CENTRAL VIETNAM: A JOURNEY THROUGH HERITAGE (5 days)
CENTRAL VIETNAM: A JOURNEY THROUGH HERITAGE (5 days)
This 5-day journey through Central Vietnam unveils a captivating blend of heritage, nature, and local life. From the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and hands-on countryside experiences at Tra Que Village, to the ancient Cham ruins of My Son and the iconic Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, the itinerary showcases the region’s most celebrated highlights. Continue north along the scenic Hai Van Pass to imperial Hue, where royal architecture, poetic landscapes, river cruises, and street-food traditions bring Vietnam’s former capital vividly to life—creating a richly immersive and beautifully paced Central Vietnam experience.
A travel experience like no other
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Day 1DA NANG ARRIVAL – HOI AN
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Day 2HOI AN COUNTRYSIDE – MY SON (B,L)
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Day 3HOI AN – GOLDEN BRIDGE – DA NANG - HOI AN (B)
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Day 4HOI AN - HUE (B)
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Day 5HUE – flight to HA NOI/HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE (B)
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Day 1
DA NANG ARRIVAL – HOI AN
Arrive in Da Nang International Airport.
Your local team will meet you at Da Nang airport and transfer to Hoi An, the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Check in hotel after 2 PM.
Depending on your arrival time, discover the charm of the historic old town. Begin at the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, lovingly preserved by seven generations. Continue to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, home to captivating artifacts collected from across Asia and the Middle East. A short stroll brings you to Phuc Kien temple, an ornate 17th-century assembly hall renowned for its richly carved architecture, vibrant mosaics, and sacred altar dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau, reflecting the cultural heritage of the town’s Fujian Chinese community. While in town, don’t miss the chance to try Bánh Mì, often hailed as the world’s best sandwich. It’s one of the iconic Hoi An specialty that no traveler should leave without tasting.
Return to your hotel and free at leisure.
Meal: N/A
Overnight at hotel
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Day 2
HOI AN – TRA QUE VILLAGE – MY SON
8:30 AM: Meet your guide at the hotel lobby.
Hop on a bike and start cycling to Tra Que vegetable village. Visit this charming vegetable village and explore local farms, shrimp and fish ponds, and even meet the friendly water buffaloes. Join the farmers in their daily work as you try your hand at traditional methods: loosening the soil, shaping garden beds, planting herbs, and watering vegetables using authentic tools. This hands-on activity offers a true taste of countryside life in Tra Que. After farming, unwind with a soothing herbal foot massage. Enjoy a warm foot soak infused with fresh medicinal herbs picked directly from the Tra Que gardens, followed by a gentle massage that revitalizes your energy. Next, experience making Vietnamese rice paper, a culinary tradition passed down through generations. Learn each step of the process—from soaking the rice and grinding it by hand to spreading the batter and steaming the delicate sheets. Try making your own and taste the result fresh from the stove. Then join a fun and interactive cooking demonstration where you’ll learn how to prepare signature dishes of the region. Guided by a local chef, you’ll cook and enjoy several traditional specialties, using fresh ingredients harvested from the garden.
After lunch, say goodbye to the village and drive from Hoi An to My Son, Vietnam’s most significant and iconic Cham archaeological site. Wandering through the evocative Hindu temple ruins dedicated to Shiva. Once a thriving spiritual center of the Champa Kingdom, My Son is regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s foremost Hindu temple complexes—often compared to Angkor in Cambodia, Ayutthaya in Thailand, and Borobudur in Indonesia. Although parts were damaged during the Vietnam War, many impressive structures remain, offering a powerful glimpse into an ancient civilization.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch
Overnight at hotel
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Day 3
HOI AN – GOLDEN BRIDGE – DA NANG – HOI AN
Meet your driver and guide, then begin the drive towards Ba Na Hills (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, board one of the world’s longest cable cars, rising above tropical forests, waterfalls, and misty mountaintops. Enjoy stunning panoramic views and fresh mountain air at 1,400+ meters. Next, walk across the world-famous “Hands of God Bridge,” a 150-meter pedestrian walkway held by giant stone hands. Enjoy time for photography and soaking up the views of the Truong Son mountain range. Then continue to the summit area and visit French Village, Flower gardens, Linh Ung Pagoda & giant Buddha statue.
