This 10 day itinerary explores northern and central Vietnam through immersive countryside experiences, ancient towns, and coastal beauty. Begin in Hanoi and journey through Pu Luong, a lush valley of rice terraces and traditional Thai villages. Enjoy hiking through local farmland, staying in eco lodges, and learning about rural life. Continue to Ninh Binh for a peaceful boat ride and visit hidden temples set among karst mountains and limestone caves.
Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay on a luxury overnight junk, then fly to Hue to discover royal history and sample local cuisine. Cross the dramatic Hai Van Pass to reach Hoi An, a charming riverside town known for its lantern lit streets and friendly locals. Along the way, enjoy guided walking tours, a basket boat ride, and a local cooking experience. With a balance of relaxation, soft adventure, and cultural insight, this itinerary is perfect for active travellers looking to experience a different side of Vietnam.
Travellers arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi where they are welcomed by a local representative and transferred by private vehicle to their hotel. Once checked in, the remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and unwind or begin exploring the capital city at their own pace.
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Apricot Hotel
An early start sees guests depart Hanoi between 7.00 and 8.00 for a full day trip to Ninh Binh. The first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where visitors explore historic ruins and learn about the dynasties of Dinh and Le. A visit to the temples of Emperor Dinh offers insights into Vietnamese architecture and culture. Afterward, enjoy an authentic Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue the journey with a peaceful boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush countryside, this UNESCO listed area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. At the end of the excursion, transfer to a nearby hotel in Ninh Binh for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Tam Coc
After breakfast, head out to explore Galaxy Grotto, one of Ninh Binh’s lesser known caves. Stretching over 800 metres, the grotto includes both dry and water sections and is famed for its spectacular stalactites and tranquil setting. Guests enjoy a boat ride through the cave before continuing on foot to admire its unique geological features. Later in the day, visit Thai Vi Temple, an important cultural site nestled in a peaceful rural landscape. The tour continues to Bich Dong Pagoda, built into a mountainside and offering sweeping views of rice paddies and limestone peaks. After exploring the area, return to Hanoi in the late afternoon for the evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Apricot Hotel
The morning is free for independent exploration. Guests may choose to relax or join one of several optional excursions such as a cooking class, a visit to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village or a guided walking tour of central Hanoi. In the late afternoon, from 16.30 to 17.00, the guided motorbike tour begins. Travellers ride pillion with experienced drivers through Hanoi’s hidden lanes and local neighbourhoods. Stops include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake, and the vibrant Train Street where trains pass close to homes and cafes. Guests then cruise through the French Quarter with its colonial era charm, followed by a ride through the bustling Old Quarter. The tour ends with dinner at a local restaurant, offering the chance to reflect on a day of vibrant culture and lively street life.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Apricot Hotel
After breakfast, travellers are collected from their hotel around 8.00 and driven to Halong Bay. On arrival, check in and board the cruise ship for a memorable journey through the emerald waters of the bay. A welcome lunch is served onboard as the boat begins its journey past limestone formations and peaceful coves. The afternoon includes opportunities for kayaking, swimming or cave visits depending on the cruise itinerary. In the evening, enjoy a Vietnamese dinner followed by optional activities such as squid fishing, board games or relaxing on deck under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mon Chéri Cruise
Begin the day with a calming tai chi session on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Continue cruising through Halong Bay with the chance to join more activities such as kayaking or visiting a floating market. After brunch, the cruise returns to port where a private transfer awaits to drive guests to Hanoi Airport. Fly south to Da Nang and upon arrival, travel by road to the riverside town of Hoi An. Check in to the hotel and relax for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
Today begins with a transfer to Nguyen Hoang Boat Station to embark on a cruise along the Thu Bon River. Arrive at Tra Nhieu Fishing Village and cycle through scenic rural landscapes. Around 9.30, return to the boat and continue to a local pier where the ride resumes through quiet country roads lined with coconut palms and shrimp farms. Stop at a local fishing family’s home to try riding in a traditional round coracle boat while learning about river life. Continue cycling to Tra Que Village, known for its aromatic herbs and vegetable gardens. Enjoy a hands on farming experience followed by a delicious lunch at a village restaurant. In the afternoon, cycle back to Hoi An and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
