Treasures of Northern & Central Vietnam – 16D15N Package

Discover Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant local life with visits to the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, home to Vietnam’s first national university.

Enjoy a walking tour through the bustling streets and hidden alleys of the Old Quarter, where traditional shops, local markets and everyday street life offer a fascinating glimpse into Hanoi’s culture.

Depending on your interests and available time, you may also explore Hoa Lo Prison, the Museum of Ethnology, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum or the UNESCO-listed Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

End the day with a traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre.

This is a flexible day of sightseeing, tailored to your personal interests and pace.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic drive to Sapa, a charming mountain town in Northwestern  Vietnam. The journey takes approximately 7 hours (350 km), with stops along the way for photos and short breaks to admire the beautiful countryside and mountain landscapes.

Arrive in Sapa in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the town centre, browse the local market and experience the unique atmosphere of this mountain destination.

Spend the day exploring the spectacular landscapes of Cat Cat Village and Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Northwestern Vietnam.

Enjoy a scenic 5 km trek through mountain trails, passing waterfalls, terraced rice fields and traditional ethnic minority villages. Along the way, visit Ta Van, Lao Chai and Ban Ho villages, home to the Giay, Black Hmong and Tay communities, and experience the local way of life.

Enjoy lunch with a local family in the Village before returning to Sapa town by car in the late afternoon for a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, set off to discover Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 metres above sea level.

Begin your adventure with a scenic funicular ride through the Muong Hoa Valley, followed by an unforgettable cable car journey to Fansipan, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountains, lush valleys and terraced rice fields.

Experience the spectacular beauty of the “Roof of Indochina” before returning to Sapa town.

In the afternoon, depart Sapa for a scenic drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the early evening.

Enjoy a relaxing day at your own pace after returning from your Sapa adventure the previous evening. Take time to unwind at your hotel or explore Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter independently, wandering through its lively streets, browsing local shops and cafés, and soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, famous for its spectacular limestone landscapes and peaceful countryside.

Enjoy a leisurely 2–3 km cycling experience through picturesque rice fields and traditional villages when visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1010, where ancient temples honour the Dinh and Early Le dynasties.

Explore the breathtaking scenery of the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on Land”.

After exploring the area’s rich history and beautiful natural surroundings, transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh for check-in and relaxation.

This day we will travel to Tam Coc, In the area around Tam Coc are some of Vietnam’s most spectacular sights. You will find rice-fields, meandering rivers and historic monuments and caves. The Karst rock formations typical of this area are sometimes referred to as ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Continue driving to Kenh Ga and enjoy a boat trip along Hoang Long river to contemplate the beauty of the natural landscapes of this region.

Continue this trip with a visit to Bich Dong, which is a beautiful pagoda on the nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain, dating from 1428 under the Le Dynasty, and comprising three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas, in ascending order.

After your excursion, we’ll drive back to the hotel Ninh Binh and enjoy a restful evening surrounded by nature.

Your private vehicle and driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to your Halong Bay Cruise.

This pleasant journey through the Red River Delta takes around 2.5 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way.

Check in your Halong Bay Cruise and relax for 2D1N Halong Bay Journey

After disembarking from your Halong Bay cruise, your private driver will transfer you to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight to Hue city.

Upon arrival in Hue, your local guide will welcome you at the airport and arrange a private transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Discover Hue’s rich imperial history and cultural heritage, beginning with a visit to Minh Mang Tomb, one of the finest examples of Nguyen Dynasty royal architecture.

Continue to a local artisan’s workshop to learn about Phap Lam, the traditional Vietnamese art of enamelwork, before exploring the magnificent Hue Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, once home to Vietnam’s Nguyen emperors.

In the evening, enjoy a memorable dinner aboard a luxury Cruise on the Perfume River. Savour a delicious Vietnamese dinner while admiring the illuminated riverside scenery and enjoying a live performance of Ca Hue, Hue’s traditional music.

Return to your hotel after the cruise for a relaxing evening.

Begin your day with a traditional cyclo ride to a local café, where you can enjoy Vietnamese coffee and experience the relaxed rhythm of daily life in Hue.

Continue with a scenic cycling tour to Thuy Bieu Village, stopping at the historic Ho Quyen (Tiger Arena) along the way. Explore the peaceful countryside, visit a traditional garden house and enjoy a relaxing herbal foot soak, followed by a delicious home-style lunch in a local garden.

After lunch, take a private boat cruise along the Perfume River back to the city before visiting the bustling Dong Ba Market to discover local produce, traditional goods and everyday life in Hue.

Depart Hue for a scenic coastal drive to Hoi An, stopping at the beautiful Lang Co Beach and crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass, renowned for its breathtaking views of the mountains and coastline.

Continue to Da Nang to visit the Cham Sculpture Museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient Cham artefacts, before exploring the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), famous for their limestone caves, Buddhist pagodas and traditional stone-carving craftsmanship.

After sightseeing, transfer to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Begin your day with a gentle bicycle ride through the peaceful countryside to Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you’ll discover traditional farming practices, enjoy a relaxing herbal foot massage and join a hands-on cooking class with a local family.

Return to Hoi An for a walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, exploring its charming streets and historic landmarks, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancient House and the colourful local market.

In the evening, enjoy the spectacular bamboo circus, featuring breathtaking bamboo acrobatics, contemporary circus performances and traditional Vietnamese music.

Discover My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 40 km from Hoi An. Once an important religious and cultural centre of the ancient Champa Kingdom, this remarkable temple complex dates back to the 4th century.

Explore the fascinating ruins of Hindu temples and towers nestled in a lush green valley, and learn about the rich history, spiritual traditions and distinctive brick architecture of the Cham civilisation.

After exploring this extraordinary archaeological site, return to your hotel for relaxing.

Enjoy your final morning in Hoi An at leisure before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to relax or explore the town at your own pace.

Your guide and private driver will transfer you to Da Nang International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your memorable 16-day journey through Northern and Central Vietnam to an end with Viet Orchid Travel.