Discover the finest landscapes of the north and center on this Top Places of North & Center Vietnam in 10 days. From Hanoi’s historic charm and Halong Bay’s emerald waters to Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets and Ba Na Hills’ golden bridge, this journey offers unforgettable diversity.
Overview
Welcome to a journey that captures the very best of northern and central Vietnam, where ancient traditions meet stunning natural wonders and modern attractions. This carefully designed 10-day itinerary is perfect for travellers who wish to experience the country’s most iconic destinations without feeling overwhelmed. From the cultural heartbeat of the capital to the mystical limestone bay and the charming ancient towns of the central coast, every stop offers a unique and rewarding experience.
Your Top Places of North & Center Vietnam 10 days tour tour connects vibrant urban life with breathtaking rural and coastal beauty across five remarkable locations:
- Hanoi: Your atmospheric starting point, where thousand-year-old pagodas, French-colonial boulevards, and bustling street markets create a fascinating blend of old and new. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and sample authentic egg coffee.
- Ninh Binh: Often called “Halong Bay on land,” this province boasts towering limestone karsts rising from golden rice paddies. Drift along the serene river of Tam Coc, visit ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, and climb Mua Cave for panoramic valley views.
- Halong Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site and true natural wonder. An overnight cruise allows you to kayak through hidden lagoons, explore magnificent caves, and watch sunset over thousands of emerald-dotted limestone islands.
- Hoi An: A beautifully preserved ancient trading port, glowing with colourful silk lanterns each evening. Wander through narrow streets lined with wooden shop-houses, visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, and enjoy a cooking class featuring local specialities.
- Ba Na Hills: A hill station near Da Nang, famous for the Golden Bridge held aloft by giant stone hands. Ride the world’s longest cable car, explore the French Village, and enjoy flower gardens and thrilling amusement rides.
From the misty karsts of Ninh Binh to the golden bridge above the clouds, this Top Places of North & Center Vietnam 10 days tour delivers a rich, balanced, and unforgettable travel experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi

Morning: Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, your guide will be waiting to meet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel for check-in. Following your long flight, you are encouraged to rest or, if you feel energized, to explore the vibrant city at your own leisure.
Please note that both the domestic and international gates can be crowded during the day, which may make your guide more difficult to locate. If you arrive and are unable to immediately find our representatives, please contact your travel advisor immediately for assistance. For your convenience, please also be advised that standard hotel check-in is at 14:00, and an early check-in is available for a surcharge.
- Meals: N/A
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu – Trang An (SIC Tour)
Morning: Between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, we will meet at the arranged meeting point and begin our trip to Ninh Binh.
Our first stop will be the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which was the first capital of Vietnam. Here, visitors will learn about the rich history and cultural importance of this former royal place.
Next, we will visit the temples built for Emperor Dinh. You will admire their wonderful architecture and learn about the emperor's achievements.
After that, we will enjoy a delicious lunch, tasting real Vietnamese food at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: We will continue our adventure with a beautiful boat ride to explore the stunning landscape of Trang An. As we slowly move along the peaceful waterways, surrounded by tall limestone mountains and green plants, you will be amazed by the natural beauty all around us.
At the end of the tour, we will go to the hotel in Ninh Binh for a comfortable overnight stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.
Day 3: Galaxy Grotto – Bich Dong & Thai Vi Temple – Hanoi
Morning: After enjoying breakfast, we leave Ninh Binh and head toward the fascinating Galaxy Cave, a lesser‑known attraction in the area.
The cave is about 800 meters long and contains a wonderful natural system of stalactites that have been formed over millions of years. It is divided into two parts: a dry cave and a water cave. Each part has its own special features to discover.
When we arrive, visitors will take a boat trip through the mysterious waters. You will be amazed by the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the inside of the cave.
Then we get off the boat and continue our adventure on foot to explore the cave. Here, you will have the chance to learn about its rock formations and historical importance.
After that, we return to land by boat.
Afternoon: We continue our journey to discover more cultural and natural wonders in Ninh Binh.
Our first stop is the peaceful Thai Vi Temple, a holy place set in beautiful surroundings. Here, you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and learn about the temple's history as well as Vietnamese spiritual beliefs.
Next, we go to Bich Dong Pagoda, one of the most impressive sights in Ninh Binh. As we visit, we can admire the lovely views of the countryside, which give us a taste of Ninh Binh's amazing beauty.
After finishing our exploration, we say goodbye to Ninh Binh and travel back to Hanoi.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi Street Tour By Motorbike
Morning: This morning is totally free for you to explore Hanoi. If you don't have any plans for this morning, you can check out A21 Tours' Hanoi cyclo tour.
Cyclo is a very special mode of transportation in Hanoi, allowing tourists to get a close-up view of the city's streets.
Afternoon: Between 4:30 and 5:00 PM, our team will pick you up from your hotel. We will then start our exploration of Hanoi's famous sights and quiet streets using motorbikes.
Our journey will take us through the small alleys and charming neighbourhoods of Hanoi. We will ride along narrow lanes, passing by local homes, schools, and busy markets. This will allow you to feel the lively energy of the city.
We will pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where we can pay our respects to Vietnam's respected leader. Then, we will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hanoi, located on the shores of the beautiful West Lake.
Continuing our adventure, we will make our way to Hanoi's famous Train Street. Here, you can see the unusual sight of trains passing through a narrow residential street, just a few centimetres away from houses and shops.
We will also explore the French Quarter, where you will be charmed by the elegant buildings and tree‑lined streets that show Hanoi's colonial past.
Then, we will drive through the Old Quarter, with its streets like a maze full of colourful shop fronts and lively street sellers.
After that, we will admire the peaceful beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake and the impressive Long Bien Bridge. Both are iconic places that hold special meaning in the heart of Hanoi.
Finally, we will end the tour and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight On Cruise
Morning: Between 8:00 and 8:30, after breakfast at your hotel, you will drive to the pier in Halong Bay.
When you arrive, you will be helped with the check‑in process to ensure a smooth transfer onto the cruise ship. Once you have settled in, you can enjoy a tasty lunch on board while admiring the beautiful scenery of Halong Bay.
Afternoon: You will take part in a range of activities, each offering a different view of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can go kayaking through the green waters, explore hidden caves, or simply relax on the sun deck and enjoy the wide views of the limestone mountains.
Evening: When you return to the cruise, you will have a delicious dinner. Afterwards, you can relax or join evening activities such as squid fishing, karaoke, board games, and more.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise
Day 6: Halong Bay - Flight To Da Nang - Hoi An
Morning: This morning will start with an energising Tai Chi session on the sun deck. After that, a light breakfast will be served, giving you the perfect energy for a day of exploration ahead.
As we continue our journey through Halong Bay, you will have the chance to take part in different activities such as kayaking, visiting caves, or exploring a floating market.
Then you will return to the cruise ship, check out, and enjoy a tasty brunch before sailing back to the pier.
When you arrive at the harbour, a vehicle will be waiting to take you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang
Afternoon: After landing in Da Nang, a private car will be ready to bring you to the lovely town of Hoi An. There, you will check in to your hotel and stay overnight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Day 8: Hoi An Farming And Fishing Tour
Morning: At 8:00 AM, you will be transferred to Nguyen Hoang Boat Station to begin an unforgettable trip along the Thu Bon River.
Our first stop will be Tra Nhieu Fishing Village. Here, we will get off the boat and use bicycles to explore this little‑known village at a slow and easy pace.
Around 9:30 AM, we return to the boat and head toward a local pier. Then we switch back to bicycles and ride through the beautiful countryside, passing coconut trees and shrimp farms.
Next, we visit a local fishing family's home. This gives you a special chance to explore the clean waterways in a traditional coracle boat. Guided by a local expert, you will glide along the river and enjoy the peaceful view of coconut trees. You might even see a fisherman using old‑fashioned methods to look for river snails.
We continue our bicycle ride to the charming village of Tra Que. There, we will explore the village and learn about its farming practices, including how they grow tasty herbs and vegetables.
After that, you will enjoy a delicious meal at a restaurant in Tra Que Village.
Afternoon: We get back on our bicycles and pedal our way to Hoi An, ending our scenic adventure through the countryside.
The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you like. You will stay overnight in Hoi An.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Ha Noi
Day : Hoi An Day
Morning:
Afternoon:
- Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 10: Farewell Vietnam - Da Nang Departure
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