A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Cultural immersion
Boat, plane, train, bus, bike, all means are good to discover all facets of Vietnam, from the Mekong Delta to the Chinese border, via Halong Bay.
Guaranteed departure from 5 participants Hiking/Junk cruise/VTC From the Mekong Delta in the South, to the mountains in the North, inhabited by Tibeto-Burmese tribes, Vietnam reveals the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its cultural heritage and its astonishing daily life over 1,700 km long.
A journey through time, offering the greatest diversity of landscapes and encounters, and a complete discovery of Vietnam from South to North. Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses, sleeper train (1 night), and junk (1 night). Carrying: Light bag (7-8 kg), personal belongings.

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Cultural immersion
Boat, plane, train, bus, bike, all means are good to discover all facets of Vietnam, from the Mekong Delta to the Chinese border, via Halong Bay.

Guaranteed departure from 5 participants Hiking/Junk cruise/VTC From the Mekong Delta in the South, to the mountains in the North, inhabited by Tibeto-Burmese tribes, Vietnam reveals the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its cultural heritage and its astonishing daily life over 1,700 km long. A journey through time, offering the greatest diversity of landscapes and encounters, and a complete discovery of Vietnam from South to North. Accommodation: Hotels and guest houses, sleeper train (1 night), and junk (1 night). Carrying: Light bag (7-8 kg), personal belongings.

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Bike rides in the Mekong Delta
  • Hue, ancient imperial city
  • Saigon and Hanoi Tours
  • Hikes among the ethnic groups of the north, local markets
  • Halong Bay on a junk

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Bike rides in the Mekong Delta

  • Hue, ancient imperial city
  • Saigon and Hanoi Tours
  • Hikes among the ethnic groups of the north, local markets
  • Halong Bay on a junk

Country discovery

Itinerant Stay
Off-site departure, various accommodation during the stay

Ages

18 - 55 ans

Need advice?

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE OFFER

PHYSIQUE CONDITION
Not very sporty or not very sporty
i
LEVEL OF PORTAGE
Carrying level 1
i

Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the program with the flights)
  • Local transfers (road, train, air)
  • Framing
  • The accommodation
...
  • Meals except those mentioned below
  • All the services indicated in the program.

Not Included

  • International flights, air taxes, and airport transfers (if you purchased the program without flights)
  • Lunch in Saigon D2, meals in Hanoi J16
  • The drinks
  • Personal expenses and equipment
...
  • The tips
  • Visa fees
  • Any other supplement not included in the program.

The program

Day by day

Day of arrival

Day 1: Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Departure on Sunday.
Attention: the start date of your stay indicated on ucpa.com corresponds to the first day of your tour in Vietnam (= day 2 of the program), and not to the day of departure from Paris.

...
Day 2: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Arrival on Monday.
Reception at the airport and transfer to the city (30 to 45min). Depending on the arrival time of the flight, the first free discovery of the economic capital of Vietnam. Free lunch, dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

During your stay

Day 3: Mekong Delta
In the morning, visit Saigon: Cho Lon Chinatown and Tien Hau Pagoda. Then departure to the Mekong Delta.
...
Arrival in Mo Cay around noon (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours drive). After having lunch with the locals, departure for a bike ride through some villages, coconut groves and orchards. Discovery of the daily activities of the inhabitants and of a coconut fiber workshop. Approximately 1.5 hours of biking on flat ground (2 hours including breaks), or 15 to 20 km.
Then departure for a nice trip on a boat along the canals (approx. 30min). You then embark on a larger boat on the Ham Luong River to reach your local accommodation, 1h30 of navigation. Free time to enjoy the surroundings; relaxation or the possibility of kayaking on the river. If you wish, you can participate in the preparation of dinner. Dinner and overnight at the inhabitant's house.

Day 4: Bike to Ben Tre/Domestic flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An
In the morning, bike ride: visit the local market, a soy sauce workshop, and another coconut candy workshop. 10 km of cycling, or 1 hour including breaks.
Back at the end of the morning to the locals for lunch. After greeting our hosts, transfer to Saigon airport, and flight to Danang in the late afternoon (about 2.5 hours drive). Welcome to Danang, and transfer about 45 minutes to Hoi An (30 km). Overnight at the hotel.

Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An Tour
Hoi An, a small Sino-Vietnamese town, the first foreign trading post in Vietnam, once a stopover for European sailors, classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Visit the main sites: the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temple, Tan Ky's house. After lunch, departure by bike (5 km) in the direction of the market village of Tra Que, renowned for its aromatic herbs, especially mint and basil, whose leaves have a particular aroma. Discover the life of farmers and their techniques. Dinner with tasting of the famous village specialty, “Tam Huu”, an assortment of shrimps, pork and aromatic herbs. Return to Hoi An and overnight stay at the hotel.
NB: depending on the shape of the group, the guide may extend the bike ride.

Hue
Day 6: Departure to Danang and Hue (130 km) by the “Cloud Pass” road. Several stops en route including one at Lang Co beach. Arrival in Hue around noon. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial City. Then, bike ride to the Pha Tam Giang marsh (12 km), on a path through villages and rice fields. Boat trip to the Chuon marsh, and observation of local fishermen. Overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Day 7: Continuing the visit to the Hue region/Sleeper train to Hanoi
Boarding at the port of Huong Giang on a boat that takes us to Thien Mu Temple (3 km). After the visit, it is on board a boat typical of the region that we sail to the village of Thuy Bieu (10 min trip). Bike ride to discover the old houses of the village, and the famous “garden houses”, former homes of high court dignitaries, typical of the city of Hue. We then go to the mausoleum of the ancient emperor Tu Duc (7 km by bike). Return to the city center, then transfer to the station to take the night train to Hanoi. Night on board the train (in air-conditioned compartments with four berths, 13 hours of train).

Day 8: Hanoi and Halong Bay on land
Arrival at Hanoi station in the morning, welcome by your guide, and transfer to a hotel for breakfast, possibility of refreshing yourself in a room reserved for “day-use”. Then drive to Hoa Lu (about 100 km and 2 hours), ancient capital of Vietnam, and visit the temples of King Dinh and Emperor Le. In the afternoon, bike ride to Bich Dong Pagoda. Then transfer to Thung Nham, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Ninh Binh Province, known for its rich and preserved ecosystem, and in particular for its “bird garden”. Boat trip to the Buddha's cave, through rice fields and reeds, dominated by superb limestone peaks. Drive to Ninh Binh, overnight at the hotel.

Halong Bay
Day 9: Hike in the Mu Cang Chai rice terraces
Departure to Halong Bay by a road that crosses the vast rice fields of the Red River Delta (180 km, 3h30). Arrival around noon, immediate boarding for a cruise on Halong Bay aboard a beautiful wooden junk. Night fishing session organized on board. Dinner and overnight on board the junk, equipped with air-conditioned two-bed cabins with a private bathroom/toilet.

Day 10: Drive to Sapa
Wake up at dawn, morning bath, breakfast on board and continue cruising among the islands and islets of the famous bay. Return to Halong Port around noon. After lunch, return to Hanoi (170km, about 2.5 hours). Arrival in Hanoi in the afternoon, walking in the old districts of the city and a water puppet show. Overnight at the hotel.

Among the ethnic groups of the Tonkin mountains
Day 11: Muong Hoa Valley Hike, and Ta Van Village
Visit the Museum of Ethnography in Hanoi, then drive to the mountains of Yen Bai province (210 km, 7 hours). Arrival in the afternoon, visit a local Thai village. Night with the locals in the Thai village of Tu Le.

Day 12: Drive to Hanoi and city tour
Visit the colorful Tu Le market, frequented by the diverse ethnicities of this mountainous region, then hike to admire the spectacular rice terraces of La Pan Tan. In Cau Ba Nha, departure by bus to Tan Uyen, with its tea plantations at the foot of Mount Hoang Lien Son. 130 km, 2-3 hours drive. Overnight at a local's house in Tan Uyen.

Day 13: Halong Bay on land
Hike to discover the village of Tan Uyen and the surrounding hills, between rice fields and gardens, in the direction of a waterfall. After lunch, drive to the village of Ta Giang Pinh, on the land of the Hmong ethnic group (3 hours drive, about 100 km).
Approximately 3 hours of walking (6 km). Overnight at the inhabitant's house.

