Experience the best of Northern and Central Vietnam in 10 days—luxury stays, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. From Hanoi to Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Hue, enjoy local encounters, countryside cycling, imperial landmarks, and authentic cuisine.
Brief Information
Tour Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Sapa - Halong - Hue - Hoian
Duration: 10 Days/ 9 Nights
Date: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
Start/ End: Vientiane
Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi - Arrival & Relaxation
Day 2: Discover Hanoi - A Journey through History & Culture
Day 3: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Thung Nham Valley (Ninh Binh)
Day 4: Cuc Phuong National Park - Night train to Sapa
Day 5: Sapa - Fansipan: The Roof of Indochina
Day 6: Sapa Trekking Tour - Night Train to Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi - Halong Bay: Overnight Cruise Experience
Day 8: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Departure
Full Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO HANOI – ARRIVAL & RELAXATION
Upon arrival in Hanoi, enjoy VIP airport assistance and a private luxury transfer to your accommodation. After checking in, spend the afternoon at leisure to refresh and recover from your journey. Stroll through the charming streets surrounding the hotel or relax by the pool with a signature Vietnamese coffee. In the evening, indulge in a welcome dinner at a fine-dining restaurant, where innovative Vietnamese cuisine meets world-class culinary techniques. Overnight in Hanoi, where you will be immersed in the city’s elegant colonial charm.
DAY 2: DISCOVER HANOI – A JOURNEY THROUGH HISTORY & CULTURE
Wake up to a delightful breakfast before embarking on a full-day exploration of Hanoi. Begin with a scenic drive through Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence in 1945. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and admire the blend of Confucian traditions and Vietnamese architecture. Continue to the Old Quarter, a maze of 36 historic streets bustling with local life, stopping by Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. After a gourmet lunch, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you’ll gain insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through interactive displays and full-scale traditional houses. Conclude your cultural immersion with a traditional Water Puppet Show, an ancient art form that originated in the Red River Delta. Return to your luxury hotel for a relaxing evening.
DAY 3: HANOI – HOA LU – THUNG NHAM BIRD VALLEY (NINH BINH)
This morning, depart for Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land" due to its breathtaking karst landscape. Your first stop is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former political center of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the King Dinh and King Le temples, which showcase intricate architecture and tell the stories of Vietnam’s early dynasties. Continue your journey to Mua Cave, where a short but rewarding climb offers panoramic views over Tam Coc’s lush rice paddies and limestone formations. After a delicious local lunch, visit the Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene Buddhist complex nestled in the mountains. The highlight of the day is a tranquil sampan boat ride through Thung Nham Bird Valley, where you will see thousands of birds returning to their nests at sunset. Spend the night in a charming retreat surrounded by nature.
DAY 4: CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK – NIGHT TRAIN TO SAPA
After breakfast, head to Cuc Phuong National Park, one of Vietnam’s last remaining tropical rainforests. Start your visit at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you will see rare species such as the Delacour’s Langur, rescued from illegal poaching. Then, continue to the Turtle Conservation Center, an important rehabilitation project for endangered turtles. After lunch at the park headquarters, take a short trek to the Prehistoric Cave, where traces of ancient human habitation have been discovered. In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi for dinner before boarding the luxury overnight train to Sapa in a private sleeper cabin. Drift to sleep as the train makes its way through the misty mountains of northern Vietnam.
DAY 5: SAPA – FANSIPAN: THE ROOF OF INDOCHINA
Wake up early as the train arrives at Lao Cai station, where your private driver will take you on a scenic 90-minute drive to Sapa. Enjoy breakfast before heading to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. The ride takes you over the clouds, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Upon reaching 2,800 meters, spend time exploring the spiritual pagodas and temples, then climb the final 600 steps to reach the Fansipan summit (3,143m), the highest peak in Indochina. After descending, return to Sapa town for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Sapa’s charming town center, with dinner at a cozy French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant before retreating to your accommodation.
DAY 6: SAPA TREKKING TOUR – NIGHT TRAIN TO HANOI
After breakfast, embark on a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, passing through terraced rice fields and traditional ethnic villages. Walk downhill to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic group, and visit a hydroelectric station built during the French colonial era. Continue trekking through the valley until you reach Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai Villages, where you can observe daily life and participate in a traditional Batik dyeing class with a local artisan. Enjoy lunch with a H’mong family before returning to Sapa town. In the evening, transfer to Lao Cai for the overnight train back to Hanoi, where you’ll rest in a luxury sleeper cabin.
DAY 7: HANOI – HA LONG BAY: OVERNIGHT CRUISE EXPERIENCE
Arriving in Hanoi early in the morning, freshen up at a day-use luxury hotel before departing for Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board your 5-star luxury cruise and settle into your private suite with a sea-view balcony. Begin the journey with a welcome cocktail on the sun deck while cruising through the stunning limestone karsts. Explore Cua Van Floating Fishing Village by kayak or bamboo boat, followed by a visit to Tien Ong Cave, which holds evidence of prehistoric human habitation. In the evening, participate in a cooking class led by the onboard chef, learning to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes. After a multi-course à la carte dinner, enjoy optional activities like squid fishing or stargazing from the deck. Overnight in a luxury cruise suite, surrounded by the serene waters of Ha Long Bay.
DAY 8 – HA LONG BAY TO HOI AN
Begin your final day with morning Tai Chi on the sun deck, followed by coffee and pastries. Sail to Ti Top Island, where you can swim in emerald waters or climb to the summit for a stunning panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a sumptuous brunch onboard while the cruise makes its way back to the harbor. After disembarkation, a private luxury transfer will take you back to Hanoi, where you will have time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight stay in Hoi An.
DAY 9 – DISCOVER HOI AN'S COUNTRYSIDE: HALF-DAY CYCLING TOUR
Embark on a leisurely cycling tour through the scenic countryside of Hoi An, away from the bustling city. Cross the Song Thu River delta, using local ferries and floating bridges, and explore Duy Vinh Village, where traditional handicrafts are still practiced. Visit a wooden boat-making workshop, learn about Hoi An's famous straw sleeping mats, and try paddling a Vietnamese basket boat. Engage in authentic cultural exchanges with locals, far from the usual tourist routes. At lunchtime, enjoy a home-cooked Vietnamese meal with a local family, experiencing their customs and traditions. After a relaxing break under a mango tree, return to Hoi An by boat, enjoying a peaceful 35-minute cruise back to town.
DAY 10 – FULL-DAY HUE CITY TOUR FROM HOI AN
At 7:30 AM, embark on a scenic drive to Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Along the way, stop at Lap An Lagoon, known for its floating fishing villages and oyster farms, and enjoy the stunning coastline of Lang Co Beach. Traverse the Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic mountain roads in the world.
Arriving in Hue at 10:30 AM, begin your historical exploration at Minh Mang Tomb, known for its grand architecture and feng shui design. Continue to the Khai Dinh Tomb, an artistic masterpiece combining Vietnamese and European influences. Enjoy a Hue specialty lunch before taking a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River to visit the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda.
The journey concludes at Hue Citadel, a 500-hectare complex featuring the Imperial City, Forbidden City, and historic royal residences. Explore highlights such as The Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, and Hue Royal Garden, while learning about the lives of emperors, concubines, and eunuchs. By 4:30 PM, return to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass Tunnel, marking the end of your 10-day adventure through Northern & Central Vietnam.
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