In-depth tour of Vietnam

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Gastronomic Hanoi

  Welcome to Vietnam for the start of a journey of nearly three weeks! You will meet your guide at the airport and be taken to the hotel to freshen up. After nightfall, you will make your first culinary discoveries with him in Hoan Kiem, the Old Quarter of the capital. It will be a great opportunity to taste dishes as strange as they are wonderful, which you won't believe your eyes. This gastronomic excursion in Hanoi will begin at Bia Hoi Corner to taste the local beer, a draft with East European origins. Like the locals, you will pull up a small plastic stool to sit, have a drink, and watch the urban scene. Your guide will point out a whole range of tasty noodles, breads, and snacks as you walk through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. In the evening, the sidewalks are filled with Hanoians perched on their seats, in the midst of sizzling woks and bubbling pots. These little restaurants popping up everywhere are a local nighttime specialty, but not only that. You will sit down to enjoy a Vietnamese barbecue of beef, chicken, tofu, and vegetables on skewers. Then, you will have dessert at one of the most renowned ice cream parlors in Hanoi before returning to the hotel.

• day 2

  Historic Hanoi

  Well rested, you will begin your excursion with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. This imposing structure houses the remains of the revered former president, who died in 1969 and led the campaign to free Vietnam from French colonization. It is one of the most important monuments in the capital and an ideal place to learn more about the country's history. You will then stroll around the mausoleum to see the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace, where a replica of the modest workspace of the man known as Uncle Ho is displayed. Next, you will head to the Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Vietnam. This ancient complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings was built in homage to the wise and learned Chinese philosopher Confucius. With your stomach rumbling, you will then sit down for a traditional Vietnamese lunch at the Porte d'Annam restaurant. This will also be an opportunity to attend a cooking demonstration, and even get hands-on yourself! As the excursion comes to an end, you can either choose to relax by returning to your hotel to unwind, or go out to see Hanoi's nightlife come alive. Don't worry, the next stage of the tour doesn't start until the following afternoon, so you can stay out late and sleep in.

• day 3

  Historic Hanoi

  You will start the tour not on foot, but aboard a cyclo. This is as much a means of transport as it is a cultural element you should get to know, allowing you to move around and take photos at your leisure. You will be seated and relaxed while your driver weaves through the many motorcycles, sometimes speeding by. You will travel through some of the liveliest streets of the Old Quarter this afternoon, passing by French colonial houses. When you reach the north gate of the Ancient Citadel, you will get off the tricycle to see up close this gigantic fortress, located in the heart of the city, as imposing as it is impressive. You will then go to Cua Bac Church, a beautiful remnant of French and Catholic influence, which is not far away. Then it will be the turn of the 11th-century Taoist temple Quan Thanh, one of the oldest and most culturally representative in the capital, about a ten-minute walk from the citadel. Next, you will circle the edges of West Lake, visiting a pagoda along the way. The guide will tell you a few words about the former US presidential candidate John McCain, who left memories of captivity there. Near this huge and picturesque body of water, you will stop for a moment at the historic Pho Cuon restaurant for a quick bite. Then you will become more familiar with Hanoian culture through new culinary experiences. You will first head to Chau Long market, whose endless stalls are bustling with activity, then pass by Nguyen Truong To street, famous for its desserts. There is also Hang Than street, known as the epicenter of wedding cake bakeries. You will taste some, giving you an insight into wedding traditions, so specific to Hanoi. Finally, you will pass through Hang Cot street to see up close how reed mats are woven. The tour will near its end with a traditional Vietnamese coffee on Hang Ga street, and a stop at the Buffalo Tours office at the Silk Path hotel. You can rest your legs there before being taken to your own hotel and spending the evening as you wish.

• day 4

  Halong Bay – Hanoi

  Departure from the capital in the morning to reach the port of Along by shuttle. On board the Azalée Deluxe, a beautifully restored traditional wooden junk, you will admire the sublime beauty of the limestone rocky peaks rising from the water like giants. Your first day in the archipelago will be dedicated first to visiting a pearl farm. Then, you will sail peacefully towards Kiem Lam, a remote bay in Cat Ba National Park. If you feel adventurous, you can disembark there for a swim. You will also have the opportunity to visit sea caves and isolated creeks, inaccessible with larger boats. Then, you will return to the junk and end the day with a Vietnamese cooking demonstration by the Azalée chefs, before spending a peaceful night at sea.

