Hanoi Arrival

Hanoi - Upon arrival in Hanoi, receive a warm welcome at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city center (standard check-in time is after 14:00, early check-in surcharge not included). Take time to rest and recover from your flight. Explore Hanoi at your leisure or relax at the hotel. A tour guide is available upon request. Enjoy your stay at a hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi Full Day City Tour – Night Train to Lao Cai

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - After breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide for a full-day tour of Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant and historic capital. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square, the final resting place of Vietnam’s beloved leader. (Note: The mausoleum is open from 08:00 to 11:00 on Tuesdays to Thursdays and weekends.)
Next, explore the Presidential Palace and the modest stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived. This simple wooden structure, gifted to him in 1958, reflects his humble lifestyle and deep connection to the Vietnamese people. A short walk leads you to the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong after a divine vision of the Goddess of Mercy, this stunning pagoda was destroyed in 1954 but meticulously reconstructed in 1955.

Temple Of Literature - Continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070. This tranquil site honors Confucius and offers a glimpse into the country’s rich scholarly traditions.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - In the afternoon, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you’ll discover a fascinating collection of exhibits showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum also features an outdoor area with traditional houses representing various ethnic communities. (Note: The museum is closed on Mondays.)

Hang Gai Street (Street of Hemp) - Then, embark on a cyclo tour through the charming streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. After the cyclo tour, relax and enjoy the city’s evening vibe before heading to the train station for your overnight train journey to Lao Cai (Sapa). The train departs at 21:00 or 22:00, and you will have a comfortable ride in a sleeper berth in a shared cabin as you travel to the scenic mountains of Sapa.

The journey takes 8 hours and 5 minutes, arriving in Lao Cai at 06:05 the next morning. Note: There is no escorting guide from Hanoi to Sapa. We are committed to supporting the communities by using local guides in Sapa; some come from the surrounding ethnic villages. They are eager to share their cultures, customs, and extensive knowledge of the area.

Sapa – Trekking to Lao Chai – Tavan Homestay

Sapa - Arrive at Lao Cai station around 6 AM, meet your local guide and driver, and travel to Sa Pa for breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, a short transfer to Cat Cat Village. From there, begin your descent along a road leading to Cat Cat, where you can enjoy views of the surrounding landscapes. Along the way, stop by a waterfall and a hydroelectric station before continuing on a dirt trail through lush rice paddies. The trek offers stunning views as you walk alongside a narrow river, leading to Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong minority. Take a rest and enjoy a local lunch by the river.

Sapa - After lunch, head deeper into the Muong Hoa Valley, passing through Lao Chai Village of the Black Hmong minority. Continue on the popular trekking route towards Tavan Village, where you’ll spend the night with a local Giay minority family. Enjoy the serene beauty of the valley, and if you wish, take a refreshing dip in the nearby river. Approximate duration: 5 hours of trekking / 1-hour lunch

Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Lao Cai – Train to Hanoi

Sapa - After a delicious breakfast, begin your trek to Giang Ta Chai Village, home to the Red Dao minority. Trek through the beautiful bamboo forest of Hoang Lien National Park, and stop by a waterfall where you can rest and take in the natural surroundings. Enjoy a packed lunch in a scenic spot. After lunch, continue your journey towards