Best of Northern and Central Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in the nation's capital Hanoi, you will be welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to the center of Hanoi. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi.
Check-in time: from 2:00 p.m. Earlier check-in is possible for a surcharge
Transfer airport - hotel: 30 - 40km (40 - 50 min.)

After breakfast, we start to discover Hanoi - today's capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is famous for its verdant tree-lined streets, colonial architecture houses, charming monuments, and its people's interesting lifestyle. We visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his stilt house where we can learn about his modest but great life, then Tran Quoc Pagoda. Then we discover the Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius and his disciples. This is also Vietnam's first university founded in 1076. Lunch at a local restaurant. After that, we continue our day to visit of the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) which offers informative and well-documented displays of the country’s 54 ethnic groups, including colorful and intricate hill tribe costumes. The display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands.
Then back to the Old Quarter for a 1.5-hour walking tour, you will have a deeper insight into local daily life. Enjoy a water puppet show in the late afternoon.
In the evening, transfer to Hanoi train station and catch the train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train (4 soft bed/ cabin).

Arrive in Lao Cai at 05:30/6:00am. Have breakfast at a local restaurant, we drive to Sapa by car. Today, we have a hiking trip along Muong Hoa Valley to visit some of the ethnic villages of the H'Mong and Giay people. Go through hillsides along the Muong Hoa River. Cross the river by a suspension bridge to reach Lao Chai village. Take the paths across the paddy fields to get to Ta Van - the village of the Giay minority. Enjoy beautiful landscapes, and terraced rice fields and discover the life of local people with different cultures. Afternoon, transfer to Cat Cat Village, where the Black H'Mong ethnic minority settlement. The village is located in a beautiful valley near Sapa Town, you could see the H’mong working on their Terrace field with buffalos. Upon reaching the village you have a chance to visit a local traditional house to meet a local family and talk to them to learn about their life and culture. After that, we transfer back to the hotel in Sapa.

After having breakfast, we will be transferred to the cable car station. The flight by cable car will take you around 25 minutes to the next station at 3,000m ASL. Enjoy the view of Sin Chai Valley, Fansipan Peak as well as Hoang Lien National Park from the cabin. Following stone steps from the station to the top (40 minutes), we will reach the peak of Fansipan at 3,143m – the Roof of Indochina, sitting high above the hills with views of this stunning mountainous landscape.
At around 14:00/15:00, we will be transferred back to Hanoi by join-in Limousine bus. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart to Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy the diverse landscape, ranging from rice plantations to the meandering rivers, very typical of the Red River Delta. Arrive at the boat pier around noon. We board our cruise to discover this spectacular place. Lunch is served on board as the cruise glides through numerous islands and limestone rocks rising from the emerald waters. It presents an ideal opportunity to relax in the sea and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Discover the truest beauty of the limestone mountains and the blue sky of Halong Bay by a kayak or a rowing boat. Back to the cruise and enjoy a sunset party before savoring a fresh seafood dinner on board. A sweet night on the cruise in your private cabin.
Transfer Hanoi – Halong Bay: 160km (3h-3h30)
Note: The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice, in accordance with the weather conditions, tide level, and other operating conditions.
You will have a shared English-speaking guide of the cruise operator on board.

Start our day full of energy with a Tai-chi class on the deck and watch the sunrise. After a light breakfast on board, you will be transferred by a tender to visit one of the largest caves of Halong Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps. Upon returning to the boat, you will have time to freshen up and finish packing. Please collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside the cabins (staff will transfer directly to the pier). Enjoy a tasty brunch while the cruise returns to the pier. Disembark and transfer directly to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to Hoi An. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.
Transfer Halong – Hanoi - Noi bai Airport: 190km / approx. 3 hours – 3.5 hours
Flight Hanoi – Danang: 1 hour 15 minutes.

In the morning, we will explore Hoi An, one of the largest trading ports in Southeast Asia, which was founded between the 15th and the 19th century. Stroll through the narrow and winding streets of the old quarter with your guide to visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year-old Tam Ky Ancestral House, and the Japanese Bridge. The old town of Hoi An with its narrow streets and small shops is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Afternoon, drive to the boat pier, embark on the boat to Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village, enjoy the casting net show, and learn how to cast net from local fishermen. You will take on the basket boat along the water coconut river, you will learn how to catch the crabs, and see a wonderful performance with the boat by a fisherman. Overnight at the hotel in Hoi An.

Today, you have the freedom to explore the stunning beaches of Da Nang at your own pace. Da Nang’s beaches are celebrated for their lush natural beauty and serene ambiance, offering the ideal setting to unwind and let go of all your worries. After indulging in the fresh sea breeze and soft white sands, you will go back to the hotel overnight.

It’s time to say goodbye! After breakfast, you are free to rest before transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your flight home. Depending on your flight, you may have some more time for shopping.
Have safe flights to come back home, we always look forward to serving you for your next vacation! Vietnam will be thrilled to have you back one day! Stay well and see you again!
Check-out time: 12:00 p.m.
Transfer Hotel –Da Nang Airport: 9 - 15 km (20 - 25 minutes)