Northern Vietnam is an incredible area full of character, charm and bustle. Hanoi is a capital city celebrating its growth while still keeping its traditions – women in conical hats dodge motorbikes while selling noodle soup from shoulder baskets. In Halong Bay you will sail through the mists of time seeing a way of life dominated by water. Finally explore Sapa, where you can marvel at the beauty and see a unique way of life.
Day 1 Hanoi – Arrival
Arrive at Noibai Airport, Hanoi, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Your guide will take you to a local restaurant for dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hilton Opera Hotel
Day 2 Hanoi – City Tour
Your guide will meet you and will discuss with you what you would like to see. There are so many options that we like to leave it up to you and your guide to decide what suits you best. Some interesting highlights are the ‘Hanoi Hilton’, where John McCain and other prisoners were held during the war, it now houses a museum. Or head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you can see Uncle Ho laid out to rest. If you like art you can visit the Fine Art Museum or see which local galleries are offering shows. The Temple of Literature is always a nice place to stroll through and is a great stop before or after lunch as you will be having lunch at KOTO, a restaurant benefiting at risk youths. Your guide will be with you all day so discuss what suits you and then have fun.
Attend a Water Puppet Show to experience a truly traditional Vietnamese evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Hilton Opera Hotel
Day 3 Halong Bay – Day 1
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will take a private minivan with driver to Halong Bay. Arrive in Halong Bay and board a Vietnamese “junk” (boat) where you will have lunch. Then take a fantastic cruise in Halong Bay, where the cast limestone islands rise vertically out of the water and you will wonder if you are dreaming or sailing into a movie set. Visit Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, Dog, and Snail Islands before continuing to Sung Sot cave. Jump in for a swim at Titov beach. Enjoy dinner on the boat followed by optional fishing and drinking of Vietnamese wine before heading to your air-conditioned cabin.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight onboard
Day 4 Halong Bay – Day 2
After breakfast onboard continue cruising this area known as one of the ‘Wonders of the World’ to Man’s Head and Tortoise Islands. A small bamboo boat will take you to Luon Cave, then off to Bai Tu Long Bay, Toal Island, Bai Tho Mountain. The boat will then make its way to Halong City as you enjoy your last lunch aboard. Return to Hanoi in a private car, stopping en-route at Dong Trieu Pottery.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Hilton Opera Hotel
Day 5 Hanoi – Day at Leisure
Have the day free to explore Hanoi on your own and then transfer to the train station for a 10pm departure to Sapa.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight on the train.
Day 6 Trip to Sapa – Day 1
You will arrive at LaoCai train station at 6am where you will be met and driven to Sapa. Visit the Sapa Market and TaPhin Village, famous for its brocade weaving done by Hmong and Dzao women. Have lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon visit Ham Rong Mountain and the Sapa Rose Garden. Have dinner at a local restaurant and then spend the night at your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Victoria Hotel Sapa
Day 7 Sapa – Topas Ecolodge
Your guide will help you to transfer to the Topas Ecolodge, about a 45 minute drive from Sapa Town. Here you can check in and enjoy the amazing scenery. If you want take a walk to nearby villages and see day to day life as it happens. In the evening enjoy the view from your private verandah.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight at Topas Ecolodge Hotel – Deluxe Bungalow Room
Day 8 Sapa – Trekking
After having breakfast, you will take a half day walk to visit the Lech village of the Red Dao minority. You will follow the road for a while before descending towards a river. Going through rice paddy terraces you can enjoy the magnificent valley view. Cross the river by a bridge made of stone and then follow a trail going up to the village. You will be able to spend some time at the village to experience daily life, and learn more about the culture. From the village, you head back to the Lodge for lunch.
At 2pm you can return to Sapa for any last minute shopping before driving back to the train station for your return trip to Hanoi.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9 Hanoi – Departure
You will arrive early at Hanoi Station where you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight.
Meals included: Breakfast
Tour Rate Starting at: $2,363 per person double with $ 1,774 single supplement
Price includes:
- Boat tickets – Halong Bay
- Train tickets on the Victoria train (Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi)
- Accommodation at Hilton Opera, Hanoi
- Accommodation at The Victoria Hotel, Sapa
- Air-conditioned car with driver
- Licensed English speaking guides
- Tours and admission fees as mentioned above
- Meals as specified in itinerary
Price excludes:
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees
- Airport tax
- Alcohol and meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips
