midday and board a shared wooden junk for a 24-hour cruise through the bay. A delicious seafood lunch awaits us onboard, allowing us to savor the freshness of local products. We then cruise past Turtle Rock and Fighting Cock Islet, admiring these unique limestone formations.

  The cruise continues with a visit to Surprise Cave, an underground marvel featuring breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations. Next, we stop at Ti Tov Beach, where you can relax or swim. For those who love stunning views, we invite you to climb to the top of the hill for a spectacular panoramic view over the bay. If weather permits, you’ll also get to enjoy a beautiful sunset from the boat.

  After a full day, we return onboard the junk, where a delicious dinner is served. Overnight in your cabin on the boat.

  This excursion to Halong Bay from Hanoi is a truly unforgettable and professionally organized experience, allowing you to discover one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary adventure in a breathtaking setting.

• Jour 03: Halong Bay – Hanoi

  For discovery and wellness enthusiasts, a beautiful opportunity awaits you: an introductory Tai Chi session in an idyllic setting, at sunrise, aboard a boat on the majestic Halong Bay. Considered one of the wonders of the world, this bay enchants with its natural beauty. According to legend, a dragon once stopped here to refresh itself and, captivated by the splendor of the place, chose to remain forever. On board, a delicious breakfast will be served to gently start your day.

  Next, a unique excursion awaits: a rowboat cruise to explore the fascinating Tunnel Cave. If you wish, you will also have the opportunity to go kayaking for an open-sea adventure. After all this exploration, a delicious brunch will be served on board to delight your taste buds.

  Afterward, you will disembark in Halong and take the road back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in the capital, you will visit the Lake of the Returned Sword (Ho Hoan Kiem), a true gem in the heart of the Old Quarter. Don’t miss the visit to the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son), dating back to the 19th century and located on an island in the middle of the lake. In the late afternoon, enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Hanoi, at the heart of the historic district of the 36 guilds.

  Dinner will offer you unique flavors with local specialties such as Cha Ca, a delicious fish-based dish. End this rich day of discoveries and sensations with an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.

  This experience, combining relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion, promises to be exceptional. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy an unforgettable day discovering the magnificent Halong Bay and the charming city of Hanoi.

• Day 04: Hanoi – The Ancient Village of Duong Lam – Nghia Lo

  In the morning, after a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on a fascinating journey to the ancient village of Duong Lam. Upon arrival, enjoy a pleasant bike ride through charming rice fields and the picturesque alleys of the village to reach the majestic Mia Pagoda.

  Built in 1632, this pagoda is a true architectural treasure, home to no fewer than 287 Buddha statues—the largest collection of its kind in Vietnam. You will be amazed by the peaceful atmosphere and the intricacy and originality of these magnificent sculptures.

  After this enriching cultural visit, continue on to discover the Ngo Quyen Mausoleum and the Phung Hung Temple, two other historical gems of the region. Then, take a leisurely walk to explore the traditional houses of Duong Lam. You’ll have the chance to meet local residents and enjoy an immersive experience as you learn about their authentic way of life.

  A unique culinary experience also awaits: you’ll learn to prepare the famous Che Lam—grilled rice candy, a local specialty. You can taste your homemade creations during a delicious lunch with a host family, where you'll experience the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

  In the afternoon, continue your journey toward Nghia Lo. Along the way, enjoy several stops to capture stunning photos of the tea plantations that line the road. Nghia Lo, the second rice capital of the Northwest, sits at an altitude of 200 meters, at the foot of the majestic Khau Pha mountain range, also known as the "Celestial Horn."

  You’ll be dazzled by the picturesque beauty of Nghia Lo, with its terraced rice fields, winding rivers flowing through lush gardens, and traditional stilt houses. This village is mainly inhabited by the Thai ethnic community, who have lived in this region for hundreds of years.

  Upon arrival in Nghia Lo, you’ll receive a warm welcome at your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after a full day. Dinner will be served on-site, allowing you to savor the delicious flavors of local cuisine.

  This day, rich in cultural discoveries and authentic encounters with local people, will remain etched in your memory. You’ll soak in the beauty of the Vietnamese landscape while enjoying the professionalism and comfort of your journey.

• Day 05: Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai

  The day begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, we head north to explore a spectacular new route through magnificent valleys covered in terraced rice fields, where minority villages are nestled. Our destination is Mu Cang Chai, the birthplace of Vietnam’s most beautiful terraced rice fields.