Halong Bay
Day 14: Halong Bay
From Ta Giang Pin village, we walk from village to village, and discover the different aspects of the daily life of the inhabitants, in a mountainous landscape, between fields and rice terraces. After the hike, drive to the village of Nam Sai to meet the family who welcomes us. Time to discover the surrounding villages in the afternoon.
1h30 of walking (about 4 km). 1h30 of driving (56km). Overnight at the inhabitant's house.

Day 15: Morning on the junk, then drive to Hanoi
In the morning, return by bus to Hanoi. 320 km, 6 hours drive. Arrival in the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which is the first university in Vietnam, and discover on foot the political capital of Vietnam, whose charm comes from the mixture of colonial buildings and old traditional shopping districts. In the evening, a gastronomic stroll through the streets of Hanoi, from shop to shop, in order to taste the most emblematic Vietnamese dishes. Overnight at the hotel.

Last day

Day 16: According to the flight schedule, free time in Hanoi. Free meals, night at the hotel.

Day 17: Return flight likely on the day of J17.
...
Transfer to the airport and flight back.

NB: depending on the airline used, the return flight may involve a departure from Hanoi J16, at night on the plane, with a D17 arrival, or a night at the J16 hotel and a D17 day flight.

The course of this program is indicative. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).

SPOT

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

The economic capital of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly called Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam. It is located on the Saigon River, at the gateway to the Mekong Delta. During French colonization, Saigon was the capital of ancient Cochinchina, then of French Indochina. An active, economically dynamic city, Ho Chi Minh City has lost most of its colonial heritage, but has retained all its charm. With its markets, museums and religious buildings that blend western and eastern spiritualities, Ho Chi Minh City is an essential stop on a trip to Vietnam.

ABOUT THE TRIP

Equipment Included

All the equipment necessary for the activity is provided by the UCPA.

Equipment Included

All the equipment necessary for the activity is provided by the UCPA.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 bags
1 30/40 liter backpack for hikes and city visits
1 sturdy travel bag (numerous transfers)

...
Recommended personal equipment
Very light clothing: shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits, lightweight cotton pants
1 windbreaker
1 rain cape
Long, loose clothing to protect yourself from the sun
Warm underwear for the evening
Toiletries
pocket knife
Light flashlight (handy headlight) with spare battery
Visor cap to protect yourself from the sun
1 gourd
Toilet paper and lighter for its destruction
1 wool or fleece sweater
1 anorak (essential from November to May)

To walk
“Trekking” type hiking boots with notched soles and good ankle support.
A pair of tennis shoes for the evening,
Two pairs of hiking socks

To sleep in a local's house
Small sleeping bag useful in winter (cf. weather forecast)

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...).
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, some of which you will find in the “Health formalities” section.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 bags
1 30/40 liter backpack for hikes and city visits
1 sturdy travel bag (numerous transfers)

Recommended personal equipment
Very light clothing: shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits, lightweight cotton pants
1 windbreaker
1 rain cape
Long, loose clothing to protect yourself from the sun
Warm underwear for the evening
Toiletries
pocket knife
Light flashlight (handy headlight) with spare battery
Visor cap to protect yourself from the sun
1 gourd
Toilet paper and lighter for its destruction
1 wool or fleece sweater
1 anorak (essential from November to May)

To walk
“Trekking” type hiking boots with notched soles and good ankle support.
A pair of tennis shoes for the evening,
Two pairs of hiking socks

To sleep in a local's house
Small sleeping bag useful in winter (cf. weather forecast)

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...).
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, some of which you will find in the “Health formalities” section.

formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals, valid on 15/08/23 (essential check with the consulate one month before your departure):

...
=> Since 15/08/2023, the conditions for entering Vietnamese territory have changed:

- PASSPORT VALID for at least 6 months after the return and with two blank pages.
- VISA useless for trips not exceeding 45 days on site (entry and exit days included), in this case, a free visa will be granted to you upon arrival.

NB: the visa remains mandatory for Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourgish nationals in particular.

Vietnam Embassy
61 Miromesnil Street, 75008 Paris
Tel: 01 44 14 64 00
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 12:00, and from 14:00 to 17:00. And on Friday from 9:30 to 12:00.
http://www.ambassade-vietnam.com/
e-mail: vnparis.fr@gmail.com

IMPORTANT:
To be able to make all the reservations on site, the Vietnamese authorities now ask us to scan the passport of each participant (they require in particular to have all your first names, so as to have no doubt about your identity).
Thank you for sending the scan of your passport (please scan the page where the photo is located) to Miss Huyen NGUYEN, at the email address sales@easia-active.com specifying what date you registered on.

