Vietnam's highlights: Halong Bay & Mekong Delta
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationVietnam / Hanoi
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions116.93 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
From the dynamic city of Hanoi to the aquatic labyrinths of the South, this journey offers a grand crossing of Vietnam , alternating between iconic moments and immersion in everyday life.
The adventure begins in the legendary Ha Long Bay with an overnight stay on a traditional junk and kayaking sessions among the karst formations. After a scenic journey on a sleeper train , travel to Hue to explore the Imperial City, ride through the countryside by motorbike, and share a lunch prepared by nuns. Crossing the famous Hai Van Pass (Pass of Clouds) then leads you to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An , where a free day allows you to cycle to the beach.
A domestic flight finally lands you in Ho Chi Minh City , gateway to the Mekong Delta . By traditional boat or tuk-tuk, you navigate along the coconut-lined canals to interact with local artisans.
Accompanied by a French-speaking guide , this small group tour combines authentic travel (train, junk, motorcycle, boat) and free time to capture the very soul of the country.
The highlights
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Junk cruise, kayaking & overnight stay on board in the heart of Ha Long Bay
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Explore the streets and countryside of Hue by motorbike with your local drivers.
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Meander through the Mekong canals in a traditional boat & tuk-tuk
Photos
Sport
Level
Gravel biking
The expert's opinion
This tour combines guided cultural discoveries with free time, at a very accessible level of physical fitness. It presents no particular athletic challenges. The trip is suitable for anyone in good general physical condition, able to walk in urban environments, enjoy easy walks, bike rides, or boat trips, and use local transportation (night train, motorbike with driver, tuk-tuk).
Management
Upon your arrival in Hanoi on the second day at 6:00 PM, you will be met by your French-speaking tour guide. They will use their local knowledge to help you discover must-see sites, understand local customs, and recommend the best places to eat and drink. Their presence ensures smooth logistics and secure support throughout your stay. You will also benefit from the assistance of local drivers (particularly during the motorbike excursion in Hue).
Program
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Flight to Hanoi (Custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure for Vietnam! Overnight flight. We can, of course, arrange your flight and airport pick-up if you wish; just contact us.Day 1 -
First steps in Hanoi
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Welcome to Hanoi! From the moment you arrive, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the capital. If you arrive early in the day, take the opportunity to stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or try your first egg coffee and some street food in the Old Quarter. At 6:00 PM, meet at the hotel for an introductory meeting with your French-speaking guide. We'll kick off our trip together with our first dinner at the eco-friendly restaurant KOTO, a wonderful initiative that trains disadvantaged youth in the culinary arts.Day 2 -
Head to the legendary Ha Long Bay and spend the night under the stars
- Accommodation Sailing cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Head to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a wooden junk and sail among thousands of spectacular karst formations rising from the turquoise waters. The itinerary includes exploring caves eroded by time, swimming, kayaking close to the cliffs, and enjoying a seafood feast on deck. As evening falls, experience a magical night under the stars, anchored in the heart of the bay.Day 3 -
Wake up to the sound of the water and take a sleeper train to the center
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A peaceful awakening to the sunrise over the bay's dramatic landscape. After a final meal on board, return to Hanoi. Enjoy some free time in the city to refresh yourself, have a drink, and grab a bite to eat before your departure. In the evening, board the overnight train to Hue: a truly local experience on rails!Day 4 -
Hue, salty coffee & immersion in the Imperial City
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon waking, watch the rural landscapes of Central Vietnam drift by from your bunk. Once in Hue, the day begins with a taste of traditional Bún Bò Huế, followed by a visit to a local recycling center to sample the local delicacy: the famous salted coffee (Cà phê muối). In the afternoon, delve into history by exploring the majestic Imperial City. The evening and dinner are free for you to explore the city's many charming eateries.Day 5 -
Hué rider style: alleyways, countryside & pagoda by motorcycle
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Today, discover Hue like a local: hop on the back of a motorbike with your local driver! We'll ride through the countryside to the historic Thanh Toan Bridge and its vibrant market. Next, we'll head to the Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. At midday, enjoy a special break: share a vegetarian lunch prepared by nuns in the heart of the pagoda. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the royal tomb of Tu Duc on the shores of its lake. Dinner is at your leisure.Day 6 -
