Flavors and Colors of Vietnam 9 days

Day 01: Hanoi – Arrival – First visit (L)

• French-speaking guide & private driver

• From Noi Bai Airport – Hotel: 30km~45' drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), you'll be greeted by our fluent English-speaking guide and driver, who will then transfer you by car to central Hanoi. The first scenes of chaotic Vietnamese traffic unfold before your eyes.

Depending on your arrival flight schedule, you will either have the opportunity to rest at your hotel if the room is available, or to go on an orientation tour of the city.

HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL offer :

Upon arrival at our office, you are greeted by  the captivating melodies of traditional musical instruments . The soft notes will easily transport you to a wonderful world of traditional culture, filling your heart with emotions.

You are participating in our  tea ceremony . It goes far beyond simply tasting the drink; it represents an act of sharing and expression of cultural refinement, where every gesture and every choice—from the selection of tea to the way it is served—has profound meaning. It is a space where we celebrate friendship, social harmony, and an intimate connection with the cycles of nature, resonating with Buddhist and Confucian traditions that value balance and serenity.

Then you will have the opportunity to participate in  a meditation session with singing bowls . Immerse yourself in the depth of your breathing and mind, leaving behind all worries and tensions. In the silence, the sound and vibration of the singing bowl resonates like a gentle melody, awakening in you a feeling of deep relaxation.

Enjoy an exceptional massage session, whether for your body or feet.  The gentle, professional movements will stimulate blood circulation, dispelling fatigue and accumulated pain. You'll feel perfectly relaxed after a long flight.

Welcome lunch in a typical Vietnamese restaurant.

You will make the first discovery of Hanoi by walking in the old quarters of Hanoi through the old colonial quarter with beautiful architecture and the old quarter of the 36 trades full of animations: a jumble of vehicles, small businesses, practices and habits that have nothing to do with those in your country...

Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in the heart of the capital.

Your hotel room is available from 2 p.m. 

Day 02: Hanoi – Discovery of the Capital (B. L)

• French-speaking guide & private driver                                                            

Breakfast at the hotel, now we offer you an unusual tour of the city , far from the classic tourist circuit, we will go off the beaten track. Let's start by sharing an egg coffee , a specialty of the city, to get to know our guide. Crossing some of the 36 streets and corporations of the old quarter of Hanoi, we will visit an old typical Hanoian house . You will then stroll through the typical market of Dong Xuan and visit the temple of Bach Ma . Then we will walk on the Doumer bridge . After walking on this bridge, you will visit the railway that crosses the city.

Next, we head to the Western District to visit  Tran Quoc Pagoda,  located on the shores of West Lake. It is known as one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam.

Lunch at a good local restaurant.

The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the  Temple of Literature  in Hanoi - a symbol of Vietnamese feudal education and living proof of the passionate spirit of Vietnamese learning. Afterwards, we take a short walk to visit the  Ngoc Son Temple, "Jade Mountain,"  located on the shores of the Lake of the Restored Sword, an opportunity to contemplate the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake at dusk.

Theater evening  : You attend thewater puppet dance show.

Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hanoi city.

Day 03: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau (B. D)

• French-speaking guide & private driver

• Hanoi – Mai Chau: 150 km ~ 3h30' drive

After breakfast, depart by private car to reach the Mai Chau Valley  via a charming road lined with green rice paddies and sugar cane fields. You pass the  Thung Khe Pass and see some isolated hamlets . Stops are planned along the way to communicate with the inhabitants of these remote places.

Arrival in Mai Chau around noon. Lunch at leisure.

Afternoon: You will take a walk of approximately 2-3 hours through the mountains and lush vegetation. You will pass through several villages of the Thai ethnic group known for their characteristic stilt houses. The walk gives you the opportunity to share very pleasant moments with the villagers. You will discover their way of life, the local culture and their crafts.

Then, you'll stay with a Thai family in a house on stilts. Enjoy a friendly dinner with the host family, and spend the night with the family.

