Passion Vietnam 15 Days

Le lac Hoan Kiem, symbole de Hanoï, est un havre de paix empreint de légendes

la-cathedrale-notre-dame-symbole-architectural-de-lepoque-coloniale-domine-le-coeur-de-de-saigon

mercato galleggiante di cai rang viaggio

The spirit of the trip:

This beautiful circuit in 16 days is rich in emotion, with a change of scenery and discovery… We start with Ha Noi, the historical and cultural heart of the country endowed with formidable vestiges, pretty temples and pagodas. Then continue exploring towards the splendid mountainous region of the North-West, territory of colorful ethnic minorities. Discovery of the majestic bay of Ha Long maritime with its magical beauty, of Hue and Hoi An with its ancient monuments. We continue our journey through the Mekong Delta with its lush orchards, floating markets and villages surrounded by canals.

Highlights:

Private trip and 100% tailor-made
Discover the most beautiful sites in Vietnam
Contemplate the beauty of nature and landscapes
Warm encounter with local populations
Discovery of Vietnamese tradition, culture and way of life
Unforgettable cruise in Ha Long Bay with overnight stay on board
Visit typical floating markets in Mekong Delta
Complimentary Vietnam visa service

Brief Itinerary:

Giorno 01: Hanoi - Arrival

Giorno 02: Hanoi - Discovery of the Capital 🚆 Lao Cai

Giorno 03: Lao Cai - Nam Cang Village - Hiking - Sa Pa

Giorno 04: Sa Pa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Hanoi

Giorno 05: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Discovery

Giorno 06: Ninh Binh - Ha Long - Bai Tu Long Bay - Cruise

Giorno 07: Bai Tu Long Bay - Ha Long - Hanoi ✈ Hue

Giorno 08: Hue - Discovery of the city

Giorno 09: Hue - Da Nang - Bana Hills - Hoi An

Giorno 10: Hoi An - Discovery of the city

Giorno 11: Hoi An - Van Lang Fishing Village and Bay Mau Water Coconut Forest

Giorno 12: Hoi An - Da Nang ✈ Saigon

Giorno 13: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon

Giorno 14: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Binh Thuy - Saigon

Giorno 15: Saigon - Return Flight

Giorno 01: Hanoi - Arrival (L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
From Noi Bai Airport – Hotel: 30km~45’ drive

Music at Horizon Vietnam Travel office

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi), you will be warmly welcomed by our English-speaking guide and driver, who will transfer you to the city center. Along the way, you will catch your first glimpse of Vietnam’s lively and fascinating traffic scenes.

Depending on your flight arrival time, you may either relax at your hotel (official check-in time is from 2:00 PM) or enjoy an orientation tour of the city.

A Special Welcome by HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL:

Upon arrival at our office, you will be greeted by the enchanting melodies of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. Their gentle sounds will transport you into the rich and captivating world of Vietnamese culture, creating a memorable and emotional first impression.

You will then take part in our traditional tea ceremony. More than simply tasting tea, this experience reflects the Vietnamese art of sharing and cultural refinement. Every gesture, from selecting the tea leaves to serving the tea, carries a deeper meaning. It is a moment to celebrate friendship, social harmony, and a close connection with nature, inspired by Buddhist and Confucian traditions that value balance and serenity.

Next, you will have the opportunity to join a singing bowl meditation session. Focus on your breathing and inner self while leaving behind worries and tensions. In the silence, the soothing sound and vibrations of the singing bowl create a deeply relaxing atmosphere, bringing peace and mindfulness.

To complete your welcome experience, enjoy an exceptional massage session, either a full-body massage or a foot massage. The gentle and professional techniques help stimulate blood circulation, relieve fatigue, and ease muscle tension accumulated during your journey. It is the perfect way to unwind after a long flight.

Welcome lunch at a typical Vietnamese restaurant.

In the afternoon, begin your discovery of Hanoi with a walking tour through the city’s historic districts. Stroll through the former French colonial quarter, known for its elegant architecture, and explore the bustling Old Quarter of 36 Guild Streets, where a vibrant mix of vehicles, local shops, traditions, and daily life creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

Dinner at your leisure.

Overnight at your hotel in the heart of the Vietnamese capital.

