Highlights of Vietnam and Laos

Arrival at Saigon airport. You will be met by your guide upon arrival and transferred to the city. Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, since 1976.

Walking tour for orientation visit of the city's historical sites: The former Saigon Post Office with its very beautiful iron-framed glass roof, a work by Gustave Eiffel, Notre-Dame Cathedral which is located in the center of a square and therefore well highlighted, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Catinat Street during the time of the French colony of Indochina) with all its luxury shops and its lively atmosphere.

Free time to relax.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

After breakfast in Saigon, the group will depart for a visit to the Mekong Delta, known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. The journey to Cai Be, located about 110 km (approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes) south of Saigon, will begin in the morning.

Upon arrival at Cai Be pier, board a private boat for a wonderful cruise along the Mekong River. The group will stop at one of the islands on the river to visit some local workshops that produce rice paper, puffed rice, coconut candies, and dried fruit.

Lunch will be served at a local home or restaurant.

After lunch, take a leisurely walk around the village before continuing on a 45-minute boat trip toward An Binh Island, passing through a maze of small islands located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. These islets form a dense and winding network of waterways, offering beautiful scenery and glimpses of local life along the riverbanks.

Upon arrival at An Binh Island, enjoy a cycling tour to explore the island and its tranquil countryside.

After crossing the Co Chien River, the excursion ends at Vinh Long pier, from where the group will continue by road to Can Tho (about 60 km – 1 hour 15 minutes).

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Can Tho

Overnight: Can Tho

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning departure from the hotel for a boat trip to Cai Rang Floating Market, the most bustling market in the Mekong Delta, best visited between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Afterward, visit Le Binh Market, a lively local fish market full of authentic Mekong Delta atmosphere.

Continue with a cycling tour through charming local villages to discover the daily life of the people living in the delta. Stop at a tropical fruit garden to taste seasonal fruits that are unique to this region and rarely found in temperate countries.

After the visit, the group will drive back to Saigon (approximately 180 km – 4 hours).

On the way, stop to visit a Cao Dai temple, known for its unique architecture and fascinating blend of different religions. Arrive in Saigon in the evening, have dinner, and overnight at the hotel.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure for the Cu Chi Tunnels. This system of tunnels, built underground, extending over 200 km and composed of 3 levels of depth, played a key role during the 60s as it served as a secret base for the Viet Cong.

It should be noted that the entrances to some tunnels have been widened for visitors. Most of us wouldn't be able to get in otherwise!

Return to Saigon. Visit to the Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the most beautiful and oldest pagodas in Saigon. Stroll through the heart of the old Chinatown of Cho Lon and its Binh Tay market.

Then, we discovered the Ngoc Hoang temple, which pays homage to the Jade Emperor. With its polychrome and monumental sculptures, its meticulous mosaics, fragrant incense, and a small, tranquil garden, it is one of the most beautiful temples in the city.

Transfer to the Saigon airport for your flight to Hue. You will be met by your driver upon arrival at Phu Bai airport.

Transfer to your hotel. Check-in.

Overnight: Hue

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin a beautiful day exploring Hue.

The former capital, recognized as a World Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, the city is considered a large living museum with a large number of historical monuments, imperial tombs, pagodas and temples.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, which was built between 1805 and 1832 by Emperor Gia Long. It covers an area of ​​5.2 km². Its architecture is reminiscent of Eastern citadels, but it also shows French influence.

Next, we discovered "Nha Vuon" or literally "house-garden". This term refers to a type of architecture specifically from Hue, in which the house is organically linked to the garden, the plants, and the surrounding landscape, to such an extent that the whole creates a certain spirituality.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Located amidst frangipani and pine trees, built according to plans drawn up by the emperor himself, this magnificent tomb remains one of Hue's most beautiful sites.

Continue your visit to the Tu Hieu Pagoda, near the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. The pagoda exudes serenity. It also houses a very active community of monks.

Overnight: Hue

In the morning, drive towards the village of Thanh Thuy. You will pass through rice paddies and villages before reaching the Thanh Toan Bridge. It is one of the few covered bridges in Vietnam and has great artistic, historical, cultural, and touristic value.

Next, a visit to the local market and a walk through the village to meet the locals, and a discovery of the family clan's places of worship.

Next, transfer to Hoi An (150km - 3h30 drive)

Along the way, we discovered the An Bang cemetery (the Vietnamese call the place “the ghost town”). Numerous Catholic tombs, built and financed by Vietnamese exiles in the United States, give the site a very particular atmosphere.

Continue the journey to Hoi An via Danang (called Touranne by the French during the French colonization), passing through the Cloud Pass, which offers a superb panorama of the central coastline at its summit.

Halfway there, we ascended the Son Tra peninsula, a place little frequented by tourists but simply magnificent. We visited the Lady Buddha pagoda overlooking the city of Da Nang.

Arrival in Hoi An in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hoi An.

Overnight: Hoi An

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Hoi An, formerly known as Faifo, was once a bustling port where Chinese and Japanese merchants had their quarters. Portuguese, Dutch, and French traders came to Hoi An in the 17th and 18th centuries. Its architecture remains unchanged and continues to defy time.

A stroll through the small, narrow streets to visit the city of Hoi An, where you will discover the main points of interest:

• The Fujian Shrine: dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector goddess of fishermen and sailors, this shrine houses statues of the goddess and her 2 assistants.
• Phuc Thanh Pagoda: the oldest pagoda in Hoi An (1454), founded by a Chinese monk, it contains a statue of Buddha A Di Da and very beautiful ritual objects.
• The Japanese Bridge: located in the south of the city, this covered bridge, built in 1593, connects two districts of the city. In the middle of this bridge stands a pagoda topped with yellow and green tiles.
• An old house: the best preserved, two centuries old, it offers a striking example of the integration of Sino-Japanese influences into the local style.
• The Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum (26 Phan Boi Chau Street, free entry), an extraordinary museum where French photographer Réhahn Croquevielle showcases the diversity and beauty of Vietnam's ethnic groups in a gallery that is both fascinating and touching.