In the afternoon, descend by Cable Car and drive to Da Nang city to discover some tourist attraction. Start with the Cham Museum that houses the world’s largest collection of Cham sculpture, showcasing exquisite sandstone relics that reflect the artistry and spiritual heritage of the ancient Champa civilization. Continue to Marble Mountain - a cluster of dramatic limestone and marble peaks filled with caves, pagodas, and panoramic viewpoints, offering a blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Back to hotel in the late afternoon.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel
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Day 4
HOI AN - HUE
In the morning, your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a 3 hour drive through the scenic Hải Vân Pass to the imperial city of Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Hue is renowned for its harmonious blend of natural scenery and an exceptional collection of historical relics. Arrive in Hue around noon.
Begin your exploration at the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 520 hectares. Built in the early 19th century, this fortress-like complex consists of three concentric enclosures: Kinh Thanh Hue (the Civic City), Hoang Thanh (the Royal City), and Tu Cam Thanh (the Forbidden City), each protected by massive ramparts and impressive gates.
Next, move on to Thien Mu pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery overlooking the river from a vantage point with its origin dating back to 1601 and the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, a serene and poetic royal complex set amid pine forests and lotus ponds, reflecting the refined aesthetics and contemplative spirit of Vietnam’s longest-reigning Nguyen emperor.
Discover the poetic beauty and imperial charm of Hue after sunset, when the city glows with lantern light and the Perfume River shimmers beneath illuminated bridges. Board a traditional dragon boat for a relaxing nighttime cruise. During the cruise, you’ll have chance to listen to Hue royal court music performed live by local artists.
Disembark and transfer to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel in Hue
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Day 5
HUE – flight to HA NOI/HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE
The former imperial capital of Hue is renowned not only for the magnificent monuments of the Nguyen Dynasty but also for its vibrant culture and exceptional cuisine. Today, explore the city’s unique flavors and culinary traditions on a cyclo, Hue’s traditional rickshaw. We begin the food tour with a cyclo ride from your hotel, crossing the historic Tràng Tiền Bridge to visit the vibrant Đông Ba Market, where you’ll see the fresh ingredients used in Hue’s local cuisine and experience the lively daily trade of the city’s residents. Continue by cyclo through bustling streets to observe everyday life, circle around the royal citadel, take photos at scenic spots, and hear fascinating stories about Hue’s past and present. Throughout the tour, we will stop at several famous street-food stalls to savor a variety of Hue specialties, such as bánh khoái (Hue pancake), bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup), bánh bột lọc (tapioca dumplings), bánh bèo (steamed rice discs with shrimp), bánh ram ít (sticky rice dumplings on a crispy base), and more.
Back to the hotel and check out at noon.
Depending on your flight time, transfer to Hue airport to take the flight to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city to connect your departure flight home. End of services.
Meal: Breakfast, Street food
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HOI AN
3* Kim An (Deluxe)/ 4* Wyndham Garden (Deluxe Queen garden-city view)/ 5* Wyndham Royal Beachfront (Superior)
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HUE
3* Thanh Lich (Deluxe)/ 4* Romance (Deluxe with view)/ 5* Silkpath Grand (Deluxe)
INCLUSIVE
Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast
Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers mentioned in the itinerary
English-speaking guide for guided tours
Entrance fees for all visits mentioned in the itinerary
Boat trip in Hue
Mineral water during the transfer (2 bottles per person per day)
EXCLUSIVE
Domestic and international flights
Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.
All other services not specified in the itinerary
Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival
Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ single entry to Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)