---------------

COVID INFORMATION:
The presentation of test results for COVID-19 is no longer required upon arrival on Vietnamese territory.

Although air connections are gradually resuming, it is important to keep in touch with the airlines regularly, as any reservation is subject to last-minute changes. It is also important to carefully review the boarding conditions, which are also likely to change under short notice. Given the uncertainties associated with the evolution of the Covid situation, it is strongly recommended to use a travel agency in order to plan your stay in the best conditions.

In general, it is advisable to follow the recommendations of local authorities and to consult the website of the French Embassy (https://vn.ambafrance.org/) in Vietnam or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (https://ho-chi-minh-ville.consulfrance.org/).

NB: we strongly recommend that you subscribe to our ASSUR'VACANCES supplementary insurance or to another travel insurance (more information on: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances).


https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/vietnam/

formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals, valid on 15/08/23 (essential check with the consulate one month before your departure):

=> Since 15/08/2023, the conditions for entering Vietnamese territory have changed:

- PASSPORT VALID for at least 6 months after the return and with two blank pages.
- VISA useless for trips not exceeding 45 days on site (entry and exit days included), in this case, a free visa will be granted to you upon arrival.

NB: the visa remains mandatory for Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourgish nationals in particular.

Vietnam Embassy
61 Miromesnil Street, 75008 Paris
Tel: 01 44 14 64 00
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:30 to 12:00, and from 14:00 to 17:00. And on Friday from 9:30 to 12:00.
http://www.ambassade-vietnam.com/
e-mail: vnparis.fr@gmail.com

IMPORTANT:
To be able to make all the reservations on site, the Vietnamese authorities now ask us to scan the passport of each participant (they require in particular to have all your first names, so as to have no doubt about your identity).
Thank you for sending the scan of your passport (please scan the page where the photo is located) to Miss Huyen NGUYEN, at the email address sales@easia-active.com specifying what date you registered on.

---------------

COVID INFORMATION:
The presentation of test results for COVID-19 is no longer required upon arrival on Vietnamese territory.

Although air connections are gradually resuming, it is important to keep in touch with the airlines regularly, as any reservation is subject to last-minute changes. It is also important to carefully review the boarding conditions, which are also likely to change under short notice. Given the uncertainties associated with the evolution of the Covid situation, it is strongly recommended to use a travel agency in order to plan your stay in the best conditions.

In general, it is advisable to follow the recommendations of local authorities and to consult the website of the French Embassy (https://vn.ambafrance.org/) in Vietnam or the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City (https://ho-chi-minh-ville.consulfrance.org/).

NB: we strongly recommend that you subscribe to our ASSUR'VACANCES supplementary insurance or to another travel insurance (more information on: https://www.ucpa.com/assurances).


https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/vietnam/

Physical intensity

Not very sporty or not very sporty

You are not sporty or not very sporty. Low intensity stay, suitable for everyone. It is an opportunity to reconcile yourself with sport.

Physical intensity

Not very sporty or not very sporty

You are not sporty or not very sporty. Low intensity stay, suitable for everyone. It is an opportunity to reconcile yourself with sport.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Restauration

Local restaurants in town. During mountain hikes, hot evening meals made from local products. During the day, picnic.
Hot meals on Halong Bay and in the Mekong Delta on board the sampan equipped with a kitchen.
...
Some meals in town are not included (expect about 10 Euros per meal).

Restauration

Local restaurants in town. During mountain hikes, hot evening meals made from local products. During the day, picnic.
Hot meals on Halong Bay and in the Mekong Delta on board the sampan equipped with a kitchen. Some meals in town are not included (expect about 10 Euros per meal).

Management

French-speaking Vietnamese guides, different depending on the region.

Management

French-speaking Vietnamese guides, different depending on the region.

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity*

This trip is for anyone in good health who wants to make a physical effort to discover magnificent landscapes and traditional civilization.
...
No previous hiking experience is required. You only need to feel able to walk 4 to 5 hours a day in easy hilly terrain with a backpack of about 6 to 8 kg (personal belongings and toiletries) for hikes in the north of the country (maximum altitude 2000 m approximately)
We travel around 2,000 km in “rustic comfort” vehicles or by train at an average speed of 30 km/h, sometimes even lower. The travel conditions in this country and the climate may seem difficult to some.

