Northern & Central Vietnam Tour ( By Private Car)
Overview
Trip Highlights
Ultimate Northern and Central Vietnam Road Trip: Explore Stunning Landscapes from Hanoi to Da Nang
With the recent opening of the Hanoi – Bai Vot (Ha Tinh) highway, traveling between Northern and Central Vietnam by car has become more convenient and time-efficient. This route offers a fantastic opportunity to capture the stunning landscapes from the North to the Center of Vietnam, including destinations such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, the DMZ in Quang Tri, the royal city of Hue, Hai Van Pass, Ba Na Hills, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Each day of your journey will reveal new surprises, showcasing Vietnam’s beautiful scenery, rich history, and friendly people throughout these regions.
Ngang Pass – the view from Hoanh Son Quan Gate
Here is our suggested travel itinerary for exploring Northern and Central Vietnam by private car. You can get driven from Hanoi to Da Nang and then fly to other parts of the country, or reverse the journey to visit different places along the route.
Lang Co beach & mountains viewed from Hai Van Pass
Special Highlights of this 12 day Car Journey to Explore Northern & Central Vietnam
- Scenic Highway Experience: Benefit from the newly opened Hanoi-Bai Vot (Ha Tinh) highway, making travel between Northern and Central Vietnam more convenient and efficient, while providing breathtaking views along the way.
- Vibrant Hanoi: Begin your journey in the bustling capital, Hanoi, with a city tour that introduces you to its rich culture and history.
- Majestic Halong Bay: Enjoy a scenic drive to Halong Bay, where you’ll kayak through Luon Cave and hike to Ti Top Island, followed by an overnight cruise amidst stunning karst formations.
- Enchanting Ninh Binh: Explore the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh, including the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the serene Tam Coc river, and the panoramic views from Mua Cave.
- Historical Insights: Discover Vietnam’s modern history with visits to Uncle Ho’s native village, Dong Loc Junction, Ngang Pass, and General Giap’s tomb in Vinh.
- Awe-Inspiring Caves: Delve into the wonders of Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Grotto in Dong Hoi, showcasing some of Vietnam’s most impressive natural formations.
- DMZ Exploration: Tour the historic DMZ in Quang Tri, including the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River, and Quang Tri Old Citadel, and continue to the ancient city of Hue.
- Royal Hue: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Hue’s royal past, visiting the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
- Coastal Beauty: Travel through Lang Co, visiting the charming Lap An fishing village, crossing the scenic Hai Van Pass, and exploring the spectacular Ba Na Hills.
- Cultural Marvels: Conclude your journey with a day trip from Da Nang to Marble Mountain, the tranquil Cam Thanh coconut village, and the historic streets of Hoi An.
Travel Route Map Hanoi- Halong – Ninh Binh – Nghe An- Dong Hoi – Quan Tri- Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An
Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi: Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital.
Our representative will meet you at the arrival terminal of Noi Bai Airport with your signed name :………………., following your flight number …………. landing at ………….. He picks your group up & transfers to Minasi Premium Hotel
Gate to enter Thang Long Royal Citadel
Check-in ( after 14h00) & be free at your leisure to explore Hanoi on your own. Overnight in Minasi Premium Hotel
Inclusions : Private car airport pick-up, deluxe double/twin room with window in Minasi Premium Hotel
After your own breakfast, our guide & driver will pick you up for a sightseeing day tour to explore Hanoi’s top attractions :
- Ho Chi Minh Complex. You will visit the Presidential Palace – a nice French architecture in the garden and Ho Chi Minh House on stilt. Visiting the house you will see the simple life of Ho Chi Minh – the president in Vietnamese’s spirit forever. We will finish this area with One Pillar Pagoda – one of the most attractions in Hanoi you cannot miss with the special in architecture.
- Tran Quoc pagoda – the oldest one & the center of Buddhism in Hanoi capital.
- Temple of Literature & The first Univeristy of Vietnam – great for your understanding of our feudal education & our Confucian culture.
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology : the place to display and preserve the cultural values of 54 ethnic groups across the country
- Hanoi old quarter – the busy center of Hanoi famous for its narrow ancient streets specialized in typical produces
- Hanoi’s Train Street, offering a unique experience found only in this city
- Hoan Kiem lake – for a nice walk around for photos & talking with local students.
Back to your hotel & be free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Inclusions : Private car with driver, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, deluxe double/twin rooms at the hotel
Today’s journey is to Halong bay – the must-see place in Vietnam for any travellers doing trip to Vietnam
• 08:20 – 08:30 Begin your journey with a pick-up from your hotel in the Old Quarter. Take a short break for refreshments during the 20-minute drive.
