Northern & Central Vietnam Highlights 8 Days: Hanoi, Halong Bay UNESCO Cruise & Imperial Hue

Emotion & Experience: A deep connection to Vietnam's intellectual and spiritual heritage, ending with a unique cultural performance.

9:00 AM: Our day begins with a journey through Vietnam's intellectual roots at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), the country’s first national university dating back to the 11th century. Walk through its peaceful courtyards, admire the Khue Van Cac Pavilion, and see the revered stone steles inscribed with the names of outstanding scholars—a powerful moment of historical reverence.

We then visit one of the city’s major museums (you may choose the National History, Hoa Lo Prison, Ethnology, or Fine Art Museum) to deepen your cultural understanding.

The afternoon is dedicated to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. We take a respectful, leisurely walk through the Botanical Gardens to view the Presidential Palace and the humble Ho Chi Minh's House on Stilts, where the beloved leader lived and worked. We conclude this segment at the unique 11th-century One-Pillar Pagoda.

We continue to West Lake, visiting the tranquil Quan Thanh Temple and the beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda, dating back to the 6th century. The day culminates with the mesmerizing Water Puppet Show—a unique, centuries-old art form that vividly depicts Vietnamese folklore and daily life on the water—a truly magical cultural experience.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show, Mineral Water.

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: A sense of awe-inspiring serenity as you embark on a floating sanctuary.

8:00 AM: Your journey to a UNESCO World Heritage Site begins! Our comfortable shuttle bus collects you for a scenic 3-hour drive through the vast Red River Delta, setting the stage for the dramatic landscape ahead.

12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, board your elegant cruise ship, and be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a detailed briefing. Check into your luxurious cabin.

12:30 PM: Indulge in a superb Vietnamese and international lunch while the limestone islands of Halong Bay drift past. You'll sail past iconic landmarks like the Incense Burner and Fighting Cock Islet.

14:30 PM: The afternoon offers active exploration. You’ll kayak through hidden coves and lagoons or visit a local Pearl Farm, allowing you to experience the bay's natural beauty up close.

16:00 PM: We explore the stunning Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), the largest limestone cave in the area, filled with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.

19:30 PM: Enjoy a deluxe dinner featuring traditional and fusion dishes. Later, unwind on the sundeck, participate in squid fishing, or simply relax and stargaze—a perfect end to an unforgettable day.

• Included: Shuttle Bus Transfer (Hanoi-Halong), English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Cooking Class (on board), Mineral Water.

• Accommodation: Mila Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Cabin) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: A peaceful sense of renewal followed by the excitement of flying South to a new cultural landscape.

06:15 AM: Awaken your senses with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay—a truly peaceful and picturesque moment.

07:30 AM: Our final Halong adventure takes us to Titov Island. Climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire bay, a majestic sea of emerald water and limestone towers. You can also relax on the sandy beach for a final swim.

10:00 AM: Enjoy a delightful brunch as the boat leisurely cruises back to Tuan Chau Marina.

11:30 AM: Disembark and meet your driver for the transfer back to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (HAN). You will then catch your Vietnam Airlines flight (VN181 at 16:10) to Da Nang (DAD).

Upon landing in Da Nang, your Central Vietnam guide and driver will meet you and provide a smooth, 30-minute transfer to the charming, lantern-lit town of Hoi An. Check in and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Brunch (Lunch), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Flight (HAN-DAD), Mineral Water.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: A romantic and intimate feeling of walking through history amidst lantern-lit streets and aromatic gardens.

9:00 AM: Today is dedicated to the magic of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkably preserved Southeast Asian trading port. We start with a leisurely walking tour, exploring the town's historical highlights:

• The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge (Chua Cau), built in the 17th century.

• The ancient Cam Pho Communal House, a hub of historical and cultural exchange.

• The authentic Quan Thang Ancient House, showcasing exquisite Kim Bong carpentry.

• The ornate Phuc Kien (Fujian) Assembly Hall, a vibrant religious and community site.

In the afternoon, we trade the ancient streets for the lush countryside at Tra Que Farming Village. This village is famous for its aromatic herbs used in Hue and Hoi An specialties. Enjoy an introductory talk about vegetable cultivation and traditional medicine, and you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with the local farmers in their fields—a great contrast to the city, offering a refreshing sense of nature.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Mineral Water.

• Accommodation: Delicacy Hotel & Spa (Deluxe City View Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: An exhilarating sense of adventure driving the coast, leading to the grandeur of the Imperial City.

8:00 AM: We embark on one of Vietnam's most iconic road trips, driving from Hoi An to Hue, the former Imperial Capital.

Our journey takes us along the scenic coastal road through Da Nang. We stop at the Cham Museum, home to the world's most important collection of Cham sculpture, offering a look into an ancient civilization. We pause at My Khe Beach to admire the giant Goddess of Mercy statue at Linh Ung Pagoda from afar.

The highlight of the drive is conquering the dramatic Hai Van Pass (Sea Cloud Pass). We stop at the summit to capture breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and Da Nang city—a truly exhilarating reward.

Upon arrival in Hue and after lunch, we immediately dive into history at the Hue Citadel. Explore this UNESCO site, walking through the massive fortifications of Kinh Thanh (Capital City), Hoang Thanh (Imperial City), and the Cam Thanh (Forbidden City)—a powerful lesson in royal legacy and military architecture.

We conclude the day at the majestic Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s spiritual symbol, overlooking the Perfume River, before checking into your hotel.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Mineral Water.

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: A feeling of deep historical reflection mixed with the tranquil beauty of river life.

Our final full day in Vietnam is dedicated to the refined culture of Hue. We begin by visiting the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its perfect harmony of nature, water elements, and classical imperial design—a truly serene sight.

Next, we board a dragon boat for a relaxing cruise along the beautiful Huong River (Perfume River) towards Thuy Bieu Village. This village is famous for its special grapefruit trees and peaceful atmosphere. We take a bike ride under the shade of the trees, visiting a local temple and a traditional garden house. This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with villagers and capture memorable photos.

Lunch features a hands-on cooking class where you learn to prepare delicious Hue specialties. Afterwards, indulge in a luxurious cultural experience: a warm water foot soak with traditional medicinal herbs, all while relaxing and soaking up the picturesque rice field landscape.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Boat Trip (Perfume River/Minh Mang), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental, Cooking Class, Foot Soak Leisure, Mineral Water.

• Accommodation: Rosaleen Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Double Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Departure with a profound sense of fulfillment and a collection of unforgettable memories.

Enjoy your final delicious breakfast in the Imperial City. Depending on your flight schedule, take one last leisurely walk before your private driver picks you up from your hotel.

You will be transferred to Phu Bai Airport (HUI) for your onward flight, concluding your grand 8-day exploration of Northern and Central Vietnam's highlights.

• Included: Breakfast, Private Transportation, Mineral Water.