Northern & Central Vietnam

The north in full, then the central coast

The north in full, then the central coast A ready-built creator-led group trip across Vietnam, 6–8 days. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Vietnam · 6–8 days · Best season: October to April, the dry season across most of the country · Group size: 10–20 guests

Route

Hanoi > Ninh Binh > Halong Bay > Danang > Hoi An

Highlights

  • Hoa Lu ancient capital, Tam Coc sampan ride
  • Drive to Halong, overnight cruise, kayaking
  • Sunrise cruise, return to Hanoi, fly to Danang
  • Cable car to Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge
  • Cam Thanh basket-boats, Hoi An ancient town

Day by day

Day 1: Hanoi arrival & Old Quarter

On arrival at Hanoi airport, your private driver transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon your guide leads you to the train street and Hoan Kiem Lake, finishing in the Old Quarter's '36 streets'.

Day 2: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu & Tam Coc

Drive about 2.5 hours to Ninh Binh, known as 'Halong Bay on land'. Visit Hoa Lu, capital of Vietnam's first feudal dynasties, then board a sampan for a 1.5-hour row through the Tam Coc caves. Enjoy lunch before returning to Hanoi.

Day 3: Halong Bay, overnight cruise

Travel roughly three hours east to Halong Bay and board your overnight cruise. Enjoy lunch on deck, then visit grottoes, kayak or swim, and pass floating villages, with a cooking demonstration before dinner.

Day 4: Halong sunrise, return to Hanoi & fly to Danang

Wake for sunrise over the bay and cruise past the named islets before an early brunch. Transfer back to Hanoi and take a domestic flight to Danang, where your driver meets you for the transfer to your hotel.

Day 5: Ba Na Hills & the Golden Bridge

Ride the cable car up to Ba Na Hills for the Linh Ung Pagoda, the Debay wine cellar and the gardens of Le Jardin d'Amour, and walk the Golden Bridge held aloft by two giant stone hands. Entry includes the Fantasy Park games and hill train.

Day 6: Cam Thanh coconut jungle & Hoi An

Ride a bamboo basket-boat among the water-coconut palms at Cam Thanh, then explore Hoi An's old town on foot: the Japanese Bridge, the Phung Hung house and the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, with galleries and tailor shops along the lanes.

Day 7: Danang departure

After breakfast, your private driver takes you to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

  • Private door-to-door pick-up and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking guide as per the itinerary
  • 5 nights hotel accommodation in your chosen tier, with breakfast
  • 1 night on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay
  • Sampan ride at Tam Coc, basket-boat at Cam Thanh, Hoi An walking tour
  • Cable car ticket and Fantasy Park entry at Ba Na Hills
  • All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Meals as listed: 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 brunch, 1 dinner
  • Bottled water in the vehicle (2 per person per day)
  • Service charges and government tax
  • 24/7 support throughout the trip

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfares
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed in the programme
  • Peak-season or public-holiday surcharges, if any
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, telephone and laundry
  • Vietnam visa fees
  • Tips for your guide and driver