Central Vietnam Exploration: Nature, Heritage, and Culture

info@handspan.com
Customize a tour

Overview

Prepare for a 9-day odyssey through the heart of Central Vietnam, where each day unveils a new chapter of adventure and cultural discovery.

Your journey begins with an exhilarating trek through the enchanting Phong Nha jungle and explores the awe-inspiring Paradise cave. In Hue, immerse yourself in the city's cultural heritage and delve into the world of local artisans, where intricate designs and traditional techniques come to life before your eyes. Your journey continues along the picturesque Hai Van Pass, a winding road that offers breathtaking coastal vistas, before arriving at the charming Hoi An Ancient Town. Here, explore hidden treasures in the Hoi An countryside and round off your exploration with a visit to the mystical My Son Sanctuary.

Join us on this captivating Central Vietnam Exploration, where every moment is a discovery and every destination is a UNESCO Heritage of Nature and Culture. 

 

Itinerary At A Glance

  • Day 1: Dong Hoi - Phong Nha jungle trek
  • Day 2: Phong Nha - Paradise cave
  • Day 3: Phong Nha - Vinh Moc tunnels - Hue
  • Day 4: Hue cultural heritage
  • Day 5: Hue’s art and craft
  • Day 6: Hue - Hai Van pass - Hoi An Ancient Town
  • Day 7: Hoi An countryside -  local treasure unveiled
  • Day 8: My Son Sanctuary 
  • Day 9: Hoi An - Danang departure

Day 1 Dong Hoi - Phong Nha jungle trek

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Phong Nha

Upon arrival at Dong Hoi train station or airport, we will promptly collect you and provide comfortable transportation to Phong Nha. Before commencing the tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing break and breakfast at a local restaurant.

At 8:30 AM, we'll be ready for a team meeting and get some outline of the trip details and safety briefing. We'll then set off for a 1-hour transfer by van to the trailhead and start our trekking through the Phong Nha jungle to Elephant Cave. Upon completing the most difficult 20 minutes of the trek you will be rewarded with the magnificent sight of a 60-meter-high, 300-meter-long Elephant cave.

Afterward, we'll journey to the pristine Ma Da Lake, where you can take a refreshing dip in its crystal waters and savor a delicious BBQ lunch by your porter (vegetarian can be catered for).  After lunch, the adventure continues as we trek to the captivating Tra Ang Cave where we have a chance to dive into the depths of this 600-meter cave and discover its secrets. We'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh Road around 5:00 PM and toast to our remarkable journey with cold drinks. We'll go back to your hotel before sunset.

Fitness Level: Moderate, including 9 km trekking and 600m swimming.

 

Day 2 Phong Nha explorer

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Phong Nha

At around 9:00, your guide will pick you up for a visit to Paradise Cave. Discovered in 2005, this incredible cave spans an impressive 31.4 kilometers, ranking among Asia's largest caves. Walkways covering 1km allow visitors to admire its enchanting stalactites and stalagmites.

Next, a quick transfer will whisk you away to the Dark Cave, where you can dive into thrilling water activities, including zip-lining, kayaking, and mud baths, all within the captivating underground world. Return to your hotel by approximately 3 p.m., leaving the rest of the day free for your leisure.

 

Day 3 Phong Nha - Vinh Moc tunnels - Hue

Meal: breakfast, dinner | Accommodation: in Hue

In the morning, we'll head to Hue with a stop at the remarkable Vinh Moc Tunnels. Built in secrecy between 1966 and 1967, these tunnels served as bomb shelters primarily for civilians. Life thrived underground during bombing raids, with children attending school, women giving birth, and families even watching movies. The tunnels stand as a remarkable testament to human labor, engineering, and determination.

We'll arrive in Hue around midday and check into our hotel for some refreshments. As the sun sets, embark on an exciting culinary adventure. Hop aboard motorbikes or traditional trishaws to explore Hue's enchanting lanes and discover hidden culinary gems. These family-run eateries are renowned for their authentic local dishes, including a variety of Hue dumplings, flavorful sizzling pancakes, and aromatic beef noodles. Your taste buds will be treated to a symphony of flavors that capture the essence of Hue's rich culinary heritage. We'll return to the hotel around 8:00 p.m. 

 

Day 4 Hue cultural heritage

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hue

8:00 - pick up from your hotel, your exploration begins with a scenic boat trip along the serene Perfume River, leading you to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of the city's historical significance dating back to the 17th century. Following this, a comfortable car transfer will take you to the Imperial Citadel, where you'll stroll along the ancient ramparts and delve into the intriguing relics nestled within. Savor the flavors of Hue during a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, where you'll indulge in the city's specialty dishes. 

In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Minh Mang Tomb, an imperial architectural marvel. Conclude your day with a visit to a charming garden house in Thuy Bieu village for a relaxing tea break with the hospitable host. Return to your hotel by 5:00 p.m.

 

Day 5 Hue’s art and craft

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hue

Embark on a cultural journey like no other as we pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 AM to commence a day filled with immersive experiences. Our first stop is the captivating Truc Chi gallery, where you'll delve into the intricate world of paper making, learning about the art form's rich history and craftsmanship. Next, we'll transfer you to a heartwarming paper flower workshop, where you'll have the unique opportunity to craft your very own creation under the guidance of a talented deaf community. 

