Responsible adventure in the
heart of Vietnam
An eco-responsible trip combining nature, culture and local know-how, to explore Vietnam differently, getting closer to the locals and their environment.
12 days, 11 nights
Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Baie de Lan Ha, Hue, Hoi An
This eco-responsible journey to the heart of Vietnam invites you to an authentic immersion in unspoiled nature and vibrant traditions. From Hanoi and its bustling streets to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, each stop reveals the soul of the country. Bike rides and walks lead through terraced rice paddies, peaceful villages, and breathtaking landscapes, bringing you closer to local life. Visits to artisan workshops and shared meals with local families offer a genuine glimpse into ancestral skills and a cuisine steeped in conviviality. This tour prioritizes ethically sourced accommodations and sustainable experiences, ensuring a gentle journey where respect for communities and the environment guides every encounter.
Ethical Getaway
Family Adventure
What makes this trip sustainable and eco-friendly
Hanoi, a vibrant local immersion
Explore the Old Quarter on foot and meet local artisans. A gentle urban experience that supports small businesses and preserves the cultural identity of the capital.
Hoa Lu, Nature and Rural Traditions
Cycling through rice paddies, overnight stays with local families, and family meals. A gentle approach to travel that fosters exchange and appreciation of local communities.
Lan Ha Bay, a Preserved Cruise
Cruise on a traditional junk in the heart of an unspoiled bay, more peaceful than Ha Long. A responsible experience promoting serenity, sustainable management, and respect for marine ecosystems.
Night train, low-carbon travel
Travel by train rather than plane to reduce your carbon footprint. An authentic mode of transport, promoting slower travel and human connection across the country.
Hue, Heritage and Urban Ecology
Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites by bike. Stay in a socially responsible ecolodge that supports the local economy and prioritizes natural materials and locally sourced food.
Hoi An: Crafted Sustainably
Meet artisans, enjoy bike rides through the countryside, and participate in workshops. Experience responsible tourism in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage city, where traditions and environmental preservation coexist.
Ethical Accommodations
Each location has been chosen for its local roots and commitment to sustainability: ecolodges, guesthouses, and traditional junks promote natural materials, local employment, and responsible resource management.
Hanoi
Hanoi captivates with its unique contrast: the bustling alleyways of the Old Quarter stand alongside the tranquility of its lakes and pagodas. Between lively markets, colonial heritage, and age-old traditions, the capital reveals a vibrant and profoundly authentic soul.
Day 1: Hanoi
As the plane begins its descent into Hanoi, the magic is already taking hold. The Land of the Dragon unfolds before you, a place where tradition meets vibrant energy. Bisected by the Red River, the Vietnamese capital blends the elegance of its colonial past with the energy of a city in full transformation. Lively alleyways, yellow-fronted houses, and the scent of incense create a vibrant tableau where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time to soak up this unique atmosphere before savoring a peaceful first night in the heart of the capital.
- Private transfer to your hotel
Day 2: Hanoi
From dawn, the day begins to the rhythm of Hanoians: tai chi by the lake, badminton players, and the scents of early morning. After breakfast, an inspiring encounter awaits with the Vun Art community, where artisans with disabilities breathe new life into traditional Vietnamese motifs. The experience continues in an unusual café, just inches from the train tracks, before a visit to the Temple of Literature, a jewel of Confucian heritage. By traditional cyclo, Hanoi reveals itself from a different perspective, between lakes and colonial mansions. At the end of the day, a water puppet show delights guests of all ages, followed by a flavorful evening through Hanoi’s lively alleyways, discovering Vietnam’s most iconic dishes.
- Breakfast, guide, local transport
Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Baie de Lan Ha
Amid rice paddies and dramatic limestone landscapes, these stops invite you to cycle through village life, meet local farmers, discover traditional craftsmanship, and stay in eco-conscious accommodations.
Day 3: Hanoi - Hoa Lu
Nestled amidst rice paddies and limestone peaks, Hoa Lu reveals its royal past and timeless landscapes. A sampan ride on the canals, a visit to the Bich Dong Pagoda, and an exploration of the caves make for a day of escape where heritage, nature, and serenity converge in a preserved and authentic setting.
- Breakfast, guide and private vehicle
Day 4: Hoa Lu - Tam Coc
An immersive experience into the daily lives of Vietnamese farmers: feeding buffalo, fishing, planting rice, and cooking with the locals. These moments of conviviality and mutual support celebrate local expertise and strengthen the bond between travelers and rural communities, in a spirit of respect and knowledge sharing.
- Breakfast, guide, private vehicle and lunch
Day 5: Tam Coc - Lan Ha Bay
Sail on a traditional junk through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha, a more secluded alternative to Ha Long Bay. Glide between dramatic limestone islands and floating villages, while enjoying an eco-friendly cruise designed to respect the bay’s fragile marine ecosystems.