• day 5

  Halong Bay – Hanoi

  You will wake up well rested as the boat heads towards Surprise Cave, the largest in Halong Bay. After a short trip in a small boat, you will be struck by the entrance to the cavity, deceptively narrow; once crossed, it opens onto a large gallery, indeed, with impressive limestone formations. It is well named, Surprise Cave! Back on the junk, you will take a scenic cruise towards Halong port and will arrive there shortly after noon. From there, you will take the road again and return to Hanoi in the early evening. You will spend your last night in the capital to relax and, if you wish, discover some nightlife spots.

• day 6

  Hanoi – Flight to Hue

  After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport to go to Hue. Another escort will be waiting for you there to transfer you to your new hotel. The rest of the day will be devoted to leisure activities, according to your wishes. You can stroll through the imperial city, explore its picturesque charm, or simply relax and enjoy its riverside atmosphere.

• day 7

  Visit of Hué

  You will have your breakfast before setting out to discover the famous royal tombs of the ancient capital, illustrious examples of the past of the great Nguyen dynasty, as well as garden pavilions. You will begin the excursion by sailing down the peaceful Perfume River by boat, enjoying the pleasure of contemplating the endless surrounding greenery. At the end of this one-hour cruise, you will disembark at the quay and be taken to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh. There, you will admire the unusual combination of architecture that blends traditional Chinese heritage with Western modernity. Next, you will continue the tour with the Minh Mang tomb, allowing you to appreciate an opulent and exotic resting place, arranged in a formal Chinese style. For lunch, you will enjoy vegetarian dishes prepared by the nuns of Dong Thuyen Pagoda, a temple located at the top of a hill offering a fantastic view. Pass by their kitchen to see how your meal is prepared, in a wood-fired pan, then immerse yourself in your plate in the company of the devout cooks. This will be an opportunity for you to learn a little more about Buddhism, or simply to get to know your kind hosts. Next, you will head to Thanh Tien village, known for its paper flower crafts, practiced for 300 years. You will meet one of the locals and learn how they are made by creating your own decoration. Rest assured of one thing: the visit will serve a good cause, as it is supported by Backstreet Academy. This mutual aid association provides additional income and recognition to artists, craftsmen, and home workers in difficulty. Finally, you will join the Tha Om garden pavilion and its owner, Mr. Vinh, who will tell you the story of his royal heritage. Once you have learned what a typical Hue residence was like in the 19th century, you will return to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

• day 8

  Visit of Hué

  In the morning, you will have the pleasure of traveling 40 kilometers from the city center to explore the picturesque countryside. You will be taken to the village of Phuoc Tich, a preserved residential area dotted with 27 "nha ruong", the region's traditional houses, with their unique gardens. You will stroll through peaceful streets, visit one of these residences, and admire the historical monuments nestled in the landscape. You will also have the opportunity to prepare a "banh gai it", one of Hue's most famous traditional cakes, with your host, Madame Kieu. A portion of the tour's proceeds will be given directly to her to help her make a living as a home chef. After this culinary experience, you will hop on a bicycle for a 30-kilometer cycling tour. From Thanh Toan to the Tam Giang lagoon, you will wind through the countryside while observing local life and the peaceful atmosphere of old villages. Along the way, you will stop at Quang Cong, known in the region as the "City of Ghosts". You will be sure to admire the increasingly sumptuous and elaborate tombs that villagers build for their ancestors. Once you arrive at the Tam Giang lagoon, you will enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood and take a boat ride. You will float past the riverside families' houses, stopping to meet some of them. Finally, you will return to your hotel in the late afternoon, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your evening as you wish.

