From
$1185
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2025 – Local Vietnam recognized for exceptional Vietnam tours and authentic local travel experiences.

2 Weeks North & Central Vietnam in Slow Pace

Overview

This 2 week Vietnam tour is the perfect blend of scenic landscapes, rich culture, and relaxing experiences. From wandering the bustling food streets of Hanoi to cruising through the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, and from trekking in peaceful Pu Luong to cycling the countryside around Hoi An - every day brings something new. With a carefully planned itinerary, 24/7 local support via WhatsApp, and authentic local experiences, this exclusive tour offers comfort and discovery at a relaxed pace. It's perfect for travelers seeking a slower journey with a touch of adventure along the way.

Highlights

  • Taste your way through Hanoi with a guided street food tour, including famous egg coffee
  • Explore Pu Luong’s rice terraces, waterfalls, and peaceful hill tribe villages
  • Enjoy a 2-night luxury cruise through Lan Ha Bay with kayaking, swimming, and sunset cocktails
  • Discover the hidden charm of Ninh Binh by bike, ride past limestone peaks and ancient temples
  • Cycle the quiet backroads and coconut groves of Hoi An’s countryside with an optional basket boat ride
  • Includes free Vietnamese SIM card, airport transfers, and 24/7 support via WhatsApp

Tour Video Preview

Watch a short preview of our “2 Weeks North & Central Vietnam in Slow Pace” tour to get a visual impression of the destinations and experiences.

The video offers an overall idea of the trip, though details may vary by season or your personalized itinerary.

Route

  • Day 1: Hanoi
  • Day 2: Hanoi
  • Day 3: Pu Luong
  • Day 4: Pu Luong
  • Day 5: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh
  • Day 6: Ninh Binh
  • Day 7: Ninh Binh
  • Day 8: Lan Ha Bay
  • Day 9: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island
  • Day 10: Cat Ba Island – Hoi An
  • Day 11: Hoi An
  • Day 12: Hoi An
  • Day 13: Hoi An
  • Day 14: Hoi An – Hanoi
Map of a 2-week North and Central Vietnam slow-travel tour showing the full itinerary route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, Lan Ha Bay and onward to Hoi An, highlighting travel connections and destinations visited.

Price & Availability

Use this form for:
Name(Required)
DD slash MM slash YYYY
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Or contact us through:
Facebook

Send Us A Message

Instagram

Send Us A Message

Customizable & Private

Your own itinerary, your own pace — a fully private package that you can customize completely based on your wishes.

Stress-Free, Fully Supported

Door-to-door travel, a free SIM for constant internet, and a dedicated Vietnam expert on WhatsApp whenever you need us.

Local Experts, Authentic Travel

Based in Vietnam with deep local knowledge, we deliver real experiences and handle everything quickly and directly.

Itinerary

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.

Dinner

Enjoy a full day to explore Vietnam’s lively capital at your own pace. You might stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit the Temple of Literature, or enjoy a quiet coffee on Train Street.

Breakfast

Leave the city behind and head towards the peaceful mountains of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. After a scenic 4-hour journey through rural landscapes, you’ll arrive at your eco-lodge surrounded by rice fields and limestone hills. The rest of the day is yours to relax and take in the fresh mountain air.

Breakfast

Start the day with a visit to Hieu Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Next, hop on a bamboo raft to drift along the calm Cham River. In the afternoon, take a light trek through one of Pu Luong’s most beautiful valleys. Pass through terraced rice fields and remote ethnic villages like Uoi and Leo, where you may get a glimpse of traditional brocade weaving.

Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the morning relaxing at your lodge before your private transfer takes you to Ninh Binh. Often called "the Halong Bay on land", this region is known for its dramatic karst mountains and ancient temples. Check into your homestay or resort for a peaceful evening.

Breakfast

Enjoy the freedom to explore Ninh Binh on your own. Free bicycles are available at your hotel, making it easy to ride through lush rice paddies and nearby attractions. Suggested spots include Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, or simply enjoy a peaceful riverside coffee.

Breakfast

Another free day to relax or explore Ninh Binh. Optional: Join a guided group tour to Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave. Visit the ancient capital, take a scenic boat ride through karst tunnels, and climb up to Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views.

Breakfast

An early start takes you to Halong Bay, where you'll board a luxury cruise ship to explore the quieter and stunning Lan Ha Bay. After a delicious seafood lunch on board, enjoy kayaking in Tra Bau or relax in the jacuzzi. End the day with a sunset cooking class and a romantic dinner on deck.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Join a day excursion to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island. Cycle or ride through lush forest paths and learn about local life in this isolated community. After lunch, kayak in hidden lagoons and swim in the clear waters before heading back to your cruise for another peaceful night on the bay.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a Tai Chi session and breakfast. Explore Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island before cruising back to the mainland. A shuttle takes you to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, a private transfer brings you to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An.