- Breakfast, guide, private vehicle and lunch
Lan Ha Bay - Hue - Thuy Bieu
Between serenity and slow travel, the cruise on Lan Ha Bay continues to Hue, where imperial heritage, local know-how and rural encounters embody an authentic and sustainable Vietnam.
Day 6: Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi - Hue
Day breaks over Lan Ha Bay, and serenity settles aboard with a tai chi session facing the rising sun. After a local breakfast and the exploration of a natural cave, the cruise concludes with a Vietnamese brunch. Transfer to Hanoi, then boarding for an overnight train journey to Hue. This low-carbon trip reveals the ever-changing beauty of the Vietnamese landscape and extends the spirit of sustainable travel, offering a blend of contemplation and a gentle transition to the heart of the country.
- Breakfast, lunch, guide on the junk and private vehicle with guide
Day 7: Thuy Bieu - Hué
The former imperial capital, Hue, reveals its palaces, temples, and markets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the village of Thuy Bieu, you’ll cycle to meet farmers, explore orchards, learn to cook local dishes, and relax with a traditional foot bath. Between living heritage, ancestral know-how, and warm hospitality, this stop offers an authentic and respectful immersion, a symbol of sustainable tourism focused on people and cultural preservation.
- Breakfast, guide, private vehicle and lunch
Tam Giang Lagoon – Huế
Explore Tam Giang Lagoon through traditional fishing, peaceful landscapes, and local encounters, for an authentic immersion into rural Vietnam.
Day 8: Tam Giang Lagoon – Huế
Enjoy a free morning to stroll, relax, or explore the region at your own pace before heading to the Tam Giang Lagoon. Aboard a traditional boat, share the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen and discover their ancestral techniques. Amidst peaceful landscapes, water buffalo by the water’s edge, and genuine encounters, this community-focused experience embodies the soul of rural Vietnam and the essence of authentic and responsible travel.
- Breakfast, guide and private vehicle
Hoi An
From the Pass of Clouds to the river villages of Hoi An, the journey reveals a Vietnam of artisans and living traditions, between know-how, nature and human encounters imbued with authenticity.
Day 9: Hué - Hoi An
The journey ascends the legendary Hai Van Pass (Pass of Clouds), linking Hue to Hoi An via one of the country’s most spectacular roads. Along the way, a stop at the Cham Museum offers the opportunity to meet the stonemasons of Da Nang, guardians of ancestral craftsmanship. In Hoi An, the history-laden alleyways reveal their wooden houses, pagodas, and centuries-old bridges. At the end of the day, an introduction to lantern making awaits, a symbol of vibrant craftsmanship and responsible tourism that values local creativity and cultural transmission.
- Breakfast, guide and private vehicle
Day 10: Kim Bong - Cam Thanh - Hoi An
Head to the Thu Bon River for a gentle immersion in the water. The villages of Kim Bong and Tra Nhieu reveal their artisans: carpenters, weavers, noodle makers, and traditional boat builders. Each encounter reveals the ingenuity and pride of a craft heritage passed down through generations. In Cam Thanh, a sampan-basket ride among the water palms and crab fishing serve as reminders of the delicate balance between nature and tradition. An authentic day, punctuated by the simplicity, kindness, and respect of rural Vietnam.
- Breakfast, private vehicle, guide and lunch
Day 11: Tam Tiên - My Son - Hoi An
At dawn, the Tam Tien market comes alive in a symphony of voices, colors, and marine scents. Stalls overflow with silvery fish as the morning light caresses the faces of the vendors. This early morning immersion reveals the vitality of an authentic Vietnam, faithful to its traditions. Later, it’s time for creativity with mask painting, an ancestral art form imbued with stories and emotions. The exploration continues at the My Son Sanctuary, a sacred UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Cham ruins rise amidst the jungle, testaments to a millennia-old civilization. The rest of the day is free in Hoi An to stroll, chat, and savor the gentle pace of Vietnamese life.
- Breakfast, guide and private transportation
Day 12 End of your trip… but perhaps not the adventure
It’s departure day, with memories of the emotions and encounters of this sustainable journey. To extend this responsible interlude, we’re heading to Con Dao, a pristine island where nature and serenity intertwine. Between immaculate beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an eco-conscious beachfront hotel, this extension invites us to slow down, reconnect with what truly matters, and end our trip in harmony. A gentle and mindful experience, true to the spirit of an authentic Vietnam that respects its environment.
- Breakfast and transfer to the airport
Interested in this travel inspiration?
We create personalized estimates based on duration, season and your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I need to take my outbound and return flight?
The trip starts and ends in Hanoi unless you wish to extend your stay to Con Dao or Phu Coc.
What is the best time for this trip?
