Central Vietnam Escape: Coast, Nature and Culture

Xin Chào Các Bạn! Welcome to Vietnam!

Touch down at Danang International Airport and meet your driver for a short transfer to your hotel in Danang. Take some time to relax and freshen up. And then spend the afternoon unwinding at the beach. Enjoy the sun, take a dip in the sea, or simply relax on the sand while soaking in the beautiful coastal views.

In the evening, take a Street Food Exploration: Head out to explore Danang’s vibrant street food scene for dinner. Try local specialties such as Mi Quang (Turmeric Noodles), Bun Cha Ca (Fish Cake Noodles), and Banh Xeo (Vietnamese Pancakes).

After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Han River. Admire the illuminated bridges and vibrant nightlife.

Overnight at your hotel and ready for the next day’s adventures.

Included Activities:

Street-food walking tour

Accommodation:

 Danang - Chicland Hotel 

Meals included: Street Food Dinner

The scenic train ride from Danang to Hue - Southeast Asia’s most beautiful train journey

Board the train for the picturesque journey from Danang to Hue. Settle in and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline, lush green mountains, and charming countryside. This train ride is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia, especially as it passes through Hai Van Pass.

Later, check in your hotel and enjoy the slow daily life in Hue.

Accommodation

 Hue - Spatel d'Annam 

Meals included: Breakfast

If you are interested in making handicraft and environmentally friendly products, this workshop is definitely for you!

With the guidance of  workers, first, you will be able to make a unique handmade ring or learn how to weave a small bowl from recycled electric wires. Next, you will be guided to make a keychain from instant noodle wrappings.

Explore the Forbidden City, a royal palace built during the Nguyen Dynasty in the early 19th century and served as the residence of the emperors and their households. The City is a walled fortress with a perimeter of almost 2.5 kilometres, and covers an area of about 520 hectares. The complex consists of more than 150 buildings, including palaces, temples, pavilions, and gardens, all built in traditional Vietnamese architectural style. The City was designed with a strict hierarchy, where the innermost area was reserved for the emperor and his family, and the outer areas were used for courtiers, bureaucrats, and soldiers. The Forbidden Purple City, located within the Imperial City, was a private residence of the emperor and was strictly off-limits to outsiders. 

Included Activities

Recycle workshop with Hope NGO

Forbidden City, Emperor Tự Đức Tomb

Accommodation

Hue - Spatel d'Annam  

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel in Hue before departing for Bach Ma National Park, which is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away. Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide for a brief orientation and then embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure. Hike to panoramic viewpoints offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and coastline, visit stunning waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip, and explore tranquil lakes nestled within the park.

A packed picnic lunch will be provided amidst nature, allowing you to relax and recharge. In the afternoon, continue trekking while keeping an eye out for the park's diverse wildlife, including exotic birds and native animals. After a fulfilling day, set up camp in a designated area within the park, where you can enjoy the sounds of nature and stargaze in the evening. 

Hike:

The hike is approx 5kms and includes around 650 steps. We will take the steps at a slow and steady pace with plenty of time for breaks. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Picnic lunch, dinner 

Start your morning with breakfast at the campsite before embarking on a final trek to spot more wildlife.

After a picnic lunch in a scenic spot, wrap up your trekking tour and transfer to Hoi An, which takes about 2.5 hours. Arrive in Hoi An, check in at your hotel and relax.

 Accommodation:  Hoi An - Lantana Riverside Hotel 

 Meals included: Picnic breakfast and lunch

Take the opportunity to unwind at your hotel in Hoi An, enjoying the serene surroundings and amenities. Alternatively, venture out to explore the enchanting beauty of Hoi An at your own pace. Stroll through the historic streets, marvel at the well-preserved architecture, and visit local shops and art galleries. You can also relax at the beach, sample delicious local cuisine, or enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the river. This day is all about enjoying Hoi An’s unique charm and creating your own memorable experiences. 

Accommodation:  

Hoi An - Lantana Riverside Hotel 

Meals included:  Breakfast

Cooking class - with one of Vietnam’s leading chef Hai, who paved the way for the new wave of modern Vietnamese re-interpretation. Old tradition meets new techniques. Phở bò, the northern style, which for many is the original true phở. Or, duck breast smoked with green tea is a recipe that will wow many dinner guests at your future parties.  

Spend your afternoon kayaking through Hoi An's serene rivers. Paddle along the tranquil waters, taking in the stunning views of the lush landscape and the charming lantern-lit Old Town. As the sun begins to set, the illuminated lanterns create a magical atmosphere, providing a unique perspective of Hoi An’s beauty from the water. 

Included Activities

Cooking class

Kayak Hoi An waterway

Accommodation

 Hoi An - Lantana Riverside Hotel 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch at cooking class

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to My Son and spend the morning exploring the ancient Cham temples, which date back to the 4th to 13th centuries. Wander through the ruins, learn about the Cham civilisation, and admire the intricate carvings and architecture of this spiritual site nestled in a lush valley. 

This afternoon, take a stroll over to the private artist studio for a fun hands on experience.  The 2 hours workshop include an introduction to natural indigo dyes following the ancient fermentation process. You will try your hands at dyeing a cotton scarf or shirt that you can take with you as a self-made souvenir. 

Included Activities

My Son Temple Ruins

Indigo workshop

Accommodation

 Hoi An - Lantana Riverside Hotel 

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy your final breakfast at your hotel in Hoi An and take the morning to relax or do any last-minute packing. When ready, you'll be transferred to Danang International Airport (DAD), which is about a 40-minute drive from Hoi An. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences from your trip, from exploring ancient temples and local workshops to relaxing on the beach and trekking through breathtaking landscapes.

Once at the airport, check in for your flight and depart with wonderful memories of central Vietnam. Safe travels and see you on your next adventure! 

Meals included:  

Breakfast