Voyage Nature et Découverte au Vietnam

North Vietnam and Central Highlands – a 12 days adventure tour

per person

We have designed this itinerary specifically for those who want to be close to nature during their trip to Vietnam. There are no visits to big cities or tourist attractions in this journey, but rather off-the-beaten-path excursions in magnificent natural settings.

On the agenda for your exploration of Northern Vietnam: a cruise in Lan Ha Bay on one of our traditional wooden sailing junks, visits to the natural sites of Ninh Binh, and the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. These three destinations will enchant you with their tranquility, the beauty of the landscapes, and the kindness of the people you will meet.

In addition to these excursions in the North, the trip will take you to the Vietnam Highlands located in the South of the country. Still undiscovered by mainstream tourist routes, you will see landscapes very different from the North but equally impressive.

Finally, you’ll have a peaceful end to your journey on Whale Island, located near the Highlands.

You will then fly to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before your departure.

This private tour includes the services of a Vietnamese English-speaking guide for all excursions

12 days

North Vietnam

Destination

Sapa
Departure

Hanoi
Dress Code

Comfortable and rainproof clothing, hiking shoes, first aid kit.

FROM OUR GALLERY

What you will see during the trip

Cyclo pousse dans les rues de Hanoi, Vietnam

Jonque Quatre Saisons traversant le village de pêcheur de Hang Vem, Baie de lan Ha, Vietnam

Coucher de soleil vu depuis le pont supérieur de la jonque Quatre Saisons, Vietnam

Hanoi (L, D)

Arrival in Hanoi. After meeting our team, you will embark on a city exploration. In the morning, you will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the Vietnamese capital, and the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. After lunch, you will stroll through the Old Quarter of the 36 guilds. This will be done on foot and by electric car. You will conclude the tour in the French colonial quarter: the Post Office and Telegraph Office, the former Indochina Bank, the Tonkin Superior Residence, the Metropole Hotel, the Opera Avenue, and the History Museum (exterior). Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: Airport welcome by your guide, private vehicle rental for the day, services of an English-speaking tour guide, entrance tickets, lunch, overnight at the hotel.

Hanoi - Pu Luong Nature Reserve (B, L, D)

You will depart after breakfast for the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. There are stunning landscapes to admire during the journey. Arrival at your eco-lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you will start your walk to observe the famous handmade bamboo water wheels. Visit a fisherman's house, then take a bamboo raft ride to discover splendid landscapes. Disembark at the Tan Lap Bridge and return to your eco-lodge in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the eco-lodge. Pu Luong Retreat has been built using local materials and offers an authentic experience.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, private car rental with driver, services of an English-speaking tour guide, overnight stay in an eco-lodge in Ninh Binh.

Pu Luong - Tam Coc (B, L)

After your breakfast, depart for a 2-hour walk to meet the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. Discover their daily life, the methods of making rice wine, and the weaving of colorful textiles. Lunch with a local family. Next, depart for Ninh Binh, also known as the "Inland Halong Bay," renowned for its spectacular landscapes adorned with limestone peaks. Upon arrival, check-in to your accommodation. Dinner on your own and overnight stay in a bungalow nestled amidst the karst formations.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, private car rental with driver, services of an English-speaking tour guide, overnight stay in a bungalow in Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc and around (B, L)

You will start with a 2-hour boat ride on the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, meandering through rice paddies, caves, and limestone karst hills. After lunch in the town of Tam Coc, you'll take a bike ride to visit the Thai Vi Temple, dedicated to the Tran dynasty kings, and the Bich Dong Pagoda (Jade Pagoda) nestled on the mountainside. Next, you'll explore the Thung Nham Bird Park, either by bike or by car, depending on your preference. The beauty of the karst rocks over transparent waters, the caves, and especially the various bird species that gather here make it an exceptional place to discover. It's less visited, allowing you to fully enjoy its beauty. Return to Tam Coc in the late afternoon. Dinner on your own and overnight stay in a bungalow.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, private car rental with driver, services of an English-speaking tour guide, bike rental, entrance fees, overnight stay in a bungalow in Ninh Binh.

Tam Coc - Cat Ba island - Lan Ha bay (B, L, D)

You will depart by car with your guide at around 7:00 in the morning, heading to Cat Ba Island. It takes about 3h30 to reach the ferry terminal. The ferry will take you to the island. You will then cross the island by motorbike (our local colleagues will drive for you) to reach the Ben Beo pier at the southern end of the island. Lunch and a cruise on our traditional junk boat (Quatre Saisons or Majonq). Kayaking and swimming in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of English-speaking tour guide, car and junk boat rental, entrance tickets to Lan Ha Bay, overnight stay on board.

Lan Ha bay - Cat Ba island - Hanoi (B, L)

We recommend waking up early to enjoy the sunrise from the upper deck of the boat! After breakfast, you will have a choice: a bike ride to the village of Viet Hai or cruising and swimming in a secluded cove in Lan Ha Bay. You will return to Cat Ba Island around 12:00 PM. The car will be waiting for you there. Return to Hanoi is scheduled for around 4:30 PM. Late afternoon and dinner on your own. Overnight stay in a charming hotel in the heart of Hanoi.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of an English-speaking tour guide, car and junk boat rental, bike rental, overnight stay at the hotel.

Hanoi - Buon Ma Thuot - Lak Lake (B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi Airport, then a flight to Buon Me Thuot, located in the heart of the Southern Highlands of Vietnam. Once you exit the airport, your hotel will arrange the transfer to their accommodation by Lak Lake. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. On the way, you will stop at two villages, M’nông Nau and M’Lieng. Check-in at the lodge and have lunch by the lakeside. Afternoon free to explore the surroundings or relax in a tranquil setting. In the evening, there will be a gong concert followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight stay at the Lak Tented Camp, located on a peninsula by the largest lake in the Annamite Highlands. A true invitation to exoticism and escape.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Hanoi - Buon Ma Thuot flight, transfer to Lake Lak, performance, overnight stay at the hotel.

Lak lake surroundings (B, L, D)

After breakfast, excursion to the village of Yang Tao, located at the foot of Chu Yang Sin National Park. Enjoy an easy walk (4km, 1 hour) to a waterfall where you can take a swim, followed by a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, return to the lodge and visit the organic garden, followed by a local cooking workshop. Dinner and overnight stay at the Lak Tented Camp.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, forest hike with hotel guide, cooking workshop, overnight stay at the hotel.

Lak lake - Whale island (B, L, D)

Breakfast with the locals, then depart for the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Enjoy a panoramic view of Tam Son village with its Nui Doi ("the twin peaks"). Stop in Yen Minh and pass through Pho Cao, with houses surrounded by a wall of gray stones. Continue to Pho Bang, an ancient village where a Chinese community still maintains its customs. Proceed through the Sung La valley and visit the village of Lung Cam. Explore an old Hmong house and the former residence of the former king, a blend of Hmong, Chinese, and French architectural styles. Visit Dong Van with its old quarter of ancient houses and its market. Then, drive to Meo Vac (a Dao village) to reach the Ma Pi Leng Pass, recognized in 2010 by the Global Geoparks Network (GGN). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Meo Vac.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private car rental with driver, activities, services of an English-speaking guide, overnight at the hotel.

Whale island (B, D)

Free day on the island to relax and soak up some vitamin D ! Breakfast and dinner included, and overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast, dinner, overnight at the hotel.

Whale island - Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi (B)

Breakfast and then a final free morning before your transfer to Cam Ranh Airport (Nha Trang - 2 to 3 hours drive). Flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.