Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
Click here for the quicker transfer from Hanoi to Danang (2D1N)
Unlike most of the transfer from Hanoi to Central Vietnam cities of Da Nang (Hue, Hoi An, Dong Ha, Dong Hoi) by flights, train or sleeper bus, transfer from Ha Noi to Da Nang (Hue, Hoi An, Dong Hoi, Dong Ha) by private land transfer using private car/minivan is another option that not many travellers thought of. However, if you're type of travellers who like off-the-beaten-track, unusual, uncommon and unique itinerary from North to Central Vietnam, this is an option that shouldn't be missed out. This kind of transfer is very suitable for you to discover the 'authentic' Vietnam's region of North Central, a.k.a. North Vietnam's panhandle as its shape was described during the bombing operation Rolling Thunder (1965-1968) of Vietnam war.
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
This southbound trip will bring about a deep understanding of Vietnam history from ancient Dinh dynasty in Ninh Binh to Ho Dynasty and Le dynasty in Thanh Hoa to Nguyen Dynasty in Hue. You'll discover about the southwards expansion of Vietnam from North to South into Champa kingdom territory (from Ngang pass to the South), about the North-South division (at Gianh river) of northern Trinh lords and Southern Nguyen lords under Revival Le dynasty and the division of North and South during Vietnam war (at the DMZ). This area is also birthplace of many revolutionary leaders like Ho Chi Minh, Vo Nguyen Giap or Le Duan. To make it more interesting, this tour also features visits to Trang An landscape complex, Phong Nha Ke Bang national park which are World Unesco Heritage Site in this region. Add to its uniqueness for foodie travellers, we'll try all local delicious specialties of each province we'll pass by. It's cơm cháy of Ninh Binh province, nem chua of Thanh Hoa province, cháo lươn of Nghe An province, cu đơ of Ha Tinh province, khoai deo of Quang Binh province, bánh lọc of Quang Tri province and many many royal cuisines in Hue ancient capital.
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
Click here for the quicker transfer from Hanoi to Danang (2D1N)
Day 1: Ha Noi - Thanh Hoa
Pickup from Ha Noi (hotel, airport) going Southbound to Ninh Binh to visit Trang An scenic landscape complex - a world UNESCO heritage site renowned for its boat cave tours. Take a boat tour to discover the beautiful scenic landscape of Trang An. Back to Ninh Binh city, on the way we will take a look at Hoa Lu ancient capital - the capital of Vietnam in 10th and 11th century before moving to Phat Diem Cathedral - a catholic architecture resembles a buddhist temple whose history associated with the Operation Passage to Freedom after the Geneva accord signed in 1954. The largest numbers of Catholic refugees came from Phat Diem diocese with the highest percentage of Catholics in Vietnam. This cathedral was described as "more Buddhist than Christian" by novelist Graham Green in his novel-turn-movie the Quiet American. Drive all the way towards Thanh Hoa city of the same name province Thanh Hoa. Will have stop at Ham Rong bridge or Dragon's Jaw bridge - one of the dead coordinate for US bombing during Vietnam war operation Linebacker in 1972. Overnight in Thanh Hoa city.
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
Day 2: Thanh Hoa - Phong Nha
Pickup from your hotel in Thanh Hoa city heading South towards Nghe An province - homeland of Vietnam's father Ho Chi Minh. You will go past many cement factories along the way from Ninh Binh to Vinh - one of the major city of North Central Vietnam which was bombed heavily during operation Pierce Arrow in 1964. This city was considered "coordinate of fire". On arrival Vinh city, we'll have lunch break before going to Ho Chi Minh's hometown of Lotus Village (Lang Sen in Vietnamese) near Vinh city and Ho Chi Minh house where he spent his childhood.
Keep driving Southbound towards Ha Tinh province. Turn right at Nghe town of Can Loc district towards Dong Loc junction - a strategic road T-junction at the beginning of the Ho Chi Minh trail which was extensively bombed by American forces during the Vietnam War. The site is now mainly remembered for the memorial to ten young unmarried girls aged 17–22 who were youth volunteers helping with logistics at the T-junction.