Giorno 02: Hanoi - Discovery of the Capital 🚆 Lao Cai (by night train) (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Hanoi – Lao Cai Train: 8 hours

Breakfast at the hotel, now we offer you an unusual visit to the city, far from the classic tourist circuit, we will go off the beaten track. Crossing some of the 36 streets and corporations of the old quarter of Hanoi, we will visit a typical old Hanoian house. You then wander through the typical market of Dong Xuan and a spiritual place like community house or temple. Then we walk on the Doumer bridge. After walking on this bridge, we taste a egg coffee, a specialty of the city while we are visiting the railway where we see the train passing through the city.

Then you go to the West district for the visit of Tran Quoc Pagoda located on the shores of West Lake. She is known as one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam.

Lunch in a good local restaurant.

The afternoon is devoted to visiting the Hanoi Temple of Literature-symbol of Vietnamese feudal education and living proof of the eager spirit of Vietnamese studies. Then, you take a short walk to visit some Ngoc Son “Jade Mountain” Temple located on the banks of the Restored Sword Lake, the opportunity to contemplate the very pretty Hoan Kiem Lake at dusk.

Theatrical evening : You attend the water puppet dance show.

Free dinner before transfer at the end of the afternoon to Hanoi Central Station to take the night train to the destination of Lao Cai.

Giorno 03: Lao Cai - Nam Cang Village - Hiking - Sa Pa (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Lao Cai – Nam Cang: 70 km ~ 2 hours drive
Sapa – Nam Cang: 50 km ~ 1 hour 40 minutes drive

Early arrival at Lao Cai station. Nous vous prévoyons une chambre de courtoisie dans un petit hôtel pour vous reposer un peu, vous rafraîchir et prendre le petit déjeuner avant de commencer la journée de visite.

Hiking of 7 to 9 km lasting 3 to 4 hours maximum. Depending on your physical condition and your desires, we will adapt the duration of the hike to your pace.

After breakfast, you leave by private car towards the city center of Thanh Phu – a forgotten township next to tourist Sapa. You start hiking near the village of Sin Chai on the small path climbing 100m in altitude. You are now “off the beaten track”, enjoying beautiful views of high mountains, waterfalls and deep valleys. The trail will soon take you to the Dao Rouges village of Nam Nhiu, here you will meet the villagers and discover their daily way of life. Leaving the village, you take a small dirt road and will soon be inspired by the magnificent view of the rice valley dotted with bamboo huts, which are used by local farmers as night shelter on harvest days. Lunch during the visit.

Passing by the rice terraces and a pretty river, you will walk for a while on a quiet road before arriving at Nam Cang village – the most beautiful in Sapa where you contemplate the splendid beauty of Nam Cang.

After 15 minutes of descent, you will return to your car and return to Sapa to check into the hotel. The rest of the time is free to rest and explore the city. Free dinner and night at the hotel.

Giorno 04: Sa Pa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Hanoi (by deluxe shared bus “Limousine”) (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Shared deluxe bus in Hanoi

Easy hike lasting 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Y linh ho lao chai sapa vietnam After breakfast at the hotel, you begin your beautiful walk with a discovery of Y Linh Ho valley. Your walk continues along the Hoang Lien range which overlooks the entire region. From there, you overlook rice terraces which disappear as far as the eye can see at the bottom of the Muong Hoa valley.

You will have the opportunity to discover the life of the Black Hmong ethnic groups by admiring the quiet life at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Many contacts with residents are planned.

Then you continue the road towards the Lao Chai valley where we take a beautiful hike through of the beautiful ethnic villages of Lao Chai. The ride will take you through spectacular, wild and romantic landscapes: rice terraces, suspension bridge, ethnic villages.

Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you take the deluxe bus shared by the highway to return to Hanoi passing the surrounding landscapes. Arrival in Hanoi in the evening, check-in at your hotel. Free dinner and night at the hotel.

Giorno 05: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Ha Long Bay on land - Bich Dong Pagoda (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Hanoi – Ninh Binh: 100 km – approx. 2 hours’ drive

ninh binh vietnam Breakfast at the hotel, then departure by private vehicle to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty (968 – 980) and at the beginning of the Early Le Dynasty (980 – 1009). Here, you will visit the two temples dedicated to these kings, dating back to the 10th century. They have preserved their beauty over time. You can admire the finesse of their artistry: sculptures and wood and stone carvings created by Vietnamese artisans in the 17th century.

