Iconic Vietnam: An 8-Day Expedition from Hanoi to Da Nang – Hoi An

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The check-in time follows the hotel’s standard policy, typically around 14:00 – 15:00.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure, allowing you to relax after your journey or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

At 08:00, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and depart for Ninh Binh Province, located approximately 120 km from Hanoi. Around 09:00, you will have a short 20-minute break to relax before continuing the journey.

By 10:30, you will arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam. Here, you will visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century, and learn about the historical significance of the site as well as the reason the capital was later moved to Hanoi. The architecture and atmosphere offer a strong impression of Vietnam’s ancient past.

At 12:30, lunch will be served at a local restaurant (at your own expense).

From 13:30 to 14:00, continue to Trang An, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014. Known for its remarkable cave system, Trang An was also selected as a filming location for the movie Kong: Skull Island. You will enjoy a boat trip through this stunning landscape, passing through caves such as Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dark Cave), and Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine Cave), while admiring the green river and natural scenery.

At 16:00, return to Hanoi by private car, arriving at your hotel between 18:30 and 19:00. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will check out and depart by private car for Halong Bay. The journey takes you through the scenic Red River Delta, where lush paddy fields and mountainous landscapes create a picturesque backdrop.

Upon arrival at the harbor, you will board the cruise and begin sailing through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by towering limestone karst formations. During the cruise, you will visit a stunning grotto to admire its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

The remainder of the day is reserved for relaxation onboard. Meals will be served on the cruise, and you will spend the night in this unique setting, fully immersed in the beauty of Halong Bay.

Note: When checking out from your hotel, it is recommended to prepare a small overnight bag, as space on board is limited. Larger luggage will be safely stored at your Hanoi hotel.

Overnight on a cruise in Halong Bay.

After breakfast, you will have time to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the captivating scenery of Halong Bay.

Following brunch onboard at around 11:30, you will disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, where your room will be available for check-in.

The rest of the day is free at leisure. Dinner is by your own arrangement.

Overnight in Hanoi.

You will have free time until your driver (without a guide) arrives to transfer you to the airport for your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, your driver and guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. The check-in time follows the hotel’s standard policy (around 14:00 – 15:00). Meals are on your own arrangement.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Cam Thanh fishing village. Here, you will enjoy a bamboo basket boat ride through the coconut forest, accompanied by an introduction to its historical background.

During the experience, you will learn traditional fishing techniques such as round net and cast net fishing, try paddling the basket boat, and even take part in a lively boat performance. You will also explore the peaceful coconut waterways, experience crab-catching, and visit a local fisherman’s house for a refreshing drink.

In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to Hoi An Ancient Town. You will visit Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, known for its elaborate architecture, dragon statues, and cultural significance. Continue to explore historic merchant houses such as Phung Hung or Tan Ky, which have stood for over 200 years. A stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge allows you to admire its unique design and cultural symbolism.

Dinner will be at a local restaurant (at your own expense).

In the evening, enjoy a boat ride along the river and release flower lanterns as a symbolic gesture for luck and prosperity, while immersing yourself in the magical lantern-lit atmosphere.

Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Da Nang.

In the morning, travel from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills (approximately 45 minutes). Upon arrival, take a scenic cable car ride to the mountaintop resort.

At the top, visit the iconic Golden Bridge, supported by giant stone hands, and explore the French Village with its charming European-inspired architecture. You will also have time to enjoy attractions at Fantasy Park, admire Linh Ung Pagoda, and take in panoramic mountain views.

Lunch will be served at a shared buffet restaurant, with options including local and Indian cuisine.

Note: Alpine coaster rides, wine cellar visits, wax museum fees, and paid games at Fantasy Park are not included in the quotation.
The tour duration is approximately 7-7.5 hours.

Return to Da Nang in the afternoon.

Overnight in Da Nang.

The final day is free at leisure until your driver (without a guide) transfers you to the airport for your departure flight.

Check-out time follows the hotel’s standard policy (around 11:00-12:00).

Your journey concludes with memorable experiences across Vietnam’s cultural and natural highlights.