Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Phong Nha – Hue – Hoi An in 6 Days

Between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m., your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Get comfortable for the ride to Ninh Binh, a region known for its dramatic limestone mountains, lush countryside, and ancient temples.

Start the day with a short but steep hike up to the top of Mua Cave. From here, you’ll get panoramic views over Tam Coc’s rice fields and the limestone peaks scattered across the landscape — it’s one of the best photo spots in Ninh Binh.

After the hike, hop on a bike to ride through the peaceful countryside. The quiet lanes take you past local homes, rice paddies, and limestone cliffs. If you prefer not to cycle, you can stay in the van or even hire a motorbike with driver for a local-style ride.

Stop by a traditional Vietnamese household and enjoy a warm welcome with tea and local sweets. Learn how local families make a living through VAC farming (a mix of garden, fish pond, and livestock), and get a better sense of rural life and ancestral worship traditions.

Take a break and enjoy a filling lunch with Vietnamese dishes, likely including local specialties from the region.

Board a sampan boat and drift through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called “Halong Bay on land.” You’ll float through scenic river valleys, enter caves carved into the mountains, and admire towering karst formations from the water.

Travel back in time with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital in the 10th century. Explore the grounds and visit the temple dedicated to King Dinh, one of the country’s early rulers.

After the final stop, your driver will take you to your accommodation in Ninh Binh. Settle into your room and enjoy a relaxed evening in the peaceful countryside.

Enjoy a relaxed morning with breakfast at your hotel. Most places offer free bicycles, so you can explore nearby rice fields, pagodas, or small villages at your own pace. The quiet countryside is perfect for a slow, easy ride.

You’ll have access to your room until around 8:30 p.m., so there’s no rush. After check-out, a car will pick you up and take you to Ninh Binh train station.

Board the SE19 sleeper train to Dong Hoi. You’ll have a bed in a shared, air-conditioned 4-berth cabin with clean bedding. The ride is bumpy but comfortable enough — and taking the train is part of the adventure in Vietnam.

Arrive early in Dong Hoi and get transferred to your hotel for breakfast and a chance to freshen up before the day’s activities.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to Phong Nha, the gateway to some of Vietnam’s most famous caves. The drive takes about 45 minutes through rural landscapes and small villages.

Start with a visit to Paradise Cave — the longest dry cave in Asia. Walk along wooden boardwalks deep into the cave to admire massive stalactites and otherworldly rock formations. It’s cool inside, both in temperature and atmosphere.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant with countryside views before continuing the cave adventure.

Hop on a boat and cruise along the Son River to reach the mouth of Phong Nha Cave. You’ll glide through the cave by boat, then explore on foot. Inside, look out for formations nicknamed the “Lion,” “Fairy,” and “Buddha.” It’s a surreal and beautiful underground world.

End the day with a drive back to your accommodation in Phong Nha. Enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by the region’s famous karst mountains.

Start your journey south with a private car transfer from Phong Nha to Hue, passing through historic sites along the former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

Explore the underground world of the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where local families lived during the war. Walk through narrow passageways, visit family quarters, and learn how an entire village survived underground.

Visit the symbolic bridge that once divided North and South Vietnam. You’ll see the memorial sites, museum, and monuments that reflect the country’s wartime past and hope for reunification.

After the final stop, continue the drive to Hue. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in this historic city.

Start the day with a scenic ride on the Perfume River. You’ll arrive at Thien Mu Pagoda, a peaceful temple perched on a hill overlooking the river.

Explore the former seat of Vietnam’s Nguyen emperors. Walk through ancient gates, royal courtyards, and palaces as you learn about the country’s imperial history.

Get a taste of local culture with a stop at Dong Ba Market — a lively place filled with food stalls, souvenirs, and everyday hustle and bustle.

Sit down for a hearty Vietnamese meal, included in the tour.

In the afternoon, visit two of Hue’s most impressive tombs. Minh Mang’s is peaceful and set in nature, while Khai Dinh’s is ornate and grand, blending Eastern and Western design.

Make a quick stop at a small village where traditional crafts are still alive. See how incense sticks and conical hats are made — and maybe pick up a souvenir.

You’ll be dropped back at your hotel around sunset, with the rest of the evening free.

Start your day with a comfortable private transfer to Hoi An. Along the way, you’ll stop at several scenic and cultural points of interest.

Enjoy the peaceful scenery of this coastal lagoon at the base of the mountains. It’s a great place for a quick photo and a breath of fresh air.

A short drive away, Lang Co Beach offers white sand and turquoise water. It’s a nice stop to stretch your legs and take in the coastal views.

Drive along one of Vietnam’s most scenic roads — Hai Van Pass. This mountain route winds along the coastline and offers panoramic views over the ocean.

Near Da Nang, visit the Marble Mountains — a group of five marble and limestone hills filled with caves, temples, and viewpoints. At the base is Non Nuoc village, where stone-carving traditions are still practiced.

After the final stop, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Hoi An. The rest of the day is yours to explore the ancient town or relax by the river.