Essence of Northern & Central Vietnam: Hanoi to Hoi An
Explore Vietnam from north to center, including Hanoi, Hoi An, and more. Discover stunning landscapes, culture, and history on this 12-day journey!
From $999 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)
Explore Vietnam from north to center, including Hanoi, Hoi An, and more. Discover stunning landscapes, culture, and history on this 12-day journey! 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
Arrival in Hanoi. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport , you'll be greeted by our driver waiting at Column 11 outside the arrival hall. 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. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter , the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
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: We begin our discovery of Hanoi with 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, scenic views at Thung Khe pass, exploring Thai culture in Mai Hich then overnight in homestay. 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: Tu Diep Bungalow (Bungalow Double ) *or similar hotel
145km – 3.5h
Day 4 — Mai Chau – Pu Luong
Enjoying an excursion to Muong homeland from Eo Ken to Ban Hang village, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Chieng Lau discovery. Depart from Mai Hich and travel directly to Eo Ken , located 30 km away and home to the Muong ethnic group . Walk downhill through a stunning landscape overlooking the Pu Luong Nature Reserve , terraced rice fields, and surrounding mountains. Visit a local Muong family in Eo Ken Village and discover their authentic daily life. Continue walking through the beautiful countryside until meeting your driver again in Hang Village , then transfer to Pu Luong . Walking distance : approx. 4-5 km
Stay: Asia Tropical Resort & Spa ★★★ (Tropical Paradise Premier) *or similar hotel
40km – 1h
Day 5 — Pu Luong – Ninh Binh
Trekking in the rice terraces, exploring the Thai culture in Chom Uoi, Lan Ngoai villages. 8:00 Am: Start your day by hiking down into the beautiful valley from your accommodation, passing through spectacular rice fields and follow small paths to slowly reach Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages. Your camera will help you capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will witness the changing landscapes of rice terraces intermingled with villages, fields, ponds, streams and mountains. Walking distance : approx. 5 km
Stay: Nep House (Double Room) *or similar hotel
140km – 4h
Day 6 — Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Biking to Thung La temple and then a boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve, embroidering experience. 8:00 Am: For an active immersion, you can choose to embark on a 10 km bike ride (one way) or a 20 km ride (round trip) along the dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Take optional stops along the way for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by visiting Thung La Temple , which dates back to the 11th century. Don't miss the opportunity to experience traditional musical instruments that are integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Note : Travellers who prefer not to ride a bicycle can either ride as a passenger on a scooter or reach the temple by car.
Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
100km – 2h
Day 7 — Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay
Travel to Halong, cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, Swimming, Kayaking Cong Do, Cap La. 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: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
160km – 3h
Day 8 — Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi
Visit Vung Vieng fishing village, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi. 06:00 : Sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or catch a morning view of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee. 06:30 : Breakfast is served in Western style to fulfill energy for another exploring day. 07:15 : Explore Thien Canh Son Cave . 08:30 : Upon return to the boat, have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. 09:30 : Check out. Please take all personal belongings out of the cabin, heavy luggage can be left outside the cabin door (staff will transfer it directly to the port). 09:45 : Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat. 10:30 : Back to the harbor. 11:00 – 11:15 : Disembark at Ha Long cruise port .
Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
Day 9 — Hanoi – Hue
Take a flight to Hue, explore the imperial citadel. Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport . The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.
Stay: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Double Room) *or similar hotel
Day 10 — Hue – Hoi An
Visit Thien Mu pagoda, Khai Dinh tomb, travel to Hoi An. We continue exploring Hue with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda , one of the oldest pagodas in Hue, dating back to 1601. This is the spiritual highlight of the city and well known for its majestic octagon tower and beautiful view of the Perfume River.
Stay: Delicacy Hotel & Spa ★★★ (Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
Day 11 — Hoi An
Discovering Hoi An rural by cycling and city walking tour. 8:00 AM: We begin our discovery of Hoi An with 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 12 — Hoi An – Da Nang
Transfer to Da Nang airport for onward flight. 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: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Private air-conditioned car & driver
- Entrance fees & permits in the itinerary
- Meals: Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 07, 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.
| Group size | Sharing twin/double | Private single |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller (solo) | — | $2,509 |
| 2 travellers | $1,421 | $1,813 |
| 3 travellers | $1,259 | $1,651 |
| 4 travellers | $1,144 | $1,536 |
| 5 travellers | $1,077 | $1,468 |
| 6 travellers | $1,031 | $1,422 |
| 7 travellers | $999 | $1,391 |
| 8 travellers | $1,030 | $1,421 |
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 —
