10-Day North and Central Vietnam Tour: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hue & Hoi An

Welcome to Sapa, one of Northern Vietnam’s most beautiful mountain destinations, known for its misty valleys, terraced rice fields and rich ethnic minority culture.

You will arrive in Sapa town at approximately 12:00 PM. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a short rest before starting your afternoon exploration.

In the afternoon, visit Moana View, also known as Little Bali Sapa, a popular scenic viewpoint surrounded by the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. This is a great stop for photography lovers and travelers who want to enjoy panoramic mountain scenery without a difficult hike.

At Moana View, you can see several well-known photo spots, including:

Bali Gate: A scenic mountain-view gate inspired by Bali-style design.

Infinity Lake: A peaceful viewpoint with open views over the surrounding mountains.

Moana Girl Statue: One of the most recognizable check-in spots in Sapa.

Golden Hand Viewpoint: A creative photo spot overlooking the mountain landscape.

Sapa Swing: A fun stop for memorable travel photos.

Lonely Tree: A simple but atmospheric viewpoint for mountain photography.

Afterward, continue to Cat Cat Village, one of the most visited ethnic villages near Sapa town. Located about 3 km from Sapa, the village is home to the Black H’Mong community and offers an easy introduction to local culture and mountain life.

Enjoy a light trekking route of around 45 minutes, passing through terraced fields, local corn farms, traditional wooden houses and small handicraft stalls. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the daily life, customs and traditions of the H’Mong people.

This afternoon experience combines scenic viewpoints, gentle walking and cultural discovery, making it a comfortable first introduction to Sapa.

Later, return to your hotel in Sapa town. The evening is free for you to relax and enjoy the cool mountain atmosphere.

Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your journey to Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam and one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Northern Vietnam.

Known as the Roof of Indochina, Fansipan rises to 3,143 meters above sea level and offers a memorable combination of mountain scenery, spiritual landmarks and panoramic views over the Hoang Lien Son range.

In the morning, transfer with your guide and driver to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride above the valleys, rice terraces and mountain slopes of Sapa. On clear days, the journey offers impressive views of Muong Hoa Valley, the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and the surrounding cloud-covered peaks.

Upon arrival at the upper station, continue exploring the Fansipan summit area. You may visit several spiritual and cultural landmarks, including mountain pagodas, temples and the impressive Giant Buddha statue.

From the upper station area, continue by climbing approximately 600 stone steps to reach the summit of Fansipan Peak. The walk can be physically demanding because of the altitude and steps, but the reward is a breathtaking view from Vietnam’s highest point.

Spend time sightseeing, taking photos and enjoying the fresh mountain air before descending by cable car.

After lunch, return to Sapa town and begin your transfer back to Hanoi. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery of Northern Vietnam, from mountain landscapes to countryside views.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure after your Sapa and Fansipan experience.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, leave Hanoi for a full-day journey into Northern Vietnam’s cultural villages and limestone landscapes.

Your first stop is Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, a traditional craft village near Hanoi known for its colorful incense bundles and long-standing incense-making heritage. During the visit, you will learn about the local production process, meet village artisans and see how incense sticks are dried, arranged and prepared by hand. The vibrant red, pink and yellow incense displays also make this one of the most photogenic cultural stops near Hanoi.

Afterward, continue to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land” thanks to its dramatic limestone karsts, winding rivers and peaceful rice fields.

Upon arrival, visit Mua Cave, one of the best viewpoints in Ninh Binh. Climb approximately 486 stone steps to reach the top of Ngoa Long Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views over Tam Coc, rice paddies, limestone cliffs and the surrounding countryside. The climb requires moderate effort, but the view from the summit is one of the most rewarding highlights of the day.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with a scenic Tam Coc boat ride. Sit back as a local rower takes you along a peaceful river surrounded by limestone mountains, caves, green fields and rural villages. This scenic boat trip lasts around

1.5 hours and offers a relaxing way to experience the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.

In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel in the Tam Coc area. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax and enjoy the quiet countryside atmosphere.

Overnight in Tam Coc.

After breakfast, depart from Ninh Binh and travel to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The journey usually takes around 3 hours, passing through the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta, with views of rural villages, rice fields and local life along the way.

Upon arrival at the cruise pier, board your Halong Bay overnight cruise and begin your journey among thousands of limestone islands rising from the emerald waters. Enjoy lunch on board as the cruise sails through the spectacular seascape of Halong Bay and nearby scenic areas.

In the afternoon, visit Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. Walk through its spacious chambers and admire the dramatic stalactites and rock formations shaped over thousands of years.

Continue to Ti Top Island, a popular stop for both relaxation and panoramic views. You may swim at the sandy beach or climb to the island’s viewpoint for a breathtaking view over Halong Bay and its limestone karsts.

Later, return to the cruise and enjoy the sunset from the sundeck as the boat anchors for the night. Join Happy Hour on board, followed by a Vietnamese cooking class, where you can learn how to prepare a simple traditional dish with guidance from the cruise team.

In the evening, savor dinner on board and relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the bay. After dinner, you may try squid fishing, a fun nighttime activity often enjoyed during an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.

Overnight in Halong Bay.

Wake up early to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Halong Bay at sunrise, when the limestone islands appear through the soft morning light. You may join a gentle Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a relaxing way to start the day while surrounded by the calm waters of the bay.

After a light breakfast on board, continue your cruise program with a visit to Luon Cave, one of the most scenic spots in Halong Bay. Depending on the cruise arrangement, you can explore the area by kayak or take a bamboo boat ride with a local rower. Passing through the natural cave entrance, you will reach a quiet lagoon enclosed by limestone cliffs, offering a peaceful final experience in Halong Bay.

