EXPLORE VIETNAM IN THE NORTH AND CENTER BY BUS & TRAIN-09DAYS
(Itinerary: Hanoi – Ninh Binh- Ha Long train to Hue- Hoi An)
Tour code: XSE 0019 - CLASSIC TOURS
Highlights:
- Get an overview of Northern and Centre Vietnam within 09 days trip with the most highlights and attractions
- Touch the soul of Vietnam with visiting these well-known heritage such as: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Hoi An charming ancient town
- Explore the authentic daily life in the countryside of Hue city and experience the wonderful landscape in Ninh Binh with Trang An eco-tourism or Mua cave
- Enjoy relaxing time with 2 days 1 night cruise trip on Ha Long Bay
- Wander the charming streets of Hoi An town - lined with centuries old houses, quiet boutiques and famous tailors
- Experience the local life of fisherman through his daily activities such as: casting the net, go fishing, rowing the basket boat, cutting the fishing rope… in Cam Thanh village
- Cycling to the ancient Thuy Bieu village to observe and explore the beautiful countryside along the way
Overview
You will travel along the north and the southern center of Vietnam. Hanoi Capital is delightful by its strange looking. The old is mingled with the new brings to Hanoi original energy. Ha Long Bay is mysterious and mesmeric with tons of oceanic stories. Ninh Binh, besides imposing beauty of karst mountain, is authentic as a typical countryside of Vietnam. Owing to a poetic beating life, Hue brings to you the most tranquil time with its ancient tombs and citadels. Otherwise, Hoi An is romantic, colorful and boutique by its Japanese – Chinese architecture houses. Follow us to be admired a charming Vietnam.
Tour summary:
- Day 01: Hanoi arrival sightseeing (D)
- Day 02: Hanoi–NinhBinh (B, L)
- Day 03: NinhBinh– Ha Long Bay cruise (B, L, D)
- Day 04: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi –Night train to Hue (B, L)
- Day 05: Hue Imperial city (B)
- Day 06: Thuy Bieu Eco village – Hoi An (B, L)
- Day 07: Eco Cam Thanh bicycle tour – Hoi An walking tour (B, L)
- Day 08: Hoi An Free & easy (B)
- Day 09: Hoi An – Da Nang – Departure (B)
DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL SIGHTSEEING (L)
Private driver & Tour guide
Arrival in NoiBai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center and transfer you to your hotel for check-in
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Enjoy lunch at Huong Lien Restaurant where the Former US President Mr. Barack Obama ate bun cha in Hanoi with Anthony Bourdain, an American chef, author, and television personality.
After your good lunch, Explore Van Mieu- QuocTuGiam (Temple of Literature & Vietnam’s first university). Constructed in the 11th century, Van Mieu- QuocTuGiam, with its colorful gardens and well-preserved buildings, offers a historical glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Continue to visit Hoa Lo Prison museum or the Museum of Vietnamese Women.
Next up, we walk slowly through the narrow and busy Hanoi Old Quarter. It is where each street is named after the specific goods it once sold. Then, we stop to visit a local wet market before enjoying a Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from the rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
DAY 02: HANOI - NINH BINH- TRANG AN CAVE ( B,L)
Private driver & guide
Distance: 100km – 3 hours for transferring
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Then get pick up for the transfer to NinhBinh .Arrival NinhBinh, check in hotel and relax.
12:00: we have an hour for lunch at local restaurant
After lunch, we take a boat trip to explore the cave complex in Trang An. Enjoy peaceful moments with clear water, fresh air and spectacular views of mountainous areas. Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. This area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16:00: Our driver will take you check in hotel. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Ninh
Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Ninh Binh
DAY 03: NINH BINH- HON GAI HARBOR – BAI TU LONG BAY – CONG DO – CAP LA ISLAND – TRA SAN (B,L,D)
Private driver & guide
Distance: 185km – 5 hours for transferring
Explore Ha Long Bay by deluxe cruise.
Notes: Ha Long Itinerary is subjected to change based on weather conditions and each Cruise.
