Essential Central Vietnam 8 Days

When you arrive at Dong Hoi airport, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel in Phong Nha. You’ll have time to relax after your journey. You’ll spend the night in Phong Nha

You’ll start your day with a journey into the core zone of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park to explore Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia. This remarkable cave, located about 25 km from Phong Nha Cave and 75 km from Dong Hoi, will captivate you with its vast chambers and stunning formations.

After your exploration, you’ll enjoy lunch at the Dark Cave restaurant before heading to the Dark Cave itself. Situated 20 km from Phong Nha Cave and 65 km from Dong Hoi, this cave offers a thrilling experience. You’ll kayak across the river to reach the entrance, then venture into the darkness with only a headlamp on your helmet to guide the way. Inside, you’ll have the chance to experience a mud bath, engage in a playful mud fight, and wash off with a refreshing swim in the cave’s hidden lake. Other activities include mud bath, ziplining, swimming, so be sure to bring your swimwear.

After this exciting adventure, you’ll return to your hotel in Phong Nha for the night, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable experiences. You’ll spend the night in Phong Nha.

You’ll start at 08.00 in the morning from Phong Nha and head towards Dong Ha Town. On the way, you’ll stop at Vinh Moc underground tunnel, which is located around 100 km south of Dong Ha Town. The tunnel complex was used by the North Vietnamese army during the Vietnam War and is now a popular tourist attraction. After visiting Vinh Moc, you’ll continue driving to Dong Ha Town and have lunch there.

From Dong Ha, drive to the Ben Hai River, which served as the boundary between North and South Vietnam during the war. Here, you can visit the Hien Luong Bridge, which was the only bridge crossing the river at that time. After visiting the bridge, continue driving to Hue, which is around 75 km south of Dong Ha Town. You should arrive in Hue in the evening. You’ll spend the night in Hue.

Your morning will begin with a cruise along the Perfume River to visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. From there, you’ll visit the Imperial Citadel and then drive to the Royal Tombs of Emperor Minh Mang and, in the afternoon, Emperor Khai Dinh. After that, you’ll return to Hue to visit one of city’s ‘garden houses’ and then return to your hotel to freshen-up.

In the evening, you’ll sit down for a private dinner in the pleasant surroundings and a comfortable atmosphere of another of Ngoc Son Princess garden house. The owner will prepare and serve a traditional meal based on the distinctive characteristics of classic Hue cuisine. You’ll spend the night in Hue.

In the morning, your car will drive you to Danang. On the way, you’ll cross the Hai Van mountain pass. The views from the top are excellent – you should be able to see Lang Co beach and village, and the lagoon far below, with Danang spread out before you to the south.

Upon arriving in Danang and a brief look at the remarkable Hindu statuary in the Cham Museum, you’ll arrive at Hoi An. After lunch, you’ll have a guided visit to the Ancient Town of Hoi An and spend the night in Hoi An.

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the World Heritage ‘My Son Sanctuary’. Your guide will show you the remains of the remarkable towers constructed by the Cham builders, many centuries ago – their origins and purpose have yet to be fully explained. At early afteroon, you’ll return to your hotel. When you return, the rest of the day will be free. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

The day starts with cycling the narrow roads through the countryside, passing by rice paddy fields, water buffalos, bamboo bridges and local farmers on their daily work. You’ll then board a boat to the mouth of the Thu Bon estuary where the river meets the Cua Dai Sea and cruise along the coastline observing the lives of the local fishermen. After joining the fisherman to try your hand at catching fish in a traditional ‘Thung Chai’ basket boat, you will meander through the water palm coconut canal. During the American War, Viet Cong soldiers made use of this area as a highly effective hiding place from enemy attacks through their long struggle. Following an insightful visit to a local fishing village, you’ll be free to relax and enjoy a lunch before cycling back to your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Hoi An.

Your time will be your own until your private car and driver arrives to take you to Danang airport for your departure flight. End of services.