CategoriesCulture By gaulthier

Ben Tre: authentic province of the Mekong, unforgettable trip

Ben Tre, the authentic soul of the Mekong delta

Only a few hours away from the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City, the scenery changes completely. The buildings disappear, the horns turn off, and give way to a serene world, shaped by water, palm trees and long time. Welcome to the province of Ben Tre, one of the most authentic and preserved regions of southern Vietnam.

Here, the Mekong is not visited: it is lived. The province of Ben Tre embodies a rural, deep and emotional Vietnam, where every encounter makes sense and each moment naturally slows down the pace of the journey. Vietnamese coconut capital, Ben Tre is a generous land, shaped by the arroyos, lush orchards and a population of remarkable benevolence.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we particularly like to take our travelers to Ben Tre, because this province offers exactly what lovers of off-the-beaten-path travel are looking for: real immersion in the local life of the Mekong, simple but unforgettable experiences, and respectful rural tourism Vietnam, far from mass tourism.

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CategoriesTrip preparation By gaulthier

What to do in Hanoi in 3 days? Itinerary and essential advice

Vibrant and contrasting capital, Hanoi is often the first step of a trip to Vietnam. Noisy at first glance, sometimes confusing, it nevertheless reveals an absolutely fascinating cultural and human richness… on the condition of knowing how to approach it.

Asking the question what to do in Hanoi in 3 days is therefore perfectly legitimate. Does three days suffice to understand this millenary city? The answer is yes, provided you adopt the right pace and prioritize a balanced discovery between emblematic sites, local life and authentic experiences.

In this article, we offer you a clear and realistic itinerary to visit Hanoi in 3 days, thought for:

  • see the unmissable of Hanoi without running,
  • understanding Vietnamese history and culture,
  • enjoy the unique atmosphere of the capital,
  • to avoid the classic mistakes of the first visitors.

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CategoriesCulture By gaulthier

Vietnamese New Year: the Tet, a magical and unique festival

Every year, when the streets are adorned with red and gold and families gather around ancestral altars, the Vietnamese New Year deeply transforms the country. Called the Vietnamese Tet, this event is much more than a simple change of date: it embodies the soul, values and collective memory of Vietnam.

During this period, time seems to slow down. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom, flower markets are full of life, kitchens come alive with recipes passed down for generations. Tet marks a new beginning, an essential, emotional and deeply symbolic moment.

For travelers, discovering the Vietnam Lunar New Year is an absolutely unique experience. But it also raises many questions: what are the traditions? which dates? can one travel during Tet? what should one know to avoid awkwardness?

In this article, we offer you a complete and reliable guide to understand the Vietnamese Tet, its rites, symbols, gastronomy and the keys to live it fully, as a respectful traveler.

What is the Vietnamese New Year (Tet)?

The Vietnamese New Year, or Vietnamese Tet (Tết Nguyên Đán), corresponds to the first day of the lunar year. It symbolizes rebirth, renewal and harmony between man, nature and the spiritual world.

Unlike the Western New Year, celebrated in a single night, the festival of Tet is part of the duration. The preparations begin several weeks before and the celebrations continue well after the official days. Every gesture made during this period is meaningful, as it is supposed to influence the coming year.

Rooted in Vietnamese culture, the Lunar New Year Vietnam highlights:

  • respect of the ancestors,
  • the importance of family,
  • the quest for balance and prosperity.

Understanding what Tet means in Vietnam is to access a much more intimate reading of the country.

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CategoriesTrip preparation By gaulthier

The most beautiful treks in Vietnam | Splendid guide

The most beautiful treks and hikes in Vietnam (North & Central)

Exploring Vietnam through its trails is an absolutely authentic experience, marked by grandiose landscapes, unforgettable encounters and a total immersion in the soul of the country. Whether you are a beginner hiker or an experienced walker, the North and Central Vietnam offer a dazzling diversity: sculpted terraced rice fields, majestic karst mountains, deep jungles and vibrant ethnic villages.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we accompany every year travelers in search of adventure, culture and preserved nature. Many wonder: Which trek to choose for a sensational experience adapted to my level?
In this essential guide, we share our recommendations, our favorites, our practical advice and our local expertise to help you prepare for a splendid and successful trek. Read More “The most beautiful treks in Vietnam | Splendid guide”

CategoriesTrip preparation By gaulthier

Travel to Vietnam: Complete Guide & expert advice

Preparing a trip to Vietnam can be an experience as captivating as it is daunting. Between the variety of climate, the cultural richness, the sometimes surprising distances and the abundance of places to discover, it is not always easy to know where to start. As a local French-speaking agency, we accompany every day travelers in search of an authentic stay, harmonious and perfectly adapted to their desires.

Whether you dream of admiring the terraced rice fields of the North, strolling through the dazzling streets of Hoi An, sailing on the Mekong Delta or enjoying a moment of well-being on the beaches of the South, a tailor-made trip to Vietnam opens the doors to an incredible country, generous and deeply endearing. We put our field expertise at the service of your project to create a clear, fluid itinerary that truly meets your expectations: a couple wanting a romantic break, a family seeking serenity or a solo traveler in search of immersive experiences.

