If you are outdoorsy, active, and love breathtaking scenery, yet at the same time are equally drawn to discovering iconic cultural sites of Vietnam, this tour is for you.
This tour is designed for those seeking the best of North and Central Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh and Pu Luong, embark on a thrilling kayaking adventure in Ha Long Bay, explore mesmerizing caves in Quang Binh, and discover the rich heritage of Hue and Hoi An, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your experiences include:
If you prefer to skip Quang Binh, Hue, and Hoi An, there's an alternative option to consider. You can choose to fly directly from Hanoi to Quy Nhon or Phu Yen, two lesser-known but stunning coastal towns. These hidden gems offer a more serene and secluded beach experience, allowing you to unwind and soak up the sun in a tranquil setting. Enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the laid-back charm of these coastal destinations for a few days of relaxation and rejuvenation.
This is just a suggested itinerary and can totally be tweaked to suit your style and need
Private tour starts from 2,135 GBP or 2,675 USD per person based on 2 people travelling in April 2024 on a shared room, boutique 4 & 5 star accommodation throughout, excluding international flight.
Our price includes:
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Start the morning with a walk to the Northern Gate of the ancient citadel. Learn a bit about the history of the imposing structure and visit Cua Bac Church, a beautiful example of French and catholic influence in the city. Stroll along leafy Phan Dinh Phung Road,one of Hanoi’s most romantic boulevards. Admire the magnificent French-colonial villas along the way before heading to Quan Thanh Temple. The 11th-century Taoist temple is one of the oldest and most culturally significant in the city.
Next, stroll toward West Lake and walk along the shore of the lake to Chau Long Market for a closer look at Hanoian culture in the flurry of a local market. After exploring the street stalls, setoff along a quieter alley and take a short break at a local restaurant,sampling Pho Cuon, a delicious snack similar to fresh spring rolls. Continue toward Hang Than Street, the epic centre of Hanoi’s thriving wedding cake stores. Learn a bit about Vietnam’s unique wedding culture and continue walking to the historic Long Bien Railway Station, located on the bridgehead of the impressive Long Bien Bridge.
Wrap up this captivating tour of Hanoi with a cyclo ride. Equal parts transportation and travel experience, these traditional bicycle rickshaws move at a leisurely pace that’s perfect for photos and slow-moving sightseeing. Sit back and relax whilst weaving through some of the Old Quarter’s busiest streets and end the tour with lunch at a local restaurant.
Discover endless mountains, fertile valley sand pristine jungle in Pu Luong, only a few hours drive from Hanoi. After lunch enjoy a half day tour of Bang village. Bang boasts the most stunning terrace rice fields in Pu Luong. After a short 5-kilometer car ride, you will descend from the pass to vast terraced paddies that stretch to the horizon. Each season offers a unique experience: harvesting crops amidst breathtaking yellow rice paddies, cultivating crops in lush green fields, or witnessing the terraces transform into small ponds reflecting the blue sky. Pause at a local house for a friendly chat. The final hour features a jungle trail along the spring, leading back to the main road where you will be transferred back to the resort.
This is a great experience combining trek and cycling. We start to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat, where you can walk around tumbling rice terraces. Then we will go along small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque Uoi village at the base of a towering mountain. It is the only place offering the bird eyes view from the top of the pass. Continue walking downhill to a local home, where you can take a bike to cycle around Lan village. Lan is tranquil and famous for its embroidery craft-job. A small stream with water from far most mountains winds the houses creating a bunch of outdoor nature bathing places for villagers after long farming days and cycling through the rice paddies and village to village, hanging bridge to explore more the scenic landscapes surrounding. Stop for lunch at a local house or at the river banks with stunning views of bunches of water Wheel. You will end up at Hieu Village, and enjoy the Hieu waterfall, the only one in the reserve. Return to the bike parking place, where you will return to the Puluong retreat.
Morning at leisure.
After breakfast embark on a journey of about 3 hours to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination. . After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to nearby Tam Coc, popularly known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land”.
Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you. Finally, return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you for your transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Depart from Ninh Binh and travel by road to the Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay Set off on your luxury cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. You will then be transferred back to Hanoi.
Today fly to Quang Binh, home to Son Doong, the world's largest and most impressive cave.
Upon arrival check in your homestay. Upon arrival in Quang Binh, check in Chay Lap farmstay, your base for the next couple of days.
Chay village is surrounded by mountains and rivers. The local people mainly make a living through farming. Take a look around, you can feel tranquility exuding from every corner you pass by. Wake up to the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and the crowing of roosters. You can take bike or boat around to see the buffaloes and the cows lazily grazing the grass, while the kids happily play on the field, and a butterfly sits right at your palm, the brightest smile comes from a random passerby, and the amazing food that can always make your day better’
Embark on a thrilling adventure with your guide and driver as they pick you up from your hotel in Phong Nha town. The journey takes you to our partner's office in Tan Hoa Village, 70 km away, where a brief overview of the trekking itinerary and safety regulations is provided. Following the briefing, sign the RELEASE FORM and equip yourself with helmets, headlamps, and safety gear for the exploration of Rat Cave, adorned with beautiful stalactites and a unique heart-shaped dome.