  Along the way, we will make numerous stops to admire the rural scenery and meet local inhabitants. A stop is planned in Tu Le, where we will take an easy hike through the terraced rice fields to reach Thai and Hmong villages. Here, we will be warmly welcomed by locals dressed in traditional costumes.

  We’ll enjoy lunch along the way, before continuing our route along the mountain range. After crossing the Khau Pha Pass (1,550 m), we will enjoy a pleasant hike in the heart of La Pan Tan, considered the capital of Vietnam's terraced rice fields. This excursion will offer breathtaking views of the stunning Mu Cang Chai landscapes, with cultivated valleys and mountains blanketed in rice terraces—even in the most arid areas.

  In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Mu Cang Chai, where we will be hosted by a local family. The surrounding landscape is of exceptional beauty. To enrich our experience, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional dance performance and taste local rice wine in the evening. Dinner will also be prepared by our hosts, and we will spend the night in a stilt house, offering simple but comfortable accommodations.

• Day 06: Mu Cang Chai - Sa Pa

  After breakfast with your host family, depart for Sapa along a scenic road winding through the mountains. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam at 3,143 meters. A highlight of the journey will be a visit to the stunning Silver Waterfall, cascading down nearly 100 meters from the mountain slopes. Upon arrival in Sapa, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

  In the afternoon, a road transfer will take you to the charming village of Y Linh Ho, the starting point for your hike through magnificent mountain landscapes. A pleasant descent will lead you into the heart of the Muong Hoa Valley, often called the cultural capital of the region’s ethnic minorities—including the Black Hmong, Dzay, Tay, Hani, Thai, and Red Dzao communities. This cultural encounter will enrich your understanding and allow you to observe the fascinating daily life of the locals. Along the way, you’ll pass through Lao Chai, a village of the Black Hmong.

  The walk will end beautifully in Ta Van, a charming village home to both the Mong and Dzay ethnic groups. In the late afternoon, you will return to Sapa. This mountain retreat, originally designed by the French in 1922, was forgotten for some time before being happily rediscovered by travelers. Nestled at an altitude of 1,600 meters, it offers a pleasant and restful stay. You’ll check into a comfortable hotel, perfect for relaxing after a full day.

  Dinner will be professionally served, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavors of local cuisine. You’ll spend a peaceful night at the hotel.

• Day 07: Sapa - Bac Ha

  After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will continue your journey by vehicle toward the charming village of Nam Sai, inhabited by the Xa Pho ethnic group. With a population of over 6,000 people, this village offers a unique opportunity to discover their culture and customs during a 30-minute walk.

  Following this enriching experience, you will drive another 10 km to reach the commune of Nam Cang. Here, you will visit the beautiful and prosperous village of Nam Than, home to the Red Dzao people. Throughout this part of the trip, you’ll be amazed by the splendid landscapes of the Nam Sai Valley.

  A lunch break will be taken along the way to recharge before the afternoon’s adventures. You’ll then continue by road to Bac Ha, a region known for its ethnic diversity—particularly the vibrant presence of the Flower Hmong people. Here, you will discover an impressive ethnic market, a true paradise for the senses and for travelers seeking authenticity.

  After a full day, you’ll settle into the Ngan Nga Hotel to relax. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend a pleasant night in this welcoming accommodation.

• Day 08: Bac Ha – Visit the Market – Departure Flight

  Breakfast at the hotel marks the beginning of a day full of adventure. In the morning, visit the vibrant Bac Ha Market, held every Sunday. Various ethnic minorities from the region gather here to trade a wide variety of goods—buffaloes, horses, pigs, spices, fruits and vegetables, traditional clothing, shoes, mobile phones, and jewelry. The market atmosphere is electrifying, with bent-over highlanders descending the mountain slopes carrying baskets on their backs to attend and do business. Immerse yourself in this energetic scene and take in the intricate details of the magnificent costumes worn by different ethnic groups.

  Upon returning to your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to take a refreshing shower before checking out around midday. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, allowing you to savor some of the region’s specialties.

  In the afternoon, you will be transferred by road back to Hanoi.

  A farewell dinner will offer you one last chance to enjoy the delights of local cuisine at a renowned restaurant. According to your flight schedule, a transfer will then take you to Hanoi Airport for your departure flight to Paris. Check-in and boarding procedures will be handled professionally. You’ll depart comfortably on a connecting flight, with all necessary services and an overnight stay on board included to ensure a smooth and restful journey.