Authentic Vietnam (FR)

15 Days   View Departures  
    
Ban Bang Mai Chau
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Tam Coc
Tam Coc
Ninh Binh - Van Long embroidery
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Bun Cha
Halong Bay Kayaking
Halong Bay Landscape
Hue - Imperial City
Hue - Khai Dinh Tomb
Hoi An - Ancient town
Ben Tre
Saigon - Notre Dame Cathedral
Overview
gr-vietnam-authentique.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh city
  • Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Lan Ha Bay - Ninh Binh - Hue - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh city - Ben Tre
  • Duration: 15 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Group tour ( Max 7 Adults)
  • Tour schedule: Weekly departure
  • Tour guide in: Français
Highlight

Discover Vietnam from north to south on this 15-day small group tour, limited to 7 travelers and led by a French-speaking local guide. From Hanoi’s vibrant streets to the ethnic cultures of Mai Chau and the rice terraces of Pu Luong, experience breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions. Cruise through Lan Ha Bay, explore imperial Hue and charming Hoi An, then unwind in the lush Mekong Delta. With guaranteed departure, this journey blends culture, nature, and history for an unforgettable adventure.

  • Small-Group Tour (Max 7 Pax) – Guaranteed departure with a French-speaking guide.
  • Mai Chau & Pu Luong – Ethnic villages, rice terraces, and gentle countryside walks.
  • Lan Ha / Bai Tu Long Bay – Quiet overnight cruise with kayaking and sunrise Tai Chi.
  • Hue & Hoi An – Imperial heritage and a charming UNESCO ancient town.
  • Mekong Delta – Boat trips, coconut crafts, and village life in Ben Tre.
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Arrival in Hanoi, pickup at airport, and transfer to hotel

    Welcome at Noi Bai Airport by professional driver at the pickup lobby then transfer 45 minutes to Hanoi center (The Old Quarter). Your drive crossing Red River and have an over view of city with typical houses architecture and world's most special traffic. Arrive at the city center, driver drops you off at your hotel. Ha Noi

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    Included:
    Transportation
    Chalcedony Hotel(Deluxe City View) *or similar hotel
    4 Nguyen Truong To street, Ba Dinh district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Visit a Muong village, journey through the scenic Thung Khe Pass, walk among Thai villages, and enjoy a traditional Thai music and dance performance.

    8:30: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages. Mai Chau - Pu Luong

    Upon your arrival in Mai Hich village, enjoy lunch cooked by the host. explore Mai Hich by walking along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.

    Continue trekking, passing the rice field and small communities to Xam Khoe, a Thai villages that is still not touristic. Enjoy the harmony of nature's beauty and rich human culture. At the end, get a pick up by driver then transfer back to your accommodation.

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Ethnic dances show
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Tu Diep Bungalow(Bungalow) *or similar hotel
    Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Venture to Pu Luong, hike through lush forests, and admire breathtaking terraced rice fields.

    8:30: Depart from Mai Hich and go directly to Eo Ken, 30km away. Arrive in Eo Ken where the Muong Ethnics live. Walk down the slope and enjoy the spectacular view of Pu Luong Nature reserve, rice field terraces and mountains. Visit a Muong ethnic family in Eo Ken village and discover their authentic life.

    Continue walking through this beautiful landscape and cross a stream to reach another village, Hang Village. Have lunch at a local family home or enjoy a picnic. In the afternoon, continue walking to Ke Man village to meet our driver then transfer back to your accommodation.  

    At the end of the day, meet your driver for a transfer to your accommodation.

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Pu Luong Home(Bungalow) *or similar hotel
    Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Enjoy a scenic walk, explore bamboo water wheels, and return to Hanoi.

    8:30: transfer to Chieng Lau, a beautiful rice field area with bamboo water wheels. Walk through the field to the village and encounter the locals to discover their life, culture and customs.

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Bamboo rafting
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Chalcedony Hotel(Deluxe City View) *or similar hotel
    4 Nguyen Truong To street, Ba Dinh district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Explore the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh’s complex, and the bustling Old Quarter.

    8:30: Start the day by visiting the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

    Continue to the the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

    In the aftenoon, we will move on to the the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

    To enjoy a gourmet break, a typical coffee which was introduced to Vietnam since the French Colonist time and then quickly became popular. It is as easy as ordering a cup of coffee wherever you travel in Hanoi. But chicken egg coffee is a special variation. It was created by Mr Giang who used to work as a bartender at the famous five stars Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel.

    It is made by filtering coffee before adding exactly the right amount of egg yolk, sweetened condensed milk, butter and cheese to make a perfect cup of egg coffee. Have a seat on a tiny chair in an ancient house with this unique coffee while interacting with local people. This will be an unforgettable experience in the Old quarter.

     

    Finally, end your exploration in the the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.      

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Chalcedony Hotel(Deluxe City View) *or similar hotel
    4 Nguyen Truong To street, Ba Dinh district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • From Hanoi to the bay, scenic cruise, kayaking, and sunset delights
    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Halong bamboo boat
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Squid fishing
    Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
    Sena Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony)
    3b Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Tai Chi at dawn, hidden cave, and journey to Ninh Binh
    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    Nep House(Double / Twin) *or similar hotel
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Hop on a scooter or bicycle to Thung La Temple, enjoy traditional music, join an embroidery workshop, and take part in a family cooking class.

    For a more active immersion, take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple, dating back to the 11th century.

    Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    Cooking class: Ninh Binh
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double / Twin) *or similar hotel
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discover Phat Diem Cathedral, enjoy a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, visit the ancient Dinh and Le Temples, then transfer to Ninh Binh station for your overnight train to Hue.

    8:30: We depart for Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

    On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

    Continuation to the Phat Diem cathedral which is well-known as the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam. The construction of the cathedral between 1875-1899 with a unique combination of traditional pagoda architecture and a western church made of stone and wood.

    On arrival, take a leisurely walk to visit the Jesus Christ on the middle islet and the impressive house-gate. Then continue to the grand Catholic Church named “Nha Tho Duc Me Man Coi” which was built with 6 rows of monolithic ironwood with 2 layers of tile roof. Located at the end of the courtyard, the completely stone church is the most incredible building in the complex.

    Leave the church, enjoy leisurely walk to Chinh Kim village and visit some of the work-shops knitting sedge products or try a cup of well-known rice wine liquor. Hue - Hoi An

    Next, we'll transfer to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

    Overnight on board the train.

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Train:SE19 (Hanoi - Hue) / - Deluxe( 4 berths / cabin) / 04 tickets
    Video:
  • Discover Hue’s cultural treasures, including Tien Non, Thanh Tien, and Sinh villages, the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, and the historic Imperial Citadel.

    Arrive at Hue railway station in the morning where our tour guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Then, enjoy a discovery of the mystical Hue city.  

    Then, Transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.

    In Tien Non village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip. Later, take the boat back to the city.

    Continue with visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

    To end the day, we will visit visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Sinh - Tien Non
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Hue
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe) *or similar hotel
    36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Visit Khai Dinh Tomb, travel the scenic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, stop at the Cham Sculpture Museum in Da Nang, and explore the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An.

    8:30: We begin our day with a visit to Khai Dinh King's tomb, built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles. A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

    After that, transfer to Hoi An via Mandarin Road and Sea Cloud pass (Hai Van Pass). Stop on top of the pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean and Da Nang city. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk on My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hoi An ancient town. 

    Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

    Our first stop is Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.

    Our next visit is the the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

    We continue on to Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life. 

    Our final stop is Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.

    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City / Pool View) *or similar hotel
    116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Free day at leisure

    Set a free & easy day. You can be lazy on the beach with family and friends or leisurely walk around the old town, find yourself a gift from this beautiful town or create your own journey ...

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City / Pool View) *or similar hotel
    116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City and explore its highlights, including the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Binh Tay Market.

    The driver will welcome you at the pickup lobby of Tan Son Nhat Airport and then travel about 30 minutes from the airport to your hotel (in the Ho Chi Minh City center)

    Have an overview of city and come to the hotel, check in and rest.

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    In the afternoon, we start exploring the city with the the Independence Palace, once used as the home - office of the Presidents of South Vietnam. Our visit includes the North Vietnamese tank which effectively attacked the palace in 1975 to bring the controversial Vietnam War to an end and the five-story palace with its rooms have been preserved in their late 1960s, 1970s style and a bunker basement.

    Following that, we'll discover the the top visited in Ho Chi Minh – the War Remnant museum. The exhibits offer you all-sided views of the Vietnam War that might bring a big surprise than you are probably used to hearing and seeing.

    We end the day with a stroll to have a visit to Binh Tay Market, located in Saigon’s Chinatown area with hundreds of stalls, the biggest market in city actually contributes a hub for many of Saigon’s demands including clothing, souvenir and food items. There is also a food court where visitors can sample local delicacies and street food.

    Note: Depending on availability, we will book flight VN109 (08:55–10:25) or VN113 (09:55–11:25).
    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :Flight (DAD - SGN) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 04 tickets
    Elios Hotel(Senior Superior) *or similar hotel
    233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Ben Tre, boat trip to visit a brick factory, coconut and mat workshops, then explore villages by motor cart or bicycle.
    Included:
    French speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Ben Tre
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ben Tre
    Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Elios Hotel(Senior Superior) *or similar hotel
    233 Pham Ngu Lao street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your return flight.

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby for about 30 minutes to Tan Son Nhat airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

    In the rush hour (07:00 – 08:30 AM and 16:30 – 18:30 PM), it takes around 1 hour from city center to Tan Son Nhat airport.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Video:
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?

    Inclusions
    • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
    • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
    • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
    • Cruise: Sena Cruise - 2D1N
    • Boat: Bamboo rafting, Halong bamboo boat, Sinh - Tien Non, Ben Tre
    • Transportation
    • Train: SE19 (Hanoi - Hue)
    • Flight Ticket: Flight DAD - SGN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
    • Meal: Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 12, Dinner: 06
    • Bike: Ninh Binh, Hue, Ben Tre
    • Kayak: Halong
    • Leisure: Ethnic dances show, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
    • Tuk Tuk: Ben Tre
    • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration, Ninh Binh
    • Service charges and Taxes
    Exclusions
    • International flight from/to your country
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses
    • Tipping and Gratuities
    • Other not mentioned in the program
    Departures
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    • Adult in single room

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