08:00 – 8:30: We will pick you up from your hotel and head to northeast of Vietnam
12.30: Arrive Ha Long, transferred a by tender to Cruise on BaiTu Long bay
12.45: Enjoy a welcome drink with all staffs on board, listen briefly to safety on boat and activities included then check in cabin.
13.30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu while leisurely cruising to the core of BaiTu Long Bay.
15.00: Arrive to Cap La Island the beautiful area in BaiTu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing
17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy sunset tea (enjoy tea and fresh fruit).This time is regarded as “Happy hour”- Buy two get one free while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19.00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.
20.30: Free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.
(Please inform our guide if you want to join in karaoke activity)
Overnight in BaiTu Long bay cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation : Overnight on Ha Long cruise
DAY 04: TRA SAN – THIEN CANH SON CAVE – HON GAI HARBOR- HANOI NIGHT TRAIN TO HUE (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Distance: 160km – 4 hours for transferring
06.30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi
07.00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available
08.00: Explore ThienCanh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, BaiTu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature
09.30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.
Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10.30: Cooking demonstration is organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine- “BanhCuon” by yourself.
11.00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12.00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier
12.30: Say goodbye Ha Long Bay then returns to Hanoi. Free and easy in Hanoi old quarter until transfer to Railway station for night train to Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: On Train – Soft berth in sharing cabin with AC
- Our tour guide will not accompany during the train trip
- Private compartments on request at surcharge.
- Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for – with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.
Note: You can choose to go by plane instead of by train
DAY 05: HUE SIGHTSEEING (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Upon arrival Hue station at 8:00AM: our guide & driver will pick you up and transfer to have breakfast.
We then set out for the exploration of Hue’s famous highlights, including a boat trip to visit the picturesque Thien Mu, or Heavenly Lady Pagoda
Built in 1601, it is one of the best know religious and must-see sites in Hue. Both landscape and monuments here are always in harmony and bring a feeling of peace for travelers. Disembark the board for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc.
Stretching along the Perfume River, Tu Duc mausoleum is considered to be the most picturesque site of Hue. The tomb was designed by the Emperor Tu Duc himself and this is the largest architectural work of Nguyen Dynasty’s royal palaces and tombs.
Transfer back to Hue center Hue for lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City
Built in the 19th century by Nguyen dynasty, the Citadel becomes the most important historical and cultural monument in Vietnam. It is a square 2 km wall encompassing 3 walled enclosures: the Citadel, the Yellow Imperial city, and the Forbidden Purple city.
If time permits, we continue to do the walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the specialty of Hue city. Overnight at the hotel in Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Hue
DAY 06: HUE - THUY BIEU VILLAGE- HOI AN TOWN (B,L)
Private driver & guide
After breakfast we pick up you at your hotel and transfer you to Toa Kham wharf. Upon arrival we take a dragon boat along Perfume River forward ThuyBieu Village. From Phu Wharf, you keep cycling along verdant paths visit Nguyen Phuoc Toc worship palace, Luong Quan temple and visit local people’s daily life. Afterward visit ancient houses, calls “Nha Ruong” which is over 100 years old and take part in daily activities with the local people such as making sesame candy, processing rural dishes. Lunch will be served with a Vietnamese traditional family. Here you have a chance to try sesame candy and special dishes which are made from local materials by skillful hand of poetic Hue woman. In the afternoon ride to visit Than temple- worship Mai-am princess– the daughter of Ming Mang King. Mr. Hieu will introduce to you about his ancient tamp and money collection. Leave ThuyBieu village to come back to city. Don’t forget to say thanks to friendly people and skillful woman, who gave you an impressive experience in Vietnam countryside. On the way come back to Hue city, we stop to visit Tiger Arena (Ho Quyen) and Screaming Elephants Altar (Voi Re), Long Tho pagoda, Long Tho market … Tour guide also introduces to you about Hue Railway station, Ho Chi Minh museum, Quoc Hoc School. In the late afternoon transfer to Hoi An for your overnight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Hoi An
DAY 07: BYCLYCLE TOUR CAM THANH ECOTOUR – COOKING CLASS AT FAMILY HOUSE – HOI AN TOWN (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Distance : 10km
Spend a day leisurely cycling though the scenic and peaceful countryside of Vietnam, far away from the noise of the city. After passing through town, you will find yourself cycling amongst villages of rice fields on quiet roads, ending up in Van Lang fisherman village and Bay Mau water coconut forest – 7 hectares of mangrove forest, canals, and houses covered in water coconut leaf. This place played refuge to people and local soldiers during the Vietnam War, but nowadays it is famous for its abundance of seafood. On our journey to the village we will stop at Ba Le market, rice fields, cemeteries and schools…In the village you will be warmly welcomed with a green tea by Mr. Han and his family, the third generation of his family to live here. You are then free to stroll through the village, before rowing a basket boat with the help of skillful locals, learning their traditional fishing techniques in the water coconut forest.