In this essential guide, we share our expert recommendations to help you plan your trip to Vietnam with confidence: best times, itinerary ideas, budget, practical tips, must-see experiences… Everything to live an unforgettable adventure, harmonious and splendid. Read More “Travel to Vietnam: Complete Guide & expert advice”

CategoriesTrip preparation By gaulthier

Mekong Delta: complete guide for an authentic and unforgettable journey

In southern Vietnam, the Mekong Delta extends like a vast majestic network of rivers, canals and tropical gardens where life flows to the quiet rhythm of water. Every morning, the merchants meet at the floating markets, the families cultivate their lush orchards, and the fishermen silently navigate in the small channels lined with coconut trees. For travelers, this region represents one of the most authentic, vibrant and unforgettable experiences in the country.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we have been accompanying travelers for many years in search of immersion, human encounters and discoveries off the beaten track. Many of them arrive with the same questions:

  • What to see in the Mekong Delta?
  • What activities are essential?
  • What is the best time to visit?
  • How to organize an itinerary over 2, 3 or 5 days?

This complete guide answers all these questions and accompanies you step by step towards a deeply authentic, harmonious and inspiring journey.

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Carte d'asie du Sud Est
CategoriesTrip preparation By gaulthier

Visa Vietnam: Complete guide & incredible fast-track

Entering Vietnam with complete serenity is today simpler, faster and truly more harmonious than in the past… provided that they know precisely the immigration rules, the different visa options, the possibilities for visa exemption, as well as priority services such as fast track Vietnam, which has become an absolutely essential asset to save precious time on arrival.

As a passionate local agency, we accompany each year hundreds of travelers wishing to live an authentic adventure, fluid and perfectly organized. Many wonder: Read More “Visa Vietnam: Complete guide & incredible fast-track”

Rizières en terrasse
CategoriesCulture By gaulthier

Meeting the Hmong and Red Dao minorities of North Vietnam

In the misty mountains of North Vietnam, time seems suspended. Between the rice terraces of Sapa, the isolated valleys of Ha Giang and the colorful markets of Bac Ha, still live today peoples proud of their traditions: the Hmong and the Red Dao.
These ethnic minorities of Vietnam, rich in a thousand-year history, perpetuate know-how, beliefs and a unique lifestyle in the world.

Their universe fascinates travelers: indigo embroidered costumes, bright red headdresses, lively markets where fruits, fabrics and smiles are exchanged. Beyond their picturesque appearance, these peoples embody the deep soul of the country – that of an authentic Vietnam, rooted in its roots and open to sharing.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, we are committed to discovering these cultures with respect and sensitivity. We believe that a cultural trip to Vietnam only makes sense if it creates a sincere human bond between visitors and locals.
In this article, we invite you to meet the Hmong and the Red Dao, to understand their traditions, their know-how and the simple beauty of their daily life in the heart of the mountains. Read More “Meeting the Hmong and Red Dao minorities of North Vietnam”

CategoriesTrip preparation By gaulthier

Top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam

Imagine a country where mountains intertwine with terraced rice fields, where emerald waters caress majestic limestone peaks, and where the smiles of the inhabitants illuminate every encounter.
Vietnam is a land of emotions, stories and contrasts, where each region reveals a unique beauty. From the bustling alleys of Hanoi to the golden beaches of Phu Quoc, from the imperial temples of Hue to the vibrant rice fields of Sapa, this fascinating country promises an authentic and unforgettable experience.

At Senteurs du Vietnam, our passion is to discover the most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam through the eyes of those who live there. With our local experience, we guide you towards the highlights of the country, but also to secret corners where beats the heart of deep Vietnam.

In this article, we reveal our Top 10 of the most splendid places in Vietnam, from North to South, between nature, culture and emotions. Read More “Top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Vietnam”

CategoriesGastronomy By gaulthier

Top 10 of the best dishes in Vietnam: an unforgettable culinary journey

Top 10 of the best dishes in Vietnam:

Introduction: a culinary journey to the heart of Vietnam

Bun Bo in Hue - one of the 10 best dishes in VietnamIf there is a country where cuisine tells the story of a people, it’s indeed Vietnam. On every street corner, in every bustling market, a fabulous taste experience is revealed, imprinted with millenary traditions and authentic passion.
At Senteurs du Vietnam, we believe that a successful trip is not only about landscapes or temples: it also goes through the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese gastronomy, as rich as diverse.

From North to South, each region offers a range of unique dishes, reflecting the contrasts of the country: the freshness of aromatic herbs, the delicacy of fragrant rice, the power of nuoc mam and the sweetness of coconut milk.
Prepare your taste buds: here is our top 10 of the best dishes in Vietnam to taste absolutely, a real sensory and cultural immersion whether during a cooking class or during a tour for a culinary discovery of street food. Read More “Top 10 of the best dishes in Vietnam: an unforgettable culinary journey”