For lunch, we'll indulge in a delectable meal at a garden house in Thuy Bieu village, surrounded by lush greenery and serene beauty. In the afternoon, we'll pay tribute to the renowned artist Le Ba Dang at his memory space, where his masterpieces come to life. We conclude the day at a traditional tea house, where the art of tea-making is showcased in all its elegance.

Alternative for Day 5: if traditional handicraft is not your fancy, we would suggest a day of exploring Hue countryside and local life with bicycles. Please feel free to contact our travel consultant for better planning. 

 

Day 6 Hue - Hai Van Pass - Hoi An

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hoi An.

9:00 am - depart from your hotel to Danang via the awe-inspiring Hai Van Pass. Get ready to go through a truly beautiful coastal road! The views from the top are simply excellent; we should be able to see Lang Co beach, the Laguna far below, and Danang spreading out in the south. We will understand why this is considered the prettiest road in the country. 

Once in Danang, we will have time to make a stop en route at the Marble Mountains before settling down at our address in Hoi An.

In the afternoon, we discover the enchanting beauty of Hoi An's Old Town on foot. Strolling through the ancient streets, you'll be captivated by the significant architecture that has earned Hoi An a UNESCO World Heritage status. Our guide will regale you with captivating tales and historical anecdotes, allowing you to truly appreciate the charm of this historic gem.

A visit to Hoi An is incomplete without trying one of the city's delectable street foods. We’ll take you to a local spot where you can relish the mouthwatering flavors of Vietnam, and choose a savory delicacy or a sweet treat that will tantalize your taste buds.

 

Day 7 Hoi An local treasures unveiled

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hoi An.

8:00 a.m. pick-up from your hotel, followed by a scenic cycling journey to Thanh Dong village. Along the way, witness the picturesque countryside, with its vibrant landscapes and charming villages bustling with friendly faces. Upon arrival, we embark on an enchanting basket boat ride, gliding through tranquil waterways, a serene experience that unveils the hidden gems of the region.

Get ready to embrace the spirit of community as we join hands with the locals for an immersive farming and cooking experience. Engage in traditional farming practices, learning age-old techniques from the knowledgeable villagers. Together, we'll harvest fresh ingredients and transform them into mouthwatering dishes during a cooking session, guided by the expertise of local chefs. A sumptuous lunch awaits, allowing you to savor the fruits of our labor.

In the afternoon, the journey continues as we cycle to the Taboo studio for an engaging bamboo workshop. Delve into the art of bamboo craftsmanship, discovering the beauty of this sustainable material and creating your own masterpiece to cherish as a keepsake.

As the day draws to a close, we embark on a serene boat cruise to the Old Town and then get a transfer back to your hotel.

 

Day 8 My Son Sanctuary

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: in Hoi An

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for an excursion to My Son Sanctuary. The journey starts with a trip through Hoi An rice paddies to Cua Dai bridge, weather permits, and we can catch up on the stunning view of sunrise over Thu Bon River from there.

Upon arrival at My Son, we begin with a short ascent along a track bordered by jungle and as we reach the top, the fascinating ruins appear. While you explore the area, your guide will explain the history of the religious site which served as a burial place for the Cham monarchs many centuries ago. After the walk, it’s time to enjoy a local café before leaving. We still avoid the main roads and stop en route to visit the local villages

For an extra dose of excitement and adventure during your journey, we offer the option of exploring the region via an ArmyJeep transfer, which can be arranged for a small additional fee. If you're interested in this thrilling experience, simply inform us at the time of booking.

 

Day 9 Hoi An - Danang departure

Meal: breakfast | Accommodation: not included

Time will be on your own until our driver arrives and takes you to Danang airport, in a good time for boarding your departure flight. End of our services.

 

Price

Please SEND INQUIRY or CONTACT our travel consultant at info@handspan.com for the best offers.

Included

  • Accommodation as specified in the program
  • Meals as specified.
  • Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
  • The services of an experienced English-speaking guide.
  • All entrance fees, visits, and activities as mentioned in the program.
  • VAT and other taxes.

Excluded

  • Flight tickets or visas.
  • Beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Supplements in peak season.

Extend or Complete your trip

Central Vietnam Family Adventure:  Hoi An to Hue

Join us on an unforgettable 6-day Central Vietnam Family Adventure from Hoi An to Hue. This hand-crafted itinerary is the perfect blend of ...

Phong Nha Into The Wild: Jungle and Camping

A truly immersive journey through the vibrant and verdant jungles of Phong Nha, where nature's secrets await your discovery. Join us on this ...

From Phong Nha to Hoi An: 7-Day Heritage Adventure

Commence on an immersive 7-day Heritage Adventure, traversing the stunning landscapes of Central Vietnam. Let's unearth the rich heritage and natural ...

Hue to Hoi An Adventure: Enchanting Landscapes

Experience the beauty of Central Vietnam on our Enchanting Landscapes: Hue to Hoi An Adventure tour. You can choose from a trekking route to the lush ...

Hue to Hoi An: A Cultural Journey

Embark on a captivating 5-day cultural journey from Hue to Hoi An. Explore the rich history of Vietnam at the Imperial Citadel, and gain fascinating ...