DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI
first impressions of the capital
Arrival at Hanoi International Airport. Warm welcome by your Tonkin Travel private driver, followed by a private transfer to your centrally located hotel.
Check-in to your room (available from 13:30).
Free time to relax or begin exploring the charming streets and lively atmosphere of Vietnam’s capital at your own pace.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation
DAY 2: HANOI – URBAN STROLL & LOCAL FLAVORS
Old Quarter charm, colonial heritage & Hanoi street food
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 08:30, meet your guide for a first immersion into the soul of Vietnam’s capital. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter, discovering emblematic sites such as Dong Xuan Market, the street of medicinal herbs, Bach Ma Temple, and Saint Joseph’s Cathedral.
Continue with a cyclo ride through the French colonial quarter, passing elegant period façades and iconic landmarks including the Hanoi Opera House, the former Bank of Indochina, the Residence of the Governor of Tonkin (today the Sofitel Legend Métropole), and the peaceful surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, considered the most comprehensive in the country—a true tribute to Vietnam’s cultural diversity. Its interactive exhibits and full-scale traditional houses offer deep insight into the daily life and traditions of the 54 ethnic groups.
Pass by the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first imperial university, then visit Ngoc Son Temple, set on the waters of Hoan Kiem Lake—a serene haven in the heart of the city.
In the evening, enjoy a guided street food walking tour through Old Hanoi—an unforgettable sensory experience amid lively alleys, local eateries and authentic ambiance. Tastings include iconic specialties such as papaya salad with dried beef, fresh spring rolls, yogurt with fruits, crispy fried pho, along with a cold beer and a lakeside mojito.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: TOWARDS BAC HA – INTO THE HEART OF NORTHERN ETHNIC COMMUNITIES
Journey north to Bac Ha & ethnic encounters in the mountains
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, depart via the highway towards Bac Ha
(approximately 315 km / 5.5 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, lunch at leisure at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, transfer to Na Kim Village, the starting point of a gentle walk (about 1.5 to 2 hours) along mountain paths leading to Quan Din Ngai Village, home to the Flower Hmong ethnic group. Along the way, enjoy heartfelt encounters, children’s smiles and genuine moments of exchange—an authentic immersion into local life.
Continue by vehicle to the peaceful Na Lo Village, nestled in a lush green valley and inhabited by the Tay ethnic group. Warm welcome by your host family in a traditional stilt house.
Take part in the preparation of dinner with the family—an intimate opportunity to learn about their daily life and ancestral traditions.
Friendly dinner and overnight at the homestay.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: BAC HA – HA GIANG – IMMERSION IN THE NORTHERN MOUNTAINS
Ethnic markets, terraced rice fields & Tay village immersion
Breakfast at the homestay.
Depending on the day of the week, visit a local ethnic market, vibrant with colors and atmosphere, or depart directly towards Ha Giang, one of the most emblematic regions of Vietnam’s Far North
(approximately 150 km / 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive).
The journey is punctuated by photo stops and spontaneous encounters with local ethnic communities, offering a first glimpse into the remarkable cultural diversity of the Upper Tonkin.
Arrival at Ha Thanh Village, home to the Tay ethnic group. Settle into a traditional wooden stilt house, where you are warmly welcomed by your host family.
Enjoy a gentle walk (1 to 1.5 hours, easy level – elevation gain approx. 400 m) along small paths leading to nearby villages nestled among terraced rice fields. The rolling landscapes, both raw and soothing, create an atmosphere of deep serenity. Simple yet meaningful exchanges with villagers enrich this immersive experience.
Warm dinner and overnight at the homestay.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: HA GIANG – DONG VAN – THROUGH THE “GATES OF HEAVEN”
Dong Van Karst Plateau & the legendary Gates of Heaven
Breakfast at the homestay.
Depart for an exceptional day through the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a UNESCO-listed site and one of the most spectacular regions in Vietnam. The journey of approximately 150 km (around 5 hours) unfolds through breathtaking mountain scenery.
