Best of Central Vietnam 8 Days 7 Nights Private Tour

Overview

Embark on an authentic eight-day journey through Central Vietnam, exploring the rich heritage and local life across three World Heritage cities. Stroll through the charming streets of Hoi An and experience the tranquility of Hue. Engage in various activities, from organic farming in Tra Que Veggie Village to cycling in Thuy Bieu, immersing yourself in the region’s culture and history, including a visit to the wartime DMZ. Conclude this exciting adventure with visits to the breathtaking Paradise and Phong Nha Caves, marveling at the stunning landscapes and unique limestone formations.

Itinerary

1. Da Nang Airport – Hoi An Hotel

Your guide or driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel in Hoi An. Hoi An Ancient Town, once a bustling trading port from the 16th to 18th centuries, hosted merchants from China, Japan, Portugal, France, the Netherlands, and Arabia. It’s an ideal spot to sample local delicacies like banh mi, cao lau, and white rose.

Estimated distance from the airport to the hotels: approximately 35 km

Estimated travel time: 45 minutes

2. Cooking Class at Tra Que Vegetable Village, exploring Hoi An Ancient Town in the afternoon

Begin the tour in the morning with a visit to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a local farming community just outside of Hoi An where all the vegetables are grown organically. This is your opportunity to experience life as a local farmer through engaging activities. Learn the traditional techniques used by the farmers to plant, fertilize, and harvest crops, then try your hand at raking the soil and sowing seeds. After working on the farm, you’ll have the chance to cook some delicious dishes using the freshly grown vegetables, guided by a professional chef. Your efforts will culminate in a lunch featuring the tasty vegetable dishes you’ve prepared.

After enjoying your time at the vegetable village, return to Hoi An, the charming ancient town known for its unique architecture influenced by various Asian cultures, as it was once a major trading hub in Southeast Asia that attracted merchants from Japan, China, Spain, Holland, and more. The tour includes visits to several renowned landmarks.

First, visit the Fujian Assembly Hall, where you’ll find a temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea, who is the protector of sailors. Next, take a short walk to Tan Ky House, a 200-year-old trading house, and finally, stroll across the iconic 17th-century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The gentle breeze from the Thu Bon River adds to the enchanting atmosphere of this town.

Approximate duration: 6 hours

3. Hoi An – My Son Sanctuary – Thanh Ha Pottery – Hoi An

Leave the hotel in the morning to visit My Son, an ancient Cham sanctuary that played a crucial role in religion and learning from the 2nd to the 15th centuries. Recognized as one of Vietnam’s five World Heritage sites, My Son is essential for those interested in architecture and history.

The complex features Hindu-style towers and temples from the 4th to the 13th century. Influenced by Hinduism, the Cham religion has many temples dedicated to Cham deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

On your return to Hoi An, make a stop at Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn pottery-making from local artisans. Exploring the village will give you insight into the local crafts and daily life. It’s also a great chance to pick up some unique souvenirs for your family and friends.

Approximate duration: 5.5 hours

4. Hoi An – Hue Sightseeing On The Way

Spend some time exploring Marble Mountain, a series of marble and limestone hills named after the five elements: earth, fire, water, metal, and wood. Enjoy climbing the hills, taking in sea views, and visiting cavern temples. Don’t miss the chance to see a marble sculpture workshop. The stunning beauty of the caves makes the effort worthwhile.

Then, head north to Hue City, traveling over the picturesque Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic coastal roads. Along the way, stop at the fishing village by Lap An Lagoon, a brackish water area with a lovely sandy spit. Relax with a drink while enjoying the refreshing breeze and the stunning backdrop of the green mountain range.

Approximate duration: 5 hours

5. Hue City Tour By Bike and Private Car

In the morning, embark on a bicycle tour to Thuy Bieu Ward, where you’ll visit the distinctive Tiger Arena and Long Chau Elephant Temple. Cycle through lush grapefruit gardens and enjoy the refreshing air as you ride past village temples and local homes, where you can interact with residents and craftsmen.

After exploring traditional handicrafts in the village, take a dragon boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Vietnam, built in the 17th century. This visit provides insight into Buddhism in Vietnam. Next, drive to the Citadel, the fortress and administrative center of the Nguyen Dynasty when Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Within its massive walls, you’ll find numerous palaces and temples that, despite being damaged by war, are currently being restored. Take your time to explore the Citadel and visit landmarks such as the Thai Hoa Palace, The To Temple, and the Royal Theater to immerse yourself in Hue’s imperial heritage.

Approximate duration: 8 hours

6. Hue – DMZ – Dong Hoi

Travel north to Dong Hoi, Quang Binh in the morning. Along the way, you’ll visit La Vang Holy Land and Hien Luong Bridge.

La Vang Holy Land is a prominent Catholic site in Vietnam, linked to the legend of the Virgin Mary’s apparition in 1798. Although the complex was heavily damaged during the war, the local Catholic community remains strong. Each year, around half a million pilgrims visit La Vang to pay their respects.

Next, cross Hien Luong Bridge, which spans the Ben Hai River at the heart of the DMZ and once marked the boundary between North and South Vietnam. This river stretch, extending from the Vietnam-Laos border to the sea, was a significant wartime divide between the two regions. Despite its name, the area was the scene of intense combat.

Approximate duration: 7 hours

7. Exploring Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave

Drive out of the city along mountainous roads toward Paradise Cave and Phong Nha Cave. These two renowned caves are located in Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003 for its exceptional geological features.

As you walk or take a buggy through the lush jungle, Paradise Cave will astonish you with its diverse and stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

After marveling at the natural wonders, take a boat ride on the Son River to explore Phong Nha Cave. Experience the tranquil riverside villages and then venture into the longest wet cave, where you’ll be captivated by the dramatic limestone formations, the underground river system, and the unique stalactites and stalagmites.

Approximate duration: 10 hours

8. Leaving From Dong Hoi

Your guide or driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Dong Hoi Airport.

Approximate duration: 20 mins

Note

Package Includes:

• Private airport transfers by car in Da Nang and Dong Hoi
• Accommodation
• Private car with air conditioning during the tour
• English-speaking guide
• Meals as specified: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• Taxes and service charges
• All entrance fees and bottled mineral water

Package Excludes:

• Beverages and international insurance
• Visa for Vietnam
• Tips (optional), personal expenses, and any other items not explicitly listed above
• Return airfare from your home country to Vietnam

Important Notes:

Please provide us with your details (such as the number of people and type of hotel), and we will send you a quote based on the information you provide.

Terms and Conditions:

• Valid from June 15, 2024, to December 31, 2025. 
• Daily departures are available except for blackout dates from January 24, 2025, to February 28, 2025, due to Tet holiday in Vietnam. 
• For more information, please contact us.

Children policies:

• Children under 4 years old who share a bed with their parents stay free of charge (no extra bed provided).
• Children aged 5 to 8 years old will be charged 75% of the tour price if they share a bed with their parents. Alternatively, they can pay the full price to have their own extra bed.

Important Note: For Lunar New Year, a 20% surcharge will apply to each booking during the Tet Holiday.