• 11:30 – 11:45 Arrive at Halong International Harbor.
• 12:15 Board the cruise via tender. Check-in, savor welcome drinks, and receive a cruise briefing.
• 13:00 Enjoy a delightful lunch while cruising through the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay, marveling at the captivating formations along the way.
• 14:45 Discover Luon Cave through kayaking or a bamboo boat ride. Engage in this must-do activity with a local bamboo rowing boat or opt for kayaking.
• 16:00 Visit Titop Island for climbing, beach time, and swimming. Appreciate the crescent moon-shaped beach and panoramic views of Halong Bay from the island’s peak.
• 17:00 – 18:30 Relax on the sundeck, capturing the best moments of the day as the sun sets between limestone peaks and emerald-green coves. Enjoy drinks and a cooking demonstration.
• 19:15 Indulge in a delicious dinner.
• 21:00 Try your hand at night-time squid fishing.
• 22:30 Drift into sweet dreams while on board the Victory Star Cruise.
Inclusions : Private car with driver Hanoi – Halong bay, English speaking tourguide on the cruise, sight-seeing entrance fees, kayaking or rowing boat fees, meals (B- Breakfast, L-Lunch, D- Dinner), double/twin cabin on the cruise
Today, we will have a moring explore Sung Sot cave – the biggest grotto in Halong bay, then drive to Ninh Binh, largely known as Halong bay on land
• 06:15 Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Bay. Engage in a morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
• 06:30 Delight in a light breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries served in the restaurant.
• 07:20 Embark on an exploration of Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most stunning cave in Halong Bay.
• 09:15 Check-out of cabins and settle bills. Begin the cruise back to the port.
• 09:30 Relish a buffet brunch served at the restaurant.
• 10:45 – 11:00 Return to the port. Bid farewell and disembark.
• 11:15 – 11:30 Board our private car for a journey to Ninh Binh
• 15:00 -15:30 Arrive in Ninh Binh, check-in the hotel & be free at your relaxation.
Inclusions : Private car with driver Halong bay – Hanoi, tour guide of English speaking on cruise, entrance sightseeing fees, meals (B- breakfast, L-Lunch), double/twin room with windows in Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Resort
After having a breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick you up for an exciting day with boat ride, hiking & biking activities to explore top attractions in Ninh Binh:
- 8:00 A.M. Leave the hotel to Mua Cave, where a challenging yet rewarding hiking adventure awaits. Climb the stone steps to the peak of the mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Tam Coc and Trang An landscapes. Don’t forget your camera for those picturesque photo opportunities.
- 10:00 A.M. Proceed to Hoa Lu ancient capital, pay a visit to two remain temples : Dinh temple worshipping the king Dinh Tien Hoang & his family and Le temple dedicated to the king Le Dai Hanh & his family.You will learn a lot about Vietnamese history during 10th, 11th century in Dinh, Le & Ly dynasties and the strategic decision to remove the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010.
- 12:00 . Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local Vietnamese dishes at a nearby restaurant.
- 13:00 P.M. After lunch, continue our journey to Tam Coc for a scenic rowing boat ride along Ngo Dong river to admire Tam Coc’s beautiful landscapes : majestic limestone mountain settings along waterways, three naturally hidden caves & pristine or stunning rice fields on both sides of the rivers.
- 15:00 PM.After Tam Coc boat ride, hop on a bike for a short ride around the majestic mountains and charming local villages in Bich Dong area. Immerse yourself in the beautiful views and gain insights into the daily life of the locals.
- 16:00 P.M. Back to the hotel & be relaxed at your leisure
Inclusions : Private car with driver, local guide of English speaking, meals ( B- Breakfast, L-Lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, boat ride fee in Tam Coc, bike rental fees, twin/double rooms at Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Resort
Breakfast at the hotel & be ready for a journey to explore the Central Vietnam for beautiful landscapes & valueable lessions about Vietnam’s history
- 7:30 AM. Begin your journey to Vinh, a city in the north-central coast of Vietnam. The drive will take approximately 3 hours, covering a distance of around 200 km.
- 10:30 AM. Arrive in Kim Lien Village, the birthplace of Ho Chi Minh, located in Nam Dan District, Nghe An Province. Explore the simple houses where President Ho Chi Minh was born and learn about his early life and family.
