About this journey
Vietnam is a country of striking contrasts — from the misty limestone peaks of the north to the golden lantern-lit streets of the ancient central towns. This Discover Northern & Central Vietnam tour brings both worlds together in one unforgettable journey, taking you through the bustling charm of Hanoi's Old Quarter, the surreal seascape of Ha Long Bay, and the timeless imperial heritage of Hue and Hoi An. Walk through centuries-old temples and pagodas, cruise past dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, and wander the lantern-lined streets of a UNESCO World Heritage town. Along the way, discover the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, from fresh Hanoi street food to the refined dishes once served in the royal court of Hue. Designed for travelers who want to experience both the natural beauty and cultural depth of Vietnam, this tour blends iconic landmarks with genuine local experiences — offering a well-paced introduction to two of the country's most captivating regions.
Best time to visit
Northern & Central Vietnam is best visited from February to April or August to October, though the ideal window shifts slightly depending on which region you weigh more.
February–April: Generally the best overall window for combining both regions — cooler, drier weather in the North (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa) after the winter chill fades, and pleasant conditions in Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) before the summer heat sets in.
August–October: A good secondary window, especially for the North, though this overlaps with the tail end of Central Vietnam’s rainy season (see below) — worth checking specific month-by-month conditions if your itinerary is Central-heavy.
Region-by-region breakdown (since “Northern & Central” spans different climate patterns):
- Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, Ninh Binh): Best October–December (cool, dry, clear skies) and March–April (mild, blossoms in Sapa). Avoid January–February if you dislike cold, damp, foggy weather (Sapa can get genuinely chilly), and avoid June–August, which brings heat, humidity, and peak typhoon risk for Ha Long Bay.
- Central Vietnam (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An): Best February–May (dry, warm, less humid). Avoid September–November — this is Central Vietnam’s rainy/typhoon season, with Hue and Hoi An particularly prone to flooding.
Child Policy (applicable for the whole tour)
- Under 5 years old: Free of charge when sharing bed with parents. No services included (any additional services required during the tour will be paid by parents on the spot).
- From 5 to under 11 years old:
- Sharing bed with parents: 60% of adult rate
- With an extra bed: 85% of adult rate
- Sharing half room with one adult: 100% of adult rate
- From 11 years old and above: Charged as adult.
Maximum occupancy: Maximum of 2 children per room. An extra bed is mandatory for the second child (regardless of age) and includes buffet breakfast. Maximum of 2 children per room. An extra bed is mandatory for the second child (regardless of age) and includes buffet breakfast.
Option 2: Private Basis
Applicable for groups of 6, 8 and 10 PAX
Explore Vietnam on a private guided journey covering Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ba Na Hills, Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Hanoi City Half Day Trip (NA) – PVT Tour with Guide
Welcome to Hanoi city.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our driver without guide, then transferred to your hotel. Standard check-in time is 14:00–15:00.
At 14:00, begin your four-hour city tour. Explore the bustling Old Quarter, with its narrow alleys, shops and vibrant street life.
Continue to the French Quarter to admire its broad boulevards and French colonial architecture, including the Hanoi Opera House.
Conclude your tour with a visit to Train Street to experience the unique atmosphere and watch the train pass by. Drinks at Train Street are self-pay.
Relax and enjoy your evening in Hanoi.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay 1 Day Trip on Indian Lunch Cruise – Hanoi (B/L)
Have breakfast at hotel.
At 08:00 AM, our local driver (no guide) will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Ha Long Bay. Driving time is approximately 3.5–4 hours.
At approximately 12:00 PM, arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, welcome aboard and attend the safety briefing.
Wego Cruise will take you on a 5.5–6 hour journey through the renowned Ha Long Bay route, famous for its striking uninhabited islets and limestone outcrops.
Enjoy lunch on the cruise while admiring the spectacular scenery of the bay.
At approximately 13:45 PM, arrive at the Bo Hon Archipelago and visit Surprising Cave to see its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Continue with kayaking or a bamboo boat experience at Luon Cave to discover its beautiful lagoon.
