6 days · Vietnam
The History of Central
Hue to Phong Nha Cave to Paradise Cave to Hoi An Ancient Town & Villages
Six days from Hue down to Hoi An: a bicycle day in Thuy Bieu Village with a herbal foot soak and the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda; a day north to Phong Nha, Ke Bang National Park for Paradise Cave and a dragon boat into Phong Nha Cave; a DMZ day taking in the Vinh Moc Tunnels and Hien Luong Bridge before the Hai Van Pass drive to Hoi An; and a final day in the Hoi An countryside at Tra Que and Cam Thanh, ending with a lantern boat ride on the Hoai River.
Day by day
6 days, 5 nights, starting in Hue.
Day 1
Hue Arrival - Leisure & Relax
Welcome to Hue, Vietnam's enchanting former imperial capital, where centuries of royal heritage, timeless architecture, and serene landscapes create an unforgettable first impression. Upon arrival at Phu Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and private driver before transferring comfortably to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Take time to unwind after your journey, stroll along the peaceful banks of the Perfume River, discover charming cafés and local boutiques, or simply soak in the elegant atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed heritage city. Overnight in Hue.
Day 2
Hue in Your Eyes
Meet your local guide and travel to Thuy Bieu Village, a peaceful riverside community renowned for its Thanh Tra pomelo orchards, lush gardens, and traditional Hue garden houses. Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the village, stopping to visit historic garden homes and local artisan families to gain insight into traditional crafts and the authentic rural way of life. Enjoy a traditional homemade lunch at a local garden house, where you can savor authentic Hue cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. After lunch, unwind with a traditional herbal foot soak, a relaxing wellness experience using locally grown medicinal herbs, providing the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate before your afternoon exploration. In the afternoon, discover Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent Imperial Citadel, the grand seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, where ancient palaces, royal courtyards, and historic gates reveal the legacy of Vietnam's last royal family. Continue to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest and most revered Buddhist temple, peacefully overlooking the Perfume River. At the end of the tour, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hue.
Includes breakfast, lunch
Day 3
Journey to Paradise Cave - Phong Nha Cave
After an early breakfast and hotel check-out, embark on a scenic journey from Hue to Phong Nha, Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic karst mountains, ancient forests, and some of the world's most extraordinary cave systems. Upon arrival, savor a delicious local lunch before venturing into the breathtaking Paradise Cave (Thien Duong Cave). Often referred to as the "Underground Palace", this spectacular cave stretches for over 31 kilometers and enchants visitors with its soaring ceilings, glittering stalactites, delicate stalagmites, and awe-inspiring natural formations. Follow the elevated wooden boardwalk deep into the cave, where every chamber reveals a masterpiece sculpted by nature over millions of years. Continue your adventure with a relaxing dragon boat cruise along the tranquil Son River to the iconic Phong Nha Cave. Glide into the mysterious river cave and admire its crystal-clear underground waterway, magnificent limestone formations, and vast chambers illuminated to showcase their remarkable beauty. Recognized as one of Vietnam's most impressive natural wonders, Phong Nha Cave offers an unforgettable glimpse into the geological history of the region. After an inspiring day exploring these two spectacular caves, transfer to your hotel in Quang Binh for check-in and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Quang Binh.
Includes breakfast, lunch
Day 4
Hue Dmz to Hoi An
After breakfast and hotel check-out, begin your journey south with a visit to the historic Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), one of Vietnam's most significant wartime landmarks that once divided the country along the 17th Parallel. Your first stop is the remarkable Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground village ingeniously constructed to protect local residents from relentless bombing during the Vietnam War. Explore the intricate network of tunnels, living quarters, kitchens, and meeting rooms while gaining a deeper understanding of the resilience and determination of the Vietnamese people. Continue to the iconic Hien Luong Bridge spanning the Ben Hai River, the former border between North and South Vietnam. Learn about the history of this symbolic site and its role during one of the country's most defining periods. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your scenic drive toward Hoi An. En route, travel along the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, renowned as one of Vietnam's most spectacular coastal roads. Pause for memorable photo opportunities overlooking the turquoise waters of Lang Co Beach. Arrive in the charming UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.
Includes breakfast, lunch
Day 5
From Farmer to Fisher in Hoi An - Hoi An Ancient Town by Night
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning at your hotel to relax or explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, discover the authentic countryside of Hoi An. Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you'll learn traditional farming methods and experience local village life. Continue to Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a memorable basket boat ride through the tranquil nipa palm forest, learning local fishing techniques and enjoying entertaining basket boat performances. Transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town for a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Ancient House, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge while strolling through its charming lantern-lined streets. Conclude the day with a peaceful lantern boat ride along the Hoai River, releasing a floating lantern as a symbol of peace, happiness, and good fortune. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Hoi An.