- 12:00 PM. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant
- 14:00 PM. Drive to Dong Loc Junction, located in Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province. This historical site commemorates the bravery of ten young female volunteers who sacrificed their lives during the American War to ensure the safe passage of supplies along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
- 15:30 PM . Proceed to Ngang Pass, which marks the natural boundary between Ha Tinh and Quang Binh provinces. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
- 16:30 PM . Head towards Vung Chua – Dao Yen in Quang Binh Province, where General Vo Nguyen Giap, the famous military leader, is laid to rest. Pay respects at his tomb, located in a serene coastal area.
- 17:30 PM . Arrive in Dong Hoi city, the capital of Quang Binh Province.Check-in at Muong Thanh Luxury Dong Hoi & unwind in your comfortable room or Nhat Le beach
Inclusions : Private car with driver, local guide of English speaking, meals ( B- Breakfast, L-Lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, twin/double rooms at Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel
Today, we are heading to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning caves. We’ll spend an awesome day exploring Phong Nha water cave and the magnificent Paradise Grotto (Thien Duong Grotto).
- 7:00 AM. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to fuel up for the adventure ahead.
- 8:00 AM . Depart from your hotel in Dong Hoi and head towards Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, offering scenic views of the countryside.
- 9:00 AM – Arrive at Phong Nha Cave: Upon arrival, you’ll take a short boat ride along the Son River to reach the entrance of Phong Nha Cave, known for its stunning karst landscapes and impressive underground river.
- 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Phong Nha Cave Tour: Spend around 2 hours exploring the cave. Marvel at the unique rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites as your guide shares fascinating insights about the cave’s geology and history. The boat ride inside the cave is serene and allows for a close-up view of the natural wonders.
- 12:00 Noon . Head to a local restaurant nearby for a Vietnamese lunch. Enjoy dishes such as grilled pork, spring rolls, fresh vegetables, and rice, accompanied by refreshing local drinks.
- 13:30 PM . After lunch, continue your journey to Paradise Grotto, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Phong Nha Cave. The grotto, also known as Thien Duong Cave, is one of the most beautiful and longest dry caves in Asia.
- 14:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Paradise Grotto Tour: Upon arrival, take a short electric cart ride to the entrance, followed by a brief hike. Spend about 1 hours exploring the cave. Admire the stunning formations, illuminated by strategic lighting that enhances the cave’s natural beauty. The boardwalks and stairways make it accessible and safe to explore the various chambers.
- 4:30 PM . Begin your drive back to Dong Hoi, reflecting on the day’s adventures as you pass through the scenic landscapes of Quang Binh province.
- 5:30 PM – Arrive at Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel & be free at leisure for your own exploration at Nhat Le beach
The beauty of Paradise Grotto in Quang Binh
Inclusions : Private car with driver, local guide of English speaking, meals ( B- Breakfast, L-Lunch), boat ride in Phong Nha, returned electric car to enter Paradise grotto, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, twin/double rooms at Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel
Today’s journey is a deep dive into Vietnam’s historical and wartime past in DMZ Quang Tri with a visit to Vinh Moc tunnels, Hien Luong Bridge, Ben Hai River & Quang Tri Old Citadel. This visit is a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength that shaped Vietnam’s history
- 7:00 AM. Breakfast at your hotel & ready with your baggage.
- 8:00 AM. Depart from Dong Hoi and head towards the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in Quang Tri province
- 10:00 AM. Arrive at Vinh Moc Tunnels : Explore this complex tunnel system used by North Vietnamese soldiers and local villagers during the Vietnam War. These tunnels were ingeniously constructed to evade bombings and served as living quarters, hospitals, and supply routes.We have around 1 hour here, walking through the tunnels and learning about their historical significance from informative displays and guides.
- 11:15 AM. Depart from Vinh Moc Tunnels and head towards Hien Luong Bridge and Ben Hai River: Visit this iconic bridge that once marked the boundary between North and South Vietnam. The bridge and the Ben Hai River were symbolic of the division of Vietnam during the war.Spend about 45 minutes here, exploring the site and the adjacent museum which provides insights into the historical context of the DMZ.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in Quang Tri. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes and refresh yourself for the afternoon’s activities.
- 13:30 PM. Visit Quang Tri Old Citadel: This site was the location of a fierce battle during the Vietnam War in 1972. Today, it serves as a memorial to those who fought and died here, with many monuments and exhibits detailing the history of the conflict.Here we can spend around 1 hour exploring the citadel, its grounds, and the memorials.
- 14:30 PM. Depart Quang Tri and head towards Hue.