Lunch at a good local restaurant.

In the afternoon, board a rowboat for a pleasant cruise along the Ngo Dong River. As you glide through the water, surrounded by rice fields, you will admire the extraordinary landscapes of numerous limestone karsts with dramatic shapes covered in lush vegetation. This is why the area is often called “Inland Ha Long Bay”. You will continue upstream to the three beautiful caves known as Tam Coc.

Afterward, enjoy a cycling excursion and visit Bich Dong Pagoda (the Jade Pagoda). From the pagoda courtyard, you can admire a superb view over Inland Ha Long Bay. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Giorno 06: Ninh Binh - Ha Long - Bai Tu Long Bay - Cruise (B, L, D)

English-speaking guide (does not board) & Private driver
English-speaking guide on board
Ninh Binh – Ha Long: 180km ~ 3h30 – 4h

Breakfast at the hotel, you take the car to depart for Bai Tu Long Bay which is wilder and less crowded.

Arrival in Ha Long around noon, immediate boarding a beautiful junk, converted into a floating hotel for a magnificent cruise to discover the UNESCO world heritage. Welcome drink and presentation of the cruise program. Then you settle into your cabin to freshen up. Lunch is served while your junk departs your cruise while sailing through the magnificent landscapes of the 7th wonder of the world with its thousands of islands and islets shaped like sugar loaves.

You then use the small boat to reach the island of Cap La where you perform a beautiful kayak trip through breathtaking landscapes among steep limestone peaks on the emerald waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, then free time for swimming and relaxation at the preserved white sand beach. Return on board, then free time for a shower and relaxation on the upper deck or taking photos while contemplating the sunset.

Then you enjoy the Sunset Party with fruits and snacks. You participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish that Gordon Ramsay (a 2 Michelin star chef) used to guide – Nem Cuon or challenge yourself to cut up fruits and vegetables.

Lunch and dinner meals are served with excellent local dishes and fresh seafood specialties on the menu. Dinner and overnight aboard the junk.

Giorno 07: Bai Tu Long Bay - Ha Long - Hanoi ✈ Hue (B, Br)

English-speaking guide (does not board) & Private driver
English-speaking guide on board
Ha Long – Hanoi: 150km ~ 3h30’ by road
Hanoi ✈ Hue: 1h15’ by plane

Thien Canh Son Cave

If time permits, we recommend waking up at dawn to practice Tai chi on the upper deck of the junk and for watch the sunrise which offers a picturesque view of Bai Tu Long Bay.

After a morning bath, you have breakfast on board before boarding the island of Hon Co where you visit Thien Canh Son Cave; one of the most beautiful and preserved that Bai Tu Long Bay hides.

Back on board, your junk then continues its cruise to bring you across spectacular scenery of the bay, continuation of the cruise to the most beautiful and calm corners of the bay.

Light lunch is served while the junk returns to the pier.

Return to Hanoi in the afternoon, passing the grandiose landscapes of the extensive rice fields of the Red River Delta. Transfer directly to Noi Bai Airport to pick up domestic flight to Hue.

Arrival in Hue, welcome by our driver, then he takes you to the city of Hue. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hue.

Giorno 08: Hue - Discovery of the city (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver

Hue was the capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945 and this chapter was one of the most eventful in the country. The city’s preserved architectural and historical heritage deserves your full attention.

Breakfast at your hotel, today you visit the Majestic Imperial City where 13 Emperors of the Nguyen dynasty lived between 1802 and 1945.

It is the only existing Imperial city still visible today in Vietnam, time has passed, but it retains its beauty of original Vietnamese-Chinese architecture. You visit sumptuous monuments of the complex including: the Porte du Midi, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, the Eastern and Western pavilions, the Reading Pavilion, the Royal Theater, the private palaces of the Queen Mother, the Palace of Longevity, the Tea and Boat pavilions, the Pavilion of Benevolence, the Gate of Virtue…

Then you visit the pretty Heavenly Lady Pagoda perched at the top of the hill which dominates the Perfume River.

Lunch in a good local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you head towards the Imperial Mausoleum of Minh Mang – a sumptuous tomb surrounded by frangipani trees and pine trees built to plans drawn up by the emperor himself. Then you visit the Khai Dinh mausoleum.

