Travel in Vietnam - Stories and legends

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Presentation

Vietnam represents the shape of a dragon, one of the sacred animals in the culture of the country and that of Asia. Legend tell that the Vietnamese are descendants of Lac Long Quan, the dragon lord of the vast seas and his wife Au Co, the goddess of the high peaks. Apart from this legend which would be at the origin of the creation of the country, the traces of the history, the tales and the myths appear in every corner of Vietnam, enter daily life and create an exceptional culture. Let us introduce you to these stories on a unique trip to Vietnam.

Hanoi > Ha Giang > Dong Van > Meo Vac > Bao Lac > Cao Bang > Ban Gioc > Ba Be > Halong > Ninh Binh > Hue > Hoi An > My Son > Da Nang > Saigon > Tay Ninh

Detailed program day by day

Hanoi

In 1010, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital of Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to the citadel of Dai La. The story says that on his arrival, the king would have seen a dragon that was taking off. He renamed the city "Thang Long" meaning "the dragon taking flight." In 1832, the name of Hanoi meaning "between the rivers", was given to the city. This thousand-year-old city concentrates historic buildings and cultural sites of great artistic value.

Our trip to Vietnam begins with visits to the eternal sites of Hanoi such as the legendary Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem), the Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son), the Old Quarter, St. Joseph's Cathedral, a old house restored identically, the old market Dong Xuan (built by the French), the East Gate, the Temple of Literature (the first university of Vietnam).

We then go to West Lake, a place rich in history to visit Hanoi's oldest pagoda, Tran Quoc and Quan Thanh Temple with its four-ton bronze statue.

Free evening and night at the hotel.

Day 1: Hanoi

Hanoi, Ha Giang

Departure towards Ha Giang and the northern mountains. Along the way, we admire the landscapes dominated by breathtaking peaks, verdant rice fields, palm hills and villages. Visit a village of black Tay through the city of Tuyen Quang. Arrival in Ha Giang late afternoon. Overnight homestay or hotel.

Ha Giang was the area of residence of the Tay Vu tribe belonging to the former Van Lang kingdom, then to the Au Lac kingdom (7th century BC - 208 BC). After ups and downs of history, this region was under the reigns of the minority tribes and royal dynasties of ancient Vietnam. In 1672, the Chinese Qing Dynasty occupied part of Ha Giang. It was not until 1728 that Vietnam recovered these lands through diplomatic channels.

Day 2: Hanoi, Ha Giang

Ha Giang, Dong Van

Road to the karst plateau of Dong Van, listed in the list of World Geological Park. Stop at the "gate of heaven" of Quan Ba. The French built a giant (now extinct) wooden door 150 cm thick at this location in 1939.

Pho Bang village is an oasis sits deep in the bottom of the rocky plateau valley. Their old houses are characterized by walls "drilled" in earth, covered with tiles, some built in a colonial style.

After arriving in Dong Van, visit the King Hmong Palace. This architectural marvel reproduces the Chinese style of the Qing Dynasty. At the beginning of the 20th century, its owner, Vuong Chi Sinh was honored by minority residents as the king to manage the four districts Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Meo Vac and Dong Van.

Night at the hotel.

Day 3: Ha Giang, Dong Van

Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac

On Sundays, the weekly Dong Van Market is worth a visit! Very lively, colorful at will, where the black Hmong, Han, Giay, Dao, Tay ethnic groups come together from all over the region to sell or barter their products, this market alone is a must-see attraction.

Resumption of the road to the summits. The pass of Ma Pi Leng, reached through exceptional karstic mountain scenery, offers us a dizzying view over the valley.

We cross then Meo Vac before reaching further to Bao Lac. On the road, there are more villages in Tay, Nung, Dao and Day territories. Discover their usual rhythm by making a hook at Tat Nga village, of the Day ethnic group.

Then we take the road back to Bao Lac. According to the time allotted, a short walk in this mountainous city to discover the daily life of the locals.

Free evening and night at the hotel.

Day 4: Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac

Bao Lac, Cao Bang

We make a catch this morning in the village of Coc Xa, this little village of black Lolo made famous by a French TV show with no less famous rugby player Frederic Michalak. We admire the daily life of this small community, still on the margins of society, which has kept all its traditions.

The stage takes us to Cao Bang by a "wild" road, a rugged terrain of gigantic mountains. A wide valley finally opens on this average city of the province.

Night at the hotel.

Day 5: Bao Lac, Cao Bang

Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang

After breakfast, head for the Ban Gioc Falls. The road crosses a plain where flows a river with waters of supernatural color. The Tay and Nung villages are characterized by extraordinary activity and serenity.

Quickly, the waterfalls of Ban Gioc, the highest of Vietnam, are offered to us in a dazzling decoration. Photos, swimming, boat ride on the river (which marks the natural border with China), everything is together to enjoy a magical moment in an enchanting site.

