Truly Northern & Central Vietnam | Authentic Experience Package - 12 Days

12 Days      
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Hanoi - Opera House
Mai Chau
Mai Chau
Pu Luong
Pu Luong
Ninh Binh - Van Long
Bai Tu Long Bay
Hoi An - Cua Dai beach
Hoi An - Cam Thanh Village
Hoi An - Chua Cau Pagoda
Hue - Minh Mang Tomb
Hue - Imperial City
Overview
truly-northern-central-vietnam-authentic-experience-package.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Bai Tu Long Bay - Hoi An - Hue
  • 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

Designed in a specific manner to get you inside the heart of each destination on your travels. Experience the authentic culture of local people, immerse yourself into the stunning landscapes spanning from the far north to center of Vietnam...

  • Main spots: Hanoi, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Hue
  • Muong, Thai ethnic minority’s culture
  • Mountain landscapes in Mai Chau, Pu Luong
  • Homestay experience
  • Boat trip in Van Long
  • Amazing landscape of Bay
  • Charming Hoi An and the ancient citadel of Hue
Notes
  • Bring walking shoes, swimming suits, sunglasses, hats and insect sprays. 
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.

    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(ROH 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 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. 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, D
    Transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    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(Double Room (Shared bathroom))
    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. 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: 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(ROH 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.

    11:45: Arrive at Sunworld International Harbor, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City.

    12:15: Transfer to the Garden Bay Cruise boat by tender (5-10 minutes).

    12:30: Enjoy a welcome drink, followed by a safety briefing, and then check into your cabin.

    13:00: Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay while enjoying a set-menu lunch.

    15:30: Kayak to explore the lagoons, swim, or relax on the beach at Cap La.

    17:30: Relax and enjoy the sunset party during Happy Hour (from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM), while the boat cruises to the Cong Dong - Cong Do area, where it will anchor for the night.

    19:00: Savor a BBQ dinner (on the sundeck if weather permits, otherwise in the restaurant).

    21:00: Free time for evening activities, such as board games, squid fishing, playing guitar, watching movies, or karaoke (upon request). You can also visit our luxury sky bar (drinks are chargeable) and choose from a wide variety of wines, cocktails, brandy, and juices.

    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
    Garden Bay Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
    73 Ly Nam De street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Visit Vung Vieng fishing village, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi for flight to Danang, Hoi An

    06:30: Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck.

    07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast while the boat cruises toward the Vung Vieng area (approx. 45 minutes).

    07:45: Explore Vung Vieng Fishing Village by bamboo boat, and experience the daily life of the local fishing community.

    09:00: Return to the main boat for some relaxation and packing.

    09:30: Check out of your cabin and unwind on the sundeck.

    10:30: Savor your last view of Halong Bay over lunch as the boat heads back to shore.

    11:30: Disembark and relax at the café lounge.

    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).

    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.

    Upon your arrival at Da Nang Airport, our local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Da Nang, a journey of approximately 30 minutes. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    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 / 02 tickets
    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
  • 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, enjoy staying in ancient capital.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    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
  • An amazing day tour to explore Perfurme River by boat trip, excursion to Tien Non, Thanh Tien, Sinh village, Khai Dinh King's Tomb.

    8:00 AM: Transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages.

    In Tien Non village, meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village, an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years. Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu’s family, one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village, a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip. Finally, you'll head back to your hotel.

    In the afternoon, 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.

    Tour end around 4:00 PM. You may have another night in Hue or travel to other cities by flight or overnight train.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Boat: Sinh - Tien Non
    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
  • From Hue, flying to other destinations

    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:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Flight :VN1540 (HUI - HAN) - (Direct) / 10:00 - 11:20 - 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: Garden Bay Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting, Van Long, Cam Thanh, Tra Nhieu - Cam Thanh, Sinh - Tien Non
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
  • Flight Tickets: VN181 HAN - DAD (Vietnam Airlines - Economy) , VN1540 HUI - HAN (Vietnam Airlines - Economy)
  • Meal: Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 08, Dinner: 04
  • Bike: Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Hoi An, Hue
  • 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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Price per person in US$
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$1,424
  • Adult in single room $1,691

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