Vietnam Essential
From north to south of Vietnam, between thousand-year-old pagodas, limestone bays and floating villages.
Duration
10 days
From
€1,191/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, senior
The spirit of travel
This itinerary offers a balanced journey across Vietnam, from north to south, combining culture, nature, navigation and local immersion. Between historic cities, waterscapes and lush countryside, you discover a country with many faces, marked by rich history and traditions that remain very much alive.
In Hanoi, you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the capital and the ambiance of its old quarters, before setting sail on a junk cruise in Lan Ha Bay, at the heart of soothing karst landscapes.
The journey continues toward the center of the country, to Hue and the city of Hoi An, where imperial heritage, cultural legacies and sweetness of life blend harmoniously.
Further south, Saigon reveals its contrasting energy, while the Mekong Delta offers a rural respite rhythmed by canals, craftsmanship and floating markets.
A smooth and accessible itinerary, ideal for a first in-depth discovery of Vietnam, between emotions, encounters and landscape diversity.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Vietnam!
You land at Hanoi International Airport, where your guide and driver welcome you before transferring you to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free, ideal for resting from your journey and getting your bearings.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a private driver.
Rooms available from 2:00 PM.
Hanoi Visit
The day is dedicated to visiting the capital of Vietnam.
You start by discovering several emblematic sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the country, the Hanoi Ethnographic Museum, dedicated to the art, craftsmanship and cultures of Vietnam's ethnic groups, as well as the Temple of Literature.
To fully enjoy the atmosphere of the winding streets of the Old Town, you continue the visit on foot. This walk immerses you in the heart of Vietnamese local life, discovering the traditional trades and culinary specialties that punctuate the daily life of the neighborhood.
You conclude your discovery at the edge of the central Hoan Kiem lake, where you admire the Ngoc Son Temple before attending a water puppet show.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a private driver.
Junk cruise in Lan Ha Bay
After breakfast in a local restaurant, you head towards Lan Ha Bay, often presented as the "little sister" of Halong Bay.
At the Ben Beo pier, you board a traditional junk to begin navigating among the karst peaks, with a first stop in a floating village dedicated to seafood farming.
The cruise continues to Van Boi beach. Lunch on board, then free time to swim in the emerald waters, enjoy the sun on the beach or relax on the sundeck.
In the afternoon, kayaking excursion to Hang Ca or Dau Be cave, another way to explore the bay.
At the end of the day, the junk returns to the heart of the bay to watch the sunset.
Dinner and night on board, at the peaceful rhythm of the waters.
No English-speaking guide, with private driver.
Please note that an English-speaking guide from the boat will accompany you during the visits scheduled in the on-board program.
Sunrise over Lan Ha Bay and flight to Hue
Early morning wake-up to admire the sunrise over the bay. During breakfast, the junk peacefully resumes navigation in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, passing majestic peaks and rock formations.
Stop at the isolated fishing village of Việt Hảifor a bicycle tour, through its roadless paths.
Back on board, you enjoy a refreshing shower before brunch.
The junk then peacefully continues its journey to Ben Beo port, where your vehicle awaits you for transfer to Hanoi.
Hanoi → Hue
You take your flight to Histoire de Hué, then you are welcomed upon arrival before transfer and check-in at your hotel.
Boat and bike in Hue
You start the day with a visit to the Imperial Citadel of Hue, a unique example in Vietnam of an imperial city that has survived through the centuries.
You continue with a boat excursion on the Perfume River, punctuated by a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda and observation of the fishermen's life. Upon arrival at Thuy Bieu village, you explore the traditional market to select the ingredients needed for a cooking class at a local home, before sharing the lunch prepared on site.
In the afternoon, you stroll through the village by bike, or on foot depending on your preference, to soak up the local atmosphere. Your route also leads you to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, built in the second half of the 19th century.
To conclude the day, you enjoy a short foot massage at the hotel, a welcome moment of relaxation after your discoveries.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a private driver.
Hoi An and its Old Town
Hue → Hoi An
This morning, you take the road to Hoi An town via Danang.
From the Cloud Pass, you enjoy a viewpoint over the South China Sea, before continuing to Danang to visit the Cham Museum of Sculpture. It only takes a short journey to reach the old town of Hoi An.
The old town of Hoi An, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, was formerly known as Faifo during the French colonial era.
