7 Nights / 8 Days – North & Central Vietnam – Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Hoi An
A sample seven-night introduction without the long journey south: Hanoi, a full day in Ninh Binh, a night on Ha Long Bay, and three nights in Hoi An with Da Nang.
Suggested itinerary. Suggested itineraries that can be customised. Availability, arrangements and prices are subject to confirmation in your personalised quote.
- Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay
- Hanoi
- Hoi An
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai airport; private transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Overnight Hanoi
- Day 2
Ninh Binh full-day tour
Drive to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours each way). Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, take a sampan boat ride through the limestone caves at Trang An or Tam Coc (boats operate subject to water levels and weather), and climb Mua Cave viewpoint if you wish (about 500 steps). Lunch included where quoted. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Overnight Hanoi
- Day 3
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay cruise
Drive to Ha Long Bay (about 2.5–3 hours by expressway) and board your overnight cruise. Afternoon among the limestone karsts, with kayaking or a cave visit as offered by the cruise.
Overnight Ha Long Bay (cruise)
- Day 4
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, city tour
Morning on the bay and brunch on board, then drive back to Hanoi (about 2.5–3 hours). Afternoon city tour: the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter on foot. Optional water puppet show.
Overnight Hanoi
- Day 5
Fly to Da Nang, on to Hoi An
Domestic flight Hanoi–Da Nang (about 1 hour 20 minutes), then drive to Hoi An (about 45 minutes). Evening in the lantern-lit Ancient Town.
Overnight Hoi An
- Day 6
Hoi An Ancient Town
Walking tour of the Ancient Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), then free time, a tailor visit or a countryside cycle.
Overnight Hoi An
- Day 7
Da Nang, Marble Mountains or Ba Na Hills
Marble Mountains and My Khe beach, or an optional day at Ba Na Hills (tickets extra).
Overnight Hoi An
- Day 8
Departure
Transfer to Da Nang airport for departure, or fly on to Phu Quoc to extend your journey.
Seasonal notes
- North: cool and often grey from December to February; October–April is generally most comfortable.
- Central coast: rainy and typhoon season roughly September to December, with flooding possible in Hoi An in October–November; February to May is usually best.
- Ha Long Bay cruises can be rescheduled in bad weather.
Typically included
- Accommodation in hotels of your chosen category, meal plan as quoted
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise cabin with the meals and activities listed by the cruise, where shown
- Private transfers and the sightseeing listed, with an English-speaking local guide where quoted
- Domestic flights within Vietnam, if included in your quote
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Vietnam visa (e-visa) fees
- Entry fees, guides and activities not listed in your quote
- Travel insurance
- Meals not in your meal plan, drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Anything not listed as included
Price
Cancellation terms, including service/handling charges, are set out in our Terms & Conditions.
Shape this journey around you
Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we will send a personalised day-by-day plan.
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