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/Danang
  • 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

      Welcome at Noi Bai Airport by professional driver at the pickup lobby then transfer 45 minutes to Hanoi center (The Old Quarter). Your drive crossing Red River and have an over view of city with typical houses architecture and world's most special traffic. Arrive at the city center, driver drops you off at your hotel.

      Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

      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
      Video:
    • 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
      Video:
    • 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
      Tu Diep Bungalow(Bungalow Double )
      Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
      Video:
    • 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, transfer to Chieng Lau, a beautiful rice field area with bamboo water wheels. Walk through the field to the village and encounter the locals to discover their life, culture and customs.

      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
      Video:
    • 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. 

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

      8:00 Am: take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple, dating back to the 11th century.

      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. End of the day, transfer from Ninh Binh to Hanoi. Enjoy the journey passing Red River delta with a lot of chance taking pictures of rice fields, peaceful countryside.

      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
      Video:
    • Travel to Halong, cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, Swimming, Kayaking Cong Do, Cap La

      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.

      12:45: Warmest welcome drinks from our staffs. Listen to a brief of safety on board then check in your cabin

      13:30: Enjoying delicious Vietnamese dishes for lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay. 

      15:00: Leave the cruise to discover Cap La Island- the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing

      17:30: Get back to the boat and enjoy Sunset Time (enjoy tea and fresh fruits). This time is regarded as “Happy Hour” – “buy two get one free” while our cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage. In addition, cooking class is also organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine by yourself. 

      19:00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.

      20:30: Free time for relaxing on the sundeck, listening to music, you may also try your luck with squid fishing

      If you want to join in karaoke activity, please inform our tour guide to be supported

      Overnight on board on Bai Tu Long 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
      Video:
    • Visit Vung Vieng fishing village, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi

      06:30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi 

      07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional foodTea and coffee is available

      08:00: Explore Thien Canh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature

      09:30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.   

      Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

      10:30: Join in and show your creativity in fruit carving activity

      11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

      12:00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier

      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).

      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
      Video:
    • Take a flight to Hue, explore the imperial citadel

      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 the Phu Bai Airport you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 30 minute driving to Hue city center with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive at your hotel, check in and have a rest. 

      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
      Video:
    • 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.

      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
      Video:
    • 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
      Video:
    • Transfer to Da Nang airport for onward flight

      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:
      English speaking guide
      Meal: B
      Transportation
      Video:
    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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    Prices are for a private tour.

    • Adult in sharing Twin/double room$1,319
    • Adult in single room $1,668

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