Private · 15 Days / 14 Nights · Customizable

Vietnam's Essence: From Northern Colors to Central Heritage

Vietnam North and Central Tour 15 days: admire the amazingly Northern mountains, unparalleled Lan Ha Bay, historic Hoi An, My Son. Get the best price instantly

From $1197 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)

Duration15 days / 14 nights
RouteHanoi – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau – Sapa – Bac Ha – Hai Phong – Lan Ha bay – Hoi An – My Son – Hue
Travel styleAuthentic, Mountain & Minority, Culture and Heritage, Nature & Discover
HalongOvernight cruise
GuidePrivate, English
BookingSecure online payment

Vietnam North and Central Tour 15 days: admire the amazingly Northern mountains, unparalleled Lan Ha Bay, historic Hoi An, My Son. Get the best price instantly 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

Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town. 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 – Nghia Lo

Enjoying a day to tea plantation, Muong & Thai culture regions. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Muong Lo via Thanh Son. Muong Lo is known as one of the four most important fertile valleys of the Northwest (Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen and Muong Than in Than Uyen) in which the Thai ethnic group predominates. The village consists of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts and Thai people cultivate the water rice. Drive to the national road number 32 along the black river (Da River) one of the most important rivers in the Northwest. In Thanh Son, we will make a stop to visit the green tea plantation hill then walk through the stilt-house villages. It belongs to the Muong ethnic group , considered as Authentic Viet. The Muong ethnic group is one of few northern communities that is immune to Chinese influence. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Arrive in Nghia Lo , walk or bike around the Thai village to discover the beautiful rice field valleys and hamlets that still preserve the authentic houses on stilts and meet the friendly locals.

200km – 5h

Day 4 — Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai

Exploring the best of terrace in Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, Tu Le, immersing into Thai, Dao, Dzay culture. Enjoy breakfast then visit a local market in Nghia Lo then transfer to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is well known for its marvelous rice terrace widely considered as the most beautiful in the world. In 2007, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh and La Pan Tan were recognized as outdoor masterpieces on the list of national heritage. At the exit of Nghia Lo, you will cross the hilly region populated by the Dao ethnic group on the hills. Stop for a chance to take photos and meet the local people on the way. Arrive in Tu Le . It is possible to trek to the valley where Thai people live in houses on stilts and have some unusual encounters that allow you to immerse yourself into the authentic local life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Khau Pha pass which offers you a splendid panoramic view of the valley of rice terraces. Then the car will take you to La Pan Tan which is a legendary route for photographers. You will admire the gorgeous rice terrace masterpieces created by the Hmong peasant artists from generation to generation. Enjoy the majestic landscape and follow the route from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi . End of the day, check in your accommodation.

100km – 2.5h

Day 5 — Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau – Sapa

Easy trekking in Na Tam, visiting Laotian & Lu people. Travel towards Than Uyen , one of the most beautiful rice-growing valleys in the Thai ethnic region. The stunning terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai accompany you throughout the journey to Than Uyen. Leaving Than Uyen, you will make a detour to reach Na Tam Commune, home to the Lao and Lu ethnic groups. Traditionally, local women are distinguished by their blackened teeth and indigo-colored costumes decorated with silver coins. A walking tour allows you to explore the village and meet its residents. Meet your driver and continue to Sapa via Hoang Lien Son Pass . Stretching 54 km and reaching an altitude of 2,047 m, it is the highest and longest mountain pass in Vietnam. Along the way, enjoy spectacular scenery combining mountains, valleys, terraced rice fields, and villages inhabited by the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups. Several stops will be made for memorable photo opportunities. At the top of the pass, take a short break to enjoy the fresh mountain air and browse stalls selling traditional medicinal plants. Arrive in Sapa and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free to explore the town at your own pace, including the church and its square, the local market, and the shopping streets. Located at an altitude of 1,600 m, Sapa was discovered by the French in 1903. Renowned for its magnificent terraced rice fields , Sapa also captivates visitors with the rich cultural diversity of its ethnic communities, including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Giay people.

Stay: Sapa Elegance Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

160km – 5h

Day 6 — Sapa – Bac Ha

Trekking through rice terrace in Muong Hoa valley, visiting H'mong, Dzay people, transfer to Bac Ha. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and enjoy 5km scenic transfer to the west of town. We will start a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village . Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H ' mong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. Enjoy a bit of relaxation at the cable-bridge with the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. If you are sportive and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and less tourists. For those looking for an easy trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River .

