Last July, we had the chance to spend
two short weeks in Vietnam, a country of breathtaking beauty and culture. We had few options as to the dates and duration of our stay, but it averted that 12 days is a perfect time to explore a variety of destinations, each with its own special charm.
Saint-Joseph Cathedral - Hanoi - Artist view - Mixed media, ink and watercolor on Velin paper
As a preamble…
The proposed tour –
Best Vietnam tours package 12 days 11 nights - is well balanced between discovery, adventures and idleness, allowing a tasty and authentic getaway, closer to the local populations. Every day of our trip was perfectly organized, and we didn’t have to worry about doing research or planning anything!
On our previous great trips, we spent a lot of time researching, planning and booking the best destinations, accommodations and activities. It takes a lot of time and energy to integrate into a new environment, discover authentic experiences and understand «how it works», once there, and all in languages that are foreign to us. But during these
12 days in Vietnam, just following our guide, relaxing and enjoying the best of each destination was just amazing. Each day was a mix of unique local cultures, adventure, free time to explore and regional specialties to taste. In addition, most of the places we stayed were unique and beautiful, sometimes with local host families. When it was necessary, we had local guides with us to accompany us during the day, help us take bush trails and tell us about cultural traditions and lifestyles.
Our trip…
Landscapes of North Vietnam
Halong bay - Artist view - Mixed media, ink and watercolor on Velin paper
We landed in
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and gateway to Asia. We spent our end of the day exploring by ourselves the alleys of the old quarter where was located our hotel. We could not resist drinking coconut water, the best way to get back in shape after a long trip! The next day, before leaving for Halong Bay, we expanded our exploration of the historic quarter of the old town, visiting temples, pagodas and steps, especially Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the temple of literature, date from the 11th century and the complex of Ho Chi Minh, with the pagoda with the single pillar and the mausoleum of Uncle Ho. We also did a rickshaw ride to discover the busy streets around the Dong Xuan market.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It was certainly the most anticipated destination of our periple! We spent two days and one night sailing on
Bai Tu Long Bay (by boat and kayak), the wildest of the 3 bays that make up the famous Halong Bay, with its thousands of karst islets emerging from the water. Spending a night on a junk, in a decor of tale of fee is an experience to live at least once in his life! Back in the capital, we prepare to continue our
12-day Itinerary in Vietnam, going to the center of the Blue Dragon Country.
Time travel in Central Vietnam
Hue - Artist view - Mixed media, ink and watercolor on Velin paper
It was by taking a domestic flight that we arrived in
Hue, the capital of Vietnam’s former empire, a city rich in history and culture – another
UNESCO-listed site! We spent a day visiting the
citadel of Hue, a vast complex of palaces and temples that was the seat of the Nguyen dynasty, from 1802 to 1945. We also visited the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, a magnificent monument that boldly mixes Western and Eastern influences. A dragon boat allowed us to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, the most steely pagoda in Hue.
Before going to the romantic village of Hoi An, we made a detour through the
archeological site of My Son, a set of Hindu temples built by the kingdom of Champa between the 4th and 13th centuries. An important testimony to the culture and history of this now-extinct kingdom,
My Son has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Hoi An - Artist view - Mixed media, ink and watercolor on Velin paper
Hoi An, a historic port city located on the central coast of Vietnam, is known for its traditional Chinese houses, colorful lanterns and delicious food. The former Faifo of the French settlers will remain as a stroke of heart emerveille. We spent a day exploring the 17th century Old Town, visiting temples, museums, shops and the Old Town of Old Town. of restaurants! We also had the opportunity to see all the preocessus of silk making, from the breeding of worms to weaving.
Languorous South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, cosmopolitan and very lively. We spent our last days exploring the city, visiting museums, monuments and markets (not to mention long stops at Street Food stands…). We also visited the Cu Chi tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. We even explored part of the Mekong Delta, sneaking along the arroyos and visiting the floating market of Cai Rang.
Our trip to Vietnam was a memorable experience. We discovered a country rich in history, culture and spectacular scenery. We will definitely come back one day for other encounters and explore other destinations.
Notre-Dame of Saigon - Artist view - Mixed media, ink and watercolor on Velin paper
Some tips to organize your trip to Vietnam