Landscapes and people of the Northern & Central Vietnam
North -Central Vietnam Tour 12 days: travel via scenic routes Hanoi, Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Halong, Hoi An, Hue. Visit the inspiring landscape, richly cultural site
From $973 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)
North -Central Vietnam Tour 12 days: travel via scenic routes Hanoi, Mai Chau, Tam Coc, Halong, Hoi An, Hue. Visit the inspiring landscape, richly cultural site Fully private and customizable, with your own guide and driver, honest online pricing, and cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Click any day to expand. “Stay” shows the accommodation on this route. Prefer to upgrade a hotel or cruise cabin? We’ll tailor it — and the price — in your free quote.
Day 1 — Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport , you'll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You'll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi , passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city's unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
35km – 0.75h
Day 2 — Hanoi
Visiting the city's highlights, travelling to French Quarter, Ho Chi Minh complex, leisurely walk by the West Lake. 9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city's symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "s tone steles " which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
Day 3 — Hanoi – Mai Chau
Visiting Muong village at Thung Khe pass, Exploring the Thai culture in Lac, Na Phon, Poong Com. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau . On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.
Stay: Mai Chau Valley View Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Valley view) *or similar hotel
145km – 3.5h
Day 4 — Mai Chau – Ninh Binh
Authentic life in Mai Hich village, leisurely walk in rural countryside, transferring to Ninh Binh. Enjoy breakfast in the peaceful land then travel to Mai Hich . Explore by bike (optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes such as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams which are in the perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea. Distance : approx. 6 km (walking) or 12 km (cycling)
Stay: Lalita Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
150km – 3.5h
Day 5 — Ninh Binh – Hanoi
A full day to explore Ninh Binh at Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Have breakfast at hotel then travel to Tam Coc , which has been well-known as the " Halong Bay on land " and appeared in famous French movie "Indochina". On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.
Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
100km – 2h
Day 6 — Hanoi – Halong Bay
Amazing sailing route, Pearl farm excursion, swimming and hiking at Titov Island, offering a great panoramic views. 8:00 AM: If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we'll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.
Cruise: Milalux Cruise – 2D1N
160km – 3h
Day 7 — Halong Bay – Hoi An
Exploring Sung Sot Cave then leisurely sailing before transfering back to Hanoi for flight to Danang, Hoi An. 06:15 : Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by breakfast in the restaurant. 06:30 : Enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries. 07:30 : Visit Titov Island , known for sandy beaches and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the limestone island (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when wet) . 09:30 : Return to the cruise ship. Check out and settle the bill at the reception. 10:00 : Enjoy brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant. 11:30 : Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
Day 8 — Hoi An
Full day to visit Hoi An city tour. 9:00 AM: Pick up from hotel for Hoian excursion. Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
Day 9 — Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An
Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture. 8:00 AM: Pick up by tour guide and driver from your hotel. Spend a half-day exploring the sacred valley of the Champa Kingdom. Located 40km from Hoi An Town, My Son Sanctuary was once the most important intellectual and religious center of the ancient kingdom, and a revered burial place for Cham monarchs. Recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, this sanctuary preserves around 70 ruined brick and stone architectural works built between the 7th and 13th centuries. During the visit, the rich cultural, historical, and architectural values of each relic will be fully unveiled as you leisurely wander through the ancient complex . The experience is further enriched by attending a traditional Champa dance performance before leaving the sanctuary.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
40km – 1h
Day 10 — Hoi An – Hue
Travelling to Hue, visiting Cham sculpture museum, Hai Van Pass, Thien Mu Pagoda and Hue citadel. 8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel then travel to Hue by passing Da Nang along the sea road. Once you arrive in Da Nang, stop to visit the Cham Museum which preserves the most important Cham culture collections in the world. Then, walk to My Khe beach where you can enjoy the view of giant Goodness of Mercy statues in the Linh Ung Pagoda. Take photos of fishermen by the beach then continue driving along the coastline to Hue ancient capital. Make a stop at top of the Hai Van pass to enjoy the breathtaking view of the ocean.
Stay: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
125km – 3h
Day 11 — Hue
Full day to Explore Hue, Boat trip Huong river, Ming Mang's tomb, Thuy Bieu village.. Transfer from hotel to visit tomb of Emperor Minh Mang , an architectural masterpiece that harmoniously highlights the nature and imperial religious works. The tomb was planned during Minh Mang's reign (1820-1840) but built by his successor, Thieu Tri with the effort of ten thousand workers and artisans.
Stay: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
20km – 0.5h
Day 12 — Hue
From Hue, flying to other destinations. Our driver picks you up from your hotel lobby in Hue City and transfers you to Phu Bai Airport. The journey takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
What’s Included
Included
- Accommodation as listed, with daily breakfast
- Halong Bay cruise: Milalux Cruise – 2D1N
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Private air-conditioned car & driver
- Entrance fees & permits in the itinerary
- Meals: Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 08, Dinner: 01
- 02 bottles of water per person per day on tour
- 24/7 WhatsApp · cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour
Not Included
- International flights
- Vietnam e-visa (~$25)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Meals not specified
Pricing
Private tour, price per person — it drops as your group grows (your own guide & car are shared). Pick your group and room type for an indicative from-price; your exact price for specific dates (seasonal, only ~7% either way) is confirmed within 1 hour on WhatsApp.
| Group size | Sharing twin/double | Private single |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller (solo) | — | $2,396 |
| 2 travellers | $1,368 | $1,761 |
| 3 travellers | $1,213 | $1,606 |
| 4 travellers | $1,104 | $1,497 |
| 5 travellers | $1,043 | $1,436 |
| 6 travellers | $999 | $1,393 |
| 7 travellers | $973 | $1,366 |
| 8 travellers | $1,004 | $1,398 |
Indicative from-prices (season varies ~7%). Single traveller = private single room. Child (2–11, sharing): reduced rate · Infant (<2): free — confirmed in your quote.
Good to Know
Is 12 days enough to enjoy this route?
Yes — this 12-day private itinerary is paced so you see Hanoi and more without rushing. We can shorten or extend any part to fit your dates.
Best time to travel?
March–April and October–November are the most reliable nationwide. Northern Vietnam is cool and dry December–February. We’ll advise the best dates for your route.
Can I customize it?
Fully — change hotels, upgrade your cruise cabin, add or remove stops. It’s a private tour built around you.
How do I pay?
After we agree your itinerary we send a secure online payment link. Cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour, honest local pricing.
Get your free, no-obligation quote
Tell us your dates and what you’d like — Ava replies within 1 hour with a tailored itinerary and honest pricing. No payment now; you only pay online once you’re happy.
— or get an instant reply on WhatsApp —
