3 Weeks: Vietnam’s Adventure Through North & Central

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.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Hanoi at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the Old Quarter, visit a museum, or sip Vietnamese coffee at a sidewalk café. You’ll have a late hotel checkout before transferring to the train station in the evening. Board the Dream Train Express for an overnight journey to Lao Cai in a comfortable, air-conditioned, 4-berth sleeper cabin, an iconic experience of rail travel in Vietnam.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa to freshen up and enjoy breakfast. Begin your trek through Vietnam’s stunning northern highlands, starting at Cat Cat’s road. Cross the Muong Hoa River and climb through bamboo forests to reach the picturesque Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages. After a local lunch, continue your journey to Ta Van, home to the Giay ethnic minority. Spend the night in a cozy homestay, where you may even join your host in preparing a traditional dinner.

Wake up surrounded by nature and ethnic village life. Today’s trek takes you deeper into Red Dao territory, visiting Giang Ta Chai waterfall and crossing hanging bridges. Learn about the Red Dao people before returning to Sapa by bus. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Sapa town.

Depart early for a stunning road trip from Sapa to Ha Giang. This journey winds through remote landscapes and mountain passes. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before heading to your peaceful homestay in Thon Tha, a traditional Tay ethnic village. Spend the afternoon relaxing or strolling through rice fields and rural scenery.

Today’s journey covers some of Vietnam’s most spectacular roads. Travel through Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, past the Twin Mountains, and through Yen Minh to Dong Van. Along the way, visit the historic Hmong King’s Palace and admire panoramic views. Overnight in a hotel in Dong Van’s quiet old quarter.

Begin the day with a visit to Vietnam’s northernmost point near the Chinese border. Continue through Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and cross the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, often called the most stunning mountain pass in Vietnam. Marvel at the deep valleys and winding roads before arriving in Meo Vac for an overnight stay.

Drive through remote countryside toward Cao Bang, stopping for scenic views of rice fields and river valleys. Two highlights of the day include the twisting Ma Pia Pass and the striking Angel Eye Mountain - famous for its perfectly round hole through the peak. In the evening, arrive at your homestay near Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Start the day with a visit to Ban Gioc, one of Asia’s most beautiful waterfalls straddling the Vietnam-China border. After soaking in the scenery, explore Nguom Ngao Cave, a vast underground world filled with unique rock formations. In the afternoon, head to Ba Be National Park and check into your cozy lakeside accommodation.

Enjoy a full day of trekking through Ba Be National Park’s lush forests, mountain paths, and rice terraces. Walk through small ethnic minority villages and discover local life in this lesser-known corner of Northern Vietnam. The views are serene, and the atmosphere is ideal for nature lovers.

Take a relaxing morning boat trip on Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural lake. Glide past limestone cliffs and jungle-covered islands before returning to shore for lunch. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi by car, arriving in the early evening. Enjoy a final night in the capital - perhaps explore the Old Quarter or unwind with a local coffee.

Depart Hanoi in the morning and reach Cai Beo Port by midday. Leave the city behind and head towards the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known but equally stunning extension of Halong Bay. After boarding your boutique cruise, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as you pass limestone islands and floating villages. In the afternoon, explore the bay by kayak or relax on a secluded beach. End the day with a sunset view, a cooking demonstration, and dinner on board.

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck and enjoy breakfast with views of the bay. Then, cruise towards the remote Viet Hai Village, where you’ll explore by bicycle or electric car. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful mountain scenery, this small village offers a glimpse into rural island life. After lunch, transfer to Ninh Binh - a place often called “Inland Ha Long Bay” - where you’ll stay in a peaceful resort near Tam Coc.

Enjoy a leisurely day. Borrow a bike and explore nearby sights like Bich Dong Pagoda or Tam Coc’s boat rides. Optional group tour available to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An grottoes, and Mua Cave with panoramic views.

Spend your day relaxing or cycling the peaceful countryside. In the evening, board an overnight train to Dong Hoi for the next leg of your journey. Experience Vietnam’s landscapes from the comfort of your soft sleeper berth on the Lotus Train Express.

Arriving early in Dong Hoi, you’ll head to Phong Nha and start your jungle adventure. Trek to Elephant Cave, swim in Ma Da Lake and set up camp deep in the wilderness. A night under the stars in Vietnam’s remote forest is an unforgettable experience.

After breakfast, continue your trek to Tra Ang Cave where you can swim through a crystal-clear underground river (optional). After lunch, return to the road and transfer back to Phong Nha town. Time to relax after two days in nature.

After breakfast, our private car will pick you up at your hotel in Phong Nha. You will begin a scenic 6-hour drive south along the coast and through central Vietnam’s picturesque countryside, passing local villages, rivers, and rice fields. You will arrive in the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An in the afternoon.

Enjoy a relaxing day in Hoi An at your own pace. The town is compact and walkable, ideal for wandering through its lantern-lit alleyways, visiting tailor shops, sampling local delicacies, or simply enjoying a coffee by the riverside. Don’t miss the historic Japanese Covered Bridge, the vibrant Central Market, and the colorful old merchant houses.

This is another free day for you to relax or explore more of Hoi An and its surroundings. You could take a short trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son Sanctuary, an important center of ancient Cham civilization. Alternatively, spend the day on An Bang Beach or enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

At the scheduled time, our driver will transfer you to Danang Airport (approximately 1 hour away). Please be ready at your hotel at least 2 hours before your flight departure. Board your domestic flight with Vietnam Airlines from Danang to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, continue with your international flight home.