Best of North & Central Vietnam in 2 Weeks

After landing at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, a private driver will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in the city center. In the evening, dive straight into Vietnam’s culinary culture with a guided street food tour through the Old Quarter. You’ll walk past bustling markets, hidden alleys, and lively corners of Train Street, tasting local favorites like bún chả, bánh cuốn, and egg coffee. It’s a flavorful introduction to life in northern Vietnam.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Hanoi at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the Old Quarter, visit a museum, or sip Vietnamese coffee at a sidewalk café. You’ll have a late hotel checkout before transferring to the train station in the evening. Board the Dream Train Express for an overnight journey to Lao Cai in a comfortable, air-conditioned, 4-berth sleeper cabin, an iconic experience of rail travel in Vietnam.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa to freshen up and enjoy breakfast. Begin your trek through Vietnam’s stunning northern highlands, starting at Cat Cat’s road. Cross the Muong Hoa River and climb through bamboo forests to reach the picturesque Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages. After a local lunch, continue your journey to Ta Van, home to the Giay ethnic minority. Spend the night in a cozy homestay, where you may even join your host in preparing a traditional dinner.

Wake to the serene views of Ta Van. Trek past waterfalls and into the land of the Red Dao people in Giang Ta Chai, learning about their customs along the way. After lunch in a local village restaurant, return to Sapa and travel back to Hanoi by luxury limousine bus. Enjoy another night in the capital, with your hotel conveniently located for exploration.

Leave the city behind and head towards the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known but equally stunning extension of Halong Bay. After boarding your boutique cruise, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as you pass limestone islands and floating villages. In the afternoon, explore the bay by kayak or relax on a secluded beach. End the day with a sunset view, a cooking demonstration, and dinner on board.

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck and enjoy breakfast with views of the bay. Then, cruise towards the remote Viet Hai Village, where you’ll explore by bicycle or electric car. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful mountain scenery, this small village offers a glimpse into rural island life.

After returning to the boat and checking out, enjoy lunch onboard before disembarking. A short transfer brings you to your next stay on Cat Ba Island. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps take a walk along the beach or explore the relaxed island town.

Enjoy a free morning on Cat Ba Island, perfect for some beach time or a relaxed stroll through local markets. In the early afternoon, you’ll board a comfortable bus to Ninh Binh, a scenic region known for its dramatic limestone landscapes and peaceful rural life. After checking in at your resort, the rest of the evening is free to relax.

Spend the day discovering Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural highlights. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cruise through Trang An’s majestic limestone caves by boat, and cycle through quiet villages surrounded by rice paddies. Climb the 500 steps of Mua Cave for sweeping views before catching the overnight Lotus Train Express to Dong Hoi in a soft sleeper cabin.

Arrive in Dong Hoi early and transfer to your hotel to freshen up. Visit Paradise Cave - Asia’s longest dry cave - known for its massive stalactites and ethereal chambers. After lunch in Phong Nha village, continue by boat to the spectacular water cave of Phong Nha. Glide along the Son River and explore rock formations with whimsical names like the Lion and the Fairy.

Travel from Phong Nha through the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Visit the haunting Vinh Moc Tunnels where villagers sheltered during intense bombings, the Hien Luong Bridge at the 17th Parallel, and the Catholic pilgrimage site of La Vang Holy Land. In the evening, continue south to Hue, Vietnam’s imperial city.

Cruise the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda before delving into Hue’s Imperial Citadel. Stroll through the bustling Dong Ba Market, then tour the ornate royal tombs of emperors Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. Visit villages known for crafting incense and conical hats before returning to your hotel in the city center.

Enjoy a picturesque transfer to Hoi An via the coastal Hai Van Pass. Stop at tranquil Lap An Lagoon, Lang Co Beach, and the famed Marble Mountains. Explore My Khe Beach and visit a traditional stone-carving village before reaching Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town filled with charm.

Start your morning with a guided cycling tour through the peaceful countryside of Cam Kim Island. Ride past rice fields, local workshops, and wooden boat makers before crossing to Cam Thanh Village. Here, enjoy an optional basket boat ride through the lush Bay Mau coconut forest. The journey continues through quiet farming roads and finishes in the herb-growing village of Tra Que before heading back to town.

Your driver will transfer you to Danang airport in time for your Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi, where you'll connect with your international departure. Farewell Vietnam and see you next time!