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Vietnam Travel Guide​
3 Weeks North & Central Vietnam: Natural & Cultural Highlights
Overview
This 3 week Vietnam tour takes you on a carefully designed journey from the northern highlands to the charming central coast, blending adventure, culture, and relaxation. Discover the rich traditions of ethnic minorities in Sapa, sail through the stunning limestone landscapes of Lan Ha Bay, explore ancient capitals and hidden caves in Ninh Binh, and experience the natural wonders of Phong Nha. With guided city tours, countryside cycling, local food, and personalized service throughout, this package is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive and well-organized Vietnam experience.
Tour Video Preview
Watch a short video preview of this trip, 3 Weeks North & Central Vietnam: Natural & Cultural Highlights, to get a visual impression of the places and experiences included in this tour. This video is meant to give you an overall idea of the trip, though some details may vary depending on the season or your personalized itinerary.
Highlights
- Cruise through the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay on a stylish overnight boat
- Explore Vietnam’s most impressive caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Trek through rice terraces and ethnic villages in the highlands of Sapa
- Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and panoramic views from Mua Cave
- Cycle through local villages and enjoy basket boat rowing in Hoi An’s countryside
- Free Vietnamese SIM card and 24/7 live support via WhatsApp throughout your trip
Price & Availability
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Itinerary
Day 01 :
Welcome to Hanoi & Street Food Tour
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the Hanoi airport and transferred to your hotel. After a brief rest, embark on a real Hanoi street food adventure. Your guide will lead you through bustling markets and local eateries, where you'll sample delicious Vietnamese street food, including Pho (noodle soup), Banh Cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake), and Egg Coffee. This evening, enjoy the authentic flavors of Hanoi and learn about the local food culture.
Dinner
Enjoy the morning and afternoon at your leisure—perfect for strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting the Temple of Literature, or relaxing at a street café. You’ll have a late check-out at 17:00 before your guide meets you at your hotel to escort you to the train station. You’ll board the overnight Dream Train Express to Sapa in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4-berth cabin. It’s a bumpy but unique local experience as the train winds through the northern countryside.
Breakfast
Arriving early at Lao Cai station, a car will transfer you to Sapa for breakfast and to store your luggage. Your guided half-day tour begins with a walk to Love Waterfall through the lush Golden River path. Then, stop at the stunning Silver Waterfall, cascading 200 meters from the mountain cliffs. Wrap up the morning at the scenic Tram Ton Pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. After lunch in town, enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring Sapa on your own or simply relaxing at your hotel.
Lunch, Breakfast
Day 04 :
Trekking Through Hill Tribe Villages
Set out on a full-day trek into the heart of Sapa's terraced valleys. Start with a descent to Cat Cat village, then hike over the Muong Hoa River and through bamboo forests to Y Linh Ho village. After lunch at a local Hmong family restaurant, continue through Lao Chai and end in Ta Van village—home to the Giay and Hmong ethnic minorities. Along the way, admire stunning rice terraces and mountain vistas, and learn about the unique cultures of northern Vietnam.
Breakfast, Lunch
Early morning departure by public bus from Sapa to Ha Giang, a scenic 6-hour journey through mountainous landscapes. After arriving, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Thon Tha village. Here, you’ll stay in a charming local homestay hosted by a Tay ethnic family. Spend your afternoon relaxing or exploring the nearby village paths. In summer, you may visit a nearby waterfall for a refreshing swim. Share a traditional home-cooked dinner with your hosts and fellow travelers.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06 :
Begin the Ha Giang Loop – Dong Van
Start your 3-day Ha Giang Loop journey in a private car, heading toward Dong Van via dramatic mountain passes and ethnic villages. Stop at Bac Sum and Heaven Gate for panoramic views, then admire the striking Twin Mountains. Continue to Tham Ma and Chin Khoanh passes with their signature curves and photo-worthy scenery. Explore the scenic Sung La Valley and visit the Hmong King’s Palace to learn about local history. End your adventurous day in Dong Van’s charming old quarter.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If it’s Sunday, start your day at Dong Van’s vibrant market. Then journey to Lung Cu Flag Tower, Vietnam’s northernmost point, and take in sweeping views of China’s nearby borderlands. Travel through remote villages with traditional yellow clay houses before heading back to Meo Vac via the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass. Take optional hikes or a scenic boat ride on the emerald Nho Que River. This leg of your Vietnam package tour offers some of the country’s most awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08 :
Meo Vac to Hanoi via Scenic Villages
Start your day in Meo Vac, where you can explore the lively local ethnic market on Sundays. Then, travel through stunning landscapes and ethnic villages, stopping at the M-shape viewpoint for panoramic views. Continue south through Mau Due’s lush rice terraces (best from May to September) and choose between the quick route via Quang Ba or the scenic path through Du Gia. By 16:00, reach Ha Giang to board a limousine bus back to Hanoi, arriving around 22:00.
Breakfast, Lunch
After a 7:45 AM pickup from your Hanoi hotel, board the shuttle bus for the scenic drive to Lan Ha Bay. After a brief stop, arrive at Cai Beo Cruise Port for check-in and a refreshing welcome drink. Set sail towards Lan Ha Bay, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the stunning surroundings. In the afternoon, explore the bay at your leisure with a kayak ride or relax on a secluded island beach. Later, indulge in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on board before a delightful dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session followed by breakfast as you cruise towards Viet Hai fishing village. There, you’ll explore village life either by cycling or riding in an electric car, immersed in the lush surroundings. Afterward, enjoy a scenic boat cruise back to the port while savoring a delicious lunch. Your afternoon is free, with a short transfer to Cat Ba for a peaceful evening at your homestay.
Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the day at Cat Ba Island, where you can unwind on the beach or explore scenic hiking trails offering stunning views of the island’s landscapes. If you prefer a more relaxed day, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take in the coastal beauty. For those seeking adventure, hike through lush trails to experience Cat Ba’s natural wonders. In the afternoon, board a bus to Ninh Binh, arriving around 16:30, and check into your hotel to unwind for the evening.
Breakfast
Start your day with a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where you’ll learn about the country’s feudal history. Afterward, enjoy lunch before embarking on a scenic boat ride through Trang An’s UNESCO-listed caves. The stunning karst formations here make it one of Vietnam’s most famous landscapes. In the afternoon, climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave (Dancing Cave) for a breathtaking view of Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside.
Breakfast, Lunch
Arriving early in Dong Hoi, begin your cave adventure with a visit to Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia. After exploring this spectacular natural wonder, head to Phong Nha Cave, where you’ll take a boat ride through the cave’s mysterious waters, passing stunning limestone formations. Both caves are part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Breakfast, Lunch
Embark on an adventurous trek through the Abandoned Valley, where you’ll navigate rocky terrain and jungle trails to reach the Golden Cave. From here, continue your exploration to the remarkable E Cave (Aquarium Cave), known for its vibrant stalactites and crystal-clear waters. This immersive experience allows you to swim in natural springs and explore the pristine beauty of the cave. After a refreshing BBQ lunch, trek back to Ho Chi Minh road, then drive back to your Phong Nha hotel.
Lunch, Breakfast
Start your day with a scenic drive from Phong Nha to Quang Tri, where you’ll discover the historic Vinh Moc Tunnels. This underground complex served as a refuge for over a thousand people during the intense American bombings. After exploring the tunnels, continue your journey with a visit to the Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River, significant historical landmarks marking the division of North and South Vietnam. Finish the day with a pilgrimage to the La Vang Holy Land, an important Catholic shrine, before being dropped off at your Hue hotel.
Breakfast
Day 16 :
Hue City Highlights Tour
Your full day tour of Hue starts with a peaceful boat ride on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of the city. Then, explore the grandeur of the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before visiting the bustling Dong Ba Market. After a delicious lunch, head to the royal tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, followed by a visit to a local village where traditional conical hats and incense are crafted.
Breakfast, Lunch
Travel from Hue to Hoi An, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. Stop to admire the serene Lap An Lagoon and Lang Co Beach, famous for its oysters and stunning scenery. The journey continues with a visit to the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque mountain roads, before exploring the Marble Mountains in Da Nang. End the day with a visit to the Non Nuoc Stonemason village, known for its exquisite stonework.
Breakfast
Day 18 :
Leisure Day in Hoi An
Enjoy a full day of free time to explore the charming town of Hoi An at your own pace. Wander through the historic streets, visit local boutiques, or relax at a café. Hoi An is renowned for its beautiful architecture, traditional lanterns, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect place for a leisurely day of sightseeing.
Experience the rural beauty of Hoi An on a half-day biking tour. Cycle through the town's old streets and head to Cam Kim Island, where you’ll ride through rice fields and small villages. A boat ride across the river will take you to the picturesque countryside, offering views of farmers at work and tranquil landscapes. For those looking for a little adventure, an optional basket boat ride through the lush Bay Mau coconut swamps is available.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20 :
Free Day in Hoi An
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Hoi An. Relax on the beautiful beaches, visit any sights you missed, or indulge in some shopping at the local markets. Hoi An offers a variety of activities, from visiting the ancient town to relaxing by the coast.
Breakfast
Day 21 :
Departure from Hoi An
Your journey concludes with a transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Hanoi, where you’ll catch your connecting flight home. As your Vietnam adventure ends, reflect on the incredible sights, cultures, and experiences you’ve had.
Breakfast
- Accommodation in hotels, homestays, overnight cruise, and sleeper trains as mentioned
- All domestic transport including airport transfers, buses, boats, and train tickets
- Guided tours and entrance fees as described in the itinerary
- English-speaking guides during tours
- Meals as listed: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
- Free Vietnamese SIM card with data
- 24/7 support via WhatsApp from our Vietnam expert team
- International flights
- Vietnam visa
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities during free time
- Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, and souvenirs
The prices shown below are estimated and may vary depending on the season, availability, and changes from our local partners. Final pricing can also be influenced by any customizations you request for this tour.
Estimated Price Per Person (USD)
Prices shown are per person, based on the number of people in your group.
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3330 | $2125 | $1996 | $1942 | $1893 | $1825 | $1778 | $1750 |
What happens if it rains during an activity?
Light rain typically won’t disrupt the tour, and we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or umbrella. For severe weather, we will inform you in advance if any changes are necessary. Some activities may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons, but we’ll keep you updated.
Is there a guide for all activities?
Yes, a professional English-speaking guide will be provided for most tours and activities. For certain transfers or activities (such as boat rides), there may not be a guide, but you’ll have clear instructions.
Will I be with a group or is it a private tour?
This is a private, individual tour, which means you’ll have a more personalized experience. Some activities, like boat cruises or transfers, might be shared with other travelers, but your group will generally be separate from larger tour groups.
What happens if I need to change the tour dates or itinerary?
If you need to adjust your travel dates or itinerary, we’ll do our best to accommodate your requests. However, any changes are subject to availability and possible additional fees. Please contact us well in advance for any changes.
How cold can it get in Sapa, and what should I pack?
Sapa can be quite cold, especially in the winter months (December to February), with temperatures dropping as low as 10°C (50°F) or lower at night. Bring warm layers, a jacket, and comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the mountainous areas.
Are there any restrictions when visiting the Mekong Delta?
The Mekong Delta is a beautiful and vibrant area. While there are no significant restrictions, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for water-based activities like boat rides. Be mindful of your belongings and keep them safe during the tour.