Uncover the Magic of North & Central Vietnam in Just 8 Days
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations—from the cultural heartbeat of Hanoi to the golden glow of Ba Na Hills. This thoughtfully designed 8-day adventure blends rich history, stunning natural wonders, and vibrant local life, offering a complete and immersive experience.
? Day 1–2: Welcome to Hanoi – The Soul of Vietnam
Begin in the capital city, where centuries of history blend with buzzing modern life. Visit revered landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature, then lose yourself in the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Wander narrow alleyways filled with street food, colonial architecture, and local stories around every corner.
?️ Day 3: Cruise the Timeless Beauty of Halong Bay
Leave the city behind and set sail on a scenic cruise through Halong Bay—Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage seascape. Glide past majestic limestone cliffs, explore hidden caves, and savor fresh seafood aboard your boat as you soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this natural wonder.
✈️ Day 4–5: Danang to Hoi An – Heritage Meets Tranquility
Catch a short flight to Danang and travel onward to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Famous for its lantern-lit nights and timeless architecture, Hoi An invites you to stroll along the Thu Bon River, visit tailor shops and local markets, and admire the well-preserved charm of its UNESCO-listed Old Town.
? Day 6–7: Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge
Ascend into the clouds at Ba Na Hills, a mountaintop retreat known for the photogenic Golden Bridge held aloft by giant stone hands. Enjoy panoramic views, French-style gardens, and an alpine-style amusement park, offering a fun contrast to the cultural stops.
? Day 8: Farewell Vietnam
Wrap up your journey with a relaxed morning in Hoi An or Danang before your departure. Leave with unforgettable memories, breathtaking photos, and a deeper appreciation of Vietnam’s rich tapestry.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM (earlier check-in is possible, subject to availability). Spend the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and recover from your journey.
Meal: Not included
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi (centrally located in the Old Quarter)
Start point
Đường Nội Bài, Mai Đình, 12200, Sóc Sơn, Hanoi, Vietnam
00:00 - 23:00
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up between 08:00 and 08:30 AM from your hotel.
08:30 AM – Begin your day at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century. Located on the peaceful West Lake, it offers beautiful views and a serene atmosphere.
09:30 AM – Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll have the chance to view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh (subject to availability). Then, take a walk around the peaceful grounds to see the traditional stilt house and presidential residence where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Continue to the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic structure built in the shape of a lotus flower, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
Note: Please dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting the mausoleum, temples, and pagodas.
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and typically closed for maintenance from June 15 to August 15 each year. During this period, you can still take photos and explore the surrounding grounds.
11:00 AM – Head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you'll gain insight into the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Special Note: On Mondays, the Ethnology Museum is closed. In that case, you’ll visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, a fascinating look at the lives and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history.
12:45 PM – Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring 8 traditional dishes that showcase the richness of the local cuisine.
2:00–2:15 PM – Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, established in the 11th century and dedicated to Confucius. This peaceful site is a symbol of learning and culture.
3:15 PM – Visit Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Originally used by the French for political prisoners, it later held American POWs during the Vietnam War. This site offers a sobering and insightful look into Vietnam’s modern history.
4:15–4:30 PM – Return to your hotel to relax after a full day of discovery.
Optional Add-On: Attend a traditional Water Puppet Show, followed by a taxi transfer back to your hotel. (Please request in advance.)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi (located in the heart of the Old Quarter)
07:00–07:30 AM – Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Begin a scenic 110 km journey through the lush countryside aboard a comfortable, modern bus. A short break will be provided en route.
10:45 AM – Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former political center of Vietnam in the 10th century. Visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century, and learn about the early dynasties that shaped the nation’s history.
12:00 PM – Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring authentic Ninh Binh specialties.
1:30 PM – Continue to Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking limestone karst formations. Embark on a traditional sampan boat ride through a network of peaceful waterways, weaving through spectacular caves such as Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave. Along the way, pass sacred temples like Cao Son, Suoi Tien, and Vu Lam, nestled within the mystical valleys.
3:30 PM – Visit Mua Cave, then challenge yourself with a short but rewarding hike up Ngoa Long Mountain (Lying Dragon Mountain). At the summit, enjoy a panoramic view over the vast Tam Coc rice fields and surrounding natural beauty—perfect for photos and peaceful reflection.