Electricity
Round sockets type French (North of the country), and flat American type sockets (South of the country), provide a specific adapter.

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity*

This trip is for anyone in good health who wants to make a physical effort to discover magnificent landscapes and traditional civilization. No previous hiking experience is required. You only need to feel able to walk 4 to 5 hours a day in easy hilly terrain with a backpack of about 6 to 8 kg (personal belongings and toiletries) for hikes in the north of the country (maximum altitude 2000 m approximately)
We travel around 2,000 km in “rustic comfort” vehicles or by train at an average speed of 30 km/h, sometimes even lower. The travel conditions in this country and the climate may seem difficult to some.

Electricity
Round sockets type French (North of the country), and flat American type sockets (South of the country), provide a specific adapter.

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.

Weather

Vietnam is over 1800 km long and its altitude varies from 0 to 3120 m. There is therefore a great diversity of climates, tropical, subtropical and mountain.
...
Hot and humid from June to October all over the country. Cool to cold from November to March in the North, especially at altitude.
In the heart of winter, it can sometimes snow on the highest peaks of the “Tonkinese Alps”. Variable all year round in the center.
The rains are more frequent between June and October. However, we are not immune to a few showers between November and May, the drier season.

Minimum/maximum temperatures in °C (average)

In Saigon
22/32 from December to February
24/34 from March to May
23/31 from June to November

In Hanoi
14/21 from December to February
17/24 in March and November
21/28 in April and October
23/32 in May and September
26/33 from June to August

At an altitude of 2500 m in the “Tonkinese Alps”
-1/6 from December to February
2/9 in March and November
6/13 in April and October
8/17 in May and September
11/18 from June to August

As soon as you go up to altitude, the temperatures drop. In Sapa, at an altitude of 1600 m in the mountains of Northern Tonkin, it is about 10° colder than in Hanoi. In the middle of winter, it can freeze and sometimes even snow.

Weather

Vietnam is over 1800 km long and its altitude varies from 0 to 3120 m. There is therefore a great diversity of climates, tropical, subtropical and mountain.
Hot and humid from June to October all over the country. Cool to cold from November to March in the North, especially at altitude.
In the heart of winter, it can sometimes snow on the highest peaks of the “Tonkinese Alps”. Variable all year round in the center.
The rains are more frequent between June and October. However, we are not immune to a few showers between November and May, the drier season.

Minimum/maximum temperatures in °C (average)

In Saigon
22/32 from December to February
24/34 from March to May
23/31 from June to November

In Hanoi
14/21 from December to February
17/24 in March and November
21/28 in April and October
23/32 in May and September
26/33 from June to August

At an altitude of 2500 m in the “Tonkinese Alps”
-1/6 from December to February
2/9 in March and November
6/13 in April and October
8/17 in May and September
11/18 from June to August

As soon as you go up to altitude, the temperatures drop. In Sapa, at an altitude of 1600 m in the mountains of Northern Tonkin, it is about 10° colder than in Hanoi. In the middle of winter, it can freeze and sometimes even snow.

Hosting

Hotels in town, a few nights with locals in the Mekong Delta and in ethnic minority villages (mattresses and blankets provided, possibly bring a small sleeping bag during the colder months), 1 night in a comfortable junk on Halong Bay, 1 night in a comfortable junk on Halong Bay, 1 night in a bunk train.

Hosting

Hotels in town, a few nights with locals in the Mekong Delta and in ethnic minority villages (mattresses and blankets provided, possibly bring a small sleeping bag during the colder months), 1 night in a comfortable junk on Halong Bay, 1 night in a comfortable junk on Halong Bay, 1 night in a bunk train.

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination (domestic or international flights): Qatar Airways, Etihad airways, Emirates, Air France-KLM, Air France-KLM, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines.

...
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight may range from 23 to 30 kg in the hold, and up to 5 kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination (domestic or international flights): Qatar Airways, Etihad airways, Emirates, Air France-KLM, Air France-KLM, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines.

On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight may range from 23 to 30 kg in the hold, and up to 5 kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

THIS HOLIDAY IS OFFERED BY