Vietnam North and Centre: 8-Day from Hanoi to Hoi An with Premium stay

Welcome to Hanoi, where scooter horns sing in harmony, colonial buildings dazzle the eye, and the mouth-watering scent of street food fills every corner! Your adventure takes a delicious twist as you step into the home of a Hanoian family for an authentic Cha Ca meal. Picture yourself in their cozy living room, sharing this traditional fish or veggie dish alongside three generations—a recipe so treasured you’d never find it outside a family kitchen. As you savor each bite, you’ll swap stories with your warm-hearted hosts and fellow travelers, making memories as rich as the flavors on your plate.

Once the capital of dynasties and known as Thang Long, Hanoi is a treasure trove of northern flavors and ancient secrets waiting to be tasted and uncovered. Dive into a street food tour that leads you through the hidden alleys and favorite stalls known only to local foodies—discover the city’s culinary soul, bite by savory bite.

Next, journey back in time at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s very first university, where the nation’s brightest minds once trained for prestigious court positions. As you stroll through the stone stelae perched on the backs of stone tortoises, you’ll see the names of the top scholars of each Imperial Exam, etched forever in history. Students still flock here today, lighting incense and patting the tortoises for that extra bit of exam luck.

After your time at the temple, add a personal touch to your journey, head to Silver Soul Vietnam for their Basic Silver Jewelry Making Workshop. Here, you’ll create your own silver masterpiece—a little sparkle to remember Hanoi by and a unique peek into Vietnam's jewelry-making tradition!

When was the last time you saw the sunrise? Sunrise on Ha Long Bay is a singular beauty that will continue to move you after it has passed. Tai Chi class on the top deck to salute the sun. Settle in for breakfast then depart for a short walk to explore Cat Ba Island, the most important in the bay, before heading onward to Hue.

Enjoy a VIP treatment at the hotel's mineral baths to prepare yourself for more adventures.

When was the last time you caught a sunrise? Imagine watching it unfold over Ha Long Bay—a view so breathtaking, it’ll linger in your mind long after the moment is gone. Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the top deck, saluting the sun as it lights up the bay. Afterward, dig into a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore Cat Ba Island, the largest and most enchanting gem in the bay, before the journey continues to Hue.

Then, it’s just a short flight to Hue (a little over an hour), where a warm welcome and comfy hotel await, with your expected arrival around 8 PM.

Hue is a UNESCO city steeped in Imperial history. Travel back in time to the Imperial days and wander through the sprawling Citadel, with its vast network of temples and pavilions. Lunch will be a unique affair as you join Buddhist nuns in rituals and eat in silence to savour the flavours. The evening is yours to explore what this ancient town has to offer.

Today you’ll reach Hoi An by taking one of the world’s best train rides (as voted by Conde Nast). The Hue-Danang train travels at a leisurely pace through Vietnam’s most spectacular scenery. Once you’ve arrived in charming Hoi An, spend the late afternoon to explore what this beautiful sleepy town has to offer.

You will be delivered to the train station which is about 15minutes drive. The train to Danang take 3 hours. On arrival in Danang Railway Station, you will be picked up and delivered to Hoi An hotel which is 45 minutes drive away.

After a relaxing evening, you’ll be ready for a day of cycling through Hoi An’s scenic countryside. Pedal through rice fields and swaying palm trees before taking a boat ride across the Thu Bon River to Cam Kim, an isle known for its tranquil village life. Here you’ll take a break from cycling at a noodle workshop. Watch as local craftspeople prepare a noodle that’s unique to Hoi An and taste this key Vietnamese ingredient fresh from the pot. Enjoy the afternoon free at your own pace by the pool or head to the beach. For the fashionable, customize your wardrobe at a Hoi An tailor.

The bike ride begins after breakfast. You will be taken to the bike shop to get fitted at around 8AM. The ride takes about 4.5 hours in total. You will finish by 12:30 back at the bike shop.

It's the end of your adventure. Enjoy your last shopping spree of travel gifts. Let your trip leader know of your travel plan so your transfer can be organised.
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Hope to see you soon on another adventure with us.