Landscapes and people of the Northern & Central Vietnam | Classic package tour - 12 Days

Landscapes and people of the Northern & Central Vietnam | Classic package tour
Overview
landscapes-and-people-of-the-northern-central-vietnam-classic-package-tour.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Visit: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Hoi An - My Son - Hue
  • Duration: 12 Days
  • Travel style: Most popular
  • Category: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano
Highlight

Explore the diverse cultural landscape and scenic mountains from the north to the center of Vietnam. Travel from the bustling Hanoi capital to the homeland of the Thai minority people in Mai Chau. Take a leisurely sampan boat trip in Ninh Binh. Enjoy an amazing night on a cruise trip in Ha Long Bay. Finish your journey with a visit to the charming heritages sites in the center: Hoi An, My Son and Hue...

  • Bustling Hanoi Capital
  • Thai minority group in Mai Chau
  • The magical limestone mountains in Ninh Binh
  • Hue ancient city of Nguyen Dynasty
  • Hoi an Heritage Old town
  • My Son holy land of Champa Kingdom
  • World Nature Heritages
  • Overnight in Ha Long Bay
  • Historical, cultural, local life and stunning landscapes experience
Advice
  • Bring swimming suits, sunglasses, hats and walking shoes
Itinerary Expand All
  • Day 1,Hanoi35km - 0.75hFri, Mar 29, 2024
    Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter

    Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    Continue the day, tour guide will escort you walking around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House, stopping at the statue of King Ly Thai To and Vietnamese Government Guest House, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Walk back to the Old town, visit some main streets before returning to your hotel.

    Option: If your flight arrives late or you are jet lag after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 2,HanoiSat, Mar 30, 2024
    Visiting the city's highlights, travelling to French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh complex, leisurely walk by the West Lake

    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.

    Follow it with a visit to one of the city’s museums (choose among the National history museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology and Fine art museum) before having a break for lunch or some drink (by your own budget).

    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.

    Continue to the Quan Thanh temple, one of the four most important temples in the city, dated back to the 11th century under Ly Thai To King, worshipping the Tran Vu gods, the principal deities in Taoism. Take a leisurely walk on a romantic road crossing the West Lake with beautiful city views. Stop at the Tran Quoc pagoda which dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty.

    Finally, 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
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Water puppet
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 3,Hanoi - Mai Chau145km - 3.5hSun, Mar 31, 2024
    Visiting Muong village at Thung Khe pass, Exploring the Thai culture in Lac, Na Phon, Poong Com

    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.

    Arrive in Mai Chau, check in your accommodation and have a break for lunch. In the afternoon, take a 5km bike ride(optional) or walk to the rice fields. Discover the culture and daily life of the locals in Lac, Na Phon, Poong Com villages. See the rural work on rice fields, the weaving craftsman, and encounter with locals. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

    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
    Private transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mai Chau Valley View Hotel(Deluxe Valley view)
    Mai Chau town, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
  • Day 4,Mai Chau - Ninh Binh150km - 3.5hMon, Apr 1, 2024
    Authentic life in Mai Hich village, leisurely walk in rural countryside, transferring to Ninh Binh

    Enjoy breakfast in the peaceful land then travel to Mai Hich. Explore by bike (optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes such as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams which are in the 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.

    Come back to Mai Chau to enjoy lunch then depart to Ninh Binh, stop on the way to meet the local people and take pictures as you command. Arrive in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon and check in to your accommodation. 

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Lalita Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room)
    Tam Coc Bich Dong, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
  • Day 5,Ninh Binh - Hanoi100km - 2hTue, Apr 2, 2024
    A full day to explore Ninh Binh at Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong

    Have breakfast at hotel then travel to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

    Continue to the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

    Enjoy local cuisine in Tam Coc then direct to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

    On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

    Head from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and soak in the scenic beauty as you traverse the Red River Delta. Take advantage of plenty of photo opportunities amidst the lush rice fields and tranquil countryside along the way.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Tam Coc
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 6,Hanoi - Halong Bay160km - 3hWed, Apr 3, 2024
    Amazing sailing route, Pearl farm excursion, swimming and hiking at Titov Island, offering a great panoramic views

    8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy 3-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at reception.

    12:30: Checks in boat with cruise briefing and safety instructions. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay - one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

    Enjoy buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes served while cruising through the bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Islands In the afternoon, visit Tung Sau area, covered by the leaping rocks, cultured pearl fishery. You can wit yourself the process of the jewel, from culturing to harvesting and sculpting. Moreover, you have a chance to do kayaking based on your preference. Enjoy busy space with pearl maker, you can experience the completion of pearl. Visiting the beautiful Titov beach for swimming (if the weather permits), Titov Beach is especially famous for its fresh atmosphere, clean water, and smooth white sand that create a great ambiance for tourists to relax or passengers can take steps to reach on the top of  Titov island to have a whole panorama view of Halong Bay. Back to the boat and free time while sailing to Luon Bo area, and anchor for overnight.

    Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu)

    18:30: Attend the Cooking class on sundeck – How to make Vietnamese spring rolls - traditional Vietnamese food. Then enjoy Happy Hour (Buy one drink-get one free). It is time for chit chat and relaxing. Watch the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay. 

