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Overview

Private adventure travel to Vietnam

Vietnamese art is deeply rooted in the history and the land of this country. From 10 000 years-old cave engravings to emerging artists' works, Vietnamese art offers countless wonders. Temples and pagodas abound in examples of traditional art styles while the contemporary art scene teems with creativity. Young artists are exploring new art forms and media but are also developing new modes of expression in traditional wood sculpture and bamboo lacquer.
This trip will bring you in contact with Vietnamese traditional art and with its contemporary expression by enabling you to visit the best art galleries and meet with artists in their studios. You will also familiarize yourself with Vietnamese culinary art by wandering in the markets, accompanied by your chef, to choose the best ingredients for the preparation of tasty local dishes.
Moreover, you will discover the richness and diversity of its architecture, from Ho Chi Minh's modernity to villages stuck in time and from Cham temples' ruins to Buddhist pagodas without forgetting the elegance of French colonial architecture. You will travel across stunning landscapes, fertile mountains, vast paddy fields and luxuriant jungle. Above all, you will come to discover Vietnam's most precious treasure: its people, whose optimism and spirit of resistance have inspired many.

Do not hesitate to contact your Vietnam specialist for more information about this extraordinary adventure travel!

Itinerary

Day 1| Depart Montreal

Day 2| Arrival Hanoi
Arrive Noi Bai Airport. Warmest greeting with tour guide with big smile and flowers, then transfer to Hanoi, the political capital and cultural capital of Vietnam. Steeped in history, tradition, and legend, Hanoi is a city that has been inhabited continuously for a millennium and has changed little in decades. Check in hotel. Accommodation in Hanoi.

Day 3| Hanoi city tour
Hanoi will charm you. -The fine villas are pure French, making no concession to the climate, and were it not for the palms, bougainvillea, etc., they might be standing in some pleasant outskirt of Paris.- and all interspersed by traditional Vietnamese buildings and pre-colonial Pagodas and Temples. Hanoi has been an agricultural and fishing settlement since 2,000. BC but the city, as we now know it, dates back to 1010 AD., populated by hard-working and friendly people only too ready to make you welcome. Our visits today include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his house on stilts within the grounds of the former French Governor-General's Palace and the near-by One Pillar Pagoda, all of which are in the historic French Quarter with it's mature, shade-giving trees and the classical French ochre-colored villas bordering the Ba Dinh Square, the political centre of Hanoi. We pass the largest of the city's lakes, the Tay Lake and visit Quan Thanh Temple, visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum. After lunch, we visit the Temple of Literature and take the sight seeing the Old Quarter, where colorful, crowded streets bustle with activity.
Late afternoon, we enjoy a water puppet show, a unique art of Vietnam. This evening, we enjoy a welcome to Vietnamese dinner and receive a tour orientation at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant.. Accommodation in Hanoi. (B,D)
(Note: Hochiminh Mausoleum and museums are closed on Monday and Friday)

Day 4| Hanoi - Art of Cuisine and Fine Art
Today, visit the National Museum of Fine Arts. You will visit the internationally renowned artist, Nguyen Khac Quan, in his residence. In the afternoon, visit the studio of well-known Mai Hien where you will learn the complete process of creation of Vietnamese lacquer. Complete with a tour of the finest studios and galleries to find perhaps a few original articles. A nice dinner at the Cyclo Bar in the old neighborhood awaits you. Accommmodation in Hanoi. (B,L)

Day 5| Hanoi - Market - Learn to cook
After breakfast, visit local markets, including one of the oldest in Hanoi and a local Vietnamese farmers market. Shop for ingredients which will be used in your private cooking class at a Cooking vocational and cooperative School. You attend a cooking class and enjoy meals prepared at school cooperative Hoa Sua. Dinner will be free to explore more of the local cuisine. We'll help you choose the restaurants and dishes. Accommmodation in Hanoi. (B,L)

Day 6| Hanoi - Halong
After breakfast, drive through the picturesque countryside to Ha Long Bay. Along the way, see the farms and rice fields and villages of the North East. Visit But Thap pagoda, one of Vietnam's finest, where some exceptional ancient Vietnamese fine art is still well preserved. Upon arrival in Halong, embark on a private wooden -junk-. Welcome wine is offered by the friendly professional captain and his crew. Lunch is prepared by a celebrated local chef while the boat glides lazily across the unbelievably calm sea, with thousands of precipitous limestone peaks jutting dramatically out of the bay. Some of them take on the shapes of fighting cocks, dogs, turtles and lions and others that the imagination creates. After a delicious lunch, stop at Ti Top beach for a refreshing swim. Visit the amazing Sung Sot cave. Cruise on and enjoy a special banquet dinner on board. The crew will help you fish, if that's your pleasure. (B,L,D)
Driving: ~3,5hours (one way)

