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The Art of
Northern & Central Vietnam
Curated Stays &
Hanoi Ban Gioc Cao Bang Ninh Binh Ha Long Bay Hoi An (Old Town) Hoi An (Beach Area)
Your Journey Starts
When to Experience
The Art of
Exceptional
Vietnam Travel
A 16-day private journey through the far north and central coast of Vietnam — Hanoi's old streets and villages, the dramatic karst valleys and Ban Gioc Waterfall of Cao Bang, the limestone rivers and caves of Ninh Binh, an overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Cycle through riverside craft villages, share a home-cooked dinner with a local family, raft beneath Ban Gioc's roaring cascades, cruise Ha Long Bay's karsts by night, and wander Hoi An's lantern-lit lanes — sixteen days capturing the very best of northern and central Vietnam at an unhurried pace.
Signature Journey · 16 Days
Hanoi · Cao Bang · Ninh Binh · Ha Long Bay · Hoi An
Northern & Central Vietnam
Beyond The Ordinary
We believe luxury isn't found in a catalog, but in the spaces between — the private moments where the extraordinary is unhurried. We have removed every obstacle to your presence, creating an environment where spontaneous discovery meets absolute precision.
Signature Route
16 Days
Car & Guide
100% Private
Curated Hotels
5-Star Plus
24/7 Concierge
Expert Support
Heritage & Wonders
Iconic Experiences
Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Wander centuries-old stone houses in the highlands of Cao Bang
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Raft beneath the thundering cascades of Vietnam's most spectacular cross-border waterfall
Tam Coc by Sampan
Drift beneath towering limestone cliffs on the Ngo Dong River
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Sail among a thousand limestone islands aboard an overnight cruise
My Son Sanctuary
Explore ancient Champa temples hidden deep in a UNESCO-listed valley
Part I: Hanoi & Old Quarter
Hanoi – Arrival
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, where your guide welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel in the city centre to rest after your journey.
Private Airport Transfer
Hanoi City Tour
Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, then explore the iconic Train Street before an afternoon at Chuong Conical Hat Village, home to the timeless craft of hand-weaving "non" hats.
Temple of Literature
Train Street
Chuong Hat Village
Hanoi – Cycling Tour
Cycle around the green enclave of Ecopark before continuing to Kim Lan Pottery Village to visit its communal museum and watch artisans at work on the potter's wheel.
Ecopark Cycling
Kim Lan Pottery Village
Part II: Cao Bang Highlands
Hanoi – Trung Khanh (Cao Bang) – Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Drive roughly 285 km through the tea plantations and hillside villages of Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan provinces to Trung Khanh district, stopping at the centuries-old stone houses of Khuoi Ky village.
Scenic Highland Drive
Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave – Sunset at Phong Nam Valley
Ride a bamboo raft to the base of the thundering Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Quay Son River, explore the kilometre-long limestone chambers of Nguom Ngao Cave, then watch sunset settle over Phong Nam Valley.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Bamboo Rafting
Nguom Ngao Cave
Trung Khanh Valley – Angel Eye Mountain – Cao Bang City
Explore the rice terraces of Trung Khanh Valley and the natural rock formation known as Angel Eye Mountain before continuing to Cao Bang City for the night.
Angel Eye Mountain
Trung Khanh Valley
Cao Bang – Hanoi
A scenic drive returns you from the highlands of Cao Bang back to Hanoi, with the countryside unfolding along the way.
Private Transfer
Part III: Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Travel south to Ninh Binh, the limestone karst landscape often called "Ha Long Bay on land," and check in to your hotel among its rice fields and rivers.
Private Transfer
Ninh Binh Countryside
Ninh Binh – Mua Cave – Tam Coc
Climb roughly 500 steps to the summit of Mua Cave for panoramic views over the karst landscape and the winding Ngo Dong River, then drift beneath the limestone cliffs of Tam Coc by sampan.
Mua Cave Viewpoint
Tam Coc Boat Ride
Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay
Transfer to Ha Long and board the Genesis Regal cruise by speedboat, settling into your cabin as the ship sets sail among the bay's iconic limestone islands.
Overnight Cruise
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Fly to Da Nang – Hoi An
Begin the day with Tai Chi on deck as the cruise returns to harbour, then transfer back to Hanoi for a flight to Da Nang, continuing on to the ancient town of Hoi An.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Domestic Flight
Part IV: Hoi An & Central Heritage
Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Hoi An Ancient Town
Visit My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the Champa Kingdom, then wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An's UNESCO-listed ancient town.
My Son Sanctuary
Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An – Biking Tour & Coconut Forest (Group Tour)
Cruise the Cua Dai River to Cua Dai Fishing Village, learn to paddle a traditional basket boat through the coconut forest, and cycle through the surrounding countryside.
Basket Boat Ride
Coconut Forest Cycling
Hoi An Free Time – Change to Beach Area Hotel
A free morning in Hoi An before relocating to a hotel in the beach area for the rest of your stay — time to relax by the coast at your own pace.
At Leisure
Hoi An Free Time
An unscheduled day to enjoy Hoi An's beaches, browse its tailor shops and markets, or simply rest before the journey home.
At Leisure
Hoi An – Da Nang – Departure
Your driver transfers you to Da Nang International Airport in time for your onward flight, bringing sixteen days across northern and central Vietnam to a close.
Private Airport Transfer
More Journeys to Explore
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Timeless Vietnam Heritage & Cultural Journey
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Vietnam · Hanoi to Hoi An · 17 Days
17 Days of Luxury Travel — Hanoi to Hoi An
Imperial history, Ha Long Bay and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An — refined northern-to-central Vietnam luxury.
Vietnam & Cambodia · Premium
An Exclusive Journey — Vietnam & Cambodia
Angkor Wat, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Mekong Delta — the ultimate dual-country odyssey with private guides throughout.
Thailand & Cambodia · 15 Days
15 Days — Beautiful Thailand & Cambodia
Bangkok temples, Chiang Mai highlands, Angkor's ancient wonders and Cambodia's hidden gems — one seamless luxury journey.
Bespoke Accommodation
Curated Stays &
Sanctuaries
From boutique heritage homes to ultra-luxury beach resorts — we select hotels that tell a story.
Saigon Ban Gioc
Deluxe Room
Muong Thanh Cao Bang Hotel
Deluxe
Tam Coc Retreat
Bungalow Garden Suite
Genesis Regal Cruise
Triple Family Room
Little Residence Hoi An
Little Residence
Wyndham Oceanfront
Premier Ocean View
What's Included
- Transportation throughout in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation at the hotels mentioned or similar
- Meal plan: buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner as mentioned
- Service of an English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary (single visit)
- Drinking water: 2 bottles per person per day
- All city tours as detailed in the itinerary
- Government taxes and all applicable taxes as of date
- Toll charges
Not Included
- Any fluctuation in exchange rates affecting the tour costing
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Vietnam Evisa
- Any extra meals not mentioned in the above program
- Early check-in or late check-out charges
- Camera or video permits
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Any flight or travel insurance charges
- International flight from/to Vietnam
- Any service or entrance fee not specifically mentioned in the Inclusions above
Travel Planning
Best Time to Visit Vietnam
Vietnam spans 1,600 km across three distinct climate zones. Our guide helps you find your golden window for each region.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Cao Bang & Ha Long Bay) | Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Good |
Best |
Best |
Fair |
| Central Vietnam (Hoi An) | Fair |
Good |
Best |
Best |
Best |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
Best: Perfect weather, clear skies
Good: Pleasant, few showers
Fair: Humid or rainy season
Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Cao Bang & Ha Long Bay)
Oct – Dec
Continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Cool, dry weather from October to April is ideal for exploring Hanoi's streets and trekking through Cao Bang's highlands; summers turn hot and humid with occasional heavy downpours.
Central Vietnam (Hoi An)
Feb – Jul
Tropical climate split into two seasons. The dry season (February–July) brings warm days and calm seas, ideal for cycling and boat trips; the wet season (September–January) carries the region's typhoon risk and occasional flooding in the ancient town.
Guest Reviews · TripAdvisor 5.0
What Our Guests Say
★★★★★
"Memorable, hassle-free trips with safe drivers"
This is our second time booking through Linda Pham. She has thought of every detail — timings are always perfect, drivers on time, guides full of knowledge.
Verified Review
★★★★★
"Outstanding service & stress-free travel"
Working with Linda made planning for a large family group an enjoyable experience — her attentiveness and flexibility are truly commendable.
Verified Review
★★★★★
"Linda responded within 3 minutes when we needed a change"
Planning was impressive with high flexibility. One guide had issues; Linda had a replacement arranged within an hour. Genuine care.
Verified Review
★★★★★
"A trip well done — special dietary requirements handled perfectly"
My family had a 24-day tour of Vietnam and Cambodia specifically designed for us. Linda not only emailed every hotel about our special dietary requirements, but called two days in advance of each destination and made sure every guide was informed. The sad part is that it came to an end. We are already in contact with Linda to organise our next trip.
TripAdvisor · Verified Review
Meet the Designers
Behind Your Seamless Journey
LP
Linda Pham
Senior Travel Designer
"Linda has organised hundreds of private journeys with meticulous care, resolving every flight change in minutes."
TD
Thanh Dung
Senior Local Guide — Central Vietnam
"Specialist in Central Vietnam, praised for vast history knowledge and insider food recommendations."
OT
Operations Team
24/7 Hanoi Support
"Based in Hanoi, our team monitors every journey in real time — handling delays day or night."
Start Your Consultation
Your Journey Starts
with a Conversation
Share your vision with one of our travel designers. We orchestrate everything — stays, logistics, experiences — so you focus only on the discovery.
Reply within 12 hours
100% Bespoke
15+ Years Experience
Travel Intelligence
When to Experience
the Magic
Northern and central Vietnam each have their own rhythm of sun and rain. Planning for the best time depends on which region you prioritise.
Oct – Dec
Hanoi, Cao Bang & Ha Long Bay
Cool, dry air and clear skies — ideal for highland treks and cruising the bay.
Feb – Jul
Hoi An & the Central Coast
Warm, dry days and calm seas, perfect for cycling and the ancient town's lantern-lit lanes.
Expert Insight
"March and April offer the most harmonious weather across the full axis of the country."
