Northern to Central Vietnam: An Active Adventure in 11 Days

• Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your friendly guide and driver will greet you and whisk you away to your hotel in Hanoi to check in and freshen up after your journey.
• In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture with a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form where puppets are manipulated on a water surface, accompanied by live music and storytelling.
• After the show, savor a delicious welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

• Get ready for a scenic bike ride on your first day in Hanoi! We'll pick you up at your hotel at 7:30 am and head to our bike store to get you set up. Then, it's off you go, cycling along the Red River dike, leaving the city behind and entering the peaceful Vietnamese countryside.
• As you ride, lush green rice fields and vegetable farms will surround you, offering a glimpse into local life. You'll even pass through charming villages. Our route will take you all the way to Bat Trang Pottery Village, where you can witness and try the art of pottery firsthand.
• We'll then switch gears and hop in a support car for a short drive to Dau Pagoda in Bac Ninh Province. Here, you'll learn about Buddhism in Vietnam and its fascinating connection to the worship of agricultural gods, a tradition that stretches back centuries.
• Leaving Dau Pagoda, we'll head to Dong Ho, the birthplace of Vietnamese woodcut paintings. Here, you'll have the chance to observe the creation of these unique works of art. After lunch in Dong Ho Village, we'll get back on the bikes for a scenic ride along the Duong River towards But Thap Pagoda. 
• By around 4:00 pm, we'll transfer you back to Hanoi, where you'll have the rest of the evening to explore at your own pace. Enjoy your free time and get ready for your next adventure tomorrow! (Overnight in Hanoi)

• This morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi. Prepare for a scenic journey of approximately 3.5 hours to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking limestone formations rising dramatically from the emerald waters.
• Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay, you'll embark on your chosen cruise and be warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink while receiving a briefing about your itinerary.
• As the ship sails further into the bay, a sumptuous lunch will be served on board. Take this opportunity to relax and admire the awe-inspiring scenery through the large windows or on the sundeck.
• In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to cool off with a swim in the calm and warm waters of the bay. Alternatively, you can embark on a kayaking adventure, exploring the hidden coves and caves at your own pace.
• Our experienced guide will provide basic paddling instructions before leading you on a journey to discover the extraordinary beauty of Ha Long Bay up close. After exploring for an hour, you'll return to the cruise for relaxation before attending a fun and informative cooking class in the late afternoon.
• Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine by participating in a hands-on cooking class onboard the cruise. Under the guidance of the ship's chef, you'll gain insights into the fresh ingredients, flavorful spices, and traditional cooking techniques used in Vietnamese dishes.
• As the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the bay, enjoy a delectable dinner prepared by the ship's talented chefs. Savor the delicious flavors you may have learned to create in the cooking class earlier and admire the breathtaking views from the dining area.
• After dinner, spend the night comfortably on board the cruise, lulled by the gentle rocking of the waves and the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Spend the morning aboard your Ha Long Bay cruise. The final activity and brunch follow the vessel’s programme. After disembarkation, meet your driver for the overland transfer to Phong Nha.

This is the longest transfer of the trip. Allow most of the afternoon and evening, including road stops. The plan is to stay overnight in Phong Nha before the early cave departure. We confirm the cruise handover, road timing and cave pickup together for your travel dates.

Meet the cave team early in Phong Nha and transfer to Tan Hoa for the briefing and equipment fitting. The planned two-day Tu Lan programme starts with trekking and river crossings, followed by cave exploration at Hung Ton and Song Oxalis if conditions permit.

Have lunch and dinner during the expedition and spend the night at the To Mo campsite. The cave operator confirms the route, fitness requirements, equipment and departure for your dates.

After breakfast at the campsite, continue to Kim Cave and Tu Lan Cave on the planned route. The day combines trekking, cave passages and water sections under the cave team’s instructions.

After lunch, trek back towards Tan Hoa and transfer to Phong Nha, where you stay overnight. The cave operator may adjust the route or return time according to conditions.

After breakfast, take your last moments to breath the pure air in Phong Nha until a scheduled time when your private driver come to your accommodation and take you to Hue city. 

After 04 hour driving, you will reach your hotel in Hue. Do check-in and free at your leisure. 

Overnight in Hue.

Morning (9:00 AM): After a delicious breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and whisk you away on a captivating exploration of Hue City.

Embark on a scenic cruise down the Perfume River on a private boat, soaking in the romantic atmosphere and the city's enchanting riverside landscapes. As the former capital of Vietnam, Hue boasts a rich history, evident in the majestic tombs of past emperors. Today's itinerary includes visits to some of these awe-inspiring structures.

Your first stop will be the charming Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Lady Pagoda. Picturesquely situated at the confluence of rivers, it offers breathtaking views of the Perfume River and its surroundings.

From here, we'll take a scenic drive to delve deeper into imperial history by visiting the tombs of King Minh Mang and King Tu Duc. Each tomb reflects a unique architectural style and offers a glimpse into the lives of these emperors.

Afternoon: After a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, we'll delve into the heart of Hue City. Prepare to be mesmerized by the imposing Old Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Forbidden Purple City, once the imperial palace and a true architectural marvel. This landmark is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand Hue's rich history and cultural significance.

Following the tour, we'll transfer you back to your hotel for some free time in the evening to relax or explore Hue further at your own pace. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, meet your driver at your hotel in Hue and travel to Hoi An. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

• 8:30 AM: Your guide awaits at your hotel lobby. Saddle up for a scenic bike ride to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a haven for over 150 farmers cultivating over 20 types of vegetables and herbs. Witness their dedication to sustainable practices, using natural fertilizers and avoiding pesticides and GMOs.
• Immerse in Local Life:  Stroll through the village, meeting friendly locals and witnessing their daily routines. Explore vast rice paddies and quiet roads, far from the tourist crowds.
• Learn from the Masters:  A local farmer will share their expertise in cultivation methods and natural pest control.  Even join them in tasks like raking, sowing, watering, and tending the vibrant greens.
• Beyond the Fields:  Continue your ride through picturesque landscapes, passing by a bustling market, a charming kindergarten, and paddy fields. Reach Van Lang, a traditional fishing village nestled amidst a 7-hectare coconut water forest. This serene haven served as a refuge during the Vietnam War.
• Embrace Local Hospitality:  The warm welcome of Mr. Han's family awaits! Savor a cup of refreshing green tea and explore the village's unique charm.
• A Unique Experience:  Get ready for a thrilling adventure aboard a traditional basket boat! Guided by skilled locals, discover the art of fishing in this unique water coconut forest.
• Relax & Recharge:  Return to Mr. Han's family for a rejuvenating foot bath using medicinal herbs, a traditional therapeutic practice.
• Culinary Delights:  Unwind and prepare a delicious lunch alongside the family. Savor local specialties like Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo pancakes, and grilled fish in banana leaf.
• Free Time & Farewell: After lunch, enjoy some free time to relax before returning to your hotel around 3:30 PM. This unforgettable day filled with cultural immersion and scenic beauty ends with the evening at your leisure in Hoi An.

Free time at your leisure, sightseeing, shopping, buy souvenirs, and take photos until be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Ends of services.