On the way back, the caves of Nguom Ngao have the particularity of crossing the mountain from one side to the other, and their numerous and diverse (by their forms) concretions limestones make it one of the most beautiful of the country.

Overnight at the hotel in Cao Bang where the market is worth a visit.

Day 6: Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang

Cao Bang, Ba Be Lake

Today, Ba Be is your destination to continue this trip to Vietnam. A hook is needed for the site of Pac Bo where took refuge a few months Ho Chi Minh to prepare the revolution. He lived here, as a hermit in a way, in a cave that can be visited. During this pleasant walk, we can easily imagine the "father of the Revolution", at the edge of the stream, sitting on a rock, developing multiple strategies that will determine the future of his country. History tells us that he named the mountain, Karl Marx, and the river, Lenin ...

Then, recovery of the road through many villages Tay, Dao, Nung, Hmong. We finally arrive at the Ba Be National Park and take a rest in the village of Pac Ngoi, on the banks of the lake, in a stilt house of a Tay family.

Rest of free time to discover quietly the village and the landscapes around the lake. Dinner and overnight at the inhabitant.

Day 7: Cao Bang, Ba Be Lake

Ba Be

After breakfast, bike ride to the village of Peng where we visit the cave of Hua Ma (500 meters long and 50 meters wide) in which there are many geological formations being evidence of erosion phenomena and gigantic transformations millions of years ago.

After returning to the village of Pac Ngoi, boat ride on the largest natural lake in northern Vietnam. Ba Be Lake gives us an almost "mystical" view of the place! Magic plays its role at the sight of this grandiose jungle, these cliffs or other giant sugar loaves. 200 million years ago, this lake was created following a geological upheaval causing a sudden collapse of limestone blocks. According to legend, a fairy disguised as a beggar punished selfish people by allowing a flood to overwhelm the entire village.

Visit the Puong cave which houses an impressive and sometimes scary colony of bats. On the banks of the Nang River, we visit Ban Cam, the small hamlet of the Tay ethnic group. Short walk to the waterfall Dau Dang, then boat for a crossing of the lake to the temple An Ma, perched on a tiny island, and where there are many celebrations throughout the year.

Second night at the inhabitant at the edge of the lake Ba Be.

Day 8: Ba Be

Ba Be, Hanoi

According to the time allotted to us, the day of the week, a visit of the local market could be envisaged.

The road back to Hanoi is offered to us. 250 km dotted with impressive landscapes, tea fields that can boast Thai Nguyen, the many brickworks along the way.

Several stops are planned en route to visit villages and to take beautiful pictures.

Free time to discover the nightlife in Hanoi.

Day 9: Ba Be, Hanoi

Hanoi, Halong Bay

Departure for the city of Ha Long and its beautiful bay, jewels of the East Sea. Arrive in Ha Long around noon, we embark on a beautiful junk for a cruise following an original itinerary, which makes a new turning point to your trip to Vietnam.

We sail in Bai Tu Long Bay, extension of Ha Long Bay but less crowded and wilder. Lunch is served while the junk sails through the hundreds of karst formations of the bay.

Legend has it that once Vietnam was invaded by foreign enemies. Dragon-mother and her children came down from the sky to help the Vietnamese fight the invaders. After the victory, the Dragon and his children stayed in the bay transforming into rocks and islets. From where the names of the sites and landscapes: Ha Long (the place where the Dragon descends), Bai Tu Long (the small dragons prostrate themselves in front of their mother).

Swimming in the bay. The boat is heading towards Thien Canh Son cave we visit. Continuation of the cruise to the island of Hon Co for a relaxing time on the white sand beach, for swimming, and kayaking.

Back on board. Dinner and overnight on the boat.

Day 10: Hanoi, Halong Bay

Halong Bay, Ninh Binh

Breakfast in the middle of a sumptuous landscape to start the day. The junk goes to the floating village of Vung Vieng that we visit in small rowing boat. Then, a lunch is proposed during the return cruise.

After the meal taken on board, it's time to check his package and land at Hon Gai.

Destination Ninh Binh, ancient imperial city of the 10th century.

Free evening and night at the hotel.

Day 11: Halong Bay, Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Hue

Tam Coc, nicknamed the Halong Bay (in the manner of Halong Bay): hundreds of karstic peaks come out of the ground and create a landscape as unusual as it is exceptional. Boat trip on the Ngo Dong River, through caves, karst peaks and flooded rice paddies.

Then by bike, through the villages and rice fields, we reach the Bich Dong pagoda with a magnificent view of the region.

In the afternoon, visit the temples of kings Dinh and Le by discovering stories of these two dynasties: power struggle and plot of assassination in the royal family, a woman being the queen of two kings, ...

Then, back to Hanoi. On the way, transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue.

Arrival in Hue. Our driver greets us at the airport and drives us to the hotel. Meal and free evening.

