Central Vietnam Highlights: Hoi An – Hue – Phong Nha

Welcome to Hoi An! Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide/driver. Then, we will have 45 minutes’ drive to your hotel in Hoi An for check-in. The rest of today is free time for you to explore this old and charming city at your own pace. Recommended Activities for free time in Hoi An:

• Hoi An Lantern Making Class in Lantern Workshops
• Enjoying a relaxing boat ride on the Thu Bon River
• Explore the bustling Hoi An Night Market & Shopping

After breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel for a half-day excursion to Cam Thanh village, a charming fishing village nestled amidst the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest.

Upon arrival, we will take an exciting 45-minute to 1-hour adventure on a traditional basket boat. Crafted from bamboo and woven palm leaves, these boats will take you on a journey through the heart of the water coconut forest. As you glide through the serene waterways, surrounded by lush coconut groves and vibrant rice paddies, soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Witness the unique ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Learn about the local community’s commendable efforts in preserving this remarkable environment. Other activities and experiences you will have:

• Fun dancing with the locals in the basket boat.
• Try your hand at casting traditional nets and basket traps.
• Catch crabs or snails by the riverbank.

After your exciting excursion to Cam Thanh village, you’ll return to Ancient Town of Hoi An where our guide can recommend you a delicious lunch of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This afternoon, enjoy a captivating exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town with your knowledgeable guide on the Hoi An Walking Tour. Our guide will lead you to some of the town’s most significant landmarks, including the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, the ornate Fujian Assembly Hall, and the historic Tan Ky House (Old House of Tan Ky). The rest of day will be free time for you to do your own discoveries or relaxation.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hoi An and transfer to Hue City. The 121km journey takes about 3 hours driving. Along the way, you’ll drive along the beautiful coastal scenic route with Hai Van Pass and Lap An Lagoon.

Upon arrival in Hue, we will visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, built as the summer palace and final resting place for Emperor Khai Dinh. The mausoleum is renowned for its unique blended architectural of East and West. Here, traditional Vietnamese elements are masterfully fused with French-influenced details, creating a visually striking landmark distinct from other imperial tombs in the area.

After lunch (optional), the main highlight of Hue is Imperial City, also known as the Citadel. This former seat of power for 13 Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last ruling dynasty. Visiting the Citadel allows you to delve into Vietnam’s imperial past and gain insights into its rich history. Our local expert will explain more about Vietnamese Royalty with Kings, Queens, Minor Wives and Concubines of the Emperors, and also Vietnamese Eunuchs.

After exploring the Imperial City, head to Thien Mu Pagoda, a captivating landmark gracing the banks of the Perfume River in Hue. As one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in the city, it boasts a unique seven-story octagonal tower, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam. Each level is adorned with intricate Buddhist symbols and offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape.

After sightseeing in the most popular highlights of Hue. You will be transferred to hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free time for your relaxation or discovery. Stay overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, we will have exciting day to explore countryside of Hue on the most popular transportation of Vietnamese – Motorcycle/Scooter (you can choose to do by car/van if you do not like the motorbike).

Kick off your day with our scooter driver and local guide with a short drive Tiger-Elephant Arena. This was built in 1830 by Emperor Minh Mang (the 2^nd Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty) and was used as Colosseum for fighting between elephants and tigers. This was the way of Emperor ‘s entertainment and for propaganda of Vietnamese Royal Family. You will have chance to walk around, learn some more stories of royalty from our guide when you visit the only Colosseum built in Vietnam.

Next. Our team of drivers will drive you through beautiful countryside and village of Hue. We arrive at a small village named Thuy Thanh; area is famous for agriculture museum and Thanh Toan Covered Bridge. Here, our local guide will explain more about agriculture life of Vietnamese farmers before strolling around to see the covered bridge and local market nearby.

Continue our drive to unique fishing village named Dam Chuon. Located in Tam Giang Lagoon, Dam Chuon is known as untouched area for foreign tourists. Here, you can see beautiful, peaceful fishing village and experience real life of local fishermen. We will take the boat and go to water to do fishing with traditional way from Net and Trap. After that, continue to stilt house family-run restaurant to try authentic local dishes of the area.

After meal, our tour guide and driver will drive you back to your hotel. Rest of the day will be free time for your relaxation or your own discovery in the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam

After breakfast, we will drive about 3.5 hours to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park – World natural heritage site recognized by UNESCO. This is an attractive destination not to be missed when traveling to Central Vietnam. This place not only possesses a majestic cave system, but also has unique ecological, cultural and historical values. Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park was formed over millions of years with complex geological processes, creating a unique cave system and landscape. This is one of the oldest limestone areas in the world with an age of more than 400 million years.

Upon arrival to Phong Nha Boat Station, we will have a short break, then take boat cruise to visit Phong Nha Cave. After 25 minutes on boat, you will arrive at Phong Nha and take a couple hours to see the cave. This cave is called as water cave, is famous for its rock formation which has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”. You can also visit Dry Cave if you like.

After exploring the cave and boat trip. We go back to boat station, you can have some food for lunch (optional) then driving back to Hue city for overnight.

After breakfast, It is time to end your 10-day Vietnam Tour Pakage. Today, you’ll be escorted to Tan Son Nhat International Airport to catch a flight for your departure.