Along the way, discover the famous “Gates of Heaven” of Quan Ba, Yen Minh and Dong Van. The landscapes are dominated by dramatic limestone peaks and sugar-loaf formations rising above deep valleys—an awe-inspiring expression of raw, untamed nature.
You will pass through Hmong villages clinging to the mountainsides, where inhabitants patiently shape rocky slopes into corn terraces. This unique corn-based civilization reflects the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of these communities in a harsh environment.
Stop at Pho Bang, a little-known historic hamlet of traditional stone houses, imbued with charm, silence and a timeless atmosphere.
Continue along the winding Chin Khoanh Pass, offering spectacular panoramic views. Striking scenes of daily life accompany the route: rosy-cheeked children, women in richly embroidered costumes, and suspended fields carved into the mountains.
Arrival in Dong Van in the late afternoon. Check-in at your hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Dong Van.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: DONG VAN – MA PI LENG PASS – MEO VAC – BAO LAC, BLACK LOLO VILLAGE
Ma Pi Leng Pass, deep valleys & Black Lolo village discovery
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning, continue your exploration of the Dong Van Limestone Plateau, designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The road leads to the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, rising to over 2,000 meters above sea level. This dramatic mountain pass offers breathtaking views over deep gorges, terraced hemp fields, hamlets clinging to steep slopes, and the majestic Nho Que River winding far below.
Several photo stops are planned along the way, allowing you to fully appreciate the spectacular karst landscapes and observe daily life among the Hmong, Dao and Lolo ethnic groups inhabiting this remote region.
En route, pass through the small towns of Lung Ho, Mau Due and Meo Vac, with friendly stops for refreshments or short breaks.
Continue towards Bao Lac, nestled in the heart of the northern mountains. Arrival at Khuoi Khon Village, home to the Black Lolo, a rare and fascinating ethnic group known for their distinctive traditional costumes and ancestral rituals.
Settle into a local stilt house, surrounded by a peaceful natural environment.
Traditional dinner and overnight at a local guesthouse in Bao Lac.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: KHUOI KHON BLACK LOLO VILLAGE – BA BE LAKE – HOMESTAY EXPERIENCE
Black Lolo culture & serene Ba Be Lake homestay
Breakfast at the lodge.
In the morning, visit Khuoi Khon Village, home of the Black Lolo, a rare highland ethnic group brought to wider public attention by the TV program “Rendez-vous en terre inconnue.”
Nestled deep within a steep valley, this hamlet is home to around sixty families living in near self-sufficiency, according to centuries-old traditions. Enjoy a moving encounter with the villagers and discover their richly embroidered costumes, wooden houses, and ancestral way of life, inherited from migrations from China in the 18th century.
Then depart towards Ba Be Lake (approximately 150 km / 3.5 hours’ drive), often called the “Halong Bay of the Mountains” for its serene beauty, blending calm waters and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Upon arrival, settle into a Tay family homestay, in a traditional stilt house located near the lakeshore.
Enjoy a gentle walk through Pac Ngoi Village, observing rural life scenes and the daily activities of villagers living in harmony with nature.
Friendly dinner and overnight at the homestay, in a peaceful and rejuvenating atmosphere.
Included: Private transportation | Homestay accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: BA BE LAKE CRUISE – NATURE, VILLAGES & SERENITY
Ba Be Lake cruise, waterfalls & village life
Breakfast at the homestay.
This morning, board a traditional local boat to explore Ba Be Lake, a natural gem set amid jungle-covered karst mountains. This vast expanse of clear water is often referred to as the “Green Pearl of Northern Vietnam.”
Your first stop is at the Fairy Pond (Ao Tien) and Yen Ma Mountain, both steeped in local legends and surrounded by a mystical atmosphere.
Continue cruising towards the Dau Dang Waterfalls, where you may choose to:
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enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters, or
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take a 30-minute walk through lush forest, immersed in pristine nature.
Lunch is shared with a local family on the lakeshore, a simple and authentic moment of cultural exchange.
