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Discover Northern and Central Vietnam in 12 days on a perfectly balanced itinerary that combines iconic landmarks with authentic experiences. Begin with the lively atmosphere of Hanoi before venturing into the unspoiled landscapes of Hua Tat and Pu Luong, where terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages offer a unique cultural immersion.
Cruise through the spectacular scenery of Tam Coc and Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful alternative to the famous Halong Bay. Continue your journey to Hue, the former imperial capital, rich in history and heritage, before crossing the legendary Hai Van Pass to reach Hoi An, the lantern-lit town of timeless charm.
An ideal journey to blend Vietnam’s natural beauty, cultural treasures, and living traditions into one unforgettable adventure.
Arrival at Hanoi airport at 06:35 AM. Meet your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage.
Begin the day gently with a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a walking tour of some of its main streets and Ngoc Son Temple, located on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lunch at a local specialty restaurant with Bun Cha Nem (grilled pork noodle soup served with spring rolls). In the early afternoon, check into your rooms.
In the afternoon, choose between visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university later dedicated to Confucius, or the Museum of Ethnology, which provides insight into the country’s ethnic diversity.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show. Afterwards, you may head for a drink on the famous Train Street.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Hoa Binh province, home to the Muong ethnic group, which occupies a mountainous range separating the Red River Delta from the Ma River basin. From the town of Hoa Binh, the road climbs in altitude, crossing Muong Khen Pass and winding through mountain slopes towards Thung Nhuoi Pass. Stop to enjoy a superb panoramic view of the Mai Chau valley from the pass.
Continue through high mountain landscapes towards Moc Chau district. Arrive late morning in Hua Tat village, home mainly to the Flower Hmong, who live on the mountain slopes. Settle into a rural guesthouse run by a charming Hmong couple, part of a community-based tourism project.
After lunch, take a leisurely hike through the valley, passing villages, cornfields, pine forests, and mountains. Return to A Chu guesthouse to help prepare dinner, followed by a shared meal. Overnight at the guesthouse.
After breakfast, drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with several stops along the way to admire the scenery. Upon arrival, set out for a walk through the reserve. You will pass through many villages and stop in one of them for lunch.
Continue your walk in the afternoon before transferring to your lodge in Pu Luong. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay in a bungalow.
Breakfast at the lodge. In the morning, set off for a full day of hiking through villages and terraced rice fields.
Start with a walk along the Ma River to enjoy beautiful views of the river, rice fields, and traditional waterwheels. Continue with a visit to Pho Doan local market.
Your car will then take you to Hieu village, where you will have lunch. Explore the surroundings of the village and its waterfall, with the possibility of swimming.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Breakfast at the lodge, then depart for Ninh Binh province, often referred to as the “Inland Halong Bay.”
Arrival at your hotel in Tam Coc. Lunch at a local restaurant, then check in to your rooms.
In the afternoon, enjoy a bike ride through the surrounding countryside. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb to the top of Mua Mountain for a stunning panoramic view over the Tam Coc area.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure in Tam Coc. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the lodge, then depart for Ninh Binh province, often referred to as the “Inland Halong Bay.”
Arrival at your hotel in Tam Coc. Lunch at a local restaurant, then check in to your rooms.
In the afternoon, enjoy a bike ride through the surrounding countryside. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb to the top of Mua Mountain for a stunning panoramic view over the Tam Coc area.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure in Tam Coc. Overnight at the hotel.
Today is the day you discover Halong Bay! Departure around 7:30 AM for Haiphong province. After crossing the Tan Vu Bridge — the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia — you will take the ferry to Phu Long pier on Cat Ba Island.
Upon arrival, a bus will transfer you to the small port of Ben Beo, where the Quatre Saisons junk awaits. Around 12:30 PM, embark on a 23-hour cruise through Lan Ha Bay. Lunch will be served on board as the junk sails past Hang Vem fishing village. Depending on the wind, sailing with traditional sails may be possible.
Activities include swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sundeck while admiring the beauty of the bay.
Dinner and overnight on board the junk.
In the morning, the junk cruises towards Viet Hai fishing village. Upon arrival, take an electric car ride over a small pass to discover the village and its local life. For those who prefer, swimming or relaxing on the sundeck is also possible instead of visiting Viet Hai.
Return to the junk to check out of your cabins at 10:00 AM while the boat sails back to Ben Beo pier. Lunch is served around 11:00 AM. Disembarkation is scheduled for 11:30 AM.
Transfer by bus back to Hanoi, where you will be dropped off near the Parfum d’Automne office. Free time until your train departs at 7:40 PM. You will have a private cabin onboard the Lotus wagon. Overnight on the train.
Arrival at Hue railway station at 9:20 AM, where your guide will be waiting for you. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, begin with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, built between 1805 and 1832 by Emperor Gia Long.
Continue with the discovery of a Nha Vuon, or “Garden House” — a style of architecture unique to Hue, where the dwelling is organically connected to the garden, plants, and surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious and spiritual atmosphere.
For lunch, enjoy traditional Hue cuisine, including the famous Bun Bo Hue, a beef noodle soup originating from the former imperial city.
In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Nestled among frangipani and pine trees, and designed according to the emperor’s own plans, this magnificent mausoleum remains one of the most beautiful sites in Hue. It exudes tranquility and is a fine example of traditional Vietnamese art, while also offering insight into the history of the Nguyen dynasty.
Continue your visit to Tu Hieu Pagoda, located near Tu Duc’s tomb. The pagoda radiates serenity and is home to an active community of monks. In its garden, you can also see the tombs of several royal mandarins.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart with your guide for Danang, driving along the Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”), which offers stunning panoramic views of the central coastline from its summit.
In Danang, visit the Cham Museum, home to an extensive collection of sculptures from the now-vanished Champa Kingdoms. Lunch in Danang.
Continue on to Hoi An and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the narrow streets of Hoi An’s old town, where you will discover highlights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge built in 1593, the Folk Museum, Tan Ky House, the Tran Family Chapel, as well as elegant Chinese merchant houses dating back two centuries.
End your visit with the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, built in 1690, which houses a pagoda dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, goddess of the sea and protector of sailors.
Overnight at your hotel in Hoi An.
Breakfast and then free time.
Night at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then morning at leisure. Departure at 11:00 AM for Da Nang airport.
Flight to Hanoi at 1:45 PM, arriving at 3:10 PM.
Upon arrival, you will need to change terminals: exit the domestic terminal and head to the international terminal located just next door. A shuttle service is available outside.
All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.
Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.
If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.
No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.
However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.
You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.
That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.
It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.
Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.
You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.
Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.
One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.
If you have only a short time to spend in Vietnam but want to get the broadest possible overview, this 12-day North-to-South tour is made for you.
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Vietnam Must-See Family Tour in 13 Days: Private Lan Ha Bay Cruise, Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge, Hoi An, Mekong, and Beach Escape in Ho Tram
Let’s talk and tailor it to your wishes.
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