Discover the highlights of northern and central Vietnam on this immersive journey from Hanoi to Hoi An. Explore ancient capitals, cruise through the dramatic limestone peaks of Halong Bay, and uncover imperial history in Hue. Stroll through lantern-lit streets in Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and experience Vietnam’s rich heritage at every turn.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers. Stay the next two nights at Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
Overnight: Hanoi
City Sights and Cultural Highlights
We begin our full-day city tour at 8am with an orientation drive past notable landmarks such as Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph’s Cathedral and the Opera House. Continue on foot through the bustling Old Quarter, where traders have worked the 36 ancient streets for generations. We then explore the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, including the mausoleum, Presidential Palace (viewed from outside), Uncle Ho’s stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda.
After a short drive, we view the Citadel and Flag Tower – both part of a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010. Lunch is included at the KOTO Van Mieu restaurant, a social enterprise supporting hospitality training. In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, followed by visits to Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples. Our final stop is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum – better known as the “Hanoi Hilton” – where U.S. pilots were held during the Vietnam War. Return to your hotel where the day concludes.
Please note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. The Ho Chi Minh Museum and Citadel are closed on Mondays. Annual maintenance usually occurs from September for 2–3 months, during which the mausoleum can only be viewed from the outside. All other areas in the complex remain accessible.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast, Lunch
Hanoi to Ninh Binh
At 8am, depart Hanoi for a 90km drive south to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 10th-century capital. Visit the sanctuary of Dinh Tien Hoang and the temple dedicated to the Le Emperor. After the Le Dynasty, the capital moved to Hanoi.
Following lunch (own arrangement), we continue to the Trang An Landscape Complex – a striking UNESCO-listed region of limestone karsts and valleys. A small boat journey takes us through its dramatic scenery and cave systems, which show evidence of over 30,000 years of human history. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh for check-in. Overnight at Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel
Overnight: Ninh Binh | Breakfast
Cruise Through Natural Wonder
This morning we travel from Ninh Binh to Halong City, gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, famed for its 3,000 limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Board a traditional junk boat and begin your overnight cruise.
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board as we sail through this stunning seascape, with opportunities to explore its quieter corners. In the evening, relax in your private cabin or unwind on the deck or in the bar. Overnight aboard Victory Star Cruise
Overnight: Victory Star | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Halong Bay to Hue
Rise early for an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply soak in the final views of Halong Bay. Enjoy a buffet brunch before disembarkation. Return to Hanoi by road for your onward flight to Hue, the former imperial capital located on the Perfume River. Overnight at Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast
Hue to Hoi An
At 8am, meet your guide for a half-day city tour of Hue. We begin at the serene tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, nestled among lakes and frangipani trees. Then visit Bunker Hill for sweeping views over the Perfume River and surrounding plains, followed by a brief stop at the historic Tiger Arena.
Next, explore the Imperial Citadel – once home to the Nguyen emperors. Although heavily damaged during the 1968 Tet Offensive, restoration efforts are ongoing. We end the tour with a short boat trip to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most celebrated.
After lunch (own arrangement), drive south via the Hai Van Pass – a scenic stretch dividing northern and southern Vietnam. On arrival in Hoi An, check in to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Heritage Walking Tour
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Once Vietnam’s busiest trading port, Hoi An’s architecture reflects a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and European influences. French missionary Alexandre de Rhodes introduced both Catholicism and the Romanised Vietnamese script here.
The tour includes visits to a traditional merchant’s house, Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong Pagoda and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Your tour concludes in the heart of the Ancient Town, where you can spend more time exploring at your leisure.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast, Lunch
Hoi An to Danang
After breakfast, transfer by road to Danang. Your tour ends with a drop-off at Danang Airport for your onward journey.
Alternatively, if you’ve chosen to extend your stay, you will be transferred to your beach resort in the Danang-Hoi An area.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Le Jardin Hotel & Spa, Hanoi
Rising in the centre of the government area in the heart of Hanoi, the Vietnam’s culture richness capital, Le Jardin delivers a dynamic but memorial experience that reflects Hanoi’s life style, culture and signature. From the Hotel’s vibrant top-floor restaurant and lounges to elegant floral café, this is where the city comes to connect and be inspired.
Hidden Charm Hotel , Ninh Binh
Surrounded by idyllic rice fields and towering limestone karsts, Hidden Charm Hotel does indeed ooze hidden charm, located in an area nicknamed "Halong Bay on land". Housed in an elegant white building, rooms at the hotel include king-sized (or twin) beds, large windows, TV, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibar and ensuite bathrooms. There are two restaurants, a snack bar and a garden bar nestled in the lush hotel gardens. There is also an outdoor pool and comprehensive spa offering an array of treatments, sauna, a jacuzzi and more. The area is best explored on foot or by bicycle, and bikes can be hired from the hotel for guests wanting to head out and explore.
Victory Star Cruise, Halong Bay
Victory Star Cruise offers a memorable experience exploring the stunning beauty of Halong Bay. Designed in traditional Vietnamese style, this comfortable cruise ship features well-appointed cabins with private bathrooms, air conditioning, large windows, and sea views. Onboard facilities include a spacious sundeck, a dining room serving Vietnamese and international dishes, and a bar.
Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa , Hue
Nestled in the heart of Hue, the Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa offers an elegant base for exploring this historic city. Just a short drive from the Imperial City and Perfume River, it’s ideally placed for sightseeing. The hotel features a beautiful colonial-style design, a relaxing spa, outdoor pool, and well-equipped fitness centre. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated with local touches. After a day of touring, guests can unwind in the lush garden areas or enjoy a meal in one of the on-site restaurants serving Vietnamese and international cuisine.
Little Residence. A Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hoi An
Located in a quiet street just steps from the centre of Siem Reap, this charming boutique hotel offers a peaceful retreat close to the bustling Pub Street and the Old Market. Angkor Wat is a short drive away, ideal for early morning temple visits. Rooms are tastefully decorated with local touches and modern comforts. Guests can unwind at the outdoor pool, enjoy traditional treatments at the spa, or relax in the tranquil garden setting. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service provide a warm welcome after a day of exploration.
At a Glance
