North to Central Vietnam Culture Tour 9 Days

After breakfast, set out to explore Hanoi’s spiritual heart with a visit to the four guardian temples of the ancient Thang Long Citadel. In the east stands Bach Ma Temple, dedicated to Long Do, the city’s patron spirit, its wooden beams and delicate carvings weathered by time. To the north, Quan Thanh Temple venerates Huyen Thien Tran Vu, highlighted by a towering black bronze statue cast in the 17th century. On the western edge, Voi Phuc Temple honors Prince Linh Lang, its gates guarded by kneeling stone elephants. Completing the circle in the south, Kim Lien Temple rises from the old Kim Hoa Village, its sanctuaries decorated with vivid dragon and phoenix motifs from the Le dynasty. Together, these shrines embody the protective spirit that has watched over the capital for centuries. After lunch, continue to Bat Trang Pottery Village on the banks of the Red River. With over 700 years of tradition, it remains one of Vietnam’s most renowned ceramic centers. Here, artisans shape clay and carve intricate patterns using age-old techniques. Visitors can observe the process and even try molding or painting a piece themselves—a hands-on way to connect with this enduring craft.  

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast

This morning, head to Van Phuc, the cradle of Vietnam’s traditional silk weaving with a history spanning thousands of years. Using fine silkworm threads, local artisans create fabrics adorned with delicate patterns, especially the signature lụa vân (figured silk). The result is cloth that feels soft, shimmers beautifully, and stays cool to wear. Walking through the village, you can watch the weaving process up close and explore shops displaying elegant scarves, áo dài, and other handmade garments. In the afternoon, continue to Chuong Village, long celebrated as the home of the conical hat. After having the farming work done, the unpretentious villagers here become skillful artisans. They carefully select palm leaves, dry, layer them into the bamboo frame and stitch them into the graceful form of the conical hat or nón lá. Life here moves at a gentle pace, and the villagers take pride in passing down their skills openly from generation to generation. This simple, communal spirit has preserved not only the craft itself but also the cultural soul of the nation – the timeless symbol of Vietnamese culture.   

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast

Your journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Once you reach the pier, board a day cruise that sails through a spectacular seascape dotted with towering limestone karsts. Lunch will be served onboard. You’ll also have the chance to visit caves filled with surreal stalactites and stalagmites, swim in the emerald water, or try kayaking. In the late afternoon, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi, concluding your day cruise tour.    

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast, lunch

Fly to Da Nang in the morning and begin exploring the city’s highlights. Your first stop is Cham Museum, home to the largest collection of Cham sculptures and artifacts in the world, reflecting the spiritual and artistic heritage of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Continue to Marble Mountain, a cluster of five limestone hills named after the five elements. Take your time climbing the stone steps, exploring ancient pagodas, hidden caves, and enjoying panoramic views of Da Nang’s coastline. Stop by Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, where skilled artisans transform blocks of marble into intricate statues, preserving a centuries-old craft. Later, drive to Son Tra peninsula to see the 67-meter Lady Buddha statue and enjoy panoramic views over Da Nang’s coastline. Return to your hotel in the city and enjoy your evening at leisure.   

Overnight in Da Nang 

Meal: breakfast 

From Da Nang, travel about an hour to reach Hoi An Coconut Village - an ecotourism destination where you can enjoy a fun and authentic basket-boat ride through the peaceful water coconut groves. Later, explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO-listed trading port with well-preserved architecture. Highlights include the 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall, and Phung Hung Ancient House with its mix of Vietnamese and Chinese design.  In the evening, enjoy the Teh Dar Show, a contemporary performance that reimagines the life and spirit of Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Through a unique blend of dance, daring acrobatics, and enchanting music played on traditional instruments such as buffalo horns, mighty drums, and the resonant gongs of Gong culture, the show vividly captures both the raw beauty of the mountains and the rich identity of its people.  

Overnight in Hoian 

Meals: breakfast

Enjoy breakfast before setting out on the one-hour drive to My Son Sanctuary, a sacred site of the Champa Kingdom dating back more than a thousand years. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site, My Son is home to remarkable architectural remains. Its red-brick towers, decorated with intricate carvings, reflect the spiritual symbolism and refined artistry of the ancient Cham civilization. Later, return to Hoi An for lunch at your own expense. In the afternoon, take part in a lantern making workshop. Guided by local artisans, you will select fabrics, shape frames, and create your own lantern—a colorful keepsake symbolizing the spirit of Hoi An.  

Overnight in Hoian 

Meals: breakfast

Today is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. You may cycle to An Bang Beach, browse tailor shops for custom-made clothing, or wander the Old Town’s narrow lanes filled with cafés and lantern-lit shops. Optional activities such as a cooking class or countryside tour can also be arranged.  

Overnight in Hoian 

Meals: breakfast

Depending on your flight time, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your departure. Your cultural journey through North and Central Vietnam concludes with memories of heritage sites, craft villages, and local traditions.   

Meals: breakfast