Hanoi
From Hanoi to Hue: Active Exploration of Vietnam
Réf : AVIAPOX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationVietnam / Hanoi
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions64.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
From the mountainous North to the cultural landscapes of Central Vietnam, this journey through the country unveils a mosaic of panoramas and traditions. In the valleys of Mai Chau and the tropical forests of Pu Luong , hikes immerse us in the heart of lush nature, punctuated by terraced rice paddies and ethnic villages. Further north, the unspoiled Lan Ha Bay is best explored by boat , between turquoise waters and limestone karsts. In Ninh Binh , the exploration continues by bicycle between cliffs and tranquil rivers. Then come the imperial treasures of Hue , the charming alleyways of Hoi An , and the underground wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park , including the spectacular Paradise Cave . Each stop is punctuated by distinctive accommodations, blending comfort and local authenticity for a gentle and respectful immersion. A comprehensive itinerary, rich in discoveries and encounters.
The highlights
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Immersive hikes and walks in the Mai Chau and Pu Luong valleys
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Visit the spectacular Paradise Cave, a natural masterpiece
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Exploring the cultural treasures of Hue and Hoi An, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
In figures
PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Average duration/day: 2h30
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 225 m
- Average daily descent: 100 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Program
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Departure from France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Hanoi.Day 1 -
Arrival in Hanoi
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Noi Bai airport, then transfer to the hotel. Check-in from 2 PM. Depending on our arrival time, initial exploration of the Vietnamese capital. Dinner in the city with our guide.Day 2 -
Visit to Hanoi
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Hanoi is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Vietnam, with its neighborhoods adorned with tree-lined lakes, its cafes where poetry is discussed, and its early risers practicing tai chi at 5 a.m. around Hoan Kiem Lake or playing Chinese chess at Ngoc Son Temple. We set off to discover the city, following the principles of the royal urban plan that distributed spaces according to the rules of Confucianism and Feng Shui geomancy. We explore iconic sites: West Lake, Tran Vu Temple, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Pagoda. Dinner at your leisure.Day 3 -
Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ban Van
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 136km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off towards the Mai Chau Valley. Nestled at the foot of the Annamite Cordillera, it captivates us with its terraced rice paddies and tranquil landscapes. In the afternoon, we cycle through the rice paddies and past villages of the Thai minority. Stilt houses punctuate our route, and we meet the locals to better understand their daily lives and traditions. In the evening, we share dinner with our hosts and spend the night in a communal house in the village of Ban Van. Note: the bike ride lasts approximately 3 hours on flat, easy terrain.Day 4 -
Mai Chau - Pu Long
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 73km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we leave our hosts and head to Ban Hang, where we embark on the most beautiful hike in the region. We pass through landscapes of rice paddies and encounter villagers working in them. We traverse tropical forests, verdant vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, and small hamlets where we chat with the locals. We hike to reach a village inhabited by the Hmong and Thai ethnic groups. A day rich in discoveries and encounters... At the end of the hike, we travel to Pu Long. Check-in at the hotel. Free time to enjoy the pool or treat yourself to a massage (optional, payable locally).Day 5 -
Pu Long - Tam Coc
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 153km
- Activity PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we set off towards the inland Ha Long Bay. Along the way, we stop in the village of Chieng Lau for a walk along the Cham River, discovering the traditional watermills that still irrigate the surrounding rice paddies. We then continue to the inland Ha Long Bay, an exceptional natural site that we explore by both boat and bicycle. Aboard a rowing sampan, we cruise for two hours through the enchanting scenery of Thung Nang. The Sao Khe River guides us between karst peaks, rice paddies, and caves, some of which reveal traces of human occupation dating back 30,000 years. Several stops along the way allow us to visit temples and pagodas. After lunch at a local restaurant, we embark on a pleasant bicycle ride through terraced rice paddies and the peaceful countryside, still enveloped by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 6 -
Tam Coc - Lan Ha Bay
- Transportation 04h30
- 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 still relatively undiscovered part of Ha Long Bay. Late morning, we board a traditional junk and begin our voyage through a maze of limestone karsts and islets covered in lush vegetation. We take the time to savor the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings. The itinerary includes exploring a gorge, swimming, and kayaking amidst breathtaking scenery. Lunch is served on board.Day 7 -
Ha Long Bay - Dong Hoi
- Transportation 03h30