In the afternoon, resume the cruise with a stop at Coc Toc Village for a 2 to 3-hour walk, depending on your preference. Discover village life, visit a local school (if accessible), and meet members of the Tay ethnic group.
Before returning to the homestay, enjoy the opportunity to exchange with local fishermen, the quiet guardians of this preserved natural environment.
Friendly dinner and second overnight at the homestay, in the heart of the national park.
Included: Private transportation | Homestay accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9: FROM BA BE TO HANOI – RETURN TO THE CAPITAL
Caves, countryside & return to Hanoi
Breakfast at the homestay.
This morning, enjoy a gentle walk and bike ride along the peaceful paths surrounding the lake, offering insight into the daily life of local ethnic communities.
En route, visit Hua Ma Cave, an impressive limestone cavern adorned with stalactites and steeped in local legends, far from the crowds.
Late in the morning, depart for Hanoi (approximately 6 hours’ drive), traveling through rural landscapes and the rolling mountains of Northern Vietnam.
Lunch at leisure at a local restaurant along the way.
Arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in the heart of the capital.
DAY 10: BETWEEN PRISTINE NATURE & LIMESTONE KARSTS
Ninh Binh landscapes & Cuc Phuong National Park
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early departure towards Ninh Binh Province (approximately 2.5 hours’ drive), often called the “Halong Bay on Land” for its spectacular karst formations rising from lush green plains.
Upon arrival at Van Long Nature Reserve, a poetic protected area covering nearly 3,000 hectares, enjoy a bike ride or motorbike taxi journey (about 7 km / 40 minutes) along the dike. This gentle exploration offers peaceful scenery and close encounters with local rural life.
Lunch at leisure in a local restaurant.
Continue to Cuc Phuong National Park (around 1 hour’s drive), Vietnam’s oldest national park. Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, then enjoy a walk through primary rainforest, immersing yourself in one of the country’s richest ecosystems.
At the end of the day, transfer to Tam Coc and settle in for the night in a calm and natural setting.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: HIDDEN SPLENDORS OF TAM COC & BICH DONG
Tam Coc sampan, Bich Dong pagodas & Hang Mua panorama
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Tho Ha Village, the starting point of a two-hour sampan cruise through rice paddies and limestone karsts towards the unspoiled valley of Thung Nham. Along the way, glide through But Cave—also known as the Fairy Cave, stretching over 500 meters—and other natural caverns before reaching the dramatic karst amphitheater of Bich Dong.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking or cycling tour (3 to 5 km) to visit Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled into Ngu Nhac Mountain. This picturesque complex of three cave pagodas dating from the 17th century served as a filming location for the movie Indochine.
Continue to the panoramic site of Hang Mua, where you climb 486 stone steps to the summit. At the top, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view over the surrounding landscape—a majestic aerial perspective of the “Halong Bay on Land.”
Enjoy free time to relax at the end of the day.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight in Tam Coc.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: FROM NINH BINH TO CAT BA – CRUISE IN THE HEART OF LAN HA BAY
Lan Ha Bay cruise, kayaking & overnight on a traditional junk
12:00 – Boarding
Board your traditional Cozy Boutique junk boat. Warm welcome on board with a refreshing welcome drink.
Begin your cruise through Lan Ha Bay, a preserved gem of the Gulf of Tonkin, known for its tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled scenery. Sail past the largest floating village in the bay, with hundreds of colorful houses gently resting on the water.
Lunch on board, followed by a swimming stop at the wild and secluded Ba Trai Dao beaches.
Enjoy a kayaking excursion among limestone karsts, gliding through hidden corners of the bay bathed in soft natural light.
In the late afternoon, the junk anchors in a peaceful setting. Relax with an aperitif on the upper deck as the sky shifts into warm sunset hues.
Dinner on board, featuring refined Vietnamese specialties.
In the evening, try the local tradition of squid fishing under the stars.
Overnight on board, in a comfortable private cabin.