It is a preserved example of an East Asian port, where Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Dutch merchants traded in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The town brings together many architectural elements blending Chinese, Japanese and French influences.
The old houses, the covered Japanese bridge-pagoda from the 16th century, the port and the market, animated by its colors and fragrances, punctuate the discovery of this town with singular heritage.
Among the visits that dot your wanderings through the old streets are the antiquities museum, the Chinese quarter, the Phung Hung house as well as Chuc Thanh pagoda, built by a Chinese monk in the 15th century and considered the oldest in the town.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide and private driver.
Flight to Saigon
The early morning is free until your transfer, without a guide, to the airport in Danang.
In Danang, you take your flight to Saigon, where you are welcomed by your South guide before the transfer to your hotel.
Although its official name has been Ho Chi Minh since 1975, the city is still commonly called Saigon.
You set out to discover the emblematic sites of this great metropolis, former capital of French Indochina, by exploring the old colonial district, the Ton Duc Thang and Nguyen Hue avenues, the Cho Lon district, the Binh Tay market, the Ngoc Hoang pagoda, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace as well as the Ben Thanh market.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide in Saigon and a private driver.
Handicrafts and countryside
Today, you leave the urban bustle to escape to the countryside, heading towards Ben Tre province, located approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Saigon and known as the "coconut region".
You immerse yourself in the daily life of these places, discover traditional crafts and enjoy the lush nature through various activities and means of transport:
Local boat on small canals to observe fishing and river commerce
Visit to a coconut candy factory
Visit to a brick factory using Mekong clay, rides in tuk-tuk and by bicycle in a bucolic countryside
Boat ride.
A day filled with discoveries and exchanges.
Cai Rang Floating Market
Can Tho → Cai Rang
In the morning, you set off to discover, following the water, Cai Rang Floating Market, the most lively in the Mekong Delta.
Fruits, vegetables, rice, spices and handicraft products are exchanged between boats, in the midst of many sampans, offering a vivid insight into local trading practices.
Cai Rang → Saigon
You then head back to Saigon.
Along the way, you stop in the village of Tam Binh, at the home of Mr Hai My, a passionate farmer, who shows you his plantations, introduces you to the local cuisine of the South and shares with you a moment of Vietnamese hospitality over a traditional meal.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide and a private driver
Have a good trip!
You enjoy a free morning, with room available until noon, before the transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Insurance
- Meals mentioned as free
- Beverages, telephone calls and services not listed
- Tips and personal expenses
- Everything not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- The accommodations mentioned on the basis of 2 people per room
- The meals mentioned in the program
- A comfortable private vehicle with driver
- Domestic flights Hanoi-Hue and Danang-Saigon in economy class
- The services of experienced English-speaking local guides
- The boat excursions mentioned in the program
- The entrance fees for the scheduled sites
- The bicycle excursions mentioned
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Vietnam for tourism purposes. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Vietnam, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourism stays.
To date, this exemption permits a stay of up to 45 days upon entry into the territory, regardless of the nationality among eligible countries.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
accommodation booking confirmation for the first nights on site.
E-visa and electronic registration
For stays exceeding 45 days or for nationalities not eligible for visa exemption, it is possible to apply for a Vietnamese e-visa via the official portal of the Vietnamese authorities. This electronic visa is generally granted for a duration of 90 days, multiple entries.
Furthermore, Vietnamese authorities may require completion of an electronic arrival form before or upon entry into the territory. It is recommended to check for any digital procedures in place at the time of departure.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Vietnam from EEA countries, Switzerland or Canada. However, several vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
update of routine vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis).
Risks of dengue and malaria exist in certain regions of the country. It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization for exit from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary according to nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for peace of mind during your trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specifically tailored to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa is required and must be obtained online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and have a blank page available. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days. Before booking, check the e-visa requirements and validity period with the consular authorities of your destination, as these vary depending on your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a customized quality trip, plan for between 140 and 220 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Vietnam is renowned for its excellent value for money.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and engaging activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mountainous North
Thoughtful Guide to Vietnam's Paths, based in Hanoi
A beautiful journey begins with calm and thoughtful preparation. My role is to listen, advise, and build an itinerary in which every traveler feels comfortable.
— Van Pham
