Vietnam, Hanoi

Vietnam with the family

On arrival in Hanoi, you'll be warmly greeted by our driver at the airport. A private transfer will take you to the heart of the city, where you can relax or explore the Vietnamese capital at your own pace. Stroll through the lively alleys, soak up the local atmosphere or make yourself comfortable at your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Rooms will be available from 2:00 pm.

After breakfast, explore Hanoi, nicknamed the “Paris of the East” for its colonial architecture and picturesque lakes.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, with its mausoleum and house on stilts, as well as the famous One Pillar Pagoda. Then on to the Tran Quoc pagoda, the city's oldest, located on an island in the West Lake.

In the afternoon, discover the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, before strolling through the Old Quarter and around Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city.

In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese tradition.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Early in the morning, departure for Ninh Binh, famous for its spectacular scenery and historic relics. You'll visit the 10th-century temples of the Dinh and Le kings, witnesses to Vietnam's imperial past.

In the afternoon, embark on a sampan cruise through the Tam Coc caves, where rivers and limestone peaks form an enchanting backdrop.

Return to Hanoi at the end of the day.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, departure by private car for Halong Bay, crossing the Red River delta. On arrival, board your boat, greeted by the crew with a refreshing drink.

The cruise begins through emerald waters, winding between impressive limestone peaks. A fresh seafood lunch is served on board as you admire the spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, explore a hidden grotto, before enjoying the calm of the bay at sunset.

Dinner and overnight on board. Night fishing available on request.

Remarks :

- Itinerary may vary according to weather and boat availability.

- English-speaking guide on board only, no guide for the Hanoi - Halong trip.

Wake up gently to the sunrise over the bay and enjoy a Tai Chi session on the deck. During breakfast, the cruise continues through the islets and floating villages, offering a final glimpse of this enchanting landscape.

Disembark late in the morning, then return to Hanoi by private car. In the evening, board the night train to Hue.

Overnight in an air-conditioned compartment with four soft berths.

Dinner is not included (plan to eat before departure).

Note: Trains in Vietnam offer simple comfort, with journeys that can be noisy and bumpy.

Upon your arrival in Hue, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, followed by a transfer to the city. You will start the day with a local breakfast, enjoying the famous Bun Bo Hue, a fragrant soup made with rice noodles and beef.

The morning will be dedicated to visiting the Imperial Citadel, the historic heart of Hue and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you pass through its imposing gates, you will discover its palaces, temples, and gardens, all witnesses to the city's royal past.

Continue with the exploration of Hue's typical garden houses, where nature and architecture blend harmoniously in a peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece nestled in a serene natural setting, surrounded by frangipani and lotus.

Finally, stroll through the Dong Ba market, ideal for shopping and discovering local products.

Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

The day begins with a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue, perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. Built in 1601, this seven-storey tower is one of the oldest places of worship in the region.

Next, board a local boat to reach the village of Thuy Bieu, a true haven of peace reflecting the authenticity of Hue's countryside. By bicycle, meet local artisans and discover the secrets of silk painting, incense stick making, and sesame candy.

You will then be welcomed by a local family for a traditional cooking class where you will learn to prepare three Hue specialities: Vả with shrimp and pork; Banh Ram It (crispy rice cake topped with shrimp and pork) and Banh Khoái (pan-fried pancake stuffed with shrimp and pork belly).

After tasting your dishes, enjoy a herbal foot bath, a wellness break inspired by local traditions.

The afternoon is free for you to relax at the hotel pool or explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning to relax by the pool or explore Hué at your own pace.

At 1:00 PM, depart by car (without a guide) towards Hoi An. En route, cross the Hai Van Pass, offering a spectacular view of the central coast, and take a break at Lang Co, one of Vietnam's most beautiful beaches.

On the way, stop at An Bằng village, nicknamed the 'City of Ghosts', where impressive, richly decorated tombs reflect the Vietnamese culture of ancestor worship.

Arrive in Hoi An around 5:00 PM, then enjoy free time to discover the town at your leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. Alternatively, you can opt for a getaway to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach, two beautiful beaches located just 5 km from the town centre.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. You might also choose to escape to An Bang Beach or Cua Dai, two stunning beaches located just 5 km from the town centre.

Overnight in Hoi An.

In the morning, transfer with the driver to Danang Airport for the flight to Hanoi, followed by the international departure flight.

Meals are at your own discretion depending on the flight schedule. The room is available until noon only.

Visitor formalities:

Since August 15, 2023, French nationals are exempt from visa requirements for stays not exceeding 45 days (including days of entry and exit), regardless of passport type and purpose of stay.

To benefit from this visa exemption, the expiry date of the French passport must not be less than six months before the end of the stay in Vietnam.

Tourist visa exemption (maximum 45 days, including entry and exit days), e-visa (maximum 90 days, including multiple entry and exit days), and tourist visas in general are not extendable or renewable on the spot. Neither the French Embassy in Hanoi nor the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City can intervene in these matters, which fall within the competence of the Vietnamese authorities.