At the end of the afternoon, you take a beautiful walk to visit the Dong Ba market where you will find products testifying to the skill of the women of Hue, such as their talent for making the famous conical hats!

Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in the heart of Hue city.

Giorno 09: Hue - Da Nang - Bana Hills - Hoi An (L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver

golden-bridge-bana-hill Located on the top of Ba Na Hills, more than 1,400m above sea level, the Golden Bridge offers breathtaking views of Da Nang City and the ocean.

Morning transfer from Da Nang to Bana Hills cable starting station. Take the cable car to the main cable station (about 20 minutes) to visit this mountainous theme park perched 1,500m high on a mountain, a hill resort inherited from the French. The site was first developed by the French in the 1920s, who escaped the summer heat for its cool, mountain air.

At the station, get to see the Linh Ung Pagoda, Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Pavilion. Next, your guide will bring you the Monkey garden and finally to God Mountain, the highest peak in central Vietnam. Stroll through the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang city.

You could choose one in a plenty of restaurants up there to have lunch (your own arrangement) and head into Fantasy Park to enjoy some games later. Then take the journey (by cable car) downhill and transfer back to the hotel Hoi An.

Free time for your own exploration of town.

Giorno 10: Hoi An - Discovery of the city (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver

hoi an vietnam Breakfast at the hotel. Start your day with a walk in the heart of the old town of Hoi An.

You walk through narrow streets occupied on both sides by pretty antique houses, testimonies of a flourishing period of the country’s foreign trade a few hundred years ago. With its architectural and historical values, Hoi An, known in the past under its name “Faifo”, was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. During this walk, you visit the most beautiful remains of Hoi An such as the Japanese bridge, the Chinese temple, the old house as well as the crafts district…

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon we will take you to a lantern making workshop in the ancient district of Hoi An. You can make a lantern yourself.

The rest of the day is completely free for your personal discovery of this ancient port city. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

**** Hoi An is a charming town with original architecture of houses, temples, bridges, communal houses; the way of life of the inhabitants and its varied gastronomy. Illuminated by thousands of lanterns, Hoi An is magnificent in the evening. During free time, you can stroll through the small streets or go for a bike ride (the hotel’s free bike) around town or in bucolic villages, have dresses made to measure, taste typical dishes or release paper lanterns on the river in the evening,…

Giorno 11: Hoi An - Van Lang Fishing Village and Bay Mau Water Coconut Forest (B, L)

English-speaking guide
Return bike transfer

Breakfast at your hotel then we ride our bikes in the Vietnamese countryside, far from the noise of the city, transport and tourist trails.

From village to village, you will cross immense rice fields taking winding and peaceful paths, towards the Van Lang fishing village and the Bay Mau water coconut forest.

About 7 hectares, surrounded by a mangrove forest, canals, and houses covered in coconut leaves. During the Vietnam War it was the shelter for local people and soldiers and nowadays this place is famous for providing the most seafood products.

Along the way, you stop at several key locations : the local Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries, schools…

Arriving at the village, you will be warmly welcomed at Mr. Han‘s where you will meet his family spanning 3 generations, you will also have the opportunity to taste green tea and stroll through the village. Later, the fishermen will take you to discover their traditional fishing techniques and their coconut forests by a cruise in “Thung chai” – (Basket boat).

Back to Mr. Han for a moment oftent with a foot massage with medicinal herbs. It is a traditional therapeutic practice. With this moment of relaxation, you will witness preparing lunch with his family which will include for example: crispy pancakes, Hoi An spring rolls, Tam huu (Pork – Shrimp – Herbs tied with chives), grilled fish in a banana leaf, etc. Subsequently, you can taste the dishes you have prepared.

After relaxing in the shade of the water coconut trees, you will take your bike back to Hoi An.

The rest of the time is free to rest. Free dinner and overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Giorno 12: Hoi An - Da Nang ✈ Saigon (B)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Da Nang ✈ Saigon: 1 hour 15 minutes by flight.

Breakfast at your hotel, then transfer to Da Nang Airport for your domestic flight to Saigon (now renamed Ho Chi Minh City), a bustling, vibrant, rebellious, commercial, and carefree city that remains the economic heart of the country.

Arrival in Saigon, where you will be welcomed by our guide and driver, who will take you to the city center.