Return to the cruise and check out of your cabin before enjoying brunch as the boat slowly sails back toward the harbor. Take in the last views of Halong Bay’s emerald waters and dramatic karst formations before disembarkation.

After leaving the cruise, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang, the gateway to Central Vietnam’s beaches, heritage towns and cultural highlights.

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure after your journey from Halong Bay to Central Vietnam.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at around 08:00 AM and transfer to Ba Na Hills, one of the most famous mountain attractions in Central Vietnam.

Upon arrival, take the Ba Na Hills cable car and enjoy panoramic views over forested mountains, valleys and the coastline of Da Nang. The scenic ride is one of the highlights of the experience and offers a beautiful introduction to the mountain resort.

Start your visit with the iconic Golden Bridge, also known as Cau Vang, a world-famous landmark held by two giant stone hands. This is one of the most photographed places in Vietnam and a must-see highlight for visitors to Da Nang.

Continue exploring some of Ba Na Hills’ most popular attractions, including Le Jardin d’Amour flower gardens, Debay Wine Cellar, Linh Ung Pagoda, Chua Mountain viewpoint, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple and the European-style French Village. Depending on the schedule, you may also enjoy a cultural performance or visit Tru Vu Tea House for a quieter moment in the mountains.

Around 12:30 PM, enjoy a buffet lunch at Ba Na Hills.

After lunch, spend time at Fantasy Park, an indoor entertainment area with a wide range of games, cinemas and family-friendly attractions. This is a good option for families and travelers who want a more relaxed and fun experience after sightseeing.

At around 03:00 PM, return by cable car and transfer back to Da Nang city. Continue with a short city highlights tour, including Han Market, where you can experience local shopping and daily life, followed by photo stops at Dragon Bridge and Love Bridge along the Han River.

Return to your hotel at around 05:45 PM. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax at Da Nang Beach or explore the city at your own pace.

Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at around 08:00 AM and begin your full-day trip from Da Nang to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Travel by private car along the scenic coastal route via Hai Van Pass, one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Central Vietnam. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, mountains and sea, with photo stops at selected viewpoints depending on weather and traffic conditions.

Upon arrival in Hue, visit Dong Ba Market, the city’s largest and most famous local market. This is a great place to experience daily life in Hue, see traditional local products and discover the flavors and atmosphere of the former royal capital.

Continue with a relaxing dragon boat trip on the Perfume River, one of Hue’s most iconic experiences. The boat ride takes you to Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic riverside pagoda and one of the most important spiritual landmarks in Hue.

Next, explore the Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Walk through impressive gates, courtyards and royal architecture while learning about Vietnam’s imperial history. Highlights include Ngo Mon Gate, the Flag Tower, the Palace of Supreme Harmony and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional Hue cuisine, known for its refined flavors and royal culinary influence.

In the afternoon, visit Khai Dinh Tomb, one of Hue’s most unique royal tombs. The site is famous for its blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles, detailed mosaics and dramatic hillside setting.

After the visit, return to Da Nang by private car. Arrive back at your hotel in the evening and enjoy free time to relax.

Overnight in Da Nang.

After breakfast, begin your full-day journey from Da Nang to Hoi An, combining coastal landmarks, spiritual sites, countryside experiences and the heritage charm of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Start with a visit to Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, home to the impressive Lady Buddha statue overlooking the sea. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views of Da Nang’s coastline and learn about one of the city’s most important spiritual landmarks.

Continue to the Marble Mountains, also known as Ngu Hanh Son, a cluster of limestone hills with caves, pagodas, Buddhist temples and scenic viewpoints. Explore the natural caves and sacred spaces hidden within the mountains. Elevator access is included for added convenience.

Afterward, travel to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a peaceful countryside area near Hoi An known for its water coconut palm canals. Enjoy a traditional basket boat ride through the coconut forest, where you can experience local river life and learn about traditional fishing techniques in a fun and relaxed way.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, with the chance to taste some of Hoi An’s well-known regional flavors.

In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most atmospheric historic towns. Walk through narrow streets lined with yellow heritage houses, old merchant homes, temples, assembly halls, local shops and riverside cafés.

During the walking tour, visit some of Hoi An’s key landmarks, including:

Japanese Covered Bridge: A historic landmark and cultural symbol of Hoi An.

Quan Cong Temple: A historic Chinese-style temple dedicated to loyalty and integrity.

Phuc Kien Assembly Hall: A beautifully decorated assembly hall with strong Chinese cultural influence.

Tan Ky Old House: A preserved merchant house reflecting Hoi An’s trading history.

Hoi An Market: A lively local market where you can experience daily life and local flavors.

After the guided visit, enjoy free time to discover Hoi An at your own pace. In the evening, the town becomes especially charming with lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, night markets and a peaceful old-town atmosphere.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy your final morning in Central Vietnam before your departure from Da Nang. After breakfast at the hotel, take some time to relax and prepare for check-out.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a final walk through Hoi An Ancient Town, pick up some last-minute souvenirs, or relax at your hotel before the transfer.

At the arranged time, our driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your onward flight.

Your 10-day North and Central Vietnam tour comes to an end after a memorable journey through some of the country’s most iconic destinations, from the cultural streets of Hanoi and mountain landscapes of Sapa to the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh, the emerald waters of Halong Bay, the imperial heritage of Hue, the coastal charm of Da Nang, and the lantern-lit beauty of Hoi An.

Thank you for choosing our team for your travel experience. We hope this Vietnam journey leaves you with lasting memories of the country’s landscapes, heritage, cuisine, and warm local hospitality. We would love to welcome you back for another memorable trip to Vietnam.