• day 9

  Hue - Hai Van Pass – Gastronomic Hoi An

  The day will probably start by taking the most picturesque coastal road in Vietnam, thanks to the Hai Van Pass section ("ocean clouds" in Vietnamese). This five-hour journey along the coastline of the South China Sea is truly breathtaking. Passing through the city of Danang, you will stop at the Cham Museum, dedicated to this civilization that ruled central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century and had a huge religious and cultural impact. You will then arrive in Hoi An to first discover the dishes and flavors that make it unique. You will embark on a culinary expedition to discover the dishes that have made this coastal city famous. With an experienced local guide, the secrets of its cuisine will be revealed to you in the city's most famous restaurants. You will start the visit in an establishment renowned for its "white roses," large shrimp dumplings whose shape resembles the flower, a Hoi An exclusive. Enjoy yourself while watching, amazed, as employees produce up to 6,000 of them per day, each as beautiful as the next. The program even allows you to try making a few yourself! At the end of a nearby alley, you will leave these "nurseries" to visit a 250-year-old ancient house. You will have the opportunity to enter a traditional Hoi An house and discover the customs and traditions of its inhabitants. You might even share a meal with them if, by chance, you arrive at dinner time! You will stroll around the property, chatting with your host to learn more about their way of life. Before the next stage of the excursion, you will visit the workshop where, with skillful hands, they spend hours creating sophisticated and innovative silver jewelry. You will take home one of these unique and personal souvenirs or, more simply, express your admiration. Next, you will move on to another local specialty, the savory "banh can" biscuits. Served with quail eggs, pork, and a tasty salad, they are also a must in the local gastronomic culture. Take a small stool and enjoy them with your companion. You can also try the "banh mi," the Vietnamese baguette. You will continue your culinary journey by tasting grilled pork "sate" skewers and visiting the central market along the way. Finally, it will be time to savor the famous "cao lau" noodles or chicken rice, which is just as popular. You will end the tour with a good coffee, as they are so well made in the country, the perfect conclusion to any meal.

• day 10

  Historic Hoi An

  After breakfast, you will take an interesting and insightful tour of the important sites in Hoi An, discovering its history. This is an ancient trading port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Arab merchants between the 16th and 18th centuries. The city is now famous for its restored architecture, handmade silk, skilled tailors, as well as its delicious noodles and seafood. The relaxed atmosphere in its pedestrian streets makes them very pleasant for strolling and discovering new things. Your first stop will be at the Chua Ong Pagoda, dating from 1653. It was built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, revered by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next will be the great hall of the Phuc Kien Assembly and the Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors. You will then walk to the two-century-old Tan Ky ancient house, not far away, and then reach the magnificent 17th-century Covered Bridge, which also serves as a temple. This major monument of Hoi An, built by Japanese craftsmen, is one of the most photographed. You will end the afternoon with a boat trip along the Thu Bon River before returning to the hotel. Then, you will go to dinner, not without first walking along the riverbanks whose nighttime charm is amplified by the light of the lanterns.

• day 11

  Bucolic Hoi An

  You will have your breakfast and then hop on a bicycle to spend half a day in the picturesque countryside around Hoi An. You will pedal past rows of rice fields, then reach Cam Thanh to get a glimpse of local rural life. This village was a refuge for residents and soldiers during the Vietnam War. But today, it is mainly famous for its thatched cottages, woven from local water coconut leaves. You will spend some time with a family in Cam Thanh, then, aboard a bamboo basket boat, you will learn how to catch crabs alongside experts in the field. After a well-deserved break and tasting some fresh coconut water, you will get back on your bicycle and head to the Ha Linh lantern workshop. As part of a hands-on class, artisans there will teach you how to create these delicate objects. Don't forget to take the one you made with you, and you will return to Hoi An by bike, once again enjoying the charming surrounding landscape. Enjoy your last evening in the historic city by taking another stroll along the river, floating a lantern for good luck.

• day 12

  Hoi An – Da Nang – Flight to Nha Trang

  The guide will take you to Danang airport for the flight to Nha Trang, where a new escort will be waiting to take you to the hotel. After freshening up, you will take a walk on the beach and enjoy a bit of sand and sun before dinner.

• day 13

  Nha Trang

  You will spend this thirteenth stage as you wish, soaking up the tropical beauty of Nha Trang. You can relax on the pleasant beaches or take a boat, for example, to visit the magnificent surrounding islands. You will also have the opportunity to take one of the day trips, allowing you to discover other attractions in the region, such as the Long Son Pagoda, Po Nagar, or Vinpearl Park.