Includes breakfast, dinner
Day 6
Hoi An Departure Day
After breakfast, enjoy free time at your hotel in Hoi An. Relax at the resort, explore the charming streets at your own pace, or do some last-minute shopping before your departure. At the appointed time, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your onward flight. Bid farewell to Central Vietnam and capture a few memorable photos with your tour guide before check-in. We wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to welcoming you back to Vietnam in the future.
Includes breakfast
What it costs
Per person, sharing a twin or double room. The price per person is lower for a larger group because the guide and the vehicle are shared.
| Hotels | 2 people | 4 people | 6 people | 8 people | 10 people | 2 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3- Star | $680 | $490 | $450 | $400 | $380 | Not offered |
| 4- Star | Not offered | $530 | $480 | $440 | $420 | $720 |
Where you sleep
The hotel standard is the main thing the price tiers differ by, so here is exactly what each one books.
3-star
- Quang Binh
RIVERSIDE HOTEL 3*
Deluxe Double / Twin Room - Hue
THANH LICH HOTEL 3*
Deluxe Double / Twin Room - Hoi An
KIM AN HOTEL 3*
Deluxe Double / Twin Room
4-star
- Quang Binh
MUONG THANH HOLIDAY 4*
Deluxe Double / Twin City View - Hue
ALBA SPA HOTEL 4*
Deluxe Double / Twin Room - Hoi An
MULBERRY SILK ECO 4*
Deluxe Double / Twin City View
Or a hotel of the same standard, if one of these is full on your dates.
What the price covers
- Accommodation in shared rooms at selected hotels
- High-quality tourist transportation throughout the tour
- Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide
- All meals are carefully selected to showcase authentic local cuisine at quality restaurants.
- All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program
- Complimentary mineral water: 01 bottles per person per day
Not included: {{item}}: Hotel early check-in (before 2pm) & hotel late check-out (after 12pm); Beverage, Personal expenses; Tips and gratuities (policy: $3/pax/day); Vietnam visa stamping fee if required; Others not mentioned above; Travel insurance; Surcharge for Lunar New Year (Tet), Independence Day, Liberation Day, Christmas and Peak season….
Children, booking, cancellation
Children: Children above 9 years charged as adult. Children from 3 years to 8 years with bed charged 75%/adult. Children from 3 years to 8 years without bed charged 50%/adult. Children under 3 years without bed is free.
Cancellation: Cancellation made 40 days prior to the arrival date that would be no charge. Cancellation made before 31-39 days prior to the arrival date will be charged 50% of total booking. Cancellation made before 0-30 days prior to the arrival date will be charged 100% of total booking.
Photographs: Edgardo W. Olivera · CC BY 2.0 · Lê Tấn Lộc · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Gaodanielbo · CC BY 4.0
Questions worth asking first
How much does The History of Central cost?
From $380 per person sharing a twin room, at the 3-star hotel tier. The 4- and 5-star tiers cost more, and the per-person price falls as the group grows, the table on this page shows every combination.
What is included?
Accommodation in shared rooms at selected hotels, High-quality tourist transportation throughout the tour, Services of a professional English-speaking tour guide, All meals are carefully selected to showcase authentic local cuisine at quality restaurants., All entrance and sightseeing fees as mentioned in the program, Complimentary mineral water: 01 bottles per person per day. Not included: Hotel early check-in (before 2pm) & hotel late check-out (after 12pm), Beverage, Personal expenses, Tips and gratuities (policy: $3/pax/day), Vietnam visa stamping fee if required, Others not mentioned above, Travel insurance.
Can we bring children?
Children above 9 years charged as adult. Children from 3 years to 8 years with bed charged 75%/adult. Children from 3 years to 8 years without bed charged 50%/adult. Children under 3 years without bed is free.
Is the price per person or for the whole trip?
Per person, sharing a twin or double room. A solo traveller pays a single-room supplement, which we quote with your confirmation.
Other trips, other lengths
Closest in length to this one first.
Royal Heritage & Ancient Charm
5 days · Hoi An to Tra Que Village to Hue to My Son Holyland
$310 per person
The Best of Central
5 days · Da Nang to Hue Imperial to Ba Na Hills to Hoi An Ancient Town
$360 per person
The Colors of Central
5 days · Da Nang to Hue to Hoi An to My Son Holyland
$410 per person
The Cultural Essence of Central
5 days · Da Nang to Loc Yen Village to Hoi An Ancient Town
$360 per person
Plan the rest