The best time to discover Hanoi and central Vietnam is from November to April, when the climate is dry and temperatures are pleasant. Winter, with its cooler weather, offers a peaceful, misty atmosphere, ideal for exploring the capital and the northern rice paddies. In central Vietnam, particularly in Hue and Hoi An, the months of February to August offer plenty of sunshine, perfect for coastal walks. Traveling outside of peak season also allows you to experience Vietnam differently, at the pace of the locals, in a more authentic and environmentally conscious atmosphere.
Are the accommodations committed to a responsible approach?
Yes, all accommodations have been carefully selected for their commitment to sustainability. The tour combines eco-conscious hotels and family homestays, favoring natural materials, waste reduction, and direct support for local communities.
Is it possible to change hotels in certain destinations?
Of course, it's perfectly possible to replace one hotel with another of the same or higher category. We remain flexible and can tailor the stay to your personal preferences.
Are all forms of transport private ?
No, we prioritize responsible modes of transport as much as possible. In large cities, public transport is favored to limit our carbon footprint, while cycling or walking offers a gentle and authentic immersion. For long journeys, such as between Hanoi and Hue, the night train is preferred—an eco-friendly and convivial alternative. For certain trips, particularly in rural or less accessible areas, a private vehicle is used to ensure comfort, safety, and flexibility while minimizing unnecessary travel.
Will I meet local residents ?
Yes, several activities put you in contact with artisans, villagers, or local families. These encounters are designed as authentic moments, respecting their way of life.
Can I make any changes to this trip?
Absolutely. Each itinerary is a base that we adapt to your desires: adding a stage, extending a stay or integrating a specific experience is always possible.
Responsible adventure in the heart of Vietnam
- Everything went perfectly on this family trip. We were traveling with our two children, ages 4 and 8, and everything was planned so that everyone could fully enjoy themselves. The itinerary was perfectly suited to families, offering a mix of gentle exploration and relaxing moments. The guides who accompanied us were fantastic, always available and passionate. The accommodations, transfers, and overall organization were impeccable. A truly turnkey trip, where we only had one thing to do: savor every moment. Next stop for us: Vietnam with the family!
Family Ripoche
- We just got back from our trip and it was simply incredible! In the north, we felt like we were the only ones in the world: no mass tourism, just breathtaking landscapes and unspoiled villages. The mountain roads are long but so beautiful that time flies by, and our driver's driving was impeccable and always reassuring. Hanoi captivated us with its energy, and the pottery workshop in Bat Trang was a unique and memorable experience. The rest of our journey to the central and southern regions was just as remarkable: Hue and Hoi An were real gems, with their rich history, charm, and unique atmosphere. Finally, we decided to extend our trip with three nights in Con Dao, and it was magical: idyllic beaches, absolute tranquility, and a true moment of relaxation after all those discoveries. A complete, varied, and absolutely unforgettable trip!
Groups of friends - 2025
- This trip was a timeless escape for our whole family. Each hotel was designed with well-being in mind: spas, pools, meditation spaces… everything was perfectly suited to our needs. We particularly loved the diverse landscapes, from the mountains of Sapa to the rice paddies of Ninh Binh, then to the serenity of Lan Ha Bay and Yen Tu, without ever feeling like we were spending too much time on the road. The yoga and meditation sessions were a highlight for everyone, young and old, as were the traditional treatments offered by the hotels. We returned home refreshed, with the feeling of having experienced a unique journey, combining relaxation, spirituality, and authenticity.
Family Périot
- This trip to Northern Vietnam will remain etched in our memories. From Hanoi to Ha Long, passing through Bac Ha, Ha Giang, and Dong Van, we were captivated by the diverse landscapes and the warmth of the encounters. Our guide connected with us wherever we went. Moments of tranquility in Ban Gioc, authenticity in Bao Lac, serenity in Ba Be… A rare and timeless escape.
Guillaume & Aurélie
- A trip for two, a journey through nature, culture, and tranquility. From Hanoi to Hoi An, each stop brought us a little closer to the heart of Vietnam. The peaceful and authentic landscapes of mai Chau and Pu Luong were a true delight. Then came the magic of Lan Ha, the imperial memories of Hue, and the timeless charm of Hoi An. A perfectly planned itinerary that offered us genuine moments of connection and escape.
Family Loiseau
- This trip will remain etched in our memories. Traveling with our two children to Vietnam was a first, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the organization and the feeling of security we felt throughout the entire trip. Doanh was able to adapt each stage to our pace, always with a smile and great kindness. The encounters with the locals, the shared meals, and the nights spent with families gave profound meaning to our journey. We loved the balance between discovery, authenticity, and respect for the environment. Knowing that our adventure left a minimal ecological footprint made us even prouder to have experienced it as a family.
Family Sichel
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30 years of on-the-ground expertise to offer trips that reveal the soul of Southeast Asia