After returning to Mr. Hung and his family, you will enjoy a traditional therapeutic foot bath with medicinal herbs, before helping to prepare lunch with a local family. Lunch will feature many local dishes, such as TamHuu spring rolls, BanhXeo local pancakes, grilled fish in banana leaf, among many other Vietnamese delicacies. Free time and the opportunity for a short rest will follow lunch, before we return to your hotel.
Menu:
1. Hoian nem
- Hoian Crispy Pancakes
3. Tam Huu: Port, shrimp, herbs
4. Grilled fish with curcumas in banana leaf
5. Sautéed Vegetables with the garlic
6. Spinach Soup
7. Steamed Rice
8. Desert.
In the afternoon, we will visit Hoi An town with ancient merchants’ houses, a PhucKien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colorful riverside markets, workshopswhere artisans make Hoi An’s famous lanterns. Guests learn how the lanterns are made then have a chance to create their own lanterns, from designing the frame to gluing the cloth, the most delightful places. Overnight at hotel in Hoian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Hoi An
DAY 08: HOI AN FREE & EASY (B)
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Have a full free day to explore and do shopping or relax on the beach. Lunch & Dinner are on your own arrangements. Stay overnight in Da Nang/ Cua Dai beach
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Hoi An
OPTIONAL1 : DA NANG – BA NA HILL& GOLDEN BRIDGE (L)
At 8:00AM: Transfer direct to Ba Na Hills.
At 9:30AM: Upon arrival Ba Na Hills, the tour guide will lead you to get on a Cable Car which gains 4 world scores. From The Cable Car, you can get a bird’s-eye view, see the vast forests, and contemplate the beauty of the dreamy Mo stream and soft Toc Tien waterfall.
Arrive at Station 2, our guide will take you to Debay Wine Cellar and Le JardinD’Amour Flower Garden. Le JardinD’Amour is a huge flower garden, And a highlight in this tour is the Golden Bridge ( also called” Hands of God”). This bridge was built with a very special structure with 2 hands holding the bridge. From the bridge, you can see the panoramic view of Ba Na mountain
Afterward, you will have the chance to visit LinhUng Pagoda, the highest pagoda among the three as it is located at around 1,500 meters above sea level. Have lunch at a restaurant at French village and take a short rest to continue exploring all Ba Na Hills
In the afternoon: Conquer the peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1487 m, the highest peak in Ba Na. Then, you will visit Linh Chua LinhTu Temple to bask in the purity and peacefulness, find your minds relaxed and leave your worries behind.
Next place is the French Square, visit and play some games in Fantasy Park – one of the largest indoor amusement parks in Vietnam with series of interesting games: Free fall tower, 4-5 D film, skiver, the death race, Dinosaur Park,
Back to your cabin down the mountain by cable car up, we drive back to Da Nang. End of services.
DAY 09:HOI AN- DA NANG DEPARTURE (B)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free morning. Then driver will take you to the airport. Departure to the next destination.
Saying goodbye to Vietnam & Xuan Son Travel see you again.
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!
1/ The weather & our latest advice on the weather
Light clothes regardless of the season in the south but for the visit of temples and pagodas, make sure you have a top with sleeves (shoulders must be covered) and bottoms going at least up to the knee. From November to March it can get pretty cold in the North, make sure to have warm clothes for mornings and evenings.