Your city tour begins with a visit to the Chinatown district of Cho Lon, including the Binh Tay Market and the Thien Hau Pagoda, which is dedicated to the worship of the Sea Goddess.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Stroll through the colonial remnants that stand as a testament to nearly a century of French presence in this part of the world. Discover Saigon’s charming colonial buildings, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral (viewed from the outside), the Ho Chi Minh Post Office, and the Municipal Theater (viewed from the outside). Then, visit the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975.

Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel in the city center.

Giorno 13: Saigon - Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Cu Chi – Saigon: 50 km ~ 1h drive

After breakfast at the hotel, you leave by private car to explore the Cu Chi tunnels, it is an immense network of 200 km of underground galleries and narrow tubes dug by hand by the Viet-Cong to take refuge and defend themselves against the “American war machine”. The visit to this tunnel system explains how the Vietnamese with their rudimentary weapons were able to fight against the modern weapons of the Americans.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Return to Saigon via a very pleasant country road. The rest of the day is completely free for your personal discovery.

Free dinner and overnight at your hotel in Saigon.

Giorno 14: Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Binh Thuy - Saigon (B, L)

English-speaking guide & Private driver
Can Tho – Saigon: 170 km – approx. 3 hours 30 minutes’ drive

After breakfast at the hotel, you take a private boat on the Mekong River to experience the original Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the most typical markets in southern Vietnam.

You will navigate among local boats transporting a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables from the region. This lively scene makes the market vibrant, colorful, and friendly.

Leaving the market, you continue the boat ride toward a tropical fruit orchard where you will have the opportunity to taste fresh fruits. Then, you visit a rice noodle (Hu Tieu) production workshop – a specialty highly appreciated at the Cai Rang Floating Market.

After disembarking, you visit the Binh Thuy Ancient House, one of the few French-style houses still intact in southern Vietnam. The house is famous for its unique architecture, which harmoniously combines Vietnamese, French, and Chinese styles. It also served as a filming location for several scenes in The Lover by Jean-Jacques Annaud, adapted from the novel by Marguerite Duras.

Return to Saigon, with lunch at a local restaurant along the way. Arrival in Saigon, dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel.

Giorno 15: Saigon - Return Flight (B)

Private driver

After breakfast, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace, including some last-minute shopping, until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your international return flight.

1. Climate in Vietnam

The climate of Vietnam is very different and characteristic from one end of the country to the other due to the differences in latitude. The geographical particularities of the country make it possible to have a nice trip to Vietnam in any season. In fact, when one region is humid or suffocating, another has a sunny and very temperate climate.

+ From December to February:
The north and center of the country are in winter. The average temperature varies between 15°C and 23°C. The climate is rather cool and humid with irregular rainfall, especially in the mountains where the temperature often drops below 10 °C. This period is characterized by frequent light rains which the Vietnamese call “rain dust”. The sun therefore shines very little.

The south of the country is considered the ideal period, as it is the dry season with 1 or 2 days of rain per month. It is also the time when the temperature is pleasant, with values between 22°C and 33°C. The vegetation is lush and offers excellent opportunities for taking beautiful photos.

+ From March to May:
This period is known as the most beautiful season of the year for an ideal stay in Vietnam. In this period the climate is very pleasant. It is the dry season in all three regions of the country, but also the period when the vegetation is lush and the rice fields are green, offering you splendid opportunities to take magnificent souvenir photos.

The north is in spring, where the climate is mild. This region enjoys the freshness of the wind with an average temperature between 15°C and 25°C. During this period, this region enjoys beautiful sunshine but rarely rains.

It is also the best time to visit the center of the country. The climate is rather favorable and tropical. The weather becomes sunnier with a nice increase in temperature between 25 °C and 32 °C.

The south is considered an acceptable period. The climate is dry and very sunny. However, the heat can be uncomfortable, as the average temperature is between 28°C and 34°C and can rise up to 41°C. However, frequent short rains bring a little of freshness.

+ From June to September:
It is the third tourist season in the country. Overall, the climate is pleasant from north to south for traveling in Vietnam.

The north of the country is in summer. The climate is warm, with an average temperature between 25°C and 33°C. The rains this season are intense (mostly downpours) but short-lived, about 30 minutes-1 hour. Even in the mountainous region it is hot, the rains are frequent but intense and rapid. The sky is blue and sunny and the weather is the clearest of the year, while the terraced rice fields are a beautiful intense green. It is the ideal period for small excursions to ethnic villages.

