North & Central Vietnam authentic discovery - 12 Days

12 Days      
Quang Tri - Hien Luong Bridge
Hoi An - Chua Cau Pagoda
Hoi An - Tra Que Village
Hoi An - Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Hoi An - Lantern Market
Danang - Non Nuoc beach
Danang - Hai Van Pass
Hue - Khai Dinh Tomb
Hue - Minh Mang Tomb
Hue - Imperial City
Quang Tri  -  17 Parallel
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Phong Nha - Thien Duong cave
Phong Nha - Phong Nha cave
Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha bay
Sapa - Ta Van Village
Sapa - Lao Chai Village
Sapa - Cat Cat Village
Hanoi - Old Quarter
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Hanoi - Long Bien Bridge
Overview
north-central-vietnam-authentic-discovery.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Hai Phong - Lan Ha bay - Dong Hoi City - Phong Nha - Quang Tri - Hue - Hoi An - Da Nang
  • 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

The most popular package tour for travelers interested in exploring both nature and indigenous cultures in Northern and Central Vietnam. Starting from Hanoi then travel up to the Sapa, you will enjoy beautiful iconic scenes of terraced rice fields and lush mountain peaks. Relax on an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, explore the massive cave systems in Phong Nha - Quang Binh then visit Hue and Hoi An heritage cities. This is truly the journey of a lifetime!

  • Charming Hanoi capital
  • Overnight train experience
  • Encounter with Black H'mong, Red Dao and Dzay people
  • Stunning landscapes: Muong Hoa valley, Fansipan Range, rice terraces, Van Long Nature reserve, Ha Long Bay
  • Overnight on cruise
  • Cave exploration in Phong Nha - Ke Bang
  • Culture & history excursions
  • Heritage city of Hoi an ancient town and Hue ancient capital
Notes
  • Train to Sapa is A/C cabin with soft beds, it may be noisy or uncomfortable for some tourists.
  • Shuttle limousine picks up tourists from different hotels, you may have to wait your turn to get picked up.
  • Best time for rice terraces is from July to September.
  • Bring trekking shoes, insect sprays, swimming suits
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand all days
  • Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter

    Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and 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.

    Continue the day with a walking tour. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

    End at your hotel.

    Note: If your flight arrives late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    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
  • 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.

    After show, relax and have dinner (on your own account) or strolling around city center. In the evening, take a short transfer to Hanoi Train Station. Enjoy an overnight traditional train journey from Hanoi to Sapa.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Water puppet
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Train:SP3 (Hanoi - Lao Cai) / 22:00 - 05:55 - Deluxe( 4 berths / cabin) / 02 tickets
  • Trekking through the World's most amazing rice terrace in Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, meeting H'mong & Dzay people

    Arrive in Lao Cai train station in the early morning. Private guide and car will escort you an hour trip up-hill to Sapa. Enjoy the beauty of nature and rice terraces after every turns and meet H’mong, Red Dao people along the way. Have a breakfast at local restaurant before exploring the town.

    We will start a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village. Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly Hmong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. Enjoy a bit of relaxation at the cable-bridge with the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. If you are sportive and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and less tourists. For those looking for an easy trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River.

    Direct to Head to Lao Chai village and follow a small path winding through the rice fields to reach a charming hamlet. Here, you'll have the chance to meet a grandmother who's the last craftsman in the community, using beeswax in the traditional way to decorate the unique indigo clothing of the Hmong people. It's also a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in their daily life and vibrant culture.

    Continue to Ta Van village, the charming land of the Dzay people, well located on the hill with amazing views of river, rice terraces and Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you leisurely walk, meet villagers who will kindly invite you to visit their homes.

    Finally come back to town and enjoy stay.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sapa Elegance Hotel(Deluxe Room)
    3 Hoang Dieu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam
  • Discovering the Red Dao culture in Ma Tra & Ta Phin village, transferring back to Hanoi

    After breakfast you on the trek from Ma Tra hamlet to Ta Phin village. This journey will lead you to the superb rice terrace valley. You have a great chance to meet the local people of the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups. They were originally from Southern China but settled in Vietnam in the 11th century and still live at a high altitude, far away from the modern world. This helps them to preserve their traditions, language and especially their ancestral way of life. Make a stop on the way to visit a Hmong family and school in the Ma Tra Village. After a 3-hour trek, you will reach the Ta Phin village of the Red Dao group. While you are walking, interact with local people to learn about their life and culture.

    2:30 PM:1:00 - 2:00 PM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the central area of Sapa. Once everyone is on board, we’ll begin our journey back to Hanoi via the Hanoi - Lao Cai Highway. The drive takes around 6 hours, with a few optional stops along the way for coffee or a quick break. We anticipate arriving in Hanoi between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. If your accommodation is in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel or any location of your choice within the area.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Sapa - Hanoi
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    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
  • Cruising from Halong to Lan Ha bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class

    9:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy two and a half hour drive from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay on the national highway No5B. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue driving to the harbor around noon, get warmly welcome at cruise reception.

    12:00 PM: The crew members of Peony Cruises will welcome you at Tuan Chau Port, Quang Ninh province.

    12:30 PM: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruises. During this time, an itinerary briefing will be provided.

    1:00 PM: Welcome aboard with fresh drinks and wet towels, followed by a special lunch featuring fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies. We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. 

    3:30 PM: We'll visit the Tra Bau area, renowned for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the perfect time for kayaking to discover the true beauty of the limestone islands. Immerse yourself in the emerald green waters of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on Peony Cruises.