Breakfast, Lunch

Spend your day wandering the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. Browse local tailor shops, visit the Japanese Bridge, or relax at a riverside café.

Breakfast

This morning, cycle through quiet villages, rice paddies, and riverside paths around Hoi An. Visit boat builders and duck farms, and take a relaxing boat ride to Cam Thanh Village. Optional: Try rowing a traditional round basket boat through the water coconut groves.

Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy your last full day at leisure. Lounge on An Bang Beach, shop for souvenirs, or take a short trip to the My Son temple ruins.

Breakfast

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!

Breakfast

Tip: Customize this tour

Use this itinerary as a template — more or less days, add or remove destinations, adjust activities, or change hotels to match your travel style.

Included / Excluded

  • 13 nights' accommodation as described in the itinerary
  • Private airport transfers and all domestic ground transportation
  • Domestic flights from Hanoi to Danang and vice versa
  • Guided Hanoi street food tour
  • All activities and entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
  • Overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay with excursions
  • Bicycle and bamboo boat tour in Hoi An countryside
  • 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 to and from Vietnam
  • Vietnam visa and travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional tours and activities
  • Personal expenses such as tips, drinks, and souvenirs

Tour information

  • This is a fully individual (private) tour, not a group tour. Some activities or transfers may be shared, such as boat rides or bus journeys.
  • All elements of this tour can be customized - change destinations, adjust the number of days, start from a different city, choose private or group options, or upgrade hotels. Let us tailor it to your wishes.
  • We carefully select accommodations based on customer feedback and experience. From hotels to homestays and cruises, your comfort is our priority. Have specific preferences? We’re happy to customize your stay upon request.
  • This tour runs year-round. Depending on weather conditions, certain activities may be rescheduled or adjusted to ensure your safety and the best experience.
  • Most accommodations offer free WiFi. In addition, we provide a Vietnamese SIM card with data so you can stay connected throughout your trip.
  • You’ll receive a free SIM card with mobile data and have internet access throughout your journey. Our Vietnam expert team is available 24/7 via WhatsApp for any questions or support.
  • We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific meals for all included tours. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
  • This tour includes light to moderate activities such as walking and cycling. If you have any concerns about the difficulty level, let us know, we can adjust the itinerary to your comfort.
  • This tour is enjoyable all year round. However, late spring and summer (March–August) often offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
  • Many nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Some (like UK, Germany, France) may be exempt for short stays, while others (such as the US, Australia) need to apply. The easiest option is the official e-visa, which takes a few days to process. Be sure to arrange it in advance - there is no visa on arrival.
  • For cancellation terms and travel conditions, please read our full policy here: https://localvietnam.com/cancellation/

Price Overview

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
$2085 $1350 $1286 $1254 $1225 $1205 $1193 $1185

FAQ

Best time: February–April and September–early October, when both regions align well. The North is cool and pleasant for walking and sightseeing, and Central Vietnam is warm and mostly dry.

  • May–August: Possible, but hotter in Central Vietnam and wetter in the North. Landscapes are very green, though trekking paths can be more slippery.
  • Late October–November: Central Vietnam (especially around Hoi An) can see heavy rain or flooding; we may adjust this part of the route.
  • December–January: Cooler in the North but still comfortable; Central Vietnam begins to dry out again.
Activities are moderate, suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. The trekking in Pu Luong and walking in Ninh Binh are not technical, but involve uneven terrain. If you have concerns or prefer something gentler, contact us — we can advise or adjust routes to match your comfort level.
The itinerary is private, designed just for your group. Some individual activities, like the cruise or optional tours, may be in small groups depending on your preferences and budget. But the overall schedule and travel between destinations are private and flexible.

Where to add extra days:

  • Hoi An: Extra beach time, countryside cycling, Old Town sightseeing, and day trips. Easy to fill more days with activities or simply relax by the beach.
  • Ninh Binh: Peaceful countryside, swimming pools, rice paddies, cycling, temples, and caves — great for slow travel and nature.
  • Pu Luong: Very relaxing mountain atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Limited activities beyond trekking, so good for quiet downtime.

The best choice depends on your travel dates and weather. Contact us and we’ll recommend the ideal place based on the season.

Yes. This tour is designed with a slower pace and a balanced mix of nature, culture, and gentle activities. For seniors or families with younger kids, we can shorten treks or replace them with easier walks or sightseeing. Everything is adaptable.
Pu Luong fits better in a slow-pace itinerary because travel times are shorter, the atmosphere is quieter, and the landscapes are beautiful without the crowds. It combines rice terraces, local ethnic villages, and peaceful valleys, all within easy reach of Hanoi and Ninh Binh. If you prefer Sapa, we can adapt the itinerary, but you won’t regret Pu Luong for a relaxed and authentic experience.
Need help?
Get quick guidance while planning your trip.
or
Scroll to Top

FREE EBOOK
Vietnam Travel Guide​

vietnam free ebook