PRICES FROM 360 USD PER PERSON, BASED ON A GROUP OF 6 PEOPLE
The
Red River Delta region is renowned for its treasure trove of archaeological
remains and monuments created over the centuries by the royal dynasties. A true
favorite of history lovers, we will be amazed by the imperial cities, the
majestic pagodas, the ancient villages, the land and sea Halong Bay. A trip to
Northern Vietnam that you will not soon forget.
Visit the imperial city of Thang Long - Hanoi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to begin this journey to Northern Vietnam. Panoramic and historical tour of the city: the legendary Lake of the Sword (Hoan Kiem), the temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son), the old quarter and its streets with 36 guilds, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the merchant house restored to its original state, the Dong Xuan market (built by the French), the Eastern Gate and some pagodas.
A cyclo tour is suggested for us to discover buildings from the colonial era such as the School of the Far East, now a museum of Vietnamese history, and the Opera, a replica of the Garnier Opera in Paris.
The visit obviously goes through the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. We then go to Hanoi's oldest pagoda, Tran Quoc, located on the shores of Lake West and Quan Thanh Temple with its bronze statue of the genius (Northern guardian).
Puppet
show on the water, a very popular art in the Red River delta.
Day of discovery of the surroundings west of Hanoi. These areas are full of charming sites to visit, such as Thay Pagoda (Master's Pagoda), which owes its reputation to the monk Tu Dao Hanh, a great personality of the 11th century. Between myth and reality, he is considered as the founder of puppet shows on the water.
Visit Tay Phuong Pagoda, a museum of Vietnamese Buddhist art sculptures with its large collection of wooden statues. A few steps from the pagoda, we can visit a family workshop that makes dragonflies, butterflies, and bamboo turtles.
Arrival in Duong Lam, the place that has preserved all the characteristics of an ancient village in Northern Vietnam: banyan trees, wells, small temples and laterite houses dating back more than 100 years.
Walk or bike around this authentic village. Visit of some houses, discovery of the craft of making fermented soy sauce and stories related to the kings Ngo Quyen, Phung Hung - the national heroes being of Duong Lam's origin.
Before returning to Hanoi, we stop at Mong Phu Temple, located in the heart of the village, drinking fresh tea and tasting the che lam candies - a specialty of this village.
Free
evening to discover the nightlife of Hanoi.
Road to Ninh Binh. After 2 hours of driving, we arrive at the old capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu (between 968-1009). We discover this region by visiting the temples of the kings Dinh and Le.
A small boat trip through the Van Long nature reserve with its rice fields, karst peaks and caves. The wild landscapes are home to many protected species (e.g. the Delacour Langur, a species of primate endemic to Vietnam). We then continue with a bike ride through the typical villages of the surrounding region.
Overnight
in a bungalow in Tam Coc.
We leave for Ha Long to discover the magnificent bay of the same name, the jewel of the East Sea. Embarkation on a junk to start the extraordinary cruise at around 12:30 pm. We sail in Bai Tu Long Bay which is an extension of Halong Bay (less frequented and more wild).
We cross hundreds of karst peaks to reach Cong Do where we take a kayak ride. Swimming in the bay and relaxing on one of its beaches.
Return
to the boat for a demonstration of Vietnamese cuisine before dinner. Overnight
in a quiet place.
For lovers of starry skies or romantic nights, sleep may have been shortened! Anyway, a sunrise on the bay is worth this little sacrifice!
After breakfast, the junk continues to sneak through these countless small islets to the beach of Ba Trai Dao. Enchanting setting if there is one, a swim is strongly recommended! We start the return trip while a lunch is offered in the lounges.
Disembarkation planned in Hon Gai around 11:30 am, time to check our packages and take the last pictures on the bridge.
On the way back, crossing Bac Ninh - the region rich in culture and history. Visit the pagoda of the Brush Tower (But Thap) with its many Buddha statues and its unique architecture.
Arrival
in Hanoi, end of your trip to the North of Vietnam and departure flight or continuation
of your trip in the center and south.