Stay: Thanh Mung Homestay (Double Room) *or similar hotel

100km – 2.5h

Day 7 — Bac Ha – Hanoi

Exploring a typical mountain Bac Ha Maket, back to Hanoi. 7:00 AM: Start exploring Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market (Bac Ha Market on Sundays, Coc Ly Market on Tuesdays, Sin Cheng Market on Wednesdays, Lung Phinh Market on Fridays, or Can Cau Market on Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with a variety of goods such as vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups. Please note that the market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 am . To fully experience it, it's best to arrive early. After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, typical of the Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Plum gardens, decorated by H'Mong women in their colorful dresses, will accompany you throughout your journey.

Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

320km – 6h

Day 8 — Hanoi – Hai Phong – Lan Ha bay

Cruising from Halong to Lan Ha bay, swimming & kayaking, cooking class. 9:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter) . Enjoy two and a half hour drive from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay on the national highway No5B. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta . Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue driving to the harbor around noon, get warmly welcome at cruise reception.

Cruise: Peony Cruise – 2D1N

140km – 2.5h

Day 9 — Hai Phong – Lan Ha bay – Hoi An

Exploring Trung Trang Cave, visiting Cat Ba National park, Transferring back to Hanoi for a flight to Danang – Hoi An. 6:00 AM : Begin the day full of energy with a Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun as it rises beyond the horizon. 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM : Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time may be adjusted to follow the real itinerary). 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM : Join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang cave – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem. 9:30 AM : Return to the main boat from the cave, and you will check out of your cabin. Luggage is to be placed outside of the cabin. Early Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle any bar bills at the restaurant's desk (if any). 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM : Disembark from the Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau port. 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM : You should be ready at Tuan Chau port.

Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

Day 10 — Hoi An

Discovering Hoi An rural by cycling and city walking tour. 8:00 AM: Pick up from hotel to Hoian town center. First visit Cam Pho – one of the oldest communal houses in Hoi An. It was built in the shape of Chinese character means the country for worshipping and trading business and cultural exchange between locality and Chinese, Japanese traders.

Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

Day 11 — Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An

Exploring My Son Sanctuary, Champa culture, unique architecture. 8:00 AM: Picked 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 12 — Hoi An

Hoi An free & easy. Today, enjoy a full day at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. A variety of optional activities are available, including snorkeling , cooking classes , cycling , sightseeing, or boat excursions. Please note that these activities are not included and are at your own expense. Feel free to contact us for more information and availability. Lunch & dinner at your own expense (not included). Overnight in Hoi An.

Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel

Day 13 — 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 14 — Hue

An amazing day tour to explore Perfurme River by boat trip, excursion to Tien Non, Thanh Tien, Sinh village, Khai Dinh King's Tomb.. 8:00 AM: Firstly, transfer to the Huong River (or Perfume River) to embark a Royal boat trip to the villages in the East of the city. This is an opportunity to discover the local life on the both sides of this poetic river. Upon arrival in Tien Non village, disembark for a bike ride in the countryside through three villages: Tien Non, Thanh Tien and Sinh village. During the trip, you will be immersed into the daily rhythm of life in the villages. In Tien Non village , meet the villagers working on the fields and vegetable gardens. Then, visit a family worship house in the village. Next, reach Thanh Tien village , an artificial paper flower village dating back 400 years . Besides the rural works, they make paper flowers for the New Year festival to offer their ancestors the best wishes. Visit Mr. Hieu's family , one of the well-known artisans in the village to learn how to make paper flowers under his instruction. Keep going to Sinh village , a cradle of 400 year folklore prints in Hue. Meet Mr. Phuoc who will explain the techniques of traditional prints. You will find beautiful souvenirs on this trip.

Stay: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel

25km – 1h

Day 15 — 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: Peony Cruise – 2D1N
  • Private English-speaking guide throughout
  • Private air-conditioned car & driver
  • Entrance fees & permits in the itinerary
  • Meals: Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 10, Dinner: 04
  • 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.

From $1,783 / person

Get exact price on WhatsApp →

Group size Sharing twin/double Private single
1 traveller (solo) $3,126
2 travellers $1,783 $2,199
3 travellers $1,545 $1,961
4 travellers $1,396 $1,811
5 travellers $1,300 $1,716
6 travellers $1,242 $1,658
7 travellers $1,197 $1,613
8 travellers $1,243 $1,659

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 15 days enough to enjoy this route?

Yes — this 15-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.





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