Vietnam Northern Icons

Duration

8 days

Every other week

on Thursday

Guaranteed

with 2 travellers

Max group size

16 travellers

From EUR 1,383

WHAT TO EXPECT

Experience the highlights of northern Vietnam on this 8 day journey that blends breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural heritage. Begin with an overnight train to Sapa, where soaring peaks, the Fansipan Cable Car and visits to Red Zao and Black Hmong villages reveal the charm of mountain life. Return to Hanoi to explore the Old Quarter, historic temples and the Ho Chi Minh complex before venturing south to Ninh Binh’s ancient capital and UNESCO listed Trang An caves. Conclude with an unforgettable cruise on Halong Bay, drifting among dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters for a truly memorable finale.

Vietnam Northern Icons

  • Day 1: Hanoi Arrival to Sapa

    Arrive in Hanoi where your local guide greets you and accompanies you to the station. Board the overnight train bound for Sapa and settle into the gentle rhythm of the journey as the city lights fade to quiet countryside. Drift off with the thought of cool mountain air and the rich cultures of the northwest waiting for you in the morning.

    Overnight in Chapa Express Train (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.

    Overnight in 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 Bamboo Hotel (or similar)

  • 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.

    Overnight in Le Jardin Hotel & Spa (or similar)

  • Day 5: Hanoi (B/L)

    Today experience the charm of Hanoi. 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. 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 observe the Citadel & Flag Tower which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010.

    After lunch at KOTO restaurant continue 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 then the “Hanoi Hilton” - the nickname given to the place where captured U.S pilots were imprisoned during the Vietnam War - now converted into a small museum before returning to your hotel.

    Please note: 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.

    Overnight in Le Jardin Hotel & Spa (or similar)

  • Day 6: Hanoi to Ninh Binh (B)

    This morning travel some 90kms south to you 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 has revealed evidence of 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. Continue to Ninh Binh and transfer to your hotel.

    Overnight in 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 in Victoria Star Cruise (or similar)

  • Day 8: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi (B)

    Rise early for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply enjoy the calm of the bay before a leisurely brunch on board. Disembark and return by road to Hanoi where your journey concludes or continues to your next destination. As you travel back, take a moment to savor the highlights of the days just passed, from limestone peaks to lantern lit streets, a collection of memories to carry home.

    Overnight in Victoria Star Cruise (or similar)

  • 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.

Inclusions

  • Insider Experiences

    - Fansipan Peak: soar by cable car to Vietnam’s highest mountain for panoramic views of valleys and temples
    - Ha Long Bay: drift through emerald waters among limestone karsts, waking to sunrise Tai Chi on deck
    - Hanoi Old Quarter: wander 36 historic streets alive with traders, markets, and timeless charm
    - Ban Khoang Village: walk among Red Zao homes where rice terraces and cardamom farming sustain traditions
    - Trang An Boat Ride: glide through caves and limestone valleys in a UNESCO landscape of ancient human history

  • Accommodation

    5 nights in 3-4 star hotels
    1 night on a train
    1 night on a boat

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast
    3 local lunches
    1 local dinner

  • Transport

    Arrival Airport Transfer
    Transport in Air-conditioned Vehicles

  • Touring

    English speaking tour guide
    Entrance fees for locations specified
    Tipping for Guide and Driver

SKU: IJDB-SGJ-64-Vietnam-2024, 2025, 2026 Categories: , Tags: , ,

Departure Dates

START DAYEND DAYPRICE TWIN ROOMPRICE SINGLE ROOM
Thursday, 25 December 2025Thursday, 01 January 202613831757
Thursday, 08 January 2026Thursday, 15 January 202613831757
Thursday, 22 January 2026Thursday, 29 January 202613831757
Thursday, 05 February 2026Thursday, 12 February 202613831757
Thursday, 19 February 2026Thursday, 26 February 202613831757
Thursday, 05 March 2026Thursday, 12 March 202613831757
Thursday, 19 March 2026Thursday, 26 March 202613831757
Thursday, 02 April 2026Thursday, 09 April 202613881769
Thursday, 16 April 2026Thursday, 23 April 202613881769
Thursday, 30 April 2026Thursday, 07 May 202613881769
Thursday, 14 May 2026Thursday, 21 May 202613721735
Thursday, 28 May 2026Thursday, 04 June 202613721735
Thursday, 11 June 2026Thursday, 18 June 202613721735
Thursday, 25 June 2026Thursday, 02 July 202613721735
Thursday, 09 July 2026Thursday, 16 July 202613721735
Thursday, 23 July 2026Thursday, 30 July 202613721735
Thursday, 06 August 2026Thursday, 13 August 202613721735
Thursday, 20 August 2026Thursday, 27 August 202613721735
Thursday, 03 September 2026Thursday, 10 September 202613721735
Thursday, 17 September 2026Thursday, 24 September 202613721735
Thursday, 01 October 2026Thursday, 08 October 202613881769
Thursday, 15 October 2026Thursday, 22 October 202613881769
Thursday, 29 October 2026Thursday, 05 November 202613881769
Thursday, 12 November 2026Thursday, 19 November 202613881769
Thursday, 26 November 2026Thursday, 03 December 202613881769
Thursday, 10 December 2026Thursday, 17 December 202613881769
Thursday, 24 December 2026Thursday, 31 December 202613881769
Thursday, 07 January 2027Thursday, 14 January 202713881769
Thursday, 21 January 2027Thursday, 28 January 202713881769
Thursday, 04 February 2027Thursday, 11 February 202713881769
Thursday, 18 February 2027Thursday, 25 February 202713881769
Thursday, 04 March 2027Thursday, 11 March 202713881769
Thursday, 18 March 2027Thursday, 25 March 202713881769

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