- 16:30 PM: Arrive in Hue and check into Cherish Hotel Hue.Settle into your comfortable room at this centrally located hotel, offering modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Dinner on your own & be free to explore Hue city at night
Symbolic Hien Luonh Bridge & Ben Hai river
Inclusions : Private car with driver, local guide of English speaking, meals ( B- Breakfast, L-Lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, twin/double rooms at Cherish Hotel Hue
Today’s exploration to Hue’s top landmarks offers you a glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of Vietnam’s former imperial capital
- 7:30 AM: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
- 8:30 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Hue Imperial City (The Citadel). This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the former imperial capital of Vietnam and is rich in history and architecture. Spend time exploring the Noon Gate (Ngo Mon Gate), Thai Hoa Palace, the Forbidden Purple City, and various other palaces and temples within the complex.
- 10:30 AM: Head to the Thien Mu Pagoda. Situated on the banks of the Perfume River, this iconic pagoda offers stunning views and serene surroundings. Learn about its historical significance and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
- 11:30 AM: Take a leisurely stroll around the pagoda’s garden and enjoy the beautiful views of the river.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant to savor Hue’s traditional cuisine.
- 13:30 PM: Visit the Tomb of Tu Duc. This is one of the most beautiful royal tombs in Hue, featuring traditional Vietnamese architecture, serene lakes, and lush gardens. Learn about the life of Emperor Tu Duc and the significance of the tomb’s design.
- 15:00 PM: Continue to the Tomb of Khai Dinh. This tomb is a blend of traditional Vietnamese and European architectural styles, making it unique among the royal tombs. The elaborate interior decoration and the emperor’s statue are highlights of this site.
- 15:30 PM: Return to the city center and take a relaxing walk along the Perfume River. If time allows, you can also visit the Dong Ba Market for some shopping and to experience the local hustle and bustle.
The view at Tu Duc tomb
Inclusions : Private car with driver, local guide of English speaking, meals ( B- Breakfast, L-Lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, twin/double rooms at Cherish Hotel Hue
Today’s journey promises breathtaking landscapes as we travel from Hue to Da Nang city & explore beautiful spots along the way such as Hai Van Pass, Lap An fishing village & iconic Golden Bridge – Ba Na hills
- 7:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
- 8:00 AM: Depart from Hue and drive to Lang Co, a picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beach and tranquil lagoon (approximately 1.5 hours).
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Lap An Fishing Village. Spend time exploring the village, taking in the serene views of the lagoon surrounded by mountains, and observing the local fishing activities.
- 10:30 AM: Continue your journey to Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam, offering panoramic views of the coastline and mountains (approximately 30 minutes).
- 11:00 AM: Arrive at the top of Hai Van Pass. Spend some time enjoying the breathtaking views and taking photos.
- 12:00 PM: Depart from Hai Van Pass and drive to Ba Na Hills, a popular mountain resort complex with various attractions (approximately 1 hour).
- 13:00 PM: Arrive at Ba Na Hills.Have lunch at the restaurants in the Ba Na Hills complex
- 14:00 P.M : Take the cable car to the top, enjoying spectacular views along the way.
- 14:30 PM: Explore Ba Na Hills, including: Golden Bridge, a stunning pedestrian bridge held up by giant stone hands, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.French Village, a charming area designed to resemble a French medieval village, complete with cobblestone streets and European architecture.Le Jardin d’Amour, a beautiful garden with various themed sections and vibrant flower displays.Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement park with rides, games, and attractions suitable for all ages.
- 17:30 PM: Depart from Ba Na Hills and drive to Da Nang (approximately 45 minutes).
- 18:10 PM: Arrive at Alani Hotel Da Nang for check-in.Free time to relax at the hotel or explore nearby areas in Da Nang.
Golden Bridge – Ba Na Hills
Inclusions : Private car with driver, local guide of English speaking, meals ( B- Breakfast, L-Lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, returned cable car to visit Ba Na Hills, twin/double rooms at Alani Hotel Da Nang
After your breakfast at the hotel, our driver & guide will be ready to pick your group up for a day of wonderful exploration of Hoi An & Da Nang’s highlights :
- 9:00 AM: Depart from Da Nang for Marble Mountain. It’s a short drive, about 20 minutes.
- 9:20 AM: Arrive at Marble Mountain. Explore the stunning natural landscapes, including the five limestone hills representing the five elements. Visit the caves, pagodas, and take in panoramic views from the top. Don’t miss the Linh Ung Pagoda and the Huyen Khong Cave. Spend approximately 1.5 hours here.
