Family immersion in Vietnam
In summary
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Sports
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Duration13 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVietnam / Hanoi
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions6575.58 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
We're embarking on a family adventure to discover Vietnam, exploring its lush landscapes and authentic encounters. In Hanoi, we'll explore the city by cyclo (rickshaw) before cooking local specialties. We'll cycle through the rice paddies of Mai Chau, hike in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and sail on the inland Ha Long Bay. The trip will culminate in a beautiful cruise on Lan Ha Bay, complete with swimming, kayaking, and a magical night on a private junk.
The highlights
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Immersion in Hanoi: cyclo-rickshaw, local markets and cooking classes
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Hiking through terraced rice paddies and ethnic villages
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Exploring the inland Ha Long Bay by boat and bicycle
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip is suitable for children aged 7 and up who know how to swim. The hikes are easy, on rolling, well-maintained trails, with stages lasting 3 to 5 hours. The bike rides and kayaking trips are at a leisurely pace, ideal for a family outing. Activities can be adapted to the group's level and energy, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the scenery and encounters without any pressure.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 250 m
- Average daily descent: 117 m
Management
Based in Vietnam for many years, our local agency guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to our guides and logistical infrastructure. During your trip, you will be accompanied by our adventure guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature.
- Local French-speaking tour guide from day 2 to day 11.
- Driver (non-French speaking) for transfers.
Program
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Paris - Hanoi
- Transportation Plane - 11h - 11000km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Paris in the early evening.Day 1 -
Arrival in Hanoi
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 50km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Hanoi. Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, initial exploration of the Vietnamese capital. Dinner in the city.Day 2 -
Discover Hanoi and take a cooking class
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Hanoi is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Vietnam, with its neighborhoods adorned with lakes lined with numerous trees, its cafes where we discuss poetry, its early risers practicing tai chi at 5 a.m. around Hoan Kiem Lake, or playing Chinese chess at Ngoc Son Temple. We explore the city by cyclo-rickshaw, following the layout of the royal urban plan, which segregates the royal family, men, and their activities according to hierarchical criteria, in accordance with Confucianism and Feng Shui geomancy: West Lake, Tran Vu Temple, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Pagoda. In the late afternoon, we head to a small market a few kilometers from the center of Hanoi. There we meet up with Quyen, who introduces us to Vietnamese cuisine. We visit the market with her and discover exotic fruits and vegetables. At the market, we buy the ingredients we need for tonight's dinner, then we go home to prepare the meal. We put on aprons and get to work, "top chefs" at heart, preparing some typical Hanoi dishes! Tasting and dinner with the family.Day 3 -
Hanoi - Mai Chau
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we set off for the Mai Chau Valley. Nestled at the foot of the Annamite Cordillera, this area is renowned for its magnificent rice paddies. This afternoon, we'll enjoy an easy bike ride through the rice paddies and past villages of the Thai minority. Most of the inhabitants here live in stilt houses. We'll meet the Thai people and try to understand their way of life. In the evening, we'll have dinner with our hosts.Day 4 -
Hiking Ban Hang - Ban Kho Moeung
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we set off for Ban Hang, the starting point of our trek, located in the heart of the Pu Long Nature Reserve. Let the beautiful day of walking begin! We hike through terraced rice paddies and visit minority villages. We cross tropical forests, verdant vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, and small hamlets where we chat with the locals. We continue our trek to the village of Na Meo, inhabited by Hmong and Thai people. We descend into a wide, open valley before gently climbing to the charming village of Kho Muong, nestled in nature. Dinner and overnight stay with our hosts in Ban Kho Muong.Day 5 -
Ban Koh Moeung - Pu Luong nature reserve
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From the village of K'ho Muong, we hike to the valley floor. We trek for approximately four hours through beautiful scenery, verdant countryside, terraced rice paddies, and picturesque hill tribe villages. Lunch at a local restaurant, then we drive to the village of Ban Don, where we check into our accommodation. Free time to enjoy the swimming pool. Dinner at your leisure.Day 6 -
Pu Long - Van Long
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today we depart for the inland Halong Bay. On the way, we stop at the village of Chieng Lau where we take a walk to discover the watermills located along the Cham River. This ancient invention is still used today to irrigate the region's rice paddies. After this discovery, we continue our journey to the inland Halong Bay. This afternoon, by bicycle, we admire the magnificent landscapes of the Van Long Nature Reserve. We ride alongside karst peaks and visit the Thung La Temple, built in the 11th century. A meeting with Mr. Tuong, the temple's caretaker, offers us an authentic opportunity for conversation, followed by a captivating 20-minute drumming performance. Our journey continues with a visit to a village specializing in embroidery. We have the opportunity to participate in an embroidery class under the tutelage of the local artisan, Ms. Lam. With pride, she shares the techniques of her traditional craft, allowing us to practice this art on fabric like true artisans. After this enriching experience, we head to the hotel in Tam Coc. We can relax and enjoy the hotel's swimming pool. Enjoy your free evening exploring the lively atmosphere of Tam Coc. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 7 -