Visit Titov Island, with its sandy beach beside the towering limestone mountains. Climb Titov Peak for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.
At approximately 16:30 PM, return to the cruise and sail back towards Tuan Chau Harbor.
At approximately 17:40–18:00 PM, disembark. Our local driver will transfer you back to Hanoi. Driving time is approximately 2.5–3 hours.
Accommodation booked by clients.
Cruise programs may vary depending on the selected cruise. An English-speaking guide will be available onboard.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi – Flight to Da Nang City – Leisure Time (B)
Have breakfast and check out from your hotel.
Our driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang city.
Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you to your hotel. Standard check-in time is 14:00–15:00.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Da Nang
Day 4: Da Nang City – Marble Mountain, Coconut Forest & Hoi An Town – Da Nang City (B)
Have breakfast and enjoy a leisurely morning. The tour will start in the afternoon.
At 13:30 PM, the driver and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Da Nang.
The first stop is the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave. Admire beautiful caves and historic Buddhist pagodas, explore the area and gain insight into its religious and cultural significance.
Continue to the Stone Carving Village of Non-Nuoc, where you can admire local stone artwork and purchase souvenirs.
Continue your adventure at Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle. Enjoy the peaceful green surroundings and experience traditional activities including round-net fishing, cast-net fishing and especially basket boat rowing.
Finally, continue to Hoi An Ancient Town. Visit:
- Phuc Kien Pagoda
- Phung Hung Ancient House
- Japanese Bridge
- Hoi An Museum
- Hoi An Central Market
Walk through the historic old town and discover the influences of Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese cultures.
Enjoy dinner with local specialities in Hoi An and free time to experience the beautiful evening atmosphere.
At approximately 20:30 PM, transfer back to your hotel.
End of services.
Overnight: Da Nang
Day 5: Da Nang – Ba Na Hills Full Day Trip with Cable Car (B/L)
Have breakfast at the hotel.
At 09:00 AM, begin your full-day tour to Ba Na Hills.
Travel from Da Nang through the lush countryside to the base of the Ba Na cable car station.
Take a spectacular cable car ride up the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of forests, waterfalls and valleys.
At the summit, stroll across the iconic Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands, and enjoy excellent photo opportunities.
Continue exploring the French Village, with its European-style architecture, cobblestone streets and charming squares.
Lunch at an Indian restaurant.
Throughout the day, you can visit Linh Ung Pagoda, flower gardens and other attractions.
Ba Na Hills also offers attractions such as Fantasy Park, ideal for those looking for additional entertainment and relaxation.
In the late afternoon, descend by cable car and meet your driver for the return journey to Da Nang.
Overnight: Da Nang
Day 6: Da Nang – Flight to Ho Chi Minh City – Leisure Time (B)
Have breakfast and check out from your hotel.
Our driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you to your hotel. Standard check-in time is 14:00–15:00.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 7: City & Cu Chi Tunnel Full Day Trip (B) – PVT Tour with Guide
Have breakfast at the hotel.
Pick-up will be around 07:30–08:00 AM. Travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic underground network extending for more than 200 km.
During its operational period, the tunnels functioned as underground communities with trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.
After a short introductory video explaining how the tunnels were constructed, enter a section of the tunnels to experience them firsthand.
The guide will also introduce wartime traps, the remains of an American tank and bomb craters.
An optional shooting-range experience may be available locally at additional cost, subject to availability and applicable regulations.
Return to Saigon and visit the War Remnants Museum, which documents the history and impact of the Vietnam-American War.
Continue with:
- Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica – exterior view
- Saigon Central Post Office
- City Hall / Hotel de Ville – exterior view
- Saigon Opera House – exterior view
Return to your hotel at approximately 18:00 PM.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8: Departure (B)
Have breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Our guide and private vehicle will transfer you directly to the airport for your onward flight.