After the cave exploration, cross the Rao Nan River and ascend a small slope to reach the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. Descend a 15-meter ladder with safety harnesses to uncover the dry passages of the cave, featuring a million-year-old marine species fossil. Transition to the water passage, don life jackets, and swim through the underground river, eventually reaching the picturesque To Mo Valley. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the emerald-green stream before swimming back through Hung Ton Cave.The day concludes with a journey across lush green valleys and fields, returning to the Rao Nan River and walking through farmland to the partner's office. Relax, sip on cool drinks, and be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of the exhilarating 1-day Tu Lan experience tour.
Today you will be transferred to Hue. The journey takes around 4 hours. Upon arrival in Hue,check in your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is at leisure.
In the morning, ourguide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hue. Take a boat trip along Perfume River to visit Thanh Tien Village, well-known for over 300 years of crafting paper flowers. Meet one of the local villagers and learn how to make your own ornate paper flower. You can be sure that your visit is backing a good cause as it is supported by Backstreet Academy, a social enterprise providing struggling artists, craftsmen and home-based workers with additional income and recognition
Next visit Sinh village which is well-known for Vietnamese folk paintings in Lai An village,Phu Mau commune. This is a type of woodblock paintings commonly used in Hue for the purpose of worshiping. The paper used for the paintings are embedded with seashell powder toughness and colour retention. The artist uses black ink to smear on a woodblock, and then pressed the woodblock to the paper before finishing it with his desired touches and colours.
You will then be taken back to Hue center to have lunch at a local restaurant.In the afternoon visit Thuy Xuan Incense making village, the largest incense making village in the country which has existed for 700 years. To make incenses, the villagers usually combine cinnamon, cardamom, clove, anise and eucalyptus powder which are well mixed with water. Then the incense “dough” is coated around thin bamboo sticks taken from Nam Dong district, Binh Dien commune or Phong Soncommune before being dried under the sun. Those traditionally made incenses are bright yellow in color and have a pleasant smell. The bamboo sticks come dyed in different colours and make it a wonderful photography opportunity as well.
Trip ends with a visit to Vong Canh hill and the mesmerizing tombs of Tu Duc.You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Today, embark on a scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, taking the breathtaking route through the Hai Van Pass. Marvel at the panoramic views of the coastline and lush mountains as you traverse this iconic pass. Along the way, you'll encounter picturesque landscapes that make for perfect photo opportunities.Upon reaching Hoi An, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. Hoi An is renowned for its charming atmosphere and beautiful architecture, providing a tranquil setting for your stay.In the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Hoi An by attending the Ter Dah show. This captivating performance showcases the vibrant traditions and heritage of the Vietnamese highlanders. Be mesmerized by the bamboo cirque, daring acrobatics, and hypnotizing melodies from exotic tribal instruments. The show brings to life wild animal hunts, moonlit romance, and intriguing tales of the jungle.As you watch the Ter Dah show, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese tribal cultures and their significance. The artists' skill and creativity keep these cultural traditions alive, ensuring their preservation for generations to come. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the Ter Dah show, as it offers a unique and immersive experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Vietnamese tribal cultures. After the show, you can reflect on the captivating performances and the rich cultural heritage you've witnessed.
Begin your story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops, with elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshan Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese lunch, take a short boat trip down the river and visit a craft village where local artisans make ceramics. End your afternoon with a visit to the docks and see traditional fishing boats and the unusual round basket boats that ply the water!
At leisure till you are transferred to the airport for your flight.
If you'd like, you can fly directly to Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho (famous for Cai Rang floating market) or Phu Quoc (to have a few days at the beach) after Hoi An.
November - April is the best time to do this itinerary when weather is the most pleasant.
If you don't mind some sporadic rain and hot weather then you can benefit from travelling in green season (May - September) when it is generally less crowded and most hotels offer reduced rates during this time of year.
For more information on weather please visit our Vietnam weather page.
For this itinerary you need to fly into Noi Bai airport (HAN) in Hanoi and out of Danang airport (DAD) in Danang.
Yes absolutely. The above itinerary is just a suggestion of what you could do. We can take things out or suggest other experiences that are more to your liking.
Vietnam
Visitors from certain countries might enter Vietnam visa-free for a certain number of days.
From 15 March 2022 Vietnam has reintroduced visa waivers for the nationals of some countries including the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Finland, Japan, Italy & Denmark., Russia, Belarus (under 15 days); Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos (under 30 days); Philippines (under 21 days) and Myanmar & Brunei (under 14 days).
If you are not passport holder of the above mentioned countries or if you wish to stay longer than what is allowed then you would need to apply for Vietnam e-visa
E-visa costs 25 USD and generally takes 3 days. You will receive your code by email to print your visa. You can enter Vietnam on an e-Visa at any of the country's eight international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, as well as 14 land crossings and seven seaports.
From 15 May 2022 you no longer need to take a COVID-19 test before travelling to Vietnam.
You also don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Vietnam.
We recommend you take some USD in cash which you can change to Dong (at your hotel or tourist centres) upon arrival.
If you don't want to take cash you can consider getting prepaid 'travel money card' which is usually safer and cheaper than using your debit/credit card to withdraw money at ATMs in Vietnam.
ATMs are widely available in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Danang. If you travel to more rural areas consider taking some cash with you.
Please fill in our enquiry form and we will send you a quotation within 24h - 48h based on your requirements. Once you're happy with the itinerary and deposit is made we will start booking your holiday and send you a booking confirmation and a detailed invoice.
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