Best of Northern & Central Vietnam - 15 Days

Highlights

• Explore the historic and modern sides of Hanoi from a vintage army Jeep
• Hike between traditional villages and rice paddies in the remote Sapa region
• Join a two-night luxury cruise in a traditional boat on beautiful Lan Ha Bay
• Visit the Imperial Citadel in Hue, built by Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty 
• Walk the charming streets of Hoi An's Ancient Town at sunrise and sunset

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, Explore at Your Own Pace

Xin chào! Welcome to Vietnam! You've landed in Hanoi, Vietnam's exciting capital, where you'll meet a private driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in, drop your bags, and refresh before venturing out to the lively streets. You'll have free time to wander tree-shaded avenues lined with a mix of centuries-old architecture, from ancient temples to French colonial buildings. While there are newer parts of Hanoi, most visitors are drawn to the charms of the Old Quarter, where you can stop for a Vietnamese coffee and watch roving local vendors go about their day.

In the Old Quarter, you'll find plenty of fantastic street food, so stop for your first bahn mi sandwich, shop in the labyrinth of streets, and then take a calm walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Use your afternoon and evening to experience Hanoi's frenetic lifestyle and feel the rhythm of its people.

Day 2: Hanoi City Walking & Vintage Jeep Tour

Today, you'll get to know Hanoi and its top sights. First, you'll venture to the Museum of Ethnology, where you can discover the country's 54 ethnic groups, including colorful and intricate hill tribe costumes. Then you'll see the beautiful Temple of Literature, which was built in the 11th century and is dedicated to Confucius. This temple was the first university in Vietnam, and it's still a place where students burn incense and pray at the altars for academic success. From there, take a guided stroll to the famous train street and taste the sweet and moreish "egg coffee." 

In the afternoon, you'll jump into a vintage army Jeep for a half-day tour. Step into the historic vehicle and enjoy the ride as your driver and guide weave through a maze of backstreets and alleyways, showing you a local side of the city. Then, you'll see why Hanoi is called "Little Paris," with its beautiful French-style architecture and green boulevards, as you pass by the embassy area, Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, and other landmarks. Finally, walk around Westlake, Hanoi's largest lake, before spending the evening as you wish.

Day 3: Transfer to Sapa, Visit Ma Tra & Ta Phin Villages

Today, you'll swap the bustling city for the Sapa region's lush hills and verdant rice paddies. This rural area is known for its mountain landscapes and vibrant Hmong culture. A private driver will collect you for the 5.5-hour drive from Hanoi, a scenic journey through terraced rice fields and winding mountain roads. Once you arrive at your local homestay in the hills, drop your bags and lace up your walking shoes.

After a long drive, there's no better activity than a walk to stretch your legs. You'll transfer to Ma Tra village, which is inhabited by the Hmong people. From here, take a walk through the village and learn about their way of life, the drive down toward Lao Cai to Ta Phin village. Here, you'll see people from the Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, two of the largest ethnic groups in the area, who live happily together while maintaining their own traditions and handicrafts. Walk among the local houses and visit nearby caves before returning to your homestay in Sapa.

Day 4: Hike to Local Villages: Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai & Ta Van

After breakfast, change into something comfortable and lace up your walking shoes. You'll spend the whole day exploring various villages around the Sapa region, starting with Y Linh Ho. Along with your guide, you'll set off for a hike that journeys down to Y Linh Ho village near the Muong Hoa River. From there, you'll continue on foot to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, walking through picturesque rice fields.

Day 5: Visit Fansipan & the Roof of Indochina, Transfer to Hanoi

On your final morning in Sapa, you'll climb to Fansipan Peak, the so-called Roof of Indochina, the highest in the region, soaring 10,300 feet (3,143 m). It used to take two days to hike to the peak, but now you can travel most of the way by cable car. After breakfast, a guide will transfer you to the cable car station for the 25-minute ride to the next station, at around 9,800 feet (3,000 m). Enjoy the view of Sin Chai Valley, Fansipan Peak, and Hoang Lien National Park as your cabin crosses the landscape.