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi city.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our driver without guide, then transfer to hotel (standard check in time is at 14.00 – 15.00 PM)
At 14.00 PM, we will have the four hour our city tour. We will dive into the bustling Old Quarter, exploring its narrow alleys filled with shops and vibrant street life. Then, head to the French Quarter to admire its broad boulevards and French colonial architecture such as Hanoi Opera House. Then, we will conclude your tour with a visit to Train Street to experience the thrill of a train passing by (drink in Train Street is self-pay)
Relax and overnight in Hanoi city
Overnight in Hanoi city.
Welcome to Hanoi city.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our driver without guide, then transfer to hotel (standard check in time is at 14.00 – 15.00 PM)
At 14.00 PM, we will have the four hour our city tour. We will dive into the bustling Old Quarter, exploring its narrow alleys filled with shops and vibrant street life. Then, head to the French Quarter to admire its broad boulevards and French colonial architecture such as Hanoi Opera House. Then, we will conclude your tour with a visit to Train Street to experience the thrill of a train passing by (drink in Train Street is self-pay)
Relax and overnight in Hanoi city
Overnight in Hanoi city.
Have breakfast and check out from hotel.
Then, our driver will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Da Nang city.
Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you back to hotel (standard check in time is at 14.00 – 15.00 PM).
Overnight in Da Nang city
Have breakfast and leisure morning. The tour will start in the afternoon.
13.00 – 13.45 PM: The driver and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Danang.
The first stop is the Marble Mountains and Am Phu Cave. Admire beautiful caves and historic Buddhist pagodas, spend time exploring and absorbing knowledge about religions, and gain insight into the differences between Buddhism and Hinduism.
Move to the Stone Carving Village of Non-Nuoc, where you can admire stone-fine art and buy some nice souvenirs.
Then, at 16.00 PM we continue your adventure with Cam Thanh Coconut Jungle and spend your time enjoying the peaceful, green space of Coconut Forest and the hands-on experience of round net and cast net fishing, especially basket boat rowing.
Finally at 17.30 PM, Hoi An Ancient Town welcomes you to visit Phuc Kien Pagoda, Phung Hung Ancient House, the Japanese Bridge, the Museum, etc. Shopping at Hoi An Central Market. Walk around the historic old town and be amazed by the influences from China, Japan, and Vietnam. Have dinner with special food in Hoi An. Free your time to enjoy the shimmering space of Hoi An.
20.30 PM: Finally, you'll be transferred back to your hotel. End of services
Overnight in Da Nang city.
Have breakfast at hotel.
7h20-8h15 AM: We will pick you up from your hotel and join to our group to visit Sun World Bana Hills (Sun World Ba Na Hills is endowed with all climateand natural advantages for a tourist area) with the height of 1487 meters above the sea level. Here, visitors are immersed in experiences of European cultural tranquility and exiciting stops where festivities know no ends). This is the French high- quality resort in 1990s.
9.00-9.30 AM: The bus arrives to Bana Hills entrance, starting the journey up the mountain by cable car, achieving 2 world records - the longest in the world at 5,042.62m - the height difference between the two largest stations in the world at 1,291.81m. Visitors will stop at 3rd cable car station and visit around some points such as: Golden Bridge (golden hand bridge), 100 year-old Debay wine cellar, Love Garden - Le jardin d'amour, Linh Ung pagoda with a Gautama Buddha statue with 27m height.
11h30 AM - 12h00 PM: Having Indian lunch inside a buffet restaurant on the top of Bana Hills. You got free time to explore games in Fantasy Park, the largest indoor recreational area of Vietnam that spares hundreds of indoor games for families and children.
15.00 – 15.30 PM: You gather at the meeting points, checking belongings and enter the cable car to leave Bana hills.
15.30 – 16.00 PM: The group return to Danang city, and visit the local Silk craft village and local specialities foods on the way back.
17h00 – 17.30 PM:The bus will drop you at the same point picking up in the morning – finish the tour.
Overnight in Da Nang city.
Have breakfast and check out from hotel.
Then, our driver will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh city.
Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you back to hotel (standard check in time is at 14.00 – 15.00 PM).
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city
Have breakfast at hotel.
