MAJESTIC VIETNAM from North to Central
Hanoi,Vietnam
Duration
13 Days 12 Nights TripTour Code
TP8605Description
Experience the rich tapestry of Vietnam on this 13-day journey, weaving through vibrant cities, peaceful countryside, and stunning coastlines. Begin in the charming capital of Hanoi, venture into the emerald valleys of Pu Luong, and cruise through the majestic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Explore ancient citadels, tranquil rivers, and charming heritage towns such as Hue and Hoi An. Along the way, immerse yourself in local culture, taste authentic cuisine, and uncover fascinating stories that bring Vietnam’s history and traditions to life.
Highlights
- Hanoi – Discover the timeless charm of Vietnam’s capital, where centuries-old heritage blends seamlessly with vibrant street life. Explore historic quarters, elegant colonial architecture, and authentic local culture.
- Pu Luong – Escape into untouched nature in a serene rural retreat. Wander through lush rice terraces, traditional Thai villages, and pristine forests, offering a rare glimpse of Vietnam’s peaceful countryside.
- Ninh Binh – Often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh enchants with dramatic limestone karsts, tranquil waterways, and ancient temples set amid spectacular natural scenery.
- Ha Long Bay – Cruise through a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands. Enjoy an overnight cruise with refined service and breathtaking seascapes.
- Dong Hoi – Gateway to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO site famous for its extraordinary cave systems and untouched natural beauty, offering a unique and adventurous contrast to coastal Vietnam.
- Hue – Step into Vietnam’s imperial past in the former royal capital. Discover majestic citadels, royal tombs, and tranquil pagodas that reflect the country’s rich dynastic history.
- Hoi An – Conclude the journey in a beautifully preserved ancient town. Stroll lantern-lit streets, admire centuries-old merchant houses, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere enriched by culture, cuisine, and riverside charm.
Included
- English speaking tour guides for transfer and sightseeing (Stations guides)
- Accommodation on twin/double/triple sharing basis.
- Meal plan: + Daily breakfast at hotels + Lunches and dinners as mentioned in detailed program
- Transportation: Air-con transfer as per program
- Private cabin on Shared overnight Junk in Halong Bay
- Overnight train ticket from Hanoi to Dong Hoi: shared 4-berth cabin
- 01 cup of egg coffee per person at Hanoi city tour
- Water during transfer (2 bottles of 500ml per person per day)
- Entrance fee and Zone fee
- Multilingual 24/7 Hotline support through out the trip
Not Included
- International, domestic flights and airport departure tax
- Meals not mentioned in Detailed Program
- Vietnam Visa arrangement and stamp fee (If any)
- Early check-in, late check-out surcharge
- Tipping for Guides, Drivers and other local staffs
- Banking fee/ Services fee for payment by bank transfer, credit card or any other payment method
- Other expense not mentioned in the program
- Optional tours
Itinerary
Day 1
- HANOI - ARRIVAL <br> Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi – The Capital City of Vietnam!<br> Be greeted by our local guide and transferred to your hotel to check-in.
- Today will be free easy day.
- Overnight in Hanoi.
- <br> Please note!<br> - Hotel check-in time is around
- 00<br> - Depend on your arrival time, the program will be adjusted accordingly.<br>
Day 2
- HANOI CITY TOUR (B)<br> After breakfast, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his stilt house set in peaceful gardens.
- Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi built in
- Continue to explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda, admiring its intricate architecture, ancient statues, and serene surroundings by the West Lake.<br> In the afternoon, stop to visit Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dating back to 1070, with tranquil gardens and historic architecture.
- Then drop off the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and enjoy a walking through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter – a maze of 36 ancient streets once known for their specialty trades.
- Stop for coffee at a hidden local café before returning to the hotel.
- Evening at your leisure.
- Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3
- HANOI - PU LUONG (B) <br> Hanoi – Pu Luong (~155km): 4 -
- 30 hrs scenic drive <br> Trek route:
- 5 – 4km approx.., easy level <br> After checking out, depart for Pu Luong Nature Reserve – a hidden gem nestled in the mountains of Thanh Hoa province.
- The journey takes you along scenic winding roads and through charming rural villages, gradually leading you away from the bustle of the city into a peaceful world of terraced rice fields, lush forests, and the rich cultural traditions of the Thai and Muong ethnic communities.<br> Upon arrival, fresh up and get ready for an amazing discovery rural areas.
- We drive to Dong Dieng Village (~ 7km - 20mins).
- Drop off at starting point then trek down from Dong Dieng Village through the most picturesque terraced fields to Kho Muong Village.
- Observing how local guide works quickly and without hesitation, able to recognize each plant and herb instantaneously, and try your luck at identifying the flora, with a little help from your guide.
- Every gatherer in the tribe can recognize a minimum of 20 - 30 different herbs and plant species, and some even be able to name at least 50! Afterwards, head back to the Thai traditional stilt house at Kho Muong village and see how the herbs are prepared for traditional herbal foot bathing.
- They are known for their therapeutic benefits – such as, helping with circulation issues and skin conditions, and relieving symptoms such as migraines and fevers.
- Enjoy sunset on mountain then back to your retreat/homestay in the late of afternoon.
- Overnight in Pu Luong.