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
Click here for the quicker transfer from Hanoi to Danang (2D1N)
Keep going Southwards to Quang Binh province, you'll pass by the Ngang pass which marked the former boundary of Champa and Dai Viet (then Vietnam polity) until the 15th century when the Vietnamese pushed south and conquered the Cham lands piecemeal. Ngang pass is very well known in Vietnamese literature, its beauty having been sung in many poetry works. After Ngang pass, we keep going to General Vo Nguyen Giap burial site at nearby Vung Chua. This location was chosen by General Giap for his perpetual life after his death in 2013.
Continue southbound along Highway 1 to Gianh river - a physical border between the Trinh Lords and Nguyen Lords under the Revival Le Dynasty (1533 - 1789). Turn right after crossing Gianh river towards Phong Nha town for hotel check-in. Overnight in Phong Nha town - Bo Trach district of Quang Binh province.
Day 3: Phong Nha - Hue
Morning pickup from your accommodation going to Phong Nha visitor center for taking a boat cruise along the Son river to Phong Nha cave - a unique underground river cave with amazing chambers, stalactites and stalagmites. You will have ample time sitting on the boat admiring the patterns of karst rock formations and strolling inside the cave with lots of photo opportunities.
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
Click here for the quicker transfer from Hanoi to Danang (2D1N)
Take boat cruise back to Phong Nha visitor center, our private vehicle will take you to Quang Tri province and turn left to the coast to see Vinh Moc tunnel - a refuge underground village hideout for the local civilians and soldiers to avoid American bombing during the peak time of Rolling Thunder operation. Keep going to DMZ Hien Luong Bridge/ Freedom Bridge/Bridge of No Return, you'll take a look at UN building, frontline flagpole, memorial statue of border police, museum, ... then strolling across the Ben Hai river/17th parallel in South Vietnam. Hopping on car for our drive toward DMZ city of Dong Ha for lunch break.
After lunch, we will continue our tour with visit to Mine Action Visitor Center - a museum-like of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) collected around the DMZ in Quang Tri province. Next stop is Quang Tri citadel where hold the 81-day fierce battle between North and South Vietnam in blazing summer of 1972 Easter Offensive. Upon request Bonus stop at La Vang cathedral - Our Lady of La Vang - a pilgrimage site for the catholic in Vietnam whose location is believed to have Marian Apparition in 1798. Drive all the way to Hue city.
Consider to do this day as a separate day tour Dong Hoi - Phong Nha cave - Vinh Moc tunnel - DMZ - Hue.
Day 4: Hue - Da Nang
You will have leisure time before we pick you up from your hotel go to Toa Kham pier to take a Dragon Boat cruising upstream Perfume river to see Thien Mu pagoda - the first pagoda built by founder of Nguyen lords. Thien Mu means Celestial Lady who foretold the first Nguyen Lord Nguyen Hoang about his political future. You will have chance to see sampans, Truong Tien bridge, French governor buildings, ... alongside the riverbanks while touring from downtown to Thien Mu pagoda.
Click here for the quicker transfer from Hanoi to Danang (2D1N)
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
We continue to the Imperial City - the residence of royal Nguyen family who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 when Ho Chi Minh took over. At the citadel, we will have a walking visit to most notable buildings inside the Imperial city: Noon Gate, Phoenix Pavilion, Harmony Palace, Forbidden Purple City, Mandarin Palace, Reading Palace, Royal Theater, .Queen Mother Palace, ... Stroll in the middle of the ruins from French war to American war would make you more appreciate the grim chapter of Vietnam history.
Heading towards Khai Dinh tomb after Imperial city to visit one of the most magnificent mausoleum out of many mausoleums around city of Hue. This tomb/mausoleum is typical for the East-meets-West architecture fusion with beautiful ornate ceramics and glass decorations during the late period of Vietnam history under the French colonial rule.
Drive all the way to Da Nang. Photo stops at Lap An lagoon, Lang Co beach, Hai Van pass and Marble mountain. Overnight in Da Nang.
Consider to do this day as a separate day tour Hue city tour - transfer to Hoi An.
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
Click here for the quicker transfer from Hanoi to Danang (2D1N)
Tour price: $US 450/pax (at least 2 persons required), + $US 250 for extra person
Inclusive:
- Private vehicle (car/suv/van/minivan) with driver
- Private guide
- All entrance fees to attractions listed
- Toll fees, parking fees
- Bottled water
Hanoi Da Nang private transfer with sightseeing (4D3N) - Hanoi Da Nang private tour
Similar tours offered by VINA DMZ TRAVEL
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- Hanoi to Hoi An private car transfer with sightseeing (4D3N)