Arrival in Hanoi in the morning, welcome at the airport and transfer to the city center. With your guide, you will discover the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), founded in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to honor scholars and great writers. Next, explore the remnants of the colonial period: the former Palace of the Governor of Indochina, built in 1906; the neo-gothic style Saint Joseph's Cathedral, and the Opera House, built in 1911 by Garnier. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). Finally, take an afternoon cyclo-pousse ride through the bustling Hoan Kiem district, known for its 36 streets and craft guilds. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

• Included in the day: services of an English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and driver rental, entrance tickets, lunch, hotel accommodation

After breakfast, depart for Mai Chau (4-hour drive). After lunch at your ecolodge, you will take a bicycle ride along flat paths through the small villages of Na Phon, Kha, Na Hi, and Mai Hich around Mai Chau to explore the beautiful surroundings. Some villagers engage in rice cultivation, while others do net fishing, sewing and weaving fabrics in one of the village houses, or bamboo shoot drying activities right by the road. In the evening, you will witness a traditional Thai music and dance performance. This ethnic group has lived in this region for centuries and proudly preserves their traditions. Your lodge: The Mai Chau Ecolodge is located amidst mountains and rice fields, offering a spectacular view. A true haven of peace and charm, immersed in a grand natural setting.  

• Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and driver rental, entrance tickets, lunch, night at the ecolodge

You will have free time to relax and explore the surroundings of your ecolodge after breakfast. Enjoy the magnificent view overlooking rice fields and its peaceful setting. Then, depart for the Pu Luong Nature Reserve through a mountain pass with breathtaking views of the entire valley. Arrive at Pu Luong Retreat for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a suspended bridge over the Cham River, where you will start your walk to observe the famous handcrafted bamboo water wheels. Visit a fisherman's house, then take a bamboo raft ride to discover stunning landscapes. Your lodge: nestled on a hill offering breathtaking panoramic views of rice fields and mountains, Pu Luong Retreat was built with local materials, providing an authentic experience.  

• Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and driver rental, entrance tickets, night at the ecolodge

Departure after breakfast for a 6-hour hike to discover stunning terraced rice fields (adjustable difficulty level based on your fitness). During your walk, visit isolated villages in the mountains, immersed in beautiful landscapes. After a picnic lunch in nature, free time to refresh by the river, then return to Pu Luong Retreat. Dinner and overnight stay on-site.  

• Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide, entrance tickets, lunch, night at the ecolodge

After breakfast, departure for a new 3-hour hike and meeting with the inhabitants living in the hills above the lodge. Discover their daily life and the weaving of colorful textiles. After lunch at Pu Luong Retreat, return to Hanoi in the late afternoon and transfer to Hanoi train station to board a comfortable sleeper train to Lao Cai, near the Chinese border. Overnight on board the train.

• Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and driver rental, train tickets (sleeper)

Arrival at Lao Cai train station in the morning. Welcome and transfer along a beautiful mountain road to one of the ethnic markets in the Upper Tonkin region, depending on the arrival day (Bac Ha on Sunday; Can Cau on Saturday; Coc Ly on Tuesday...). After the market visit, take a walk in the village of Thai Giang Pho, crossing a beautiful valley inhabited by the Tay people in their stilt houses. Discover their traditions and customs, and have lunch along the way. In the afternoon, drive to Sapa and continue towards the Topas Ecolodge, a marvel in the heart of nature. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge. Your lodge: At the top of two cone-shaped hills, in the heart of the spectacular Sapa Valley, the Topas Ecolodge is a rare gem of authenticity. Built on principles of sustainability, this high-end accommodation is made of white granite sourced from the region.

• Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and driver rental, night at the ecolodge.

Half-day dedicated to visiting the Lech village of the Red Dao ethnic group. You'll have the chance to stop and admire the stunning landscapes that unfold before you: terraced rice fields, vegetation, villages of local ethnicities. You'll get to discover the daily life of the Red Dao people and witness women embroidering their clothes with brightly colored fabric threads. The women wear a red scarf on their heads. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to rest and enjoy the lodge. Lunch and dinner at the Topas Ecolodge.

• Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of an English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and driver rental, night at the ecolodge

In the morning, drive to Hoang Lien National Park until you reach the starting point of the trek near the village of Sin Chai. You're now 'off the beaten path,' enjoying beautiful views of the high mountains, waterfalls, and deep valleys. The trails will soon lead you to the Dao village of Nam Nhiu, where you'll meet the villagers, have a cup of green tea in their home, and discover their daily way of life. Continue on a tranquil road before arriving at the village of Nam Cang. Your lunch is served at the Nam Cang Riverside Lodge, with the jungle behind the lodge and the river in front. The village of Nam Cang is situated in the most remote area of Sapa. The Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes of all ethnic groups in Vietnam. Herbal baths, local medicine, and embroidery are some of the skills that the Red Dao have preserved. Accompanied by your guide, you'll explore the surroundings of the village and learn how villagers practice writing on rice paper, create jewelry, and excel in embroidery. You can also swim in the river. Return to Hanoi by road and check in at the hotel.  

• Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of an English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and driver rental, night at the hotel in Hanoi

The driver and your guide will pick you up from your hotel around 7:30 AM. First, you'll take a ferry to reach the island. After the ferry, to get to the town of Cat Ba (located about 30 km away), where our junk is located, we offer you a one-hour motorcycle ride with a driver, off the beaten path. Around 12:30 PM, you'll board our traditional boat, the Quatre Saisons. Our junk first sails through the fishing village of Hang Vem in Lan Ha Bay. Sailing is possible depending on the wind. Take this opportunity to relax, swim, and enjoy the sun on deserted beaches (weather permitting, of course). You can also take a kayak ride and explore beautiful coves in the afternoon. Lunch and dinner are served on board and will be tailored to your dietary requirements. You'll spend the night on board in a cove in the middle of Lan Ha Bay.  

• Included in the day: Private car transportation Hanoi - Cat Ba Island, motorcycle ride across Cat Ba Island, entrance tickets to Lan Ha Bay, private circuit on the Four Seasons junk, lunch and dinner, kayak rental, night on board

Breakfast on board the junk before starting the morning program that you will have chosen with your guide the day before: a 2-hour bike ride to the village of Viet Hai or cruising in the bay and swimming on a beach. Lunch will be served on the junk before returning to land. Return to Cat Ba Island around 12:00 PM. You will then take the car back to Hanoi. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.  

• Included in the day: Breakfast and lunch, cruise on the Quatre Saisons junk, bike rental, car rental with driver, services of a French-speaking Vietnamese guide