Tam Coc
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We explore the inland Ha Long Bay, famous for its thousands of karst limestone formations. Aboard a traditional boat, we travel up the Sao Khe River, winding between karst hills, rice paddies, and caves, venturing into secret and wild labyrinths. The water adds a touch of magic to this natural and historical excursion. Then, we discover the rice paddies and limestone monoliths by bicycle. We stop at Bich Dong Temple, nestled on a mountainside and offering magnificent panoramic views. The late afternoon is free to enjoy the pool. Dinner is on your own.Day 8 -
Tam Coc - Cat Ba - Night on a private junk
- Transportation Boat - 03h30 - 127km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we depart for Hai Phong, from where we travel to Cat Ba Island. Here begins our unforgettable journey through Lan Ha Bay, a pristine and less touristy part of Ha Long Bay. Late in the morning, we board a traditional junk. We sail amidst countless limestone karsts and lushly vegetated islets. We take the time to admire this unique landscape and enjoy the tranquility. The itinerary includes a visit to a cave, swimming, and kayaking. Lunch is served on board.Day 9 -
Cat Ba
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Dawn and dusk create surreal landscapes. The morning mists enhance the mysterious atmosphere. After breakfast, we continue sailing amidst the karst formations. We pass nomadic fishermen who live in the bay, in the heart of floating villages. Lunch is served on board, followed by disembarkation on Cat Ba Island. Check-in at your accommodation in Cat Ba. The afternoon is free. Enjoy this free time hiking the trails of Cat Ba National Park, renting a kayak to explore Lan Ha Bay, or simply relaxing by the hotel pool.Day 10 -
Return to Hanoi
- Transportation Minibus - 02h30 - 147km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We leave Cat Ba Island in the morning to return to Hanoi. On the way, we visit a ceramics factory in the village of Bat Trang. A small workshop offers an introduction to pottery. We then continue to Hanoi. Check into our hotel, followed by free time. Dinner is on your own.Day 11 -
Hanoi - Flight to France
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time and international flight to France. Check-out before noon.Day 12 -
Arrival in Paris
- Transportation Plane - 11h - 11000km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived in Paris during the day.Day 13
Note
Accommodation
Access
TRAVEL WITHIN THE COUNTRY:
- Road trips conducted in private minibuses
- Traditional boat trip in Ha Long Bay
- Bike ride
- Two-person kayak trip in Ha Long Bay, easy to handle and unsinkable
You only need to carry your day's belongings; refer to the luggage section for the transfer of your personal items.
Go to the starting point
INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT:
For flights to Vietnam, we use scheduled flights departing from Paris (operating year-round at fixed times). You will primarily fly with the following airlines: EVA Air and Vietnam Airlines. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, we may also offer flights with other airlines.
Flights are usually overnight on the outbound leg, arriving the following day at the destination. On the return leg, flights can be overnight or daytime.
Departures from other provincial cities are possible, subject to an additional charge.
IMPORTANT: This information is for guidance only. Depending on availability at the time of your booking, the airlines may differ from those listed above.
Price details
The price includes
- International flights and airport taxes
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- Land and boat transport
- The excursions detailed in the program
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board except for the meals not included in the program
The price does not include
- Airport transfers in case of flights different from the group's flight
- Child discount (ages 7-11): €250
- Teen discount (ages 12-15): €100
- The free meals mentioned in the program (approximately eight meals at €8/10 per meal)
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 1 pair of telescopic hiking poles
- Toilet paper
- Earplugs
- 1 mosquito repellent
- 1 sunscreen
- 1 sleeping bag liner (it is possible to buy a small and comfortable silk sleeping bag liner locally)
- 1 toiletry bag and bath towel
- 1 sunscreen cream (face and lips)
- 1 mosquito repellent cream or spray
- 1 headlamp, with spare batteries and bulbs
- 1 lightweight, insulated water bottle of at least 1.5 liters
- 1 pocket knife, preferably a multi-purpose one
- Toilet paper
- 1 swimsuit (Ha Long Bay and Whale Island)
Clothing to bring
- 1 cap or hat for the sun
- 1 scarf to protect the neck
- 1 or 2 thermal undergarments (short-sleeved or long-sleeved T-shirts)
- T-shirts (short and long sleeves), preferably made of quick-drying technical fabric
- 1 lightweight fleece or equivalent
- 1 warm fleece or equivalent (useful from December to February)
- 1 Gore-Tex type breathable waterproof windproof hooded jacket
- 1 rain cape
- 1 or 2 long shorts
- 1 pair of comfortable walking trousers (ideally with detachable legs)
- 1 spare pair of trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof, comfortable "trekking" shoes with a high-top upper and grippy sole (Vibram type)
- 1 pair of sneakers or equivalent lightweight shoes for the evening
- 1 pair of "technical" sandals (with Velcro) to put on during walking stages involving river crossings, in towns and villages
- Pairs of walking socks
- Hat and gloves (useful from December to February)