Essence of Northern & Central Vietnam: Hanoi to Hoi An  12 Days  

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Mai Chau - Lac Village
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Hoang Long River Van Long
Ninh Binh - Van Long embroidery
Hanoi - Ha Pagoda
Hanoi - Long Bien Bridge
Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay
Hue - Khai Dinh Tomb
Hoi An - Chua Ong Pagoda
Overview
mai-chau-25.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Da Nang
  • Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Bai Tu Long Bay - Hue - Hoi An
  • Duration: 12 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano
Highlight

Join us on an amazing journey that takes you to Vietnam's most captivating destinations. This thoughtfully designed itinerary invites you to experience the authentic culture of local communities and immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, from the far north to the cultural treasures of central Vietnam. Explore vibrant Hanoi, the tranquil valleys of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, and the serene waterways of Van Long. Discover the rich heritage of Muong and Thai ethnic minorities, enjoy the warmth of homestay experiences, and marvel at the iconic beauty of Hoi An and the ancient citadel of Hue. Adventure, culture, and natural wonders await!

    Itinerary
    Day by day itinerary Expand All
    • Arrival in Hanoi

      Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.

      Included:
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room)
      42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    • Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

      9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

      Next stop at the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

      In the afternoon, you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

      Come back to city center and have a rest before enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

      Come back to hotel. End of the day

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      Leisure: Water puppet
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room)
      42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    • Visiting Muong village, scenic views at Thung Khe pass, exploring Thai culture in Mai Hich then overnight in homestay

      8:00 Am: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

      Arrival in Mai Hich, check in your accommodation and enjoy local food cooked by the host. Later Explore Mai Hich village by bike (optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.

      Note: Private traditional music and dancing show by local people is available with extra cost of $35/group. Please ask our guide to reserve if you are interested in.
      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L, D
      Transportation
      Bike: Mai Chau
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Tu Diep Bungalow(Bungalow Double )
      Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    • Enjoying an excursion to Muong homeland from Eo Ken to Ban Hang village, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Chieng Lau discovery

      Depart from Mai Hich directly to Eo Ken, 30km away, where the Muong ethnics live. Walk down the slope and enjoy the spectacular view of Pu Luong Nature reserve, rice field terraces and mountains. Visit a Muong ethnic family in Eo Kenvillage and discover their authentic life. Continue walking through this beautiful landscape and cross a stream to reach HangVillage.

      Pick up by driver for transferring to Pu Luong. Check in your accommodation. In the afternoon, Head to Chieng Lau, a picturesque area renowned for its lush rice fields and bamboo water wheels. Here, embark on a scenic walk, allowing you to engage with local residents and catch a glimpse of the bamboo water wheels used for irrigation.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L, D
      Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
      Transportation
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Pu Luong Home(Bungalow Double)
      Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
    • Trekking in the rice terraces, exploring the Thai culture in Chom Uoi, Lan Ngoai villages

      8:00 Am: Start your day by hiking down into the beautiful valley from your accommodation, passing through spectacular rice fields and follow small paths to slowly reach Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages. Your camera will help you capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will witness the changing landscapes of rice terraces intermingled with villages, fields, ponds, streams and mountains. Continue walking to Pho Doan to have lunch at a local restaurant. 

      Transfer to Ninh Binh. Along the way, take a break to explore the sacred fish stream in Cam Luong. This location is renowned for a unique species of fish that inhabit the stream, often referred to as sacred due to the numerous mysterious tales woven around this extraordinary creature. Continue the journey to Ninh Binh, and check into your accommodation.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L, D
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Nep House(Double Room)
      Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
    • Biking to Thung La temple and then a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, embroidering experience

      8:00 Am: You can choose to embark on a 10 km bike ride (one way) or a 20 km ride (round trip) along the dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Take optional stops along the way for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by visiting Thung La Temple, which dates back to the 11th century. Don't miss the opportunity to experience traditional musical instruments that are integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

      Continue to Take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery course under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.

      Return your bike to homestay, say good bye the host. Travel from Ninh Binh to Hanoi, enjoying the scenic views of the Red River Delta along the way. You can opt for a rest stop to stretch your legs or take photos of daily life. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Boat: Van Long
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      Bike: Ninh Binh
      Leisure: Thung La temple music
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room)
      42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    • Travel to Halong, cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, Swimming, Kayaking Cong Do, Cap La

      8:00 – 8:30 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.

      11:30 - 11:45 AM: Arrive at our waiting lounge at Ha Long International Cruise Port. Take some time to relax while waiting for our captain to complete the registration process. Then, transfer by tender to our boat.

      12:00 - 12:15 PM: Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a brief safety briefing about activities onboard before checking into our cabins.

      13:00: Indulge in a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay.

      15:00: Arrive at the kayaking area – Cap La Island. Enjoy kayaking through the karst formations and breathtaking scenery, as well as swimming and relaxing.

      17:40: Return to the boat and enjoy our Sunset Party as our cruise sails to the overnight anchorage. Attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration where you can learn to make a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish like Nem Cuon, or try your hand at fruit and vegetable carving.

      19:00: Delight in a sumptuous set dinner onboard.

      20:30 - 22:00: Enjoy free time to challenge yourself with Vietnamese puzzle games, gather your group/family for a board game, try your luck with squid fishing, or simply relax with a cocktail and soak in the quiet night on the bay.

