From the Red River to the Stones of Angkor — 15 Days

This full day is dedicated to the capital's historic landmarks. We begin at the venerable Temple of Literature, established in 1070 to honor Confucius and the nation's scholars, whose paved courtyards and doctoral stone steles borne by tortoises bear witness to a thousand-year scholarly tradition. We then visit remarkable Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shores of West Lake, and the Ba Dinh historical complex bordered by the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's former stilt house.

The afternoon showcases the country's rich human mosaic at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where colorful garments, ceremonial objects, and open-air traditional dwellings depict the daily life of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. At the end of the day, attend a poetic water puppet performance, a folk art born in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

We take the road south toward Ninh Binh province, celebrated as the terrestrial Halong Bay. We discover the ancient royal capital of Hoa Lu, where 10th-century temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le rise majestically within an impressive amphitheater of karst peaks emerging from tropical greenery.

We then embark on an unforgettable traditional sampan rowboat ride in Tam Coc: gliding along the tranquil Ngo Dong River through shimmering rice fields, the boat passes beneath three spectacular natural caverns carved through the cliffs. A scenic bicycle ride along rural paths to the cliffside cave pagoda of Bich Dong completes this pastoral day of escape.

Drive: approx. 2 hours (100 km). Overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.

We drive through the agricultural landscapes of the delta toward the Gulf of Tonkin to reach legendary Halong Bay, a geological marvel designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon reaching port, board a traditional wooden junk for an exceptional cruise. As a fresh seafood lunch is served on deck, the vessel glides between thousands of towering limestone karsts emerging from emerald waters.

The afternoon features wonderful moments of discovery: exploring a vast stalactite-adorned sea cave, a contemplative sea kayak excursion along limestone walls, and swimming in a sheltered cove weather permitting. In the evening, watch the sunset from the upper sundeck before enjoying a refined dinner and night squid fishing.

Drive: approx. 3 hours (170 km). Overnight on board the junk in private air-conditioned cabin.

Dawn's first light illuminates the sea mist enveloping the karst silhouettes. A Tai Chi session on the upper deck welcomes the rising sun in complete serenity. After a final sampan excursion to a floating fishing village or secluded beach, enjoy a hearty brunch on board as the junk cruises slowly back to port.

Following disembarkation in late morning, transfer directly to Hanoi airport for a scheduled domestic flight to Hue, the imperial capital of Vietnam's last ruling dynasty. Warmly greeted upon arrival and check in to your boutique hotel.

Transfer: 2h30; domestic flight: 1h15. Overnight at hotel in Hue.

This day of cultural immersion delves into the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. We explore the majestic Imperial Citadel of Hue, a vast fortified complex inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City: Ngo Mon Gate, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, The Mieu ancestral temple, and royal pavilions testify to past imperial splendor.

We then board a traditional dragon boat for a peaceful cruise on the Perfume River to celebrated Thien Mu Pagoda, recognizable by its iconic seven-tiered octagonal tower. The afternoon is dedicated to the lavish mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, a poetic retreat of pine woods, lake pavilions, and lotus ponds where the monarch composed poetry, followed by a visit to a traditional incense and conical hat workshop.

Overnight at hotel in Hue.

We drive south along the coastal road to cross the natural mountain border between northern and southern Vietnam. Stop for a contemplative pause along serene Lang Co Lagoon, a fishing hamlet fringed by white sands, before climbing the scenic hairpins of the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds). From the summit at 500 meters altitude, sweeping vistas take in the indented coastline and Da Nang Bay.

We then reach the UNESCO-listed port town of Hoi An. Following check-in, set out for a first stroll along lantern-lined pedestrian alleys framed by yellow-walled heritage shophouses. At nightfall, the town glows with thousands of multicolored silk lanterns reflecting in the Thu Bon River.

Drive: approx. 3h30 (140 km). Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

The morning is dedicated to an in-depth discovery of Hoi An's pedestrian historic quarter, a cosmopolitan trade crossroads from the 16th to 18th centuries: the venerable Japanese Covered Bridge housing a small Buddhist shrine, the magnificent assembly hall of the Fujian Chinese congregation, and the ancient precious-wood merchant home of Tan Ky.

At nightfall, the town turns into a fairytale spectacle with floating lanterns on the Thu Bon River. Savor rare artisan tea in an ancient preserved timber merchant mansion.

Throughout this memorable day, enjoy sincere cultural exchanges and contemplative moments in pristine rural settings, revealing the poetry and warmth of the Vietnamese soul.

Overnight at hotel in Hoi An.

Transfer to Da Nang airport for your scheduled domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the vibrant economic engine of the South. Greeted on arrival by our local guide and transferred to the city center.

The afternoon introduces iconic colonial landmarks: prestigious Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Opera House, and the grand Central Post Office whose metal framework was engineered by Gustave Eiffel. Conclude the day with a sensory immersion in Ben Thanh Market, overflowing with silks, spices, and artisan souvenirs.

Flight: 1h20. Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Early morning departure southward into the watery labyrinth of the Mekong Delta. In Ben Tre, the coconut capital, board a traditional boat to cruise along wide river arms. Disembark along a shaded bank for a bicycle or motorized triporteur ride on rural paths, visiting family workshops that make coconut candies and hand-woven sedge mats.

Board small hand-rowed sampans to glide beneath the cool shade of water coconut palms along tranquil arroyos. In late afternoon, check into a charming riverside ecolodge or guesthouse for a dinner of local specialties (elephant ear fish) and a peaceful night lulled by delta nature sounds.

Drive: approx. 2h30 (90 km). Overnight in the Mekong Delta.

At dawn, cruise to the spectacular Cai Rang floating market in Can Tho, the largest wholesale floating market in the delta. Hundreds of boats piled high with tropical fruits, vegetables, and flowers conduct business on the water amidst lively calls, each trader advertising goods from the top of a long bamboo pole.

After stopping at a fruit orchard to savor fresh mangoes and dragon fruits, return to Saigon for transfer to the international airport and your direct flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Warmly welcomed by your Cambodian French-speaking guide and transfer to your boutique hotel.

Drive: 3h30; regional flight: 1 hour. Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

This magnificent day explores the supreme treasures of the ancient Khmer capital. Enter the fortified city of Angkor Thom through its monumental South Gate flanked by giant carved statues of devas and asuras. At the heart of the walled citadel, the Bayon sanctuary reveals its 54 towers adorned with more than two hundred serene smiling faces. We also discover the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.

In the afternoon, explore the ultimate masterpiece of Khmer art: colossal Angkor Wat, the largest religious structure in the world. Walk through its vast concentric galleries covered with exquisite bas-reliefs depicting Hindu churning of the ocean of milk myths, before watching the lotus-shaped towers silhouette against the sunset sky.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Depart early morning to experience the magic of Ta Prohm, left in its wild natural state: giant silk-cotton and banyan tree roots entangle carved stones, mossy galleries, and celestial apsara carvings in a poetic duel between forest and architecture. Continue to the monastery of Banteay Kdei and the royal ablution pool of Srah Srang.

The afternoon brings us to the majestic sanctuary of Preah Khan, a sprawling monastic and university complex buried under a high canopy of tropical trees. At the end of the day, visit the fair-trade workshops of Artisans d'Angkor, preserving stone carving and traditional lacquerware.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap.

Our final morning is dedicated to Great Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia's nourishing heart. A traditional boat cruise carries us to the stilt village of Kompong Phluk, where dwellings built on towering timber poles adapt to dramatic seasonal water fluctuations, followed by a serene canoe paddle through flooded mangrove forests.

Returning to Siem Reap, enjoy free time for final artisan shopping or relaxing by the hotel pool. Depending on your flight schedule, private transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for departure formalities, completing an unforgettable journey from the Red River to the temples of Angkor.

Airport transfer and end of our services.