Day 7| Halong - Bac Ninh - Hanoi - Hue
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay's landscape. Sitting on the upper deck, you can enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the Bay. After breakfast, crew will row the sampan for a short visit Luon cave. Afterward, continue your cruise through ever more spectacular landscapes. An early lunch will be served before we disembark the Junk. After lunch disembark the junk around noon. Return to Hanoi and continue to the airport for your flight to Hue via Bac Ninh. Upon arrival in Hue, meet with your tour guide and driver for transfering to hotel. Accommodation in Hue. (B,L)

Passage Dates Flight Dep. Arr.
Hanoi - Hue TBD VN 247 17.45 18.55
(The flight's schedule can be change without prior notice)

Day 8| Hue
In the morning, tour the symbol of Hue, the 19th century Royal Citadel and learn the story of Vietnam's royal past under the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore the moated ruins of the Forbidden Purple City. Continue to visit two of the finest examples of Imperial architecture, the tombs of Tu Duc. Board private traditional Dragon Boat for transit upriver to visit Thien Mu pagoda. Lunch will be at Y Thao Garden to meet with Madam Cuc who speak beautiful French and is the Chef of her own family restaurant located in a garden home. Madam Cuc is also a journalist for Huong Giang newspaper, a popular newspaper of Hue.
In the afternoon free at leisure or exploration of the bustling Dong Ba Market. This evening, you will meet with Mr Phan Thuan An, well known Hue specialist, whose wife is grandaugter of a Vietnamese Princess. They live in the former home of the Princess with his wife and children and grand children. Mr An's father was a very important Madarine of the Nguyen Dynasty. Mr An can speak English and will be glad to share with you the family history. Accommodation in Hue. (B,L,D)

Day 9| Hue - Hoi An (128km)
After breakfast, have a wonderful drive along the scenic coast, passing through spectacular Hai Van Pass, -the pass in the clouds- and delightful Lang Co Beach. Tour the famous Cham museum where you can see most of the remaining master pieces of Champa Kingdom, an Indianised culture that flourished from the 2 nd to the 15 th AD. Continue on to Hoi An - the charming ancient town, famous as the 17th century trading port of Fai Fo, with its fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese and French architecture. Accommodation in Hoi An. (B)
Driving: ~3hours (one way)

Day 10| Hoi An
Take a walking tour of the ancient town of Hoi An and learn its fascinating history, dating back to 17th century, when Fai Fo was the most important trading port in South East Asia. Visit traditional homes, art galleries to meet and talk with local artists and a silk workshop. Today, you also have chance to have stylish clothes tailor-made for you at some of over100 shops in the ancient town. Hoi An is famous for it. Accommodation in Hoi An. (B)

Day 11| Hoi An/ Herbal village/ Cooking class
Today, we will explore Hoian's countryside by cycling to Tra Que the famous herbal village and enjoy local specialty and Hoian traditional food massage. Lunch at Tra Que village.
Afternoon, return to Hoi An for a private cooking demonstration featuring Central Coast cuisine, including such dishes as White Rose, Cao Lau and Wonton, at the Cargo Club, followed by dinner overlooking the Thu Bon river. Accommodation in Hoi An. ( B,L,D)

Day 12| Hoi An - Hochiminh City via Danang
More free time in the morning for walking tour or shopping, then departure by private car to nearby Marble Mountain and China Beach for exploration by foot.Continue to Danang Airport for flight to Hochiminh city. Meet guide and transfer to city center hotel (20 minutes). Afternoon and evening strolling Saigon's central district. Accommodation in Hochiminh city. (B)
Airlines:
Passage Dates Flight Dep. Arr.
Danang - HCM city TDB VN323 11.00 12.10

Day 13| Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta/ My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City
Drive to My Tho for a full day cruise on the mighty Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in the world. Explore the river's islands and canals in your own sampan, rowed by men and women living on the river. Meet the friendly local people making coconut candy in their workshop. Talk to the young ladies who sing and play in a local musical performance while you enjoy luscious tropical fruits and home-made honey tea. Taste the amazing local Elephant Ear fish and giant shrimp at lunch in an orchard restaurant cooled by gentle river breezes. Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)

Day 14| Ho Chim Minh City - Cooking class
Today, you will visit Ben Thanh Market, the biggest market in Vietnam, followed by a cooking lesson, featuring dishes of Southern Vietnam followed by lunch. Continue on to visit popular local galleries at Dong Khoi Street, where you will find most of the finest shops in Saigon. Farewell dinner will be at one of Saigon‘s finest restaurants. (B,L,D)

Day 15| Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Free at leisure before taking the flight home. Enjoy the memories for a lifetime. Ends of the services. (B)

Budget

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Other fees

Lodging

Geography

Three quarters of Vietnam's territory consists of mountains and hills.
Vietnam is divided into four distinct mountainous zones.
The Northeastern Zone (Viet Bac)

This zone stretches from the Red River Valley to the Gulf of Tonkin. The mountainous area of Viet Bac is scattered with famous sights: Dong Nhat Grotto, Dong Nhi Grotto, and Tam Thanh Grotto in Lang Son Province; Pac Bo Grotto and Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang; Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan; Yen Tu Mountain and Halong Bay in Quang Ninh; and Tay Con Linh, the highest mountain peak in the region reaching 2,341 meters above sea level.