Included: Private transportation | Overnight cruise accommodation | French-speaking guide on board | Entrance fees
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: FROM CAT BA TO DONG HOI – SEA, SCENIC ROUTE & OVERNIGHT TRAIN
Sunrise over Lan Ha Bay, island life in Viet Hai & overnight train southward
Early wake-up recommended to admire the sunrise over Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful and unforgettable moment.
Breakfast on board as the junk gently resumes its cruise through the calm waters of the bay.
Excursion to Viet Hai Village: enjoy a bike ride or electric vehicle tour to meet the island’s inhabitants, passing traditional houses, quiet rice fields and lush vegetation—an authentic glimpse of life on Cat Ba Island.
Return to the boat for time to freshen up and check-out of cabins before the end of the cruise.
Lunch on board around 11:00.
Disembark at Ben Beo Pier, ferry crossing to Hai Phong, then overland transfer back to Hanoi.
In the evening, transfer to the railway station to board the overnight train to Dong Hoi
(shared 4-berth sleeper cabin, non-private).
Dinner at leisure before boarding.
Overnight on the train.
Included: Private transportation | French-speaking guide | Sleeper train ticket | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 14: DONG HOI – PHONG NHA–KE BANG NATIONAL PARK – HUE
UNESCO caves of Phong Nha–Ke Bang & an epic journey from underground wonders to imperial Hue
Early morning arrival at Dong Hoi Railway Station (around 06:25). Welcome by your driver and guide, then transfer to your hotel for a welcome breakfast and time to freshen up.
Discover Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed for both its geological and ecological value. Covering 857 km², this extraordinary natural area is home to more than 300 caves, including some of the largest and most spectacular in the world.
Board a river cruise into Phong Nha Cave, exploring its underground galleries—both wet and dry sections—renowned for their subterranean rivers and impressive stalactite formations.
After lunch at leisure, continue to Thien Duong (Paradise Cave), the park’s crown jewel. Stretching over 31 km, this vast cave reveals a breathtaking subterranean world sculpted by nature over millions of years.
In the late afternoon, depart by road towards Hue (approximately 4 hours’ drive). Arrival and check-in at your hotel.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Hue.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 15: HUE – FULL-DAY CITY DISCOVERY
Perfume River, imperial heritage & sunset over the Tam Giang Lagoon
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin the day at Dong Ba Market, the vibrant heart of Hue, where the city’s soul comes alive amid the scents of spices, baskets of exotic fruits and displays of traditional handicrafts.
Enjoy a short cruise on the legendary Perfume River to reach the Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of the Celestial Lady), the spiritual symbol of Hue.
Continue with an exterior visit of the Imperial Citadel, a vast fortified complex inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City. Highlights include:
In the afternoon, head to Thanh Thuy Village, famous for the Thanh Toan Covered Bridge and its picturesque scenery of rice fields and canals. Often favored by photographers, this authentic setting offers a timeless glimpse into rural life.
Then enjoy a boat excursion on Chuon Lagoon, in Vinh Ve, part of the immense Tam Giang Lagoon system. Discover the daily life of fishermen living on the water and admire a mesmerizing sunset, with soft pink skies and shimmering reflections.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Hue.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 16: HUE – BACH MA NATIONAL PARK – DA NANG – HOI AN
Bach Ma rainforest, waterfalls & the legendary Hai Van Pass to Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for an excursion to Bach Ma National Park, a natural jewel nestled between Hue and Da Nang. A true biodiversity sanctuary, the park is home to an exceptional variety of flora and fauna, including:
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2,147 plant species, some of which are endemic or endangered,
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1,493 animal species, including nine species of primates (white-cheeked gibbons, macaques, langurs…),
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an impressive bird population with over 350 recorded species, making Bach Ma a paradise for birdwatchers.
Enjoy gentle hikes, adapted to your fitness level, through lush rainforest, past waterfalls and scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas over the surrounding landscapes.
In the late afternoon, continue by road towards Hoi An, via Da Nang, crossing the legendary Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Clouds). This iconic mountain road offers spectacular panoramas over the East Sea and verdant mountain ranges.