Day 4
- PU LUONG (B)<br> Today is a free day for you to relax at your own pace – whether it's unwinding amidst nature, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, or choosing one of our optional tours to explore more of the local culture and landscape.
- Overnight in Pu Luong.
Day 5
- PU LUONG - NINH BINH (B)<br> Pu Luong – Ninh Binh (~128km): 3 hrs scenic drive <br> After breakfast and check-out, travel onward to Ninh Binh – a land of striking limestone karsts, tranquil rivers, and lush countryside, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land." The scenic drive offers a peaceful transition from the mountains to the timeless charm of northern Vietnam’s countryside.<br> Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, check in hotel then enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the area at your own pace.
- Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 6
- NINH BINH - HA LONG (B/L/D)<br> Ninh Binh – Ha Long (~206kms): 3hrs scenic drive <br> After breakfast and check out hotel, leave Ninh Binh then we journey east to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994 and
- Upon arrival in Halong, picked up and transferred by tender boat to Ha Long/ Lan Ha Bay where you will check in the overnight cruise to discover the magnificent beauty of this marvelous bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes.
- Enjoy a sumptuous lunch on board while the cruise sailing among the breathtaking scenery, approaching the islets in close distance.
- Post lunch we will have a short rest before joining the cruise’s activities like swimming or kayaking.
- Late afternoon, return to the cruise to join cooking demonstration before having dinner.
- Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure.
- Overnight on the cruise.
- <br> Please note! <br> - The itinerary above is subject to change without prior notice and depends on weather conditions<br> - Our guide will not escort you on board.
- There will be an English-speaking cruise manager who will take care of all passengers during the trip in Ha Long, accompanied by his staff.
Day 7
- HA LONG BAY - HANOI - OVERNIGHT TO DONG HOI (B/BR)<br> Train schedule suggested: SE19 HANOI – DONG HOI 19:40 06:02+1<br> Situated in the “Eastern Sea”, so you may guess how miraculous it is seeing the sunrise over the islets of the Bay.
- The boat will take us to go about marvelous areas, where almost each islet has its own name, adopting its shape or reminiscent, including the Fisherman’s Head, Turtle, the Sail, the Incense Burner Rock, the cute Sea Dog Rock or Cock Fighting Rocks and so on.
- <br> Return to the Wharf at midday to be back Hanoi.
- At pointed time, transfer to Hanoi Train Station for train departure to Dong Hoi.
- Overnight on train.
Day 8
- DONG HOI ARRIVAL - PHONG NHA (B) <br> Light breakfast will be served on train.
- Upon arrival Dong Hoi, meet our guide and driver.
- Transfer to hotel and enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the area at your own pace.
- Overnight in Phong Nha.
Day 9
- PHONG NHA - DMZ - HUE (B) <br> Phong Nha – Hue (~219 kms):
- 30 – 4 hrs scenic drive <br> After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Dong Ha town to explore key historical sites within the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), once a fierce battleground during the Vietnam War.
- Visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where villagers lived underground to survive heavy bombings, then continue to Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, the former dividing line between North and South Vietnam.
- Follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a critical wartime supply route, and conclude the journey at Khe Sanh Combat Base, now a museum displaying war relics, tanks, and bunkers that echo the past.<br> Afterwards, head to Hue.
- The rest of day free at your own leisure.
- You can stay at hotel or just Overnight in Hue.
Day 10
- HUE (B) <br> Breakfast at hotel.
- We will discover the charm of the city from the Royal Citadel, Forbidden City, Hue Royal Museum the Tombs of King Tu Duc – one of three best-reserved monuments of the Nguyen Emperors since early 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Admire the tomb, with a unique perspective on the dynasty's architecture, philosophy, and culture, making this tour an unforgettable experience.<br> In the late of afternoon, heading to Tam Giang pier and take a boat to discover Tam Giang Lagoon, the most wonderful lagoon in Vietnam.
- Experience the daily life of local people, fishermen and enjoy spectacular view in Tam Giang Lagoon, relax and experience fresh air, peaceful atmosphere here.
- Move on to visit Rú Chá - a tiny islet (rú) on the Tam Giang Lagoon.
- Originally, Rú Chá was a mangrove forest before local people encroached on the land for farming, leaving the emerging part of the forest a 5ha islet.
- Back to hotel in the late afternoon.
- Overnight in Hue.
Day 11
- HUE - HOI AN (B) <br> Hue – Hoi An (~120kms): 3 hrs scenic drive<br> Wake up then enjoy leisure breakfast at hotel.
- We check out and head to Hoi An – a must see place in central part of Vietnam and an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century.
- <br> Upon arrival Hoi An, we will visit Hoi An ancient town.
- We walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge, visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls, visit ancient houses and Trading Houses, pagodas and stroll into the market located by Thu Bon River, where we may find out the same feelings of the artists, who see the rooftops of Hoi An a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration.
- This is also a wonderful town to shop for lanterns, soft silk, raw silk, or get your clothes tailored within a day.
- Back to your hotel by electric car.
- Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 12
- HOI AN (B) <br> Breakfast at hotel.
- Enjoy free time at your leisure to explore the area at your own pace.<br>
Day 13
- HOI AN - DEPARTURE (B) <br> You will be free at your own leisure until pointed time transfer to airport for your departure flight.
- End of services.<br> Please note!<br> - Hotel check-out time is around
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