Day 12: Ninh Binh, Hanoi, Hue

Hue

Day dedicated to Hue, the imperial capital from 1802 to 1945. We take the Perfume River to the pagoda of the Celestial Lady (Thien Mu). Built in 1601 by a local lord, Nguyen Hoang, this Buddhist pagoda is beautifully situated, overlooking the river facing the mountains on the horizon.

Return to the city to visit the imperial citadel, where lived the last emperors of the dynasties of Vietnam.

Located in the surrounding countryside, in places breathing peacefully, the tombs of two kings Thu Duc and Khai Dinh fuel our curiosity of the afternoon.

On the way back, we discover all the secrets of making incense sticks.

Free evening and night at the hotel.

Day 13: Hue

Hue, Hoi An

Our trip to Vietnam leads us today to Hoi An. After the lagoons along the Mandarin Road, we climb the Cloudy Pass. Lang Co on one side, on the other side Da Nang Bay, so many immense expanses of the sea lined with white sand beaches.

The visit of the Cham museum in Da Nang makes us discover the importance of the ancient Hindu kingdom of Champa (192 - 1832) established in this region.

A few kilometers, while skirting the sea, the Marble mountains reveal us skilful stonecutters. Tam Thai Pagoda and Huyen Khong Cave invite us to climb the side of the mountain. Local legend wants a water dragon to drop a dragon egg. The egg grew until it hatched and broke into five pieces that later became small mountains.

Hoi An, old small port, welcomes us. Many merchants, mostly Chinese and Japanese settled there in the 16th century, giving the various buildings this typical and original architecture. We discover successively the small Japanese bridge, the shrine of Fugian - goddess of the sea, the old house Phung Hung,...

Stroll through the market and the docks, lively places at the end of the day and the evening.

Day 14: Hue, Hoi An

Hoi An, My Son, Da Nang, Saigon

45 km from Hoi An, My Son Shrine is an ancient religious capital of the Hindu kingdom of Champa, which dominated the area for centuries. The remains of temples, towers and other deities have suffered terribly from the wear of time, but also from the effects of war. Many restoration projects are underway.

Back to Hoi An, free ride in the old city for shopping.

Transfer to the airport for flight Da Nang - Sai Gon. Free evening and night at the hotel.

Day 15: Hoi An, My Son, Da Nang, Saigon

- Day 16: Saigon, Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, Saigon - Travel in Vietnam - Cao Dai

On the way to the great Caodaist temple of Tay Ninh. This atypical religion is officially born in 1926 from its creator Ngo Van Chieu. It is distinguished by a mix Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Catholicism.

The Caodai religion currently has more than 6 million members. We can attend the midday mass, the ideal time to observe rituals and worshipers during their worship practice wearing costumes of different colors according to their hierarchy.

In the afternoon and on the way back is the site of Cu Chi famous for its tunnels that sheltered the resistance forces Viet Minh during the French colonial period, and Viet Cong soldiers during the war against the Americans.

Night at the hotel.

Day 16: Saigon, Tay Ninh, Cu Chi, Saigon

Saigon, Cai Be, Tra On

Departure this morning from Saigon to reach the city of Cai Be located one of the arms of the vast delta of the Mekong. Embark on the wooden sampan for a discovery of this region, first agricultural region of Vietnam. We go through the canals and along the orchards, the villages, the rice fields to discover the daily life of this mid-aquatic landscape.

The cruise takes us to Tra On, where we spend the night on board. Landing in Cho Lach for a bike ride through the village and the countryside. Fruit tasting and visit of artisans on the way.

Back on the boat from where we admire the sunset while continuing our cruise.

Night on board.

Day 17: Saigon, Cai Be, Tra On

Can Tho, Saigon

In the morning the boat sails gently up the Bassac River to the town of Can Tho. We then take a seat on smaller boats to discover the floating market of Cai Rang, one of the largest in the delta. Here are sold mainly seasonal agricultural products but also various current products. Each boat announcing what it sells thanks to a pole at the end of which is the sold product.

Return to the pier and return to the road towards Saigon.

Arrival in Saigon, transfer to the hotel to rest. Free evening and night at the hotel.

Day 18: Can Tho, Saigon

Saigon

Saigon, the ancient capital of Cochin China, considered by the French at the time of the colony as "the little Paris" of the Orient, was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1975, during the reunification of Vietnam, date which marks the end of the war. Ho Chi Minh City is a huge megalopolis of the south, which is modernizing and developing without waiting, as crazy, almost undisciplined and rebellious! The visitor feels an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit and this desire to win at all costs the bet on the future.

Our visit takes us to District 1 where we discover the Notre Dame Cathedral, the central post office, next door, whose frame is the work of Gustave Eiffel, the Governor's Palace (former palace of the Presidents of the Republic of Vietnam) The main attraction is of course the famous Ben Thanh market, where you can find everything!

Free time for shopping. After your free dinner, we drive you to the airport for your departure flight. End of your trip to Vietnam.

Day 19: Saigon