After the trek, you'll transfer by car to your bungalow in Ninh Binh. Enjoy some free time to relax in this serene rural setting before dinner.
Dinner will be served with your host, offering a warm, authentic taste of local hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Bungalow in Ninh Binh
After breakfast, your journey to the world-famous Halong Bay begins. At 7:00 AM, a comfortable Limousine Shuttle Bus will pick you up from your accommodation for a scenic transfer through the Red River Delta to Halong Port.
Arrive at the port around 11:30–11:45 AM, where you’ll check in and be warmly welcomed by the cruise staff. Step aboard your stylish cruise ship and enjoy a welcome drink as you prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
Set sail and indulge in a special seafood lunch served onboard as the boat cruises through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the dramatic limestone karsts and island formations that rise from the sea like mythical creatures. In the afternoon, take part in a variety of unforgettable experiences:
Swim in the bay’s clear waters
Kayak through hidden lagoons and around towering limestone pillars
Join a Vietnamese cooking class onboard
Watch a breathtaking sunset over the bay from the sundeck
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner featuring fresh Vietnamese seafood (with vegetarian options available) while soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the bay at night.
Spend the night onboard in a comfortable cabin—drifting to sleep surrounded by the quiet magic of Halong Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise
Start your morning with a relaxing experience on the cruise deck, enjoying the serene beauty of Halong Bay as the boat glides past striking limestone islets and lush green karsts.
After breakfast, continue your adventure with a guided visit to a fascinating limestone cave—either by kayak or traditional bamboo boat, allowing you to get up close to the bay's hidden natural wonders.
Return to the cruise for an early lunch onboard as the boat gently makes its way back to the pier.
Disembark around midday and transfer by car back to Hanoi. From there, take a private transfer to the airport for your short flight to Danang (approx. 1 hour).
Upon arrival in Danang, you’ll be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and, time permitting, begin exploring the vibrant coastal city—known for its modern charm, seaside vibe, and street food culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang
8:00 AM – After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel for a scenic drive to Ba Na Hills, one of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain resorts.
Ascend via the Ba Na Cable Car, which holds five world records for its impressive engineering and breathtaking views. On the way up, stop at By Night Station to explore:
Vong Nguyet Hills
Linh Ung Pagoda
The Old French Villas – remnants of Ba Na’s colonial past
Continue the journey to the summit of Nui Chua Mountain, the highest peak in the Ba Na range. Visit scenic highlights including:
Nghinh Phong Peak
Le Nim Villas
Orchid Garden
Then, hop on Vietnam’s first and only hill-climbing train (funicular) for a unique ride to:
Debay Ancient Wine Cellar, built by the French in 1923
Le Jardin d’Amour, a beautifully themed flower garden
Linh Ung Pagoda, known for its peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant on the mountain, offering a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Fantasy Park, the third-largest indoor amusement park in Vietnam. Spend two hours exploring exciting attractions such as:
4D & 5D cinema experiences
The Death Race
Dinosaur Park
Thrill rides, arcade games, and more
3:30 PM – Begin your journey back to Danang. Arrive at your hotel to rest or explore more of the city at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang
Spend your morning at leisure, soaking up the sun on Danang’s famous beaches, known for their powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Whether you choose to swim, relax, or enjoy water sports, this coastal paradise offers the perfect way to unwind.
12:00 PM – Check out of your hotel. You’ll have time to relax or grab lunch on your own before the afternoon excursion.
3:30 PM – Depart for a guided visit to the Marble Mountains – a cluster of five marble and limestone peaks named after the five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). Explore ancient pagodas, hidden caves, and stone-carving villages nestled along the slopes.
4:30 PM – Continue to the charming town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin a walking tour through the Ancient Town, where time seems to stand still. Wander along lantern-lit streets and explore:
Chua Ong Pagoda – a 17th-century Chinese temple
Fujian and Cantonese Assembly Halls
The beautifully preserved 200-year-old Tam Ky ancestral house
The iconic Japanese Covered Bridge
After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to stroll the riverside, browse local shops, or unwind on An Bang Beach nearby.
Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner in Hoi An, featuring local specialties in a charming traditional setting.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Enjoy your final morning at leisure—take a relaxing stroll through Hoi An, enjoy a quiet coffee, or simply soak in the last moments of your Vietnam journey.
At the appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories, stunning photos, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of Vietnam.
Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back again!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included
End point
Da Nang, Vietnam
00:00 - 23:00
2/ CANCELLATION BY CUSTOMERS
You may cancel the booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by us and will be effective from the date on which we receive it. It is important to be aware that once your deposits are paid, should you wish to cancel at any time thereafter, the deposits are non-refundable. In addition the cancellation penalties detailed below will be applied. It is strongly recommended that you have suitable cancellation insurance coverage from the time of booking. The following rules apply for cancellations:
Cancellation received before 60 days: FREE of charge
Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 10% of total rate
Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate
Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate
3/ CHILDREN POLICY
The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults For infant
FOC except domestic ticket cost
04 – 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
04 – 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
04 – 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate
4/ PASSPORT
For all travel to and from the countries in which we operate, a valid passport is required at all times. Conditions for specific validity of passports and regulations for other valid travel documentation can be obtained from each respective embassy and/or consulate in the client’s native country. For most countries, passports need to be valid for at least six months from the date of entry at a border post/airport/seaport and with at least 2 blank pages
5/ VISA
In addition to passport requirements, visas for certain countries are required. These can either be obtained in the country of residence prior to departure or on arrival at immigration or a visa processing desk. Full details about the specific visa conditions and requirements to obtain visas for each specific country can be obtained from your consultant or from your embassy and/or consulate in the client’s native country
6/ TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance from your country before and during your travel. Neither Indochina Today Travel nor our agents/suppliers or business partners shall/and can be held responsible for any loss, or damaged or stolen personal belongings.
7/ HEALTH & SAFETY
We value health and safety as its top priority in the selection of product and provision of its services. All clients are encouraged by our guides to follow the safety regulations for any service provided. We check hotels, restaurants and other suppliers to ensure they meet our health and safety standards before recommending them to any of our clients.
Neither Vietnam Travel nor any of our representatives will be responsible for any illness, injury or death sustained on your trip except where such illness, injury or death is caused by negligence or that of our representatives, nor will we be liable for any uninsured loss of personal property.
8/ ACCOMMODATION
There are limited hotels/resorts, with standard triple rooms in their inventory. These are commonly double/twin rooms with an extra (rollaway) bed, limiting space within the room. Please inform all concerned accordingly to correctly manage expectations. Extra bed rates / triple sharing room rates are available in the confidential tariff.
Single room supplements are indicated in the confidential tariff. It is common that the provided rooms are twin/double rooms for single use only.
Preferences such as smoking/non-smoking, interconnecting rooms, king-size beds, and location of the room cannot be guaranteed or confirmed in advance and are subject to hotel policy and availability at time of check-in.
9/ COMPLAINS & CUSTOMER SERVICE
A dedicated Customer Care team is assigned to handle any customer service issues whilst on the ground. We consider complaints as valuable feedback to improve service delivery levels. We request that service delivery failures or customer concerns, be reported during the guest’s stay to one of our representatives (travel consultants, Managing Director). It is the aim of the company to solve any irregularity immediately. In the event that you do not notify us in writing within 14 days of completion of the tour, our ability to investigate negative feedback may be prejudiced.
10/ LIABILITY
We act as an intermediary between all airlines, hotels, local tourist offices and other service providers. Therefore, we reserve the right to modify tours and itineraries with or without notice. Our tours are organized in conjunction with the respective airline(s) scheduled flights, therefore, itineraries and timetables are provisional and subject to change without notice. Acknowledgement and confirmation of the above-mentioned conditions is active, once clients participate in one of the provided services via Indochina Today Travel.
11/ FORCE MAJEURE
During the term of this agreement, neither party shall be in default of its obligations to the extent that its performance is delayed or prevented by causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to, acts of God, natural disasters, bankruptcy of a vendor, strikes and other labor disturbances, acts of war, or civil disturbances, or other equivalent or comparable events.
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