10 Days in Northern & Central Vietnam - Blending History, Culture & Nature

Launch right into all the excitement of the Old Quarter by joining a walking tour to maximize your time. Or, wander solo, just walk bravely to cross the streets, holding one arm out. Stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, to experience the relative peace and see the Ngoc Song Temple on a small island in the lake. Stop for the local favorite of egg coffee, then either get a cultural history fix at the Vietnam Women's Museum or focus on war/political history at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Try MET Restaurant for lunch (includes a wide vegan selection, too). Next, take in a Water Puppet show or walk straight to colorful Train Street and visit one of the cafes/bars.

Tip: Try to time your visit so you see a train pass through as it's quite something.

Today explore the French Quarter, including the French Opera House, and note the contrast to the Old Quarter. Visit the Temple of Literature, a lovely combination of architecture and an opportunity to learn more about Vietnam's cultural history through education and Confucian philosophy. Visit the West Lake for a nature and recreation fix, working up an appetite for a street food tour enjoying Phở (noodle soup), Bún Chả (grilled pork) and many others.

Start early for the two-hour drive and full-day guided tour that includes a peaceful boat ride in Trang. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site through the limestone caves, and visits to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, learning about past Emperors. You will visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, set on a mountainside with panoramic views of the area.

Tip: There are over 100 stairs, but it's worth it! Overnight in either Ninh Binh or Tam Coc, and consider taking a cooking class in the evening.

Transfer by car to Ha Long Bay to board overnight cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay. With a restriction on the number of boats that can visit and overnight in Bai Tu, you can experience the tranquility of the breathtaking limestone and calm waters. You will be able to kayak the calm bay, go for a swim and explore a cave. Bring your appetite because the chef will serve multi-course meals.

After sunrise tai chi on the deck and a hearty breakfast, return to Ha Long Bay port for the transfer back to Hanoi and short flight to Hue, Central Vietnam.

Explore the ancient city of Hue with a full-day guided tour. It explains the history while visiting visually stunning and interesting sites. Start with a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. Walk the Imperial City, the vibrance of local Dong Ba Market and then explore Minh Mang Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb. Each structure is truly unique to explore.

Scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An (about six hours in total, private or shared). I loved how time-efficient this was so I could experience additional sites on a travel day. Key stops are the City of Ghosts (a Bang Cemetery), Lang Co Beach, the stunning Hai Van Pass looking back over the beach, a casual lunch then self-exploring time at Marble Mountain, a collection of caves, panoramic views, pagodas and temples.

Tip 1: The site is quite large, and while there is an elevator option to get up, to explore the full site, there are still many stairs.

Tip 2: Hoi An is the capital of tailoring in Vietnam. Go straight to the tailor on arrival if you would like to place an order, as you will need to return for at least one fitting. Final clothes can be delivered to your hotel before you leave for the airport.

It's been a fast-paced trip, so enjoy the beach resort during the day and maybe a well-earned spa treatment (or two). Head into Hoi An in the evening for a fitting, just to wander the walkable city and enjoy a meal. Morning Glory Signature restaurant was the best meal (ok, two meals) I had in Vietnam.

On your last day, enjoy a bicycle ride through the rice paddy fields. Be sure to pick up any last-minute shopping in Hoi An and perhaps one last Bahn Mi at Phuong. It may have been made famous by Anthony Bourdain, but the wait in line is worth it. Consider visiting the Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge if you want to fit in one more cultural point of interest.

Tip: If you have more days, you can extend them here. Personally, I stayed five days, and could have done seven.

This is a travel day - nearest airport is Da Nang, 60 minutes away by car transfer.