Guests are collected between 7.45 and 8.00 and transferred to Ba Na Hills. Upon arrival, ride the scenic cable car to Marseille Station and visit the famed Golden Bridge, held by two stone hands emerging from the hillside. Explore the colourful gardens of Jardin D’Amour and the peaceful Linh Ung Pagoda, which houses a large statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Lunch is served at a buffet restaurant before spending the afternoon at Fantasy Park with its family friendly attractions and amusement rides. In the late afternoon, return by cable car and travel back to the hotel in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
This day is completely free to explore Hoi An at your own pace. Options include a walking tour of the Old Town, a visit to the Cham Islands, or simply relaxing on An Bang Beach. Guests can also use the time to visit tailors, explore art galleries or enjoy a leisurely coffee along the Thu Bon River.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
After breakfast, the morning is free until it is time to check out and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for the departure flight. The tour concludes with fond memories of Vietnam’s cultural richness and natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Not included
Apricot Hotel is a sophisticated five star retreat perfectly positioned on the edge of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a seamless blend of cultural elegance and modern luxury. Just steps from the Old Quarter and the city’s most treasured landmarks, the hotel provides an ideal base for exploring Hanoi’s vibrant streetscapes, galleries, and historic charm.
The hotel’s interiors are artistically designed, celebrating Vietnamese heritage with curated local artwork, refined furnishings, and a blend of classical French architecture and contemporary style. Each room and suite is beautifully appointed with premium bedding, marble bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities, many offering sweeping views of the lake or the bustling city below.
Guests can unwind with a cocktail by the rooftop infinity pool, take in panoramic views of the lake from the rooftop bar, or enjoy a traditional Vietnamese massage at the spa. Dining is a refined experience, with a choice of elegant venues serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine and international favourites in stylish, welcoming settings.
With warm hospitality, distinctive design, and a premier location overlooking Hanoi’s cultural heart, Apricot Hotel is the perfect place to experience the city’s rich history, artistic spirit, and timeless beauty in quiet, indulgent comfort.
Emeralda Resort Tam Coc is a peaceful riverside sanctuary nestled amid the striking karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, offering a refined blend of countryside charm and contemporary comfort. Located in the heart of Tam Coc, just minutes from the region’s most scenic boat rides and ancient temples, the resort provides an ideal base for exploring northern Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural treasures.
The resort’s interiors reflect traditional Vietnamese architecture with tiled roofs, wooden beams, and soft earth tones, creating a sense of calm and authenticity throughout. Each room and suite is thoughtfully designed with handcrafted furnishings, spacious bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces that open to gardens, mountain views or the gentle flow of the Ngo Dong River.
Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool set against a dramatic limestone backdrop, indulge in a therapeutic treatment at the full service spa, or take a bicycle to explore the surrounding countryside. The in house restaurant showcases Vietnamese cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients, served in a warm and rustic setting with views of the water and hills beyond.
With genuine hospitality, tranquil surroundings, and a deep connection to the region’s natural beauty, Emeralda Resort Tam Coc offers an enriching escape for travellers seeking comfort, culture, and calm in one of Vietnam’s most captivating landscapes.
Mon Chéri Cruise is an elegant five star escape that sails through the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, offering a luxurious way to experience one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Departing from Hai Phong, the cruise provides a more peaceful and exclusive route compared to the busier Halong Bay, with access to hidden lagoons, unspoiled beaches, and dramatic limestone islands.
The cruise’s interiors are thoughtfully designed, blending contemporary European sophistication with subtle Vietnamese details. Each spacious cabin is beautifully appointed with premium bedding, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to private balconies, allowing guests to take in uninterrupted views of the bay in absolute comfort.
Guests can relax with a drink on the expansive sundeck, unwind at the spa with a traditional massage, or take part in curated experiences such as kayaking, swimming, and exploring floating villages. Dining is a highlight, with a refined selection of Vietnamese and international cuisine served in an elegant dining room overlooking the water.
With warm service, stylish surroundings, and a serene cruising route, Mon Chéri Cruise offers the perfect combination of luxury and discovery for travellers looking to experience the beauty of Lan Ha Bay in comfort and style.
Bel Marina Hoi An Resort is a stylish five-star riverside retreat perfectly positioned on the edge of Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Just a short stroll from the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and lantern lit streets, the resort offers an ideal combination of modern comfort, cultural charm, and easy access to the town’s historic landmarks, vibrant markets, and riverside cafés.
The resort’s interiors are thoughtfully designed, blending contemporary finishes with subtle nods to Hoi An’s heritage. Each room and suite is beautifully appointed with soft neutral tones, plush bedding, and elegant bathrooms. Many feature private balconies with views over the Thu Bon River or the resort’s lush tropical gardens, creating a calm and serene atmosphere throughout.
Guests can unwind beside the expansive infinity pool overlooking the river, indulge in a traditional massage at the full service spa, or enjoy sunset cocktails at the poolside bar. Dining is a highlight, with a range of restaurants offering both authentic Vietnamese cuisine and international favourites served in relaxed, stylish settings.
With warm hospitality, modern comforts, and an unbeatable riverside location, Bel Marina Hoi An Resort is the perfect base for discovering the beauty, culture, and timeless charm of Hoi An while enjoying a peaceful and indulgent stay.
Price & Availability:
Kindly be advised that all reservations are contingent upon availability and will be officially confirmed within 24 hours of receiving your booking request. Our prices are denominated in Australian dollars, and any currency conversions will be processed at midnight daily. Given the fluctuating nature of exchange rates, prices are subject to change until we receive full payment.
Accommodation Flexibility:
Accommodation for this tour is offered exclusively in 5 star hotels and cruise. Travellers may choose their preferred hotel category in each destination based on comfort level and budget. All hotels have been carefully selected for quality, location, and service. The advertised “from” price is based on 5 star accommodation and low season travel. Surcharges may apply during peak season, public holidays, or high-demand periods. If a selected hotel is unavailable at the time of booking, a comparable property of the same standard and location will be offered.
Day Tours and Excursions:
All included excursions are privately guided unless otherwise noted. Experiences such as the motorbike tours in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cooking classes in Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta homestay are all conducted by trusted local partners. While most activities include hotel pick-up, some may require travellers to meet at a central location. Optional excursions, including street food tours or countryside cycling, are also available to enhance your itinerary. If you would like to personalise your experience, private upgrade options are available on request and subject to additional cost.
Booking on Request:
Please note that all reservations are processed upon request. A deposit may be required to request the room. Confirmation will be provided within 24 hours of your booking inquiry. If your preferred dates are unavailable, we’ll suggest suitable alternatives or promptly refund your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing:
Please be aware that many hotels in Vietnam operate on dynamic pricing. Due to high demand, particularly during peak seasons, room rates can fluctuate based on occupancy levels. As a result, prices may change from the time of your original quote until payment is received and the booking is confirmed.
We recommend securing your accommodation as early as possible to lock in the quoted rates. If your selected accommodation is no longer available at the time of booking, we will offer alternative options of similar cost, comfort level, and location whenever possible.
Itinerary Order and Availability:
Please note that the order of the itinerary may be subject to change to ensure availability of accommodation and day tour experiences. While we aim to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, slight adjustments may be necessary depending on availability at the time of booking.
The final order of day tours and activities will be confirmed and locked in once your booking is secured. For bookings made outside of peak travel periods and with sufficient lead time, itinerary changes are unlikely. However, during busy seasons or for last-minute bookings, some flexibility may be required to accommodate availability.
Rest assured, any adjustments will be made with the aim of maintaining the quality and overall experience of your journey.
Payment Terms:
A deposit of 30% is required at the time of of booking to for confirmation. Full payment must be settled at least 45 days before the arrival date.
Changes & Cancellation
Cancellations are permitted up to 14 days before departure, with a refund minus a 10% cancellation fee.
Changes are permitted up to 35 days prior to departure.
100% cancellation fees will apply within 14 days of arrival, unless otherwise stated.
Please note: Train and flight tickets included in your itinerary are non-refundable once confirmed. Any amounts paid for these will be in addition to the 10% cancellation fee.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.