The center is the right time to visit this region which is not affected by the summer monsoon. The weather is therefore fine, often with heat haze, and the temperature can rise up to 40°C. However, the frequency of rainfall in this region is lower than in the north. However, if you find yourself in the central seaside resorts, the beach will be your best ally for cooling off.

The south has a tropical climate with an average temperature between 25°C and 33°C. It is the rainy season, but the precipitation is often in the form of very rapid heavy downpours (about 15-30 minutes), after the rain there is immediately generous sunshine under a clear sky and the vegetation is very green.

+ From October to November:
Overall, the months of October to November are considered a great time to travel to Vietnam.

The north has a very pleasant, cool and dry climate in autumn with an average temperature between 15 °C and 23 °C.

The center enjoys rather pleasant temperatures between 20°C and 28°C. This period also corresponds to the storm season with heavy rainfall which can cause more or less serious flooding on the coastal strip. This region is also subject to abundant rainfall, which, however, despite being very intense, does not last long.

The south has a tropical climate, with average temperatures varying between 24°C and 32°C. The sun and heat are always present. During this period, heavy rains (in the form of short but almost daily torrential downpours) refresh the atmosphere. However, it is good to know that heavy rains generally occur at the end of the day and should leave you free time to explore the region.

Our latest weather advice

Vietnam is in the path of typhoons and tropical storms and is particularly affected between mid-July and mid-November. GThanks to the modernization of infrastructure and meteorological warning systems, there are no particular dangers.
The rainy season is not synonymous with all-day rainfall, so the term “monsoon season” seems to be more appropriate and, contrary to popular belief, these rains are nourishing and synonymous with life in Vietnam, the land of water!

2. Accommodation

The hotels offered by Horizon Vietnam Travel are carefully selected and classified from 2 to 5 stars, to guarantee comfort and services suitable for every type of traveller. Based on your budget, your preferences and travel style, we offer you properties that offer the best balance between quality and price.

It is important to know that the price of a hotel can vary considerably: a 5-star hotel can cost up to ten times more than a 2 hotel stars. Furthermore, two hotels of the same category may have different rates, since the quality of services, location and level of comfort may vary.

All hotels included in our proposals are personally verified by our team. Our selection criteria are based on cleanliness, quality of hospitality, location, charm and tranquility. Whenever possible, we favor more intimate and authentic structures, avoiding large international hotel chains as much as possible.

In addition to hotels, we also promote responsible and authentic tourism, offering the possibility of staying with local families. This experience allows you to come into direct contact with the population, share moments of daily life and discover the local culture in a more authentic way. The accommodations we offer always respect adequate standards of quality and comfort.

Useful information: During the high tourist season (October to April) hotel availability can quickly decrease. To ensure you get the best accommodation options, we recommend book your trip in advance.

3. View

To travel to Vietnam, you must be in possession of a valid passport, with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of return.

The Government of Vietnam has introduced a tourist visa exemption for citizens of five European countries: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. This exemption allows you to stay in Vietnam up to 45 days without a visa, regardless of your passport type or reason for travel. The measure is in force from 15 August 2023.

The visa exemption is also valid for multiple entries, provided that each stay does not exceed 45 days.

For stays of over 45 days, you must request a Vietnam visa before departure or via the official procedures available online.

For more information on entry requirements and visas for Vietnam, please do not hesitate to contact us or consult the updated information on our website.

4. Vaccine

According to the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, no vaccine is required for travel to Vietnam.

Vietnam has a tropical climate, so the presence of mosquitoes is normal. However, cases of malaria are mainly recorded in remote and mountainous areas, especially in forest areas far from the main tourist circuits. Based on our experience, any vaccinations or specific precautions may be recommended especially for trekking trips or multi-week expeditions in isolated regions.

For most cultural trips in Vietnam, which pass through cities, villages and well-traveled tourist regions, sanitary conditions are generally safe.

Usually our travelers simply use mosquito repellents, which are effective and practical during the trip. However, we recommend bringing these products from your home country, as it is not always easy to find good quality repellents in Vietnam.

It is also recommended to bring long, light trousers, particularly useful during walks in nature or in rice fields.