- 11:30 AM: Leave Marble Mountain and head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, located around 30 minutes away by car.
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant or with a family in the village. Experience a local specialty meal, often featuring fresh seafood or local vegetables.
- 1:00 PM: After lunch, embark on a boat ride through the mangrove forest in a traditional bamboo basket boat. Learn about the village’s history and traditional fishing techniques. Participate in hands-on activities like weaving palm leaves or fishing.
- 2:30 PM: Depart from Cam Thanh Coconut Village and head towards Hoi An Ancient Town. The drive takes about 30 minutes.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive in Hoi An Ancient Town. Begin your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the narrow streets and admire the well-preserved architecture, including historic merchant houses, Japanese bridges, and vibrant markets.
- 5:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at one of Hoi An’s many charming restaurants
- 7:00 PM: After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Visit the riverside area where you can see colorful lanterns floating on the water.
- 8:30 PM: Head back to Da Nang, which takes about 30 minutes by car.
Overnight in Alani Hotel Da Nang
After the breakfast at the hotel, you will have your own time at leisure for swimming or shopping. And about bout 3.5 hours before your flight, the driver will pick your family up from the hotel and drive to Da Nang international airport for your flight onwards. See you in another trip with Golden Holiday Travel to explore other destinations in Vietnam
Inclusions : Private car with driver, meals ( B- breakfast)
The Trip’s Inclusions :
- Private car transfer with driver as mentioned day by day ( day tours & airport transfers)
- Tourguide of English speaking stated on the travel itinerary
- Entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places.
- Returned cable car tickets in Ba Na Hills
- Boat ride in Cam Thanh coconut village, Tam Coc & Phong Nha cave
- 10 nights on mentioned hotels ( as detailed in the day-by-day program)
- 1 night on 5* Victory Star Cruise ( as detailed in the day-by-day program)
- Kayaking rental or bamboo boat fees in Halong bay.
- Meals as stated in the program (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D- Dinner)
The Trip’s Exclusions :
- Tips to guide & driver, online payment fees,
- Drinks, personal expences, taxes
- Visa to enter Vietnam, flight tickets, travel insurance
- Things not stated in the inclusions……..
Frequently Asked Questions
The 12-day road trip begins in Hanoi with a city tour, followed by an overnight cruise in Halong Bay and an exploration of Ninh Binh’s Tam Coc and Mua Cave. The journey then moves south via private car to Vinh (Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace) and Dong Hoi to explore the Phong Nha Caves. The tour concludes with deep dives into the DMZ in Quang Tri, the imperial city of Hue, and finally the vibrant coastal city of Da Nang and ancient Hoi An.
A private car tour offers unmatched flexibility and comfort compared to trains or buses. It allows for “door-to-door” service between hotels and attractions, personalized stops at scenic spots like the Ngang Pass or Hai Van Pass, and the ability to travel at your own pace. For families or small groups, it is the most efficient way to cover the 800+ km journey while ensuring a seamless, stress-free transition between different regions.
For history enthusiasts, the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) in Quang Tri province is essential. Key sites include the Vinh Moc Tunnels, a complex underground village used during the war, the Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River (the former border between North and South Vietnam), and the Quang Tri Old Citadel, a site of a historic 81-day battle. A private car tour ensures you have enough time to reflect and learn at each monument.
The drive from Ninh Binh to Dong Hoi is approximately 400 km and is typically broken into two segments. Our itinerary includes a stop in Vinh City (Nghe An province) after about 3 hours of driving to visit the Kim Lien Village (Ho Chi Minh’s birthplace). Breaking the journey this way allows you to see the “authentic” North-Central coastline and avoids long, exhausting hours behind the wheel.
The most efficient way is to spend two days in Dong Hoi. On a private tour, you can easily access Phong Nha Cave via a scenic boat trip along the Son River and visit the breathtaking Paradise Cave (Thien Duong), known as the “Underground Palace.” Having a private driver means you can arrive at the caves early to beat the large tour bus crowds.
Yes, as a licensed tour operator in Vietnam, Golden Holiday Travel specializes in tailor-made itineraries. We can adjust the 12-day program to include more trekking in Pu Luong, extra nights in Hoi An, or specific culinary experiences in Hue. We provide professional English-speaking guides and high-quality vehicles (4-seat, 7-seat, or 16-seat) to match your group size and comfort preferences.
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.
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Northern & Central Vietnam Tour ( By Private Car)