    Dinner – Deluxe Vietnamese BBQ Set Menu Dinner

    Evening activities include: Leisure time to enjoy a chat around the bar, watching movies and many sort of Vietnam cultural films, relaxing and spending a romantic night on Pelican Halong Cruise’s music, playing cards, chess are available, reading magazines in room and dining room. You may also try your luck at squid fishing & fishing from the boat.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Beach swimming,Squid fishing
    Cooking class: Halong (on board)
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mila Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
    7 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 7,Halong Bay - Hoi AnThu, Apr 4, 2024
    Exploring Sung Sot Cave then leisurely sailing before transfering back to Hanoi for flight to Danang, Hoi An

    06:30: The day starts early onboard with Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Tai chi also called Tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements.

    Coffee, tea and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with morning view of bay’s landscape.

    Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. Walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. It takes approximately 45 minutes to visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the cruise by tenderCheck out and settle your bill at reception.

    Have a buffet brunch and enjoy the bay scenery while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf.

    11h30-12h00: Disembark

    Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

    Landing at Da Nang airport you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby.

    On the about 30 - 45 minute driving from the airport to your accommodation, your tour guide will introduce you about the city’s highlights and share the experiences of eating and drinking, traffic, culture....

    Drive along the beautiful coastline to your hotel, check in and relax.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :VN181 (HAN - DAD) - (Direct) / 16:10 - 17:40 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
    La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa(Superior Room)
    64 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
  • Day 8,Hoi AnFri, Apr 5, 2024
    Full day to visit Hoi An city tour

    9:00 AM: Pick up from hotel for Hoian excursion. Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

    First stop is 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.

    Continue walking through the town, immersing into local life and stop at 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. 

    Enrich your tour by visiting Phuc Kien or Fujian Assembly Hall, built since 17th century, is the gathering place for residents, traders and visitors from a specific area in China called Fujian. It is also a religious site to honor the deity Thien Hau. Spend a visit, you will admire the colorful fountains in the courtyard, the ornate gates surrounding the property and the beautiful carved dragons in the main room.

    In the afternoon, driving to Tra Que farming village. It is famous for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Their leaves are smaller than normal ones and have a special flavor. Enjoy an interesting introduction to the village’s history, the vegetable cultivation and the usage of vegetables as traditional Vietnamese medicine. It is also a good opportunity to meet and take pictures with local people. 

    After the excursion, travel back to the city, free to explore the town or leisure on beach.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa(Superior Room)
    64 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
  • Day 9,Hoi An - My Son - Hoi An40km - 1hSat, Apr 6, 2024
    Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture

    8:00 AM: Pick up by tour guide and driver from your hotel. Spend a half day for an excursion to the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the kingdom of Champa and may also have served as a burial place for Cham monarchs.

    Recognized as a World Culture Heritage site by UNESCO, the site preserves the 70 ruined architecture works of bricks and stones built between the 7th and 13th century. Your tour guide will explain to you all the cultural, historical and architecture values as you leisurely visit each relic. Tour also enrich with an attending to the traditional Champa dancing show before leaving the sanctuary.

    After the excursion, travel back to city.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa(Superior Room)
    64 Dao Duy Tu, Hoi An, Quang Nam , Vietnam
  • Day 10,Hoi An - Hue125km - 3hSun, Apr 7, 2024
    Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel

    8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean. 

    Arrival in Hue, enjoy lunch then 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.  

    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, check in hotel and enjoy stay in ancient capital.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
    36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
  • Day 11,Hue20km - 0.5hMon, Apr 8, 2024
    Full day to Explore Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang's tomb, Thuy Bieu village.

    Transfer from hotel to visit the Emperor Minh Mang's tomb, an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang’s reign (1820–40) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.

    Continue your trip, take a boat along Huong River (or Perfume River) to Thuy Bieu Village, admire the picturesque landscapes on both sides. After 1 hour, we arrive to Thuy Bieu, well-known for its divine grapefruit trees where you can take a bike around the village under the shade of the grapefruit trees and enjoy their pleasant perfume aroma and the harvested straw. The peaceful atmosphere is in every corner of the village. Then, visit a temple dedicated to the village protector, a traditional garden house built several centuries ago. This is a wonderful opportunity to stop for great photos and interact with the villagers working in the gardens and vegetable fields which should not be missed.

    Join in cooking class with Hue's specialties selected then have lunch in village then transfer back to the city in the afternoon. Tour end around 3:00 PM

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Thuy Bieu - Minh Mang
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Thuy Bieu
    Cooking class: Thuy Bieu
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Rosaleen Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Double Room)
    36 Chu Van An street, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
  • Day 12,Hue - HanoiTue, Apr 9, 2024
    From Hue, flying to other destinations

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (in Hue city center) for about 30 minutes to Phu Bai airport for your flight. Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: Domestic flight requires you to be at the airport 1.5 hours before departure time.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :VN1540 (HUI - HAN) - (Direct) / 10:00 - 11:20 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 06 tickets
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Mila Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Tam Coc, Thuy Bieu - Minh Mang
  • Private car following itinerary
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
  • Flight Tickets: VN181 HAN - DAD (Vietnam Airlines - Economy) , VN1540 HUI - HAN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: B: 11, L: 08, D: 01
  • Bike: Mai Chau, Thuy Bieu
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Beach swimming, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board), Thuy Bieu
  • 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 sharing Twin/double room $ 1,007
  • Adult in single room $ 1,330
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