Central Vietnam : Hoi An, Hue
- Dec – Feb: 15°C to 30°C, mostly dry, grey.
- March – Aug: 25°C to 35°C, dry, ideal.
- Sept-Nov: 23°C to 32°C, rain risk due to atmospheric depressions.
Note: Occasional bad weather on the beaches from October to January.
Northern Vietnam:
- Dec – Feb: 10°C to 25°C, mostly dry, grey.
- March: 15°C to 30°C, season change, dry.
- April – June: 25°C to 35°C, some heavy showers.
- Sept – Oct: 25°C to 35°C, clear weather, occasional showers.
Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.
2/ Visa
- To go to Vietnam you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
- The Government of Vietnam promulgates the Resolution on Vietnamese Entry Visa Waiver for Citizens of Five European Countries: UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. This exemption is applied for a maximum period of 15 days regardless of passport categories and purpose of entry into Vietnam, and is valid until June 30, 2021.
- For any stay lasting more than 15 days, or for a multiple entry stay in a period of less than 15 days, a visa is required. A period of 30 days is required after the last exit from Vietnam in order to once again benefit from the visa waiver measure for a stay not exceeding 15 days.
To get more info => Click Here
3/ International flight
- Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Vietnam for two reasons:
- International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
- The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.
- Which language?
- The official and most widely spread language is Vietnamese.
- English is spoken in all touristic areas.
- Cancellation Policy:
- More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
- 14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- 10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- What to Bring
- Sun Glasses, Sun Block, Wide Brim Hat, Insect Repellent, Swimming Suits
- Warm Clothes (in winter from November to April)
- Original Passport
- Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
- Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
- Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
- Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD  | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| HUE | Hue homestay | …. | Serene Shining/ Serene Palace/ Thanh Lich 2/ Rosaleen hotel or similar | Emm Hue/ Thanh Lich Royal Boutique/ Romance/Eldora /Saigon Morin or similar | Pligrimage Village /Imperial/Azerai la residence Hue or similar |
| HOI AN | An Bang homestay | …. | Kim An hotel / Pho Hội riverside /HT village/ Hoi An ancient house resort or similar | Le pavilion Boutique/ Muca resort / Belle Maison/ Hoi An ancient Village or similar | Sunrise Premium resort/ Palmy Garden resort or similar |
| MUI NE | …. | …. | Little Mui Ne Cottages Resort / Dynasty resort or similar | Ramana resort / Pandanus resort or similar | Anantara resort / Sea Links resort or similar |
| SAIGON | …. | …. | Chez Mimosa Petite / Queen Ann hotel / Bloom hotel or similar | Cicilia hotel/ Silverland Charner/ Grand Silverland / Eden Star hotel or similar | The Mys Dong Khoi hotel/ Hotel des Arts/ Majestic / Caravel Hotel or similar |
| CAN THO | Can Tho Homestay | …. | Anh Dao Mekong2 hotel/ Kim Tho/Hau Giang/ Ninh Kieu or similar | Nam Bo boutique/ Irish Can Tho/West hotel/ Ninh Kieu riverside or similar | Azerai Can Tho resort / Vinpearl Can Tho or similar |
| VINH LONG | Homestay | …. | …. | …. | …. |
TRAVEL PRICE:EXPLORE VIETNAM IN THE NORTH AND CENTER BY BUS & TRAIN
From…. To…usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- The English speaking guide as guided time
- Accommodation based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast
- Food tour mentioned on the program
- 2 days 1night on Ha Long cruise
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
- All transfers with the air-conditioned private vehicle
- Mineral water & cool towels on car during the trip.
- Boat trip in NinhBinh
- Night train : Hanoi- Hue
- Entrance fees and permits during guided time.
- Service charge & Government taxes
Exclusion
- Vietnam Visa stamp fee :
- International airfare and departure taxes
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Early check in/ late check out
- Domestic flights and domestic airport taxes
- Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any
- Surcharged for Public holidays
- Drinks and meal not mentioned
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks …
- Personal travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance).
- Gratuities/ Tipping
- All other services not specified in the itinerary
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- xuansontravel@yahoo.com.vn
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.