(What could be more convivial than spending a night with our friends in Mai Chau? They will warmly welcome you into their large traditional house and prepare excellent meals for you. The accommodation is simple, but you will gain in conviviality!)

Day 04: Mai Chau – Pu Luong Nature Reserve (B. L)

• French-speaking guide & private driver

• Mai Chau – Pu Luong: 100km ~ 2 hours drive

After breakfast, departure towards the Pu Luong reserve, a new wonder crossing endless rice fields and ethnic villages, offering panoramas of striking beauty.

Your journey then takes you to Eo Keo, inhabited by the Muong ethnic group . From there, you begin a walk that takes you to the village of Hang . During your walk, you discover the rice fields that line our route, thus immersing yourself in the daily life of these smiling and welcoming people who work in the fields. Lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you'll finally arrive at Pu Luong. The rest of the day is free, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the splendid landscapes and rice paddies that characterize this reserve. Dinner is at your leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Pu Luong – Discovery – Ninh Binh (B. L)

• French-speaking guide & private driver

• Pu Luong – Ninh Binh: 125 km ~ 3 hours drive

Breakfast. In the morning: you will take the excursion on foot, taking the most beautiful walking route in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve .

From your hotel, you start walking to  the village of Don . From this village, you will cross rice terraces to reach  the village of Uoi . These are the most beautiful rice terraces in the reserve. Visit the village of Uoi before continuing to the  village of Lan Trong and Lan Ngoai . You will meet women who still weave manually using the traditional method. Contact with the smiling and welcoming local people. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Then depart for Ninh Binh – a region nicknamed “Halong Bay on land” . After a 3-hour drive, you will arrive in Ninh Binh, where you will check into your hotel. Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 06: Ninh Binh – Thien Ha Cave – Thung Nham – Cycling in Tam Coc (B. L)

• French-speaking guide & private driver

Breakfast at the hotel, this morning you will have a beautiful discovery of the Thien Ha cave , a splendid work of art that nature has offered to man. It is a must-see destination in the cave discovery tour in Ninh Binh. You will take a boat ride for about 1km and then walk 500m.

Visitors feel as if they are looking at a "stone castle" with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. About 3m high and 700m long, Thien Ha Cave is divided into two parts: the "dry" cave and the "flooded" cave. At the heart of the cave is a "sky well" where natural light spills into the cave floor, creating a fantastic spectacle with sparkling stalactites.

In the dry cave, visitors can contemplate thousands of stone artworks created by nature in human and animal forms according to the imagination of visitors such as: fox, elephant, dragon, unicorn, Buddha, ...

This site is connected to the Thung Nham site where you continue your rowing boat trip to discover the But cave and two other caves.

Take the car to the bird garden , a new eco-friendly site. You'll have the opportunity to discover cultural values, beautiful landscapes, and biodiversity.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon: you will take a beautiful bike ride  that will take you through small winding paths in the middle of rice fields as far as the eye can see where you will feel the tranquility and serenity of country life without neglecting human contact with the smiling and hospitable peasants. Still by bike, towards the Bich Dong pagoda . In front of the pagoda course, you have a panoramic view of the terrestrial Ha Long Bay.

Return to your hotel. The rest of the time is free to relax and stroll through the surrounding villages.

Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07: Ninh Binh – Hai Phong – Lan Ha Bay – Cruise (BL D)

• French-speaking guide & private driver

• Ninh Binh – Hai Phong: 180 km ~ 4 hours drive

While planning your trip to Vietnam, the images of Ha Long Bay made you dream . The dream come true!

Departure by highway across the vast rice-growing plain of the lower Red River Delta, the rice granary of the North, towards Hai Phong. From Hai Phong, cross the Tan Vu – Lach Huyen Bridge, the longest bridge crossing the sea in Southeast Asia.  

Arriving at Pha Got port, we take the fast ferry to Cat Ba Island (20 minutes) to Cai Vieng pier . From there you take the road (25km ~ 40mn) bordering the island crossing magnificent landscapes before arriving at Cat Ba town around noon. 

Quick boarding a beautiful junk, converted into a small floating hotel for a beautiful cruise to discover Lan Ha Bay . 