Arrival in Hoi An in the evening and check-in at your hotel.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 17: HOI AN – ANCIENT TOWN & COOKING CLASS IN TRA QUE VILLAGE
Cycling to Tra Que, hands-on cooking & UNESCO-listed Hoi An charm
Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village (about 5 km / 20 minutes), renowned for its aromatic herbs grown using traditional methods without chemical fertilizers.
Immerse yourself in local agricultural life. After an introduction to the medicinal uses of Vietnamese herbs, take part in daily gardening activities alongside the farmers: fertilizing with lake algae, sowing, watering and harvesting—an authentic hands-on experience rooted in ancestral know-how.
Join a family-style cooking class, learning to prepare iconic regional dishes such as “Tam Huu” rolls and the famous Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese sizzling pancake), followed by a delicious home-cooked lunch.
Enjoy a moment of well-being with a herbal foot bath, a traditional therapeutic practice to relax body and mind.
In the afternoon, set out on a guided visit of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, discovering its most emblematic landmarks:
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the legendary Japanese Covered Bridge (1593),
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the Tan Ky House, over 200 years old,
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the Tran Family Chapel,
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the Museum of Folk Culture,
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the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and its pagoda dedicated to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 18: HOI AN ✈️ HO CHI MINH CITY – FIRST STEPS IN THE COLONIAL METROPOLIS
Colonial landmarks, Dong Khoi elegance & the vibrant energy of Cholon
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private transfer to Da Nang Airport (without guide) for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Upon arrival, meet your French-speaking guide and transfer to the city center. Check-in at your hotel.
Enjoy a guided orientation walk through the historic center to discover the city’s colonial landmarks:
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the Saigon Central Post Office, a colonial masterpiece designed by Gustave Eiffel,
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Notre-Dame Cathedral, an iconic symbol of the city,
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Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), today a chic and lively shopping avenue.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Cholon, Saigon’s historic Chinatown and vibrant commercial heart:
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visit the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, protector of sailors,
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explore Binh Tay Market, a colorful maze of stalls reflecting the city’s bustling daily life.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 19: SAIGON 🚐 NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK – IMMERSION IN THE WILD
Tropical rainforest, wildlife safari & night sounds of the jungle
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure at 08:00 with your private driver towards Nam Cat Tien National Park
(approximately 160 km / 3.5 hours’ drive), one of Vietnam’s largest and most biodiverse natural reserves.
Arrival around midday and check-in at the park lodge.
Lunch at a local restaurant within the park.
In the afternoon, set out with the English-speaking park ranger for an exploration of the tropical forest (by vehicle or by bicycle, according to your preference – approximately 14 km round trip):
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Discover impressive centuries-old trees such as Bang Lang, Tung and Thien Tue
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Walk to the scenic Ben Cu Waterfall, hidden in the heart of primary rainforest
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
Dinner at the park center.
In the evening, enjoy a night jeep safari through the jungle to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. You may spot deer, porcupines, wild boars and rabbits, and—if luck is on your side—hear the distant calls of the rare Javan rhinoceros.
Return and overnight at the lodge.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | English-speaking park guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20: NAM CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK 🚐 RETURN TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Tropical forest hike, Crocodile Lake & return from the wild to the city
Early wake-up in the heart of nature, accompanied by the songs of tropical birds.
Breakfast at the park lodge.
Depart by vehicle for approximately 9 km to Bau Sau (Crocodile Lake), one of the most emblematic natural sites of the park. Enjoy a 5 km round-trip hike through lush tropical forest, rich in biodiversity, leading to the lake—an ideal observation spot for Siamese crocodiles and other rare species.
Lunch at the park center.
In the afternoon, return by road to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 3.5 hours’ drive). Arrival in the late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Included: Private transportation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 21: SAIGON → BEN TRE → CAN THO – MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY
Coconut waterways, rural life & Mekong Delta homestay
Breakfast at the hotel.
At 08:00, meet your French-speaking guide and depart for Ben Tre (approximately 2 hours’ drive), a province known as the “land of coconut trees”, famous for its lush vegetation and gentle way of life.
