The Beauty of Northern Vietnam in 8 Days

Immerse yourself in the captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy as you explore the enchanting city of Hanoi, Vietnam's capital.

Your tour guide will collect you from your hotel lobby between 8:00 and 8:30 am (exact time will be provided the day before). Begin your adventure at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an architectural marvel and the final resting place of Uncle Ho. Adjacent to the mausoleum is his stilt house, where he lived and worked. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an exquisite lotus-shaped structure dating back to 1049.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Taoist Quan Thanh Temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of Vietnam's oldest Buddhist temples nestled by the scenic West Lake. Gain insight into the rich cultural and religious traditions of Vietnam.

Indulge in a delightful lunch before venturing to the Ethnology Museum, where you'll discover the diverse ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. Then, marvel at the Temple of Literature, the country's inaugural university founded in 1070. Be captivated by the serene ambiance of the gardens and admire the well-preserved architectural marvels.

Conclude your exploration at the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, where you'll visit Ngoc Son Temple, renowned for its legendary restored sword.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Notes:

Tour duration: 7 hours

Please note that on Monday and Friday mornings, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ethnology Museum are closed. Instead, a visit to the Bat Trang pottery village will be arranged.

Rise early and prepare for an exciting day ahead. If breakfast is too early, please inform us in advance, and we'll arrange a takeaway breakfast for you. At approximately 6:30 am (exact time will be provided the day before), the bus will pick you up for a scenic 6.5-hour journey to Sapa.

Upon arrival, meet your knowledgeable guide who will accompany you to the hotel for check-in and a delightful lunch. After some relaxation, at around 2:30 pm, embark on a brief trek to the entrance of Cat Cat Village, home to the indigenous Black Hmong ethnic community. Marvel at the picturesque setting of this charming village nestled in a deep valley at the base of Fansipan Peak. Your guide will offer insights into the daily lives of the locals, leading you to the valley floor to admire the captivating waterfall and the historic French-built Hydraulic Power Station. Capture stunning photos of the bridge and waterfall before ascending uphill to meet the awaiting bus for a return transfer to Sapa town. Enjoy dinner at the hotel's restaurant and savor your leisure time.

Overnight in Sapa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

NOTES

Trekking distance: 3.5 km

Tour duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty level: Easy

Start your day early with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, embark on an invigorating trek to Y Linh Ho village. Continue your journey, meandering through the captivating rice terraces and tracing the path along Muong Hoa Stream, leading you to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain.

Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch in Lao Chai before proceeding to Ta Van village, inhabited by the Dzay ethnic group. After exploring the charms of this village, we will provide transportation back to your Sapa hotel, allowing you to freshen up and prepare for your return trip to Hanoi (departure time approximately 4:00 pm). Anticipate arrival in Hanoi at around 9:30 pm.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

NOTES

Trekking distance: 12 km

Tour duration: 4.5 hours

Difficulty level: Moderate

Ninh Binh beckons with its enchanting landscapes, where limestone mountains emerge majestically from lush rice paddies, complemented by a rich historical heritage and serene ambiance.

Your tour guide will greet you at the hotel lobby between 7:30 and 8:00 am (we will provide the precise time the day before). Hop aboard the shuttle bus and embark on a scenic 100 km journey to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. Delve into its storied past as your guide unveils the splendor of the remaining temples dedicated to the country's earliest rulers, King Dinh and King Le, crafted in the 17th century.

Around 11:30 am, proceed to Tam Coc, your next destination. Savor a delectable Vietnamese lunch before embarking on a captivating rowboat excursion along the river. Traverse the breathtaking beauty of Tam Coc and Bich Dong, venturing through three Tam Coc caves: Hang Ca (first grotto), Hang Hai (second grotto), and Hang Ba (third grotto). Absorb the enchanting ambiance as you gracefully float through these natural wonders.

Next, prepare to ascend Ngoa Long Mountain and explore the remarkable Mua Cave, rewarding you with a panoramic vista of the stunning rice valley and its awe-inspiring natural splendor.

Conclude your day by returning to Hanoi aboard the shuttle bus. Anticipate arrival at approximately 7:30 pm.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Upon your early morning arrival in Hanoi, we will escort you to the hotel to freshen up, enjoy breakfast, and relax before setting off for Halong Bay.

Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the natural wonders of the world. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas and indulge in a serene cruise experience with an array of exciting activities meticulously arranged for your pleasure.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the hotel and depart for Halong Bay.

The cruise team will rendezvous with you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-9:00 am (the exact time will be confirmed the day before the tour).

Arriving at the jetty around noon, you will board the cruise ship. Following a warm welcome and check-in, savor a delightful lunch as the cruise leisurely navigates through the captivating labyrinth of islets.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in various activities such as swimming, kayaking, or exploring caves (depending on the cruise's itinerary), or simply unwind and bask in the relaxing ambiance on board.

As the day draws to a close, the boat will drop anchor in a picturesque location, providing the perfect setting to admire the mesmerizing sunset before indulging in a delectable dinner.

Overnight on board the cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note:

In the event of adverse weather conditions, the itinerary may be subject to changes or cancellations if boat departures are prohibited. Rest assured, your travel consultant will meticulously arrange alternative arrangements in such cases.

Witness the enchanting sunrise over the natural marvel as you enjoy a delightful breakfast in the dining room. Energize your mind and body with a Tai Chi class on the sun deck.

Embark on a captivating journey to explore a limestone cave adorned with mesmerizing stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration, return to the boat for check-out and savor a delectable brunch while the cruise gracefully sails back to the harbor. Subsequently, you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Indulge in a nourishing breakfast on the final day of your Vietnam adventure. Complete the check-out formalities at the hotel, and if you desire, visit the local markets to acquire souvenirs for your loved ones. Finally, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your homeward flight.

End of the Trip.