Picked up around 7.30 – 8.00 AM, we visit to Cu Chi tunnels – the network of over 200km of tunnels became legendary when they played a vital role in the War. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities including numerous trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers & kitchens. After a short introduction video showing how the tunnels were constructed, we're invited to enter a section of the tunnels to witness the secrets of the tunnels firsthand. Our guide will also show us various mantraps employed from this period, the remains of an American tank and numerous B52 bomb craters. There is also the opportunity to fire an M60, M16 or AK47 rifle at the range next to the tunnel complex (bullets to be purchased on spot).
Have lunch at local restaurant
Return to Saigon, we visit the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. We then visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral built by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles, and Saigon Central Post Office, which was designed and constructed in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside).
Back to hotel at 17.30 PM
Have breakfast at hotel and check out.
Our guide and car transfer you directly to airport.
Have a safe departure!!
What is included
Included
- - 6 nights’ accommodation based on double/twin/ sharing room in the category chosen or similar (subject to availability)
- - Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
- - All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
- - Boat trip(s) as mentioned in the itinerary
- - Transportation by vehicle with A/C
- o For 2 pax: 4-seater private airport transfers
- o For 4 pax: 7 seater private airport transfers
- - Water during tour day
- - Tour SIC transfer in shuttle bus basis
- - Complulsory tips included
- - Local English-speaking guide(s) in Vietnam
Not included
- - Visa to Vietnam
- - Meals not mentioned in the program
- - Any flights (International & Domestic) and airport tax
- - Single Supplement; Early check-in and late check-out; Hotel/Room upgrade
- - Drinks, personal expenses and any services not mentioned in the program
Hotels and accommodation
- 3 star - Hanoi - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh city Moon View Hanoi hotel - Superior room Cosmos Da Nang hotel - Deluxe room White Lotus Hotel - Deluxe room
- 4 star - Hanoi - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh city Flower Garden hotel – Superior room Sandy Beach Resort Da Nang - Superior room Cicilia SG - Premium Deluxe room
- 5 star - Hanoi - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh city Grand Vista Hotel - Deluxe room DLG Da Nang hotel - Deluxe room Equatorial SG - Deluxe room
Tour gallery
Frequently asked questions
Which cities and regions does this tour cover?
The tour covers Northern and Central Vietnam, typically including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and the imperial city of Hue, along with the ancient town of Hoi An — refer to the detailed itinerary for the full list of stops.
What is the best time to visit Northern & Central Vietnam?
February to April is the ideal window, offering cool, dry weather in the North and pleasant, dry conditions in Central Vietnam before the summer heat and Central Vietnam's rainy season (September–November) set in.
Are there any black-out dates for this tour?
Yes. The tour is not available on Christmas & New Year's Eve (December 24th & 31st, 2025 and 2026), Vietnam Lunar New Year/Tết (February 4th–9th, 2027), Hung Kings' Festival (April 16th, 2027), Reunification Day (April 29th–30th, 2027), International Labour Day (May 1st, 2027), and National Day (September 1st–2nd, 2027). Dates for the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival black-out will be updated separately.
What is the child policy for this tour?
Children under 5 travel free when sharing a bed with parents (no services included). Children 5–10 are charged 60% of the adult rate sharing a bed with parents, 85% with an extra bed, or 100% sharing a room with one adult. Children 11 and above are charged as adults. A maximum of 2 children is permitted per room, and an extra bed (with buffet breakfast included) is mandatory for the second child.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Vietnam?
Yes — the tour is designed to introduce travelers to Vietnam's most iconic destinations across both the North and Central regions, combining natural scenery, culture, and history in a well-paced itinerary.
What is included in the tour package?
Packages typically include accommodation, guided sightseeing, select meals, and transport between destinations — confirm specific inclusions and exclusions for your chosen package before booking.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check Vietnam's official visa policy for your passport country well before your travel dates, as requirements can change.
What should I pack for this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, layers for varying temperatures between North and Central Vietnam, and rain-ready gear if traveling near the shoulder seasons are recommended.
Can this tour be customized?
This depends on the tour operator — some packages offer fixed itineraries with set dates, while others allow customization of cities, duration, or activities. Check with the provider for flexibility options.