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Dawn and dusk transform the bay into an otherworldly landscape, where the morning mists accentuate the mystery of the place. After breakfast, we continue our journey among the karst peaks. Along the way, we encounter nomadic fishermen and their floating villages, nestled in the heart of the bay. After lunch on board, we disembark on Cat Ba Island. A ferry then takes us back to the mainland, and from there we travel to Hanoi. At the end of the day, we enjoy a relaxing massage before boarding an overnight train to Dong Hoi.Day 8 -
Dong Hoi
- Transportation 01h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We arrive in Dong Hoi early in the morning and are transferred to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we depart on an excursion on the river in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This exceptional site boasts an impressive network of 300 caves and caverns stretching for nearly 70 kilometers, only a small portion of which has been explored by scientists. We begin our exploration by boat, traveling along the underground river, before continuing our exploration of the area by bicycle in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.Day 9 -
Phong Na: Paradise Cave - Hue
- Transportation 05h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we visit Paradise Cave, the largest and arguably the oldest cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Hang Thien Duong stretches for over 31 kilometers, with a spectacular gallery 150 meters high and 100 meters wide. We then continue our journey south. Along the way, we stop at Phuoc Tich Pagoda, in the heart of a traditional village on the banks of the O Lau River, once renowned for its pottery workshops. We'll immerse ourselves in the history and ancestral skills of the region. We stroll through its cobbled lanes and discover its typical houses, often adorned with beautiful gardens. We visit a pottery workshop to delve into the village's glorious past. For lunch, we are welcomed into the home of a local artisan family. We then travel to Dam Chuon Lagoon, which we explore aboard a fishing boat. We discover fish farming in a particularly enchanting setting at sunset. Then, we travel to Hue.Day 10 -
Discovering Hue
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Traveling along the Perfume River, we discover Hue, the former imperial capital of the Nguyen dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. We begin the day in the south of the city, exploring the magnificent mausoleums of the Nguyen kings. Among them, we visit the tomb of Minh Mang, the most majestic, renowned for its refined architecture and natural setting. We continue by boat to the Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, this elegant six-story pagoda is one of the country's cultural symbols. In the afternoon, we visit the Citadel and the Forbidden City, testaments to Hue's rich feudal past. In the evening, it's time to savor the local flavors! Our guide takes us on a rickshaw ride through the lively alleyways, punctuated by stops at small local restaurants for a culinary adventure...Day 11 -
Hue - Lang Co - Hoi An
- Transportation 03h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We head south towards Hoi An. En route, we stop for lunch at An Bang Beach. Those who wish can take a refreshing dip in the South China Sea. We then continue our journey to Hoi An. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring this ancient trading city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This bustling port once attracted merchants and adventurers seeking spices, silk, and calambac wood. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 12 -
Hoi An
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This morning, we'll take our bikes to explore the countryside around the old town of Hoi An. First stop: the local market, particularly lively at this time of day. We'll weave our way between the colorful stalls, stop at the fishmongers', and observe the dynamic interactions between vendors and locals. We'll then continue our ride through the rice paddies to the vegetable-growing village of Tra Que. Welcomed into a local home, we'll participate in a friendly cooking class before sharing a typical lunch featuring regional flavors. In the afternoon, we'll return to Hoi An and have free time to enjoy the pool or stroll at your leisure.Day 13 -
Hoi An - Danang
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Danang airport to catch our international return flight.Day 14 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Flight and arrival in France. Safe travels home!Day 15
Note
This itinerary is provided as a guide only: depending on weather and operational conditions, your tour guide may modify this itinerary for your safety and that of the group.
Walking times are approximate and may vary depending on several factors: participants' walking ability, weather conditions, terrain, group size, etc. Transfer times may also vary, as they depend on road conditions and traffic, as well as the size of the vehicle used.
Accommodation
🏨 3-star hotel
Access
Departure
aeroport hanoi
Day 1
End of stay
aeroport hanoi
Day 15
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Price details
The price includes
- International flights Paris / Hanoi / Danang / Paris
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- Accommodation as indicated in the program
- Local transfers in private vehicles
- Meals as indicated in the day-by-day plan
- Entrance fees to the sites and visits scheduled in the program
- The excursions and activities planned in the program
- The Hanoi - Dong Hoi train
The price does not include
- The contribution to carbon neutrality: €10 per person
- Drinks
- The optional meals mentioned in the program (approximately €8 to €10 per meal)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the management team (see "Tips" section)
Options
- Additional transfer if arrival or departure is at a different time for the group : CHF38.00 / person
- Additional night in Hanoi : CHF85.50 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
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• 821 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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