• day 14

  Nha Trang – Dalat

  You will meet your guide after breakfast to set off for Dalat, a scenic drive of about 4 hours. Once you have arrived and settled into your new hotel, you can stroll peacefully through this city known as the "city of eternal spring." But if relaxation tempts you, you may simply choose to unwind and enjoy the comfort and the view from your new residence.

• day 15

  Dalat

  The resort, created by French colonists in Indochina a little over a century ago, is also famous for its mountainous landscapes. Its pine forests, lakes, waterfalls, and fresh air are its main attractions, thus fueling its reputation as an ideal place to take a break. Whatever you choose to do during this day, you will understand why Dalat and its surroundings are also appreciated by today's Vietnamese.

• day 16

  Dalat – Flight to gastronomic Ho Chi Minh City

  In good shape at the end of this invigorating stay in Dalat, you will head to the airport with the help of the guide to fly to Saigon, the former official name of the southern metropolis. A new guide will welcome you there and take you to the hotel. You will experience the culture of Ho Chi Minh City both literally and figuratively, starting from the very first evening. You will first discover its culinary scene, indeed, in downtown establishments appreciated by the locals. Walking alongside your guide along small alleys that come alive at night, he will have you try dishes as strange as they are wonderful, and you will see how they are prepared. Pull up a stool and taste a selection of the favorite dishes of Southern Vietnamese people, starting with a very original rice paper "pizza." Then enjoy some "beo banh" or fresh snails, as well as the "banh xeo" pancake. You will end the evening with a dessert served in one of the small restaurants specializing in sweet soups. Then, you will return to the hotel after possibly extending the pleasures of this lively nightlife.

• day 17

  Historic Ho Chi Minh City

  Your excursion will start in the morning, leaving the tourist trails behind to discover the local life of bustling Saigon. You will discover the Sino-Vietnamese communities of Cho Lon, one of the largest and oldest Chinese districts in the world. You will visit, in particular, the emblematic Binh Tay market, a maze of food stalls with its grand Sino-French architecture. You will learn about the daily life of its fruit and vegetable vendors, often exotic, by trying your luck with some of their products. You will also take a break, enjoying a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee with milk, "ca phe sua da". Next, you will observe the urban scene from a cyclo as you cross the narrow and chaotic streets. Everything is negotiated here, from motorcycle spare parts to religious objects, frenetically! You will also stop at the historic Cha Tam church, where President Diem was arrested during the 1963 coup d'état. The echoes of the city's turbulent past will resonate as you continue your way to the oldest streets of Cho Lon. You can also visit a traditional Chinese medicine shop and see how their herbal tea is prepared. Then, you will arrive at the Minh Huong communal house, the base of one of the oldest Chinese communities in the district. You will be told the story of families who came from the neighboring country more than three centuries ago, and their integration into Vietnamese culture over the years. The morning will end aboard the beautiful Lady Hau barge, where you will have the pleasure of attending another cooking lesson (this will only take place with at least 8 participants). You will then sit down to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch while Saigon passes by before your eyes.

• day 18

  Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

  Departure from the hotel at 8 a.m. to be driven to the town of Cai Be and board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional boat made of indigenous wood, rattan, and bamboo. During the French colonial period, these boats were an essential means of transport in these marshy areas due to the poor condition of the roads. Even today, they are very practical for reaching the isolated communities of the delta. Meet at the Cai Be pier at 10 a.m. with the attentive and welcoming crew. They will provide you with towels and refreshing drinks while the sampan sets off for a peaceful cruise along the very lively waterways. The traffic and activities never stop, as you will observe while being served tea and seasonal fruits. Comfortably settled, you will notice from the boat the bustling life on the banks, with their inhabitants and beautiful landscapes. During the stops, you can visit an old house dating from the 19th century, or artisanal factories making coconut candies and puffed rice, the local equivalent of popcorn. These products allow the river population to earn a living. Your cruise will end at the Le Longanier restaurant, established in a very pleasant colonial-style villa, where you will have lunch. With its lush tropical garden and fruit trees, this establishment will give you an idea of the life of the French during the Indochina era. After the meal, around 2:30 p.m., you will take a short walk along a small canal towards the Ba Bon bridge. Your private vehicle will be waiting there to take you back to Ho Chi Minh City.

• day 19

  Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

  Your guide will meet you at the hotel in the morning and take you to the airport for your return flight.