Today, most hotels in Vietnam use effective treatments against mosquitoes. Furthermore, during any stays with local families, mosquito nets are normally available and well prepared to ensure guests' comfort.

Note: If you are particularly sensitive to infectious diseases or have specific health conditions, we advise you to consult your doctor before departure.

5. International flight

International flights to Vietnam

Our travel offers do not include international flights between Italy and Vietnam for two main reasons.

First of all, international flights purchased directly in your country are often cheaper than those booked through a local agency in Vietnam. Additionally, payment terms for international airline tickets generally require full payment at the time of booking and incur high international bank fees.

For this reason, we advise our travelers to buy flights directly from Italy, using comparison sites or the official websites of the airlines.

Useful sites for comparing flights

flight search engines are the simplest and most effective tool for finding the best price. They allow you to compare different airlines based on dates, price and duration of the trip.

You can consult for example:

Airlines used by our travelers

Flights with one stopover (the most common options from Italy)

Vietnam Airlines – https://www.vietnamairlines.com
Qatar Airways – https://www.qatarairways.com
Emirates – https://www.emirates.com
Turkish Airlines – https://www.turkishairlines.com
Singapore Airlines – https://www.singaporeair.com
Thai Airways – https://www.thaiairways.com
Lufthansa – https://www.lufthansa.com
Air France – https://www.airfrance.it

These companies offer regular connections between Italy and Vietnam, generally with a stopover in cities such as Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Paris, Frankfurt, Bangkok or Singapore.

Flexibility of travel dates

Our itineraries in Vietnam and Indochina are always adaptable to your arrival and departure dates. You can then purchase flights on the dates you prefer and we will organize the travel program accordingly.

If you wish, our team can also help you search for the best flight options for free based on your departure city and travel dates.

Inclusions:

Transport in spacious private vehicle with friendly, professional and competent driver.
Accommodation in the planned hotels or in a similar category depending on availability.
Meals mentioned in the program: (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner included), served in local restaurants with typical Vietnamese cuisine.
English-speaking guide as described in the detailed program.
All entrance fees to tourist sites.
All entry permits to tourist areas.
All costs of all other services as clearly described in the above program.
Excursion boats as described in the program.
02 bottles of mineral water 0.5 (l)/person/day.
All flight tickets for domestic flights in economy class: (HANOI – HUE ; DA NANG – SAIGON)
All train tickets: (DISCOVERY OF THE CAPITAL – LAO CAI (BY NIGHT TRAIN)) in private cabin
Other services as mentioned in the program (bicycle, water puppet show etc.).

Exclusions:

Drinks during meals
Personal insurance
Personal expenses
International flights
Personal tips

Further information:

1. This is a travel proposal. No service is booked at the time of the quote. We await your confirmation and the payment of the first deposit to proceed with the booking according to the terms and conditions.

2. We propose good hotels as indicated in this program. If you prefer other hotels and would like to change them, please feel free to let us know.

3. Please note that the hotels proposed in the program are indicative and may change depending on availability at the time of booking. In the event of unavailability or cancellation by the hotel due to force majeure, the proposed hotels will be replaced by ones of an equivalent category.

Hotel rooms are officially available to you from 2:00 PM on the day of arrival (check-in) until 12:00 PM on the day of departure from the hotel (check-out).

4. Domestic flights are operated by the local airline Vietnam Airlines. The times indicated in the trip description are subject to change without notice by the airline. The best possible solution will be offered as an alternative, and Horizon Vietnam Travel assumes no responsibility towards its customers for anything that falls within the scope of force majeure.

5. The price of the trip:

Trip prices are calculated in euros (EUR). They are based on the services clearly indicated in the program. The prices shown do not include services before your arrival in our country, nor drinks, tips and personal expenses. Prices are subject to change based on airfares, currency fluctuations and hotel or ground transport rates.

After the sale, these prices are valid for a period specified by HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL in the price list, invoice or any other document given to the customer. During the validity period, these prices may be subject to adjustment in the event of very significant currency fluctuations, a significant increase in the price of hotels, air or ground transport… Should the customer refuse the adjustment request, HORIZON VIETNAM TRAVEL reserves the right to cancel the program and refund the deposit to the customer.

6. Since your trip to Vietnam is set, we sincerely advise you to make a decision as soon as possible, so that our agency or a local agency you entrust your trip to can book the best services for you.