The afternoon is free for your own exploration.

Overnight: Hoi An

In the morning, transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Hanoi. You will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to the city (30km – 45 minutes by car).

Check in at your hotel.

Walk and then cycle-rickshaw ride through the colonial part with French concessions: the City Opera House, the Hotel Metropole (former residence of the Governors of Indochina), the State Bank (Ex-Bank of Indochina), the French School of the Far East.

Then, stroll through the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, home to the 36 guilds, to discover the vibrant capital at a walking pace. It will give you the feeling of walking through a postcard.

Then you will visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword), the symbol of Hanoi and nearby, the Ngoc Son Temple (Jade Mountain), occupying the largest islet in Hoan Kiem Lake.

In the late afternoon, you will attend the water puppet show

Overnight: Hanoi

In the morning, we'll drive towards Phu Tay Ho Temple (dedicated to the holy Mother Lieu Hanh), a major pilgrimage site for locals. You can also enjoy a superb view of West Lake, Hanoi's largest lake, covering nearly 500 hectares.

Next, you will continue with a visit to the Museum of Ethnography (closed on Mondays), where approximately 1500 objects of daily life, customs and costumes of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam are vividly displayed.

Back to town and lunch at an excellent Bun Cha restaurant, a well-known specialty in Hanoi.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Ho Chi Minh district, where his mausoleum, his stilt house and his garden are located within the grounds of the presidential palace (former Governor of Indochina Palace), and the One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in the 11th century (1070), is a very important historical and cultural monument in Hanoi and the country. This beautiful Confucian temple is considered the most representative example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Overnight: Hanoi

Departure for Halong (210km ~ 4h30 drive). You will take the road that will lead you to one of the most beautiful sites in the world: Halong Bay (which means “the descending dragon”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will embark around noon for a cruise through the dreamlike landscapes of Halong Bay. Welcome drink, introduction to the crew and the cruise program before settling into your cabin.

Enjoy a seafood lunch on board as the boat begins its journey through Bai Tu Long Bay, passing amidst thousands of limestone karsts rising from the turquoise waters. The scenery will make you feel like you've stepped into a legendary world.

Visit to the Thien Canh Son cave. You can then go sea kayaking.

In the late afternoon, return to the boat and have free time to watch the sunset.

Overnight stay on board the boat in an air-conditioned cabin, equipped with a private bathroom.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay

An early start for breakfast amidst a stunning landscape. The crew sets sail for the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng. A visit to the village by a small rowboat.

The cruise continues into the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, passing through diverse limestone islets naturally formed by the erosion of air and water. Lunch is served on board as the boat returns to the pier. Disembarkation.

Transfer to Hanoi airport (160km – 3h45 drive) for the late afternoon flight to Luang Prabang.

Arrival at Luang Prabang airport and transfer to town (6 km - 15 minutes by car).

Check in at the hotel.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

Breakfast at the hotel before visiting the city of Luang Prabang.

Discover the Wat Xieng Thong temple, the monastery of the Golden City, whose ornaments, mosaics, and stupas are among the most exquisite. 

The tour of Luang Prabang continues with a visit to the city's historic temple: Vat Visoun, built in the early 16th century. It was partially destroyed by fire in 1887, and the architects responsible for its renovation chose to give it an architectural style inspired by the Khmer temple Vat Phou.

A short walk away, discover Wat Aham, then the city's first monastery, Wat Saen.

Finally, visit Wat May, built in the typical Luang Prabang style.

In the afternoon, you will learn about the history of the region and the royal family at the Royal Palace, now a museum. 

In the evening, stroll through the stalls of the vibrant night market. Every night, ethnic minorities gather along the main street to sell their local produce.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

Breakfast at the hotel

This morning, we invite you to participate in the Bamboo Experience. You will learn about bamboo processing and its significant role in Lao culture. Your guide will demonstrate the techniques and uses of various bamboo products, such as fishing tools and musical instruments.

Participate in a bamboo weaving workshop led by an expert instructor. Then, enjoy a bamboo cooking demonstration, including bamboo shoot soup and bamboo shoots wrapped in banana leaves with sticky rice. 

Savour your creations in a traditional Laotian pavilion-style house overlooking stunning landscapes and rice paddies.

In the afternoon, transfer to Kuang Si. Upon arrival, take a short walk to visit the bear sanctuary. Kuang Si will amaze you with its beauty. It's a collection of natural pools with turquoise water where you can swim. 

Return to Luang Prabang by vehicle in the late afternoon. 

Overnight: Luang Prabang

Breakfast at the hotel

Start the day by visiting the Phosi market and the Ock Pop Tock weaving center, where you will be shown the different weaving techniques in Laos.

Then we will take an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, which gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside.

Our first stop is the village of Ban Muangkeo, where we will begin a short journey to reach the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves where thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of different shapes and sizes are piled up, left by pilgrims.

On the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xang Hai, where the local rice wine is produced.

On the way, we will visit Ban Xang Khong, Ban Xieng Lek, and Ban Nong Xai, small villages well-known for silk weaving and Saa (jute) paper making. We will return to Luang Prabang and visit a traditional silversmith workshop.

Overnight: Luang Prabang

Breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your free time before your return flight.