Cloud Pass and the magic of lanterns in Hoi An
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Head south, crossing the legendary Hai Van Pass (Pass of Clouds), with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and rice paddies. Arrive in Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your pass in hand, follow the guide through the Old Quarter, past Japanese bridges and Chinese houses. As evening falls, the city is illuminated by thousands of lanterns: the perfect atmosphere for a stroll along the river.Day 7 -
Hoi An at your own pace: cycling, beach or tailor-made
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A completely free day to experience Hoi An at your own pace! Rent a bicycle and cycle through the rice paddies to Cua Dai Beach, have a custom-made garment tailored by one of the city's artisan tailors, try a cooking class, or stroll through the stylish cafes. Your guide will share their favorite spots for meals.Day 8 -
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City and immersion in the vibrant atmosphere of the South
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). A complete change of pace awaits in the country's most vibrant metropolis! Enjoy a panoramic tour of the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Opera House, followed by a poignant visit to the War Remnants Museum. The evening is free: the perfect opportunity to explore the city's rooftop bars or night markets.Day 9 -
Adventure in the Mekong Delta: boat & tuk-tuk
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Departure for Ben Tre, gateway to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional sampan to meander along canals lined with water coconut palms. Visit artisan workshops, sample tropical fruits and coconut jam, then travel along small rural roads in a local tuk-tuk! After a lunch of local specialties by the water (including the famous "elephant ear" fish), return to Saigon in the late afternoon.Day 10 -
Ho Chi Minh City - Departure (Custom flight not included, please contact us)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure after breakfast. If you wish to extend your trip, we would be happy to discuss the various options with you; just speak to your country expert travel advisor! If you wish to return home, we can arrange your international return flight.Day 11 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived in France during the day.Day 12
Note
Accommodation
Access
Your guide will be waiting for you at 6pm at the reception of the J2 hotel in Hanoi.
Go to the starting point
International flights:
We have chosen to leave you… the choice!
Indeed, numerous airlines serve Vietnam from various departure points to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on your preferences, budget, and place of residence, you have multiple options: it's therefore easier to let you choose the flight that best suits you.
You can therefore decide to arrive in Hanoi before the start of the tour, or to extend your stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Don't hesitate to contact us for your search and booking! We can offer customized solutions (choice of airline, departure and return airports) with complete price transparency. Furthermore, if you book your flights with us, your airport/hotel transfers upon arrival and departure are included for added peace of mind.
Travel within the country:
Intercity journeys: you take a night sleeper train between Hanoi and Hue for a local immersion, as well as an early morning domestic flight between Danang and Ho Chi Minh City to optimize travel time.
Local transport and excursions: travel is by private air-conditioned vehicle, traditional junk in Ha Long Bay, motorbike with local drivers around Hue, as well as by boat and tuk-tuk in the heart of the Mekong Delta.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a French-speaking tour guide
- Accommodation options (hotels, traditional junk and sleeper train)
- Activities included in the program
- Local transport by private minibus
- Breakfasts
- Three lunches and two dinners
- Domestic flight Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
The price does not include
- Round-trip flights
- Airport transfers (unless you book your flights with us)
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- The free meals mentioned in the program
- Tips for local teams
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
- Sunglasses, hat or cap
- UV sunscreen and lip balm
- Mosquito repellent
- Insulated water bottle
- Toiletry bag and microfiber towel
- Personal first aid kit
- Waterproof pouch for your ID and money
Clothing to bring
- Lightweight/breathable T-shirts and tops
- Lightweight trousers and shorts/Bermuda shorts
- Clothing covering the shoulders and knees (access to temples and sacred sites)
- Light sweater or cardigan (for the night train and air-conditioned spaces)
- Waterproof jacket or windbreaker / rain cape
- Swimsuit
- Socks and underwear
- Lightweight walking shoes or already broken-in sneakers
- Sandals or shoes that are easy to remove