Once on the mountain, you'll trek for 40 minutes up stone steps to the top high above the hills with views of the mountainous landscape. After this experience, you'll return to the base for your 5.5-hour transfer back to Hanoi, leaving early afternoon and arriving in the city by dinner. Check into your hotel for the night and relax.

Day 6: Transfer to Ninh Binh, Explore Hoa Lu, Tam Coc Boat Trip

Early this morning, a private transfer will take you two hours south toward Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam's natural wonders and a place often called "Ha Long Bay on Land." Set on the Red River Delta, this lush area offers natural beauty and rich historic sights. You'll head straight to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. On arrival, visit two temples—one dedicated to Emperor Dinh and the other in memory of Emperor Le. Then, visit the remains of the Old Palace before lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you'll explore Tam Coc, which means "three caves" in English. Once you arrive at this natural park, you'll board a small rowing boat, and a local will paddle you (using their feet!) across the karst waterscape. You'll travel along the Ngo Dong River over the next 90 minutes between rice paddy fields and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of all sizes. After the boat trip to Tam Coc, you'll visit Bich Dong Pagoda before checking into a local hotel.

Day 7: Transfer to Cat Ba Island, Board Lan Ha Bay Boat Cruise

Today, it's time to venture toward the coast. This morning, a transfer will take you three hours east via ferry to Cat Ba Island, where you'll board a luxury "junk" cruise (a traditional wooden sailing boat) on Lan Ha Bay. This is where you'll float among thousands of spectacular limestone islands that comprise this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lan Ha Bay is extremely similar—and just as beautiful—as the world-famous Ha Long Bay, but it's much quieter, with fewer boats and tourists. Once onboard, enjoy welcome drinks and a special seafood lunch as you set sail.

In the afternoon, you'll visit the Tra Bau area—famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape. Swap to a kayak and explore secluded lagoons, caves, and small beaches with a paddle, or stay onboard and discover the hot tub. In the early evening, join a cooking demonstration on board and learn how to make spring rolls, or take advantage of happy hour on the top deck. Finally, you'll enjoy a delicious romantic dinner, followed by cocktails at the bar or a spa service. Tonight, you'll sleep aboard the junk boat, so make yourself comfortable in one of the cozy cabins.

Day 8: Lan Ha Bay Boat Cruise: Visit Viet Hai Village & Three Peaches Area

If you're an early riser, join the early morning Tai Chi session during sunrise over the bay, followed by a hearty breakfast. Then, you'll swap to a day boat and sail further into Lan Ha Bay. Once you reach the Viet Hai jetty, explore this charming local village of bamboo thatched houses and tropical rainforest by bicycle or e-cart. After, return to the main boat and enjoy lunch as you cruise to a snorkel location.

In the afternoon, you'll have plenty of time to explore a secluded and quiet lagoon by kayak or have fun diving off the boat. In the late afternoon, return to the boat and spend time by the pool with a drink in hand, or get changed for dinner and watch the sunset during happy hour. After dinner, you could join a squid fishing session with the sailors and see if you can catch lunch for tomorrow!

Day 9: Disembark Lan Ha Bay Boat Cruise, Transfer to Hanoi, Night Train to Dong Hoi

Sleep in this morning or join the early Tai Chi session on the final day of your Lan Ha Bay cruise. Breakfast will be served as you cruise back to Gia Luan jetty. Take a half-hour transfer to Trung Trang, where you'll enter one of the most impressive limestone caves, with thousands of stalactites. After, return to the boat and enjoy the final cruise back to the docks, where you'll wave goodbye to the staff and your travel companions.

From here, take a 2.5-hour transfer to Hanoi. You'll have the afternoon free before your night train to Dong Hoi. The charming coastal city, set on the banks of the Nhat Le River, will take 10 hours to reach. Dong Hoi receives fewer tourists than other Vietnamese destinations, offering an authentic glimpse at local culture.