Board a local boat for a cruise along the Mekong’s waterways:
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Discover local handicraft activities such as rice-paper making and coconut-fiber products
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Navigate through Cai Son and Nhon Thanh areas, villages renowned for traditional mat weaving
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Enjoy a friendly stop at a local home with a tasting of fresh tropical fruits
Continue with a bike ride or xe-lôi (motorized cart) through orchards, rice fields and vegetable gardens, offering an authentic immersion into rural Delta life.
Lunch at leisure in a charming local restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy another peaceful boat cruise along the Cai Coi creek, before returning by road towards Can Tho, the main city of the Mekong Delta.
Settle into a local homestay in a calm setting.
Traditional dinner prepared by your hosts.
Overnight at the homestay in Can Tho.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 22: CAN THO → CHAU DOC – TRA SU NATURE RESERVE
Floating market dawn, emerald wetlands & birdlife at Tra Su Reserve
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early in the morning, depart by motorized boat to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the liveliest in the Mekong Delta. On the water, boats overflow with exotic fruits—mangoes, longans, durians, mangosteens—creating a vibrant spectacle of colors, sweet aromas and authentic daily life scenes.
Then travel by road to Chau Doc (approximately 3 hours’ drive), a charming town located near the Cambodian border. Arrival and check-in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, explore the Tra Su Nature Reserve, a peaceful sanctuary of lush mangroves, waterways carpeted with duckweed, and lotus-filled wetlands. Enjoy a silent boat ride through cajeput forests, observing abundant birdlife such as herons, cormorants and egrets.
You may also climb a viewing tower for a panoramic perspective over the emerald marshlands and migratory bird skies—a serene and immersive nature experience.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Chau Doc.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 23: CHAU DOC → LONG XUYEN – SPIRITUAL SITES & RIVER LIFE
Sacred Mount Sam, floating villages & Cham weaving traditions
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin the day with an ascent of Mount Sam, a major spiritual landmark of the Mekong Delta, offering sweeping views over rice fields and the nearby Cambodian border.
Visit the region’s most emblematic religious sites:
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Ba Chua Xu Temple, one of southern Vietnam’s most important pilgrimage sites,
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Tay An Pagoda, an architectural gem blending Vietnamese and Indian influences,
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Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb, dedicated to a key historical figure of the Delta’s development.
Continue with a boat excursion to the floating village of Chau Phu, where houses also serve as fish farms, illustrating a unique river-based way of life.
Stop at Phu Hiep, a Cham Muslim village renowned for its traditional weaving workshops. Meet local craftswomen and discover the meticulous handcrafting of vibrant textiles, preserving ancestral know-how.
Then travel by road to Long Xuyen
(approximately 80 km / 1.5 hours’ drive).
Arrival and check-in at your hotel.
Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Long Xuyen.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance tickets
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 24: LONG XUYEN FLOATING MARKET 🏡 ONG HO ISLAND → HO CHI MINH CITY
Authentic floating market, island cycling & return to Saigon
Breakfast at the hotel.
Early departure to discover Long Xuyen covered market, followed by a boat trip to the local floating market. Far less touristic than Cai Rang, this market offers an authentic immersion into Mekong river trade—colorful boats piled with tropical fruits, lively exchanges on the water, and a genuine glimpse of daily life in the Delta.
Continue with a cycling exploration of Ong Ho Island, riding through peaceful hamlets with traditional Khmer-style houses. Along the way, discover local crafts and experience the gentle rhythm of life that defines this fertile region.
In the afternoon, depart by road for Ho Chi Minh City
(approximately 5 hours’ drive).
Arrival and check-in at your hotel near the airport.
Meals at leisure.
Overnight at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Included: Private transportation | Accommodation | French-speaking guide | Entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 25: HO CHI MINH CITY – INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
A gentle farewell to Vietnam & smooth departure home
Boxed breakfast.
Free time in the morning for relaxation or last-minute shopping.
Hotel check-out before 12:00.
At the appropriate time, transfer by private vehicle with driver to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for your international return flight.
End of services.
Included: Private transportation
Meals: Breakfast