    5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Join us for a cooking demonstration and learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, spring rolls. Alternatively, head to the top deck of the cruise to admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Enjoy a Happy Hour - BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It's an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

    7:30 PM: Indulge in delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef. This delightful dinner is served in an intimate romantic setting.

    9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Relax and sip exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge). Treat yourself to a spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck under the brightly illuminated sky. Alternatively, try your luck at squid fishing on the main deck.  

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
    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
    Peony Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
    5/33B Pham Ngu Lao street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Exploring Trung Trang Cave, visiting Cat Ba National park, Transferring back to Hanoi

    6:00 AM: Begin the day full of energy with a Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun as it rises beyond the horizon.

    6:45 AM - 7:15 AM: Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time may be adjusted to follow the real itinerary).

    7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang cave – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

    9:30 AM: Return to the main boat from the cave, and you will check out of your cabin. Luggage is to be placed outside of the cabin.

    Early Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle any bar bills at the restaurant's desk (if any).

    10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Disembark from the Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau port. 

    11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: You should be ready at Tuan Chau port.

    Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy 2 and a half hour travel back to Hanoi on the new highway No5B crossing the Red River Delta and villages. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

    Included:
    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(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Taking a flight to Dong Hoi, discover the beauty of Phong Nha & Paradise Caves

    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, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.

    Welcome by tour guide and driver at DONG HOI airport - Early morning flight (Otherwise, pick up at railway station) to Quang Binh province, the narrowest part of Vietnam and famous for the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park which is listed on the World Heritage in 2003. Covering 85,754 ha of outstanding geological and ecological value, the site will let you immerse into sumptuous landscape of karst plateaus and rainforests by surveying its spectacular underground caves and rivers and discovering its abundance of endemic species.

    Enjoy 1 hour drive up hill, passing rural countryside and enter national park to explore Phong Nha Cave. Discovered in 1994, this famous cave is well-known for its underground river and its system of fantastic stalactites and stalagmites. From the pier, you take the boat following the Son River to the gigantic gate of the grotto. Enjoy a leisure walk to admire the natural masterpieces by crossing some secret corners: Bi Ki Cave, Celestial Palace.

    Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon have a special discover the Paradise cave (Thien Duong cave). New surprises are waiting for you. Discovered in 2005, with 31.4 km long, 60 m high and 30 to 100 m wide, it is considered as the longest in Asia. After a short walk in the forest, you begin the discovery of this terrestrial paradise through the different rooms that amaze you with the grandiose stalactites and stalagmites both mystical and extraordinary.

    Transfer to your hotel, check in and enjoy staying in the peaceful town.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Phong Nha
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :VN1591 (HAN - VDH) - (Direct) / 13:15 - 14:25 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
    Phong Nha Lake House(Deluxe Pool view)
    Hung Trach hamlet, Bo Trach district, Quang Binh , Vietnam
  • Visiting Vinh Moc tunnel, Hien Luong Bridge and then travelling to Hue

    After breakfast at the hotel, travel to Hue the ancient capital of Vietnam. On the way make a visit to the famous Vinh Moc Tunnel. Local people dug in 2 years (1965 - 1967) to create the system of 1.7 km long and 10 to 23 m deep tunnel which was used as bomb shelter during the Vietnam War. The site is evidence for the heroism of the Vietnamese people. 

    Continue your journey to Hue stop for an excursion to the well-known 17th Parallel. According to the agreement of Geneva, this historical site was the border of the Communist in the North and the Non Communist in the South of Vietnam. Visit the museum, flag tower, the Ben Hai River and the Hien Luong Bridge to learn more about the special history of this land.

    Keep your way to Hue in the late afternoon and check in hotel. Free to leisurely stroll to visit the ancient capital at night.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    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
  • Enjoying boat trip, visiting Minh Mang's tomb, excursion to Thuy Bieu village, Thien Mu pagoda and Hue citadel

    8:00 AM: 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, 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.

    Lunch is served in the village. In the afternoon, drive to 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.  

    After that transfer back to city center to 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.

    Back to your hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening, free to explore the city.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Minh Mang
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Hue
    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
  • Travelling to Hoi An, Hai Van pass, Cham sculpture museum, Eco Garden Tour

    7:30 AM: Pick up from your hotel, drive to Hoi An via Mandarin Road and Sea Cloud pass (Hai Van Pass). Stop on top of the pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean and Da Nang city. 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 on 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 Hoi An ancient town. 

    Continue to Tra Que, it is famous for its aromatic herbs, mint and basil. Walk through the village's fields and meet the farmers. It is a good opportunity to observe the techniques of vegetable gardening. Check in hotel in late afternoon and free.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    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
  • A 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.

    Finally, we go to explore Hoian center market where is the best place to see the local daily life. Situated on the riverside, the large market is packed with stalls where you easily find a huge variety of food at extremely cheap prices. There is also a great fresh vegetable, meat and fish market which is worth visiting.

    Rest of the day you are free to discover city or travel back to hotel. End of the day

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    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
  • From Hoi An - Danang, flying to other destinations

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

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :VN182 (DAD - HAN) - (Direct) / 18:25 - 19:55 - Vietnam Airlines - Economy / 02 tickets
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Peony Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Phong Nha, Minh Mang
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Sapa - Hanoi, Hanoi - Tuan Chau
  • Train: SP3 (Hanoi - Lao Cai)
  • Flight Tickets: VN1591 HAN - VDH (Vietnam Airlines - Economy) , VN182 DAD - HAN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 06, Dinner: 01
  • Bike: Hue
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Swimming, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
  • 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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Price per person in US$
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$1,424
  • Adult in single room $1,720

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