Day 10: Visit Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park: Visit Dark Cave & Phong Nha Cave

Upon arrival at the train station early this morning, a guide will be waiting for today's adventure to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. After the hour-long drive to the park, stop for a local breakfast, and then get ready to explore the tropical forests, huge caves, limestone karsts, and underground rivers. First, you'll explore the Dark Cave by kayaking along the river or ziplining there. Once in the cave, you'll only have the head torch on your helmet as illumination, and you'll have the option to take a relaxing mud bath and clean yourself in a lake.

After, transfer to the most impressive and famous cave, Phong Nha Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia and a marvel of nature hidden in dense jungle. This cave stretches for almost 5 miles (7.7 km) and contains 14 grottoes and an underground river. Take a leisurely 40-minute boat trip along the Son River, soaking up gorgeous landscapes from the water as you make your way to the cave's mouth to explore dry and wet caves. After, transfer to your hotel in Dong Hoi.

Day 11: Transfer to Hue, Visit the Imperial Citadel

Today, you'll explore Vietnam's Imperial Citadel, created in the 19th century for the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. After breakfast, a driver will transfer you 3.5 hours south to Hue, the country's capital, from 1802 until 1945. The citadel is one of the most important structures of the Nguyen Dynasty, and it holds memories of a powerful feudal era in Vietnam. Enter past the moat and thick stone walls to discover palaces and shrines, including the Forbidden Purple City and a replica of the Royal Theater.

After exploring this unmissable sight, take a transfer to your hotel in Hue. This evening, you could take a sunset cruise on the Perfume River or visit a night market and try local street food or dishes, such as bún bò (beef noodle soup).

Day 12: Transfer to Hoi An via the Marble Mountains

Your journey south through Central Vietnam continues today. After breakfast, a 2.5-hour transfer will take you from Hue to Hoi An, a former trading port with an incredible historic center. The drive will pass through one of the most spectacular routes in Vietnam, the Mandarin Road. You'll also take the Hai Van Pass (Ocean Cloud Pass) and pause in Da Nang to take in panoramic views over China Beach. On the final stretch, you'll stop at the Marble Mountains to see marble and limestone hills named after the five elements of earth: fire, water, metal, and wood.

These hills were once a major landmark during the turbulent years of the Vietnam War, and the caves within the mountains served as temples, battlegrounds, and hospitals. Discover the stories and legends behind these natural marvels. Finally, arrive in Hoi An, where you'll check into your accommodation and have free time to explore this charming town famous for its many tailor shops.

Day 13: Fishing in Cam Thanh Coconut Village, Explore Hoi An's Ancient Town

Wake up and venture down to the pier, where you'll take a boat to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Once you arrive, sit back and enjoy a casting net display by the local fishermen, and then learn how to throw the nets yourself. Afterward, you'll take a basketboat ride along the water coconut river to learn how to catch the small local crabs. Watch the creative fishermen put on a fun and fast-paced performance using these round and lightweight boats.

The afternoon is yours to explore more of Hoi An. This was once one of Southeast Asia's largest trading ports, and buildings date between the 15th and 19th centuries. Stroll through the narrow and winding streets of the yellow-washed old quarter with a guide who'll lead you to the Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tam Ky Ancestral House, and the Japanese Bridge. You'll quickly see why this is a top destination in Vietnam.

Day 14: Transfer to Da Nang, Fly to Hanoi

It's your last full day in Vietnam, and it's time to return to the capital. But first, rise early to stroll through the historic center during the quiet hours and sit down for a bowl of steaming breakfast pho. Soon, it will be time to take a 50-minute private transfer to Da Nang's airport for your flight back to Hanoi. The flight will take around 80 minutes.

On arrival at the airport in Hanoi, a driver will take you to your hotel in the city. For the rest of the day, you could go people-watching in the Old Quarter or join a bia hoi (draft beer) crawl to sample the city's famous drink. For something more cultural, go to a water puppet show. You could also sample street food at a night market, followed by a drink at a rooftop bar.

Day 15: Depart Hanoi

It's time to say goodbye to Vietnam! When the time is right, a private driver will transfer you back to the airport for your departing flight home or onward. Safe travels!

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