      Included:
      Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
      English speaking guide (on board)
      Meal: B, L, D
      Entrance fees
      Kayak: Halong
      Leisure: Swimming,Squid fishing
      Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Swan Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
      3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    • Visit Vung Vieng fishing village, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi

      06:30 AM: Participate in a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or enjoy the morning view of the stunning bay's landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.

      07:00: Breakfast will be served in a Western style to prepare you for another day of exploration.

      07:45 AM: Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

      09:00 AM: Return to the boat and enjoy about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing.

      09:30 AM: Check out.

      10:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat.

      10:30 AM: Return to the harbor.

      11:15 - 11:30 AM: Disembark at Ha Long Cruise Port.

      Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).

      Included:
      Shuttle bus: Halong - Hanoi
      English speaking guide (on board)
      Meal: B, L
      Entrance fees
      Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room)
      42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    • Take a flight to Hue, explore the imperial citadel

      Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

      Upon your arrival at Phu Bai airport in Hue, our local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hue city center, a journey of approximately 45-60 minutes. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

      Keep your tour Visit the most important sites in city - Hue Citadel, the only vestige symbol for what was once the imperial city of Vietnam. It is inspired by the fortification of Vauban. The city is composed of three parts: Kinh Thanh (the Capital city), Hoang Thanh (the Imperial city) and Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City). The most beautiful sites in Hue are concentrated in this area including the flag tower, the South gate, the palace of supreme Harmony, the Dynasty temple area and the settlement area.

      End of the day, enjoy staying in ancient capital.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Flight :Flight (HAN - HUI) - (Direct) / - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
      Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
      36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
    • Visit Thien Mu pagoda, Khai Dinh tomb, travel to Hoi An

      We'll visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.  

      Drive to Khai Dinh King's tomb, built in 11 years (1920 – 1931) on Chau Tru hill. Khai Dinh King's tomb is distinguished from other emperor's tombs by the mixture of oriental and western styles. A hundred-step climb will take you to the worship palace at the top. You will discover the amazing decoration with delightful porcelain fragments, a giant painting on the ceiling and a small royal objects museum next door. Finally, the descent offers a panoramic view to the tomb and surrounding area.

      We’ll head to Hoi An, passing through Da Nang. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, taking you along some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in central Vietnam, including Lang Co Lagoon, the Hai Van Pass, fishing villages, and My Khe Beach. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B
      Boat: Thien Mu
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
      116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    • Discovering Hoi An rural by cycling and city walking tour

      8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel to Hoian town center. First, visit Cam Pho - one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.

      Leisurely walk to the Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

      Immersing into the life of town, walk through the town to Quan Thang ancient house - one of the most authentic old houses in Hoi An with the lively and fine architecture and sculptures were made by craftsmen of famous Kim Bong carpentry village in the oriental style. The house offers a good look of Hoi An family's daily life. 

      Next stop is the Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall before embark on the ferry crossing the Thu Bon river to Kim Bong village. On the boat, you will immerse yourselves into the comfortable fresh air and enjoy the idyllic landscapes on both sides of the river.

      This village has long been known for its wood carving. At first, the artisans inherited the techniques from the northern Vietnamese. Later, from business exchange, they could successfully adopt the know-how of Chinese and Japanese sculptures and cultivate their own style. Bike around the village to understand their daily life and visit a carpenter's workshop to admire their talent. It is possible to buy some wood products as souvenirs.

      Continue cycling on the trails to Tra Nhieu village. Immerse into the countryside in the center of Vietnam. The trip will allow some unprecedented meetings for instance, Ms Duoc with the mat weaving, Mr Kha with the bamboo sampan basket making and Mr Huynh Ri with his craftsman shipyard. A countryside landscape of palm and rice fields, buffaloes and farmers in the fields will surround you along the way.

      From Tra Nhieu, set off on a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Cam Thanh village. Along the way the landscapes of fishing farms and water palmtrees will accompany you.

      Arrive in Cam Thanh, take a little rest in the house of fisherman (Mr. Phong) enjoy green tea and foot massage with medicinal herbs that planted in the family garden. Then prepare vegetables and herbs from Tra Que village, small practice of cooking the dishes: crispy pancake (meat, shrimp, beansprouts…), spring rolls of Hoi An, Tam Huu, grilled fish in banana leaf… Enjoy the dishes that you made.

      In the afternoon, embark a small round bamboo sampan basket boat to the water palm trees forest. This is a relaxing moment after hours of biking.

      Transfer back to hotel at the end of the day.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B, L
      Boat: Cam Thanh,Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh
      Transportation
      Entrance fees
      Bike: Hoi An
      Leisure: Foot massage
      Cooking class: Cam Thanh
      02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
      Delicacy Hotel & Spa(Deluxe City View Room)
      116 Hung Vuong, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
    • Transfer to Da Nang airport for onward flight

      Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hue City and take you to Phu Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.

      Included:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B
      Transportation
    Inclusions
    • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
    • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
    • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
    • Cruise: Swan Cruise - 2D1N
    • Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting, Van Long, Thien Mu, Cam Thanh, Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh
    • Transportation
    • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong, Halong - Hanoi
    • Flight Ticket: Flight HAN - HUI (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
    • Meal: Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 07, Dinner: 04
    • Bike: Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Hoi An
    • Kayak: Halong
    • Leisure: Water puppet, Thung La temple music, Swimming, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi, Foot massage
    • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration, Cam Thanh
    • Service charges and Taxes
    Exclusions
    • International flight from/to your country
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses
    • Tipping and Gratuities
    • Other not mentioned in the program
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    • Adult in single room $1,862

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