Vietnam Northern Icons – Sapa, Hanoi, Halong, Ninh Binh

Duration

8 days

Every other week

on Thursday

Guaranteed

with 2 travellers

Max group size

16 travellers

WHAT TO EXPECT

Discover Vietnam’s essence in this 8-day journey. Start with an overnight train to Sapa, exploring its stunning mountains and ethnic villages. Enjoy a scenic drive back to Hanoi for a city tour highlighting historical and cultural landmarks. Venture to Ninh Binh to marvel at its karst landscapes and explore ancient Hoa Lu. Cruise Halong Bay’s emerald waters on a luxurious junk boat, with options for Tai Chi and relaxation. Conclude with a return to Hanoi or onward travel. Highlights include the Fansipan Cable Car, a Halong Bay cruise, and Hanoi’s rich history

Itinerary
Tour Images
Inclusions
Departure Dates
Booking Request

Vietnam Northern Icons – Sapa, Hanoi, Halong, Ninh Binh

Day 1: Arrival, Xin Chao to Hanoi and overnight to Sapa
On arrival in Hanoi, be met by your local guide and transfer to the station. Overnight train to begin your onward journey to Sapa. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening on the Chapa Express Train – shared cabin (or similar).
Day 2: Sapa (B)
As dawn approaches, arrive early into Lao Cai station, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, take in the spectacular panoramic mountain scenery. Located in the far northwest of Vietnam in the mountains bordering China, Sapa is home to deep mountain valleys and traditional villages. After enjoying a delightful breakfast with your fellow travellers, you will spend your morning admiring the beauty of Sapa on-board the Fansipan Cable Car that will take you 3000m to the upmost peak of Fansipan to explore the many temples as well as admire the natural beauty of Hoang Lien Son and Muong Hoa Valley. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Bamboo Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Sapa (B/L)
This morning, you will be met at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms . Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream. Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in mid-afternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa to Hanoi (B)
After enjoying breakfast, take advantage of a leisurely morning to explore Sapa at your own pace. Then you begin a scenic return drive through the mountains, heading back towards Hanoi. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend from Sapa's highlands to the vibrant city of Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers. Stay the next two nights at Le Jardin Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Day 5: Hanoi (B/L)
Full day Hanoi City Tour This morning you will be met at your hotel by your guide at 8am to begin your city tour with an orientation drive past some of Hanoi's unique sites including Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph's Church & the Opera House. Continue with a walking tour through the fascinating Old Quarter - 36 ancient streets where you can observe the daily bustle of life around the markets where peddlers continue to trade as they have done for centuries. We then visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam – Uncle Ho, to see his mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, his 'house on stilts' and the One Pillar Pagoda. A short drive to take a look at the Citadel & Flag Tower which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. After stopping for lunch at KOTO Van Mieu restaurant continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university now dedicated to Confucian worship. Also visit Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples and then the “Hanoi Hilton” - the nickname given to the place where U.S pilots shot down over North Vietnamese airspace were imprisoned during the Vietnam War - now converted into a small museum. Return to your hotel where your tour ends. (Lunch included)

Important message Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays; The Ho Chi Minh Museum & the Citadel are closed on Mondays.The Presidential Palace can only be viewed from the outside. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has annual maintenance normally from September for 2 to 3 months and can only be viewed from the outside. All other sites in the Ho Chi Minh complex are still accessible during this period.
Day 6: Hanoi to Ninh Binh (B)
Full day Hoa Lu & Trang An Landscape Complex This morning you will be met at 8am at your hotel by your guide for your 90km drive south to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Visit the famous sanctuary of Dinh Tien Hoang, a former emperor of the Dinh Dynasty, and the temple dedicated to the Le Emperor. Following the demise of the Le dynasty the capital was moved to Ha Noi. After lunch (own arrangement) we visit the Trang An Landscape Complex. A spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. Exploration of caves at different altitudes has revealed archaeological traces of human activity over a continuous period of more than 30,000 years. Recently awarded UNESCO world heritage status we take a small boat through this magnificent area before transferring to your hotel in Ninh Binh for check-in. Lunch not included. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel (or similar).
Day 7: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Marvel at the towering limestone karsts and vast paddy fields as you make your way from Ninh Binh to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. Dotted with 3,000 limestones karsts, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s stunning natural wonders. Board a beautifully appointed junk boat and begin to cruise the impressive emerald waters of Halong Bay. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before stopping to explore the many secluded corners of the bay. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar. Overnight on-board of Victoria Star Cruise (or similar)
Day 8: Halong Bay to Hanoi and then departure (B)
Rise early to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, or choose to relax and take in your final moments in this majestic location before feasting on a delicious buffet brunch. After disembarkation, drive back to Hanoi where you’ll conclude your journey or continue on to your next destination."

IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION
We recommend arriving in Hanoi one day earlier, depending on your point of origin, to acclimate yourself before the tour begins. The evening train to Sapa departs late, so a pre-night stay in Hanoi can be arranged if needed. On the final day, please note that you will arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon. We advise planning your onward journey accordingly to ensure a smooth transition. Let us know if you'd like assistance with booking an extra night's stay.

Tour Images

Inclusions

Insider Experiences

Unique - Fansipan Cable Car Ride: Ascend 3,000 meters to Vietnam's highest peak for stunning mountain and valley views.
Ethnic Village Visits: Explore remote Red Zao and Black Hmong villages, experiencing traditional life and terraced rice fields.
Social - Talk with the local family about lifestyle and tradition in Tra Nhieu fishing village
Unique - River cruising on Halong Bay and overnight onboard
Unique - Tai Chi lesson on Halong Bay at sunrise

Accommodation

5 nights in 4 star hotels
1 night on a boat
1 night on a train
Meals

Daily breakfast
3 local lunches
1 local dinner

Transport

Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Air-conditioned vehicle
All flight specified in itinerary
Touring

English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees
All tipping