The crew will greet you with a welcome drink and introduce you to the cruise program. You will settle into your cabin where you can freshen up. 

Lunch is served as the junk heads towards Lan Ha Bay – the most unspoiled and less touristy bay.

Then we offer you to kayak through hidden areas: limestone formations in several amazing shapes and beautiful caves . 

You have free time for swimming at Three Peaches Beach or Van Boi Beach in Lan Ha Bay . This site is considered a tourist paradise in Vietnam. The region is known for its beautiful beaches and spectacular beauty with around 400 fascinating islands.

Back on the junk, you can admire the magnificent sunset of the Gulf of Tonkin . On board, you can take a traditional cooking class . Our chef will teach you how to make some Vietnamese recipes.

Lunch and dinner are served with excellent fresh seafood on the menu. This evening, you can go squid fishing or take part in the games .

Night on board the junk.

Day 08: Lan Ha Bay – Cruise – Hanoi (B. Br)

• French-speaking guide & private driver

• Hai Phong – Hanoi: 100km ~ 2h30' drive

We recommend waking up at dawn to watch the sunrise, which offers a picturesque view of Ha Long Bay . You will have breakfast on board the junk at 7:00 – 8:00 am.

Next, visit Viet Hai Village by bike (approximately 12 km). This small village nestled in the jungle of Cat Ba National Park is home to remarkable biodiversity. You'll have plenty of interaction with the locals. With the help of our guide, you'll gain a better understanding of their daily lives.

Lunch is served on board the junk as the junk returns to the dock. 

Disembarkation and return to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi in the afternoon.

Free dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 09: Hanoi/Departure journey (B)

• Private driver

After breakfast at the hotel,  the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city on your own, as well as for last minute shopping until your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your international departure flight.

1. Climate in Vietnam 

Vietnam's climate varies greatly and is characteristic from one end of the country to the other due to its latitude differences. The country's geographical peculiarities make it possible to have a wonderful trip to Vietnam in every season. Indeed, while one region is humid or stifling, another offers a sunny and very temperate climate.

+ From December to February:
The north and center of the country are in winter. The average temperature varies between 15°C and 23°C. It is quite cool and humid with irregular rain, especially in the mountains where the temperature often drops below 10°C. This period is characterized by frequent drizzle, which the Vietnamese call "dust rain." There is therefore very little sunshine.

The south of the country is considered an ideal time of year, as it is the dry season with 1 to 2 days of rain per month. It is also the time when the temperature is pleasant, ranging from 22°C to 33°C. The vegetation is very green, offering you great opportunities to take beautiful photos.

+ From March to May:
This period is known as the most beautiful season of the year for an ideal stay in Vietnam. During this period, the climate is very pleasant. It is the dry season in all 3 regions of the country but also the period when vegetation is lush, green rice fields offer you great opportunities to take superb souvenir photos.

The North is located in spring, where the weather is mild. This region benefits from the cool breeze, with an average temperature of 15°C to 25°C. During this period, this region experiences beautiful sunshine but rarely rain.

This is also the best time of year to visit the Center. The climate is quite favorable and tropical. The weather becomes sunnier, with a nice rise in temperature between 25°C and 32°C.

The south is considered a good time to visit. The climate is dry and very sunny. However, the heat can be unpleasant, as the average temperature ranges from 28°C to 34°C and can rise to 41°C. However, the frequent short rains bring a bit of freshness.

+ June to September:
This is the country's third tourist season. Overall, the climate is pleasant from north to south for traveling in Vietnam.

The north of the country is in summer. The climate is hot with an average temperature of 25°C to 33°C. Rainfall this season is heavy (usually showers) but short-lived, lasting about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The mountainous region is also hot, with frequent but heavy and rapid rains. The sky is blue and sunny, and the weather is the clearest of the year, while the rice terraces are lush green. It's ideal for short hikes to ethnic villages.

The central region is a good time to visit, as it's not affected by the summer monsoon. The weather is good, often with heat haze, and temperatures can reach 40°C. Rainfall in this region, however, is less frequent than in the north. However, if you're staying in the central seaside resorts, the beach will be your best ally for cooling off.

The south has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 25°C to 33°C. This is the rainy season, but the rains are often in the form of very rapid downpours (about 15 to 30 minutes). After the rain, there is immediately generous sunshine under clear skies, and the vegetation is also very green.

+ From October to November:
Overall, October to November is considered a very good season to travel to Vietnam.

The North enjoys a very pleasant climate in autumn, with cool, dry weather and an average temperature of 15°C to 23°C.

The center enjoys a fairly pleasant temperature between 20°C and 28°C. This period also corresponds to the stormy season with heavy rainfall that can lead to more or less significant flooding on the coastal strip. This region also experiences heavy rains, although present, do not last long.

The south enjoys a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. Sunshine and warmth are always present. During this period, heavy rains (in the form of brief but almost daily torrential downpours) cool the atmosphere. Be aware, however, that heavy rains generally occur towards the end of the day and should leave you free to explore the region.

Our latest weather advice 

• Vietnam lies in the path of typhoons and tropical storms and is particularly affected between mid-July and mid-November. With modernized infrastructure and weather warnings, there is no major danger.

• The rainy season does not mean raining all day long, hence monsoon season seems to be a more appropriate term, and contrary to popular belief, these rains are nourishing and synonymous with life in Vietnam, the land of water!

2. Accommodation  

Horizon Vietnam Travel offers comfortable hotels ranging from 2 to 5 stars, offering all the amenities you need. We will provide you with specific suggestions based on your budget and preferences. It's worth noting that a 5-star hotel can cost ten times more than a 2-star hotel. Furthermore, two hotels in the same category may not have the same price, as quality varies.

The hotels featured in our offers have been personally reviewed. Cleanliness, quality of service, location, charm, and tranquility are our selection criteria. When we have a choice, we favor smaller hotels and work less with international chains.

In addition to hotels, we have developed a fair trade tourism program through contact with the local population, offering the opportunity to stay with locals and share their daily lives. The accommodations we offer are well-maintained and offer the best possible conditions.

Good to know  : Please note that during peak season (October to April), hotels can fill up quickly. Book well in advance to avoid any availability issues.

3. Visa

To travel to Vietnam you must have a valid passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date.

The Government of Vietnam promulgates the Resolution on visa exemption for entry into Vietnam for citizens of five European countries: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. This exemption is applied for a maximum period of 45 days regardless of passport category and purpose of entry to Vietnam, and is valid from August 15, 2023.

Visa exemption is also applied for multiple entries as long as they are less than 45 days.

For any stay of more than 45 days, a visa is required.

For more information: https://horizon-vietnamvoyage.com/vietnam-travel-guide/visa-for-vietnam-tourist-visa/

4. Vaccin

First of all, according to the Vietnam General Administration of Tourism, vaccination is not mandatory for a trip to Vietnam. We confirm that our country has a tropical climate and therefore mosquitoes do exist. However, malaria cases only exist in remote and isolated areas in the high mountains. In our experience, vaccination will be necessary for hiking trips in isolated high mountain areas, in forests, and lasting 1 to 3 weeks. While this type of cultural tour will take you through regions where conditions are sufficiently safe.

Usually, our travelers only use mosquito repellents, which are very effective and practical. So, this is enough, and there's no need to worry. However, we recommend buying some from home because it's difficult to find good quality products in Vietnam. Aside from these mosquito repellents, it's best to prepare long jeans that can completely cover your legs while walking through rice fields.

Today, all hotels apply highly effective mosquito repellents, while mosquito nets are well-prepared when staying with locals.

Note: If you are fragile and susceptible to contagious diseases, we strongly advise you to consult your doctor.

For more information: https://horizon-vietnamvoyage.com/guide-de-voyage-vietnam/vaccin-vietnam/

5. International flight

Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Vietnam for two reasons:

• International flights departing from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. Therefore, it may be more cost-effective to purchase them from a ticketing agency in your country.

• Payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict, and it's difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions incur significant bank fees, you'll be forced to pay unnecessary surcharges.

Here are some tips from us for your purchase of international flight tickets:

• Flight comparison websites are the most effective tool for finding your ticket. They allow you to compare flights based on your own selection criteria. You can consult one of the four below:

- https://www.govoyages.com
- http://www.expedia.fr
- http://www.opodo.fr
- http://www.vol24.fr

• Airlines recommended by our travelers:

Direct non-stop flights :

- Vietnam Airlines  : https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vn/en/Home

- Air France  : https://www.airfrance.fr/

Flights with stopovers  :

Qatar Airways: https://www.qatarairways.com/fr-dz/homepage.html

Air Asia: https://www.airasia.com/en/gb

Cathay Pacific: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/fr_FR/travel-information/oneworld.html

Malaysia Airlines: https://www.malaysiaairlines.com/uk/en.html

Singapore Airlines: https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/vn/home#/book/bookflight

Thai Airways: https://www.thaiairways.com/

Turkish Airlines : https://www.turkishairlines.com/

Lufthansa: https://www.lufthansa.com/vn/fr/homepage

Please note that our tour offers are always flexible based on your arrival and return dates. So, purchase tickets on the dates that suit you, and we'll adapt your tour schedule accordingly.

For our part, we are always at your disposal to carry out free searches from a date or airport if you wish. If this offer interests you, we invite you to go directly to the airline's website to book the ticket, this allows you to benefit from the best flight prices.

List of our hotels:

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are classified from 2 to 5 stars according to international standards, comfortable with all the required services.

+ Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV, and air conditioning.

+ 3-star Superior category. Rooms are generally spacious, with more services and amenities.

+ First class category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, offering a wide range of quality services.

+ Deluxe Category: 4-5 stars. Hotels offer excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services (swimming pool, spa, jacuzzi, etc.).

+ On the other hand, we have developed fair tourism, through contact with the local population, the opportunity to sleep in the home of the inhabitants and share their daily life. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions.

Our services include:

• Private car transport with helpful, professional and competent driver

• All road transport by private, modern, air-conditioned, very comfortable car from the reception at the airport until the end of the trip

• Accommodation in the planned hotels or similar category depending on availability

• Overnight stay at a local home

• Meals mentioned in the program: (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included)

• Meals are provided in local restaurants serving typical Vietnamese cuisine.

• The perfectly French-speaking guide for each stage of the tour.

• All entrance fees to tourist sites

• All entry permits to tourist areas

• Permits for visiting villages

• Excursion boats as described in the program

• 02 bottles of mineral water of 0.5 (l)/person/day

• Unforgettable cruise in Lan Ha Bay for 02 days and 01 night aboard a charming wooden junk with meals featuring fresh seafood specialties.

• Other services as mentioned in the program (bicycle, water puppet show, etc.)

• All costs of all other services as clearly described in the program above.

Our excluded services:

• Drinks during the meal

• Personal insurance

• Personal expenses

• International flights

• Personal tips

More your information:

The price of this trip varies depending on the services chosen (accommodation category, activities during the trip, etc.), the tourist season of the year (Christmas and New Year holidays, Lunar New Year holidays in Vietnam), the booking deadlines and especially the number of participants in your group with whom you wish to travel.

Please note that Horizon Vietnam Travel only organizes tailor-made private tours  for groups of two or more. We generally offer a package that includes all on-site services from arrival to departure.

Depending on your wishes and your budget, this tour can be adapted and modified in terms of duration, content, as well as the departure date.

Please note that  HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL  calculates its prices as closely as possible in order to guarantee you the fairest price in terms of quality/price ratio.

Our advice : the earlier you book, the better your chances of getting attractive rates, especially when it comes to air travel, so keep that in mind!

Note: The price of international flights is not included in this estimate.

Please note that this tour is only a first draft and you can also customize it according to your wishes. We remain at your entire disposal to build your trip perfectly to your expectations and your budget.

To obtain a detailed and personalized quote, please contact us by clicking on the request a quote button.