The Northwestern Zone
This zone is comprised of mountains that run from the north of the Sino-Vietnamese border to the west of Thanh Hoa Province. This magnificent mountain range is nationally known for its resort town of Sapa in Lao Cai Province, which is perched 1500 meters above sea level. Several ethnic groups, such as the H'mong, Dao, Kinh, Tay, Giay, Hoa, and Xa Pho, still reside in this region. The northwestern zone is also famous for the historical site of Dien Bien Phu and Fansipan Mountain, which measures 3,143 meters above sea level at the peak.

The North Truong Son Zone
This zone runs from the western part of Thanh Hoa Province to the Quang Nam-Da Nang Mountains. This region is known locally for its picturesque Phong Nha Grotto and its two breathtaking passes, the Ngang Pass and the Hai Van Pass. It is also known worldwide for being the location of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail constructed during the second great resistance war.

The South Truong Son Zone
This zone is located to the west of the south central coast provinces. Behind these huge mountains is a vast area of red soil known locally as "Tay Nguyen" (the Central Highlands). There are numerous legendary accounts of the flora and fauna and of the lives of several different ethnic minorities living in the Central Highlands. Dalat, established during the 19th century, is a popular resort town in this part of Vietnam.

Vietnam has two major deltas, including the Red River Delta in the north and the Mekong River Delta in the south.

The Red River Delta, or Northern Delta
This region stretches for15,000 sq. km. Over time, deposits of alluvium carried from the Red River and Thai Binh River have accumulated to form the delta. The ancient Viet people settled at the junction of the two rivers . At that time, the wet rice civilization was established

The Mekong River Delta, or Southern Delta
This region is approximately 40,000 sq. km. The land is very fertile and has favorable climate conditions for agriculture. As a result, it is the largest rice growing region in Vietnam.
Vietnam is crisscrossed by thousands of streams and rivers. There is a river discharging every 20 kilometers along Vietnam's coastline. The waterways are a very convenient means of transport with major rivers like the Red River in the north and the Mekong River in the south.

Sea
Vietnam's coastline is 3,260km long. If you have a chance to travel along the coast of Vietnam, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Tra Co, Sam Son, Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Nha Trang, Vung Tau, and Ha Tien. In some places, you will see mountains jutting out to the sea. One such magnificent site is Halong Bay, which has recently been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Vietnam's coast has been awarded a series of large seaports, such as the ones at Haiphong, Danang, Qui Nhon, Cam Ranh, Vung Tau, and Saigon. There are thousands of islands and islets scattered offshore from north to south. Among the most popular tourist destinations are the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa Archipelagos.

Culture

In Vietnamese society, people gather together to form villages in rural areas, and guilds in urban areas. Villages and guilds have been forming since the dawn of the nation. These organizations have gradually developed for the population to be more stable and closer together. Each village and guild has its own regulations called conventions.

The purpose of these conventions is the promotion of good customs within populations. All the conventions are different but they are always in accordance with the state laws.

Approximately ten thousands such conventions are kept in the History Museum in Hanoi and in other museums throughout the country.

Climate

Vietnam is located in both a tropical and a temperate zone.
It is characterized by strong monsoon influences, but has a considerable amount of sun, a high rate of rainfall, and high humidity. Regions located near the tropics and in the mountainous regions are endowed with a temperate climate. The monsoon climate also influences to the changes of the tropical humidity. In general, in Vietnam there are two seasons, the cold season occurs from November to April and the hot season from May to October. The difference in temperature between the two seasons in southern is almost unnoticeable, averaging 3ºC. The most noticeable variations are found in the northern where differences of 12ºC have been observed. There are essentially four distinct seasons, which are most evident in the northern provinces(from Hai Van Pass toward to the north):

Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Every year there are 100 rainy days and the average rainfall is 1,500 to 2,000mm. The humidity ranges around 80%. The sunny hours are 1,500 to 2,000 and the average solar radiation of 100kcal/cm2 in a year.

Because Vietnam is affected by the monsoon, that why the average temperature is lower than the other countries which are located in the same longitude in Asia. The annual average temperatures range from 22oC to 27oC. In comparing with these countries, the temperature in winter is colder and in summer is less hotter in Vietnam.

Under influence of monsoon, and further because of the complicated topography, the climate in Vietnam always changes in one year, between the years, or between the areas (from North to South and from low to high). The climate in Vietnam is also under disadvantage of weather, such as typhoons (advantage there are 6-10 storms and tropical low atmosphere in year, floods and droughts are threaten the life and the agriculture of Vietnam).

Hanoi
In Hanoi there are four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. But it is able to be divided into two main seasons: the rainy season from May to September (it's hot, heavy rain), and the dry season from October to April (it's cold, little rainfall). The annual average temperature is 23.2oC, but in winter the average temperature is 17.2oC. The lowest temperature ever recorded was 2.7oC in 1955. The average summer temperature is 29.2oC, with the highest ever recorded being 42.8oC in 1926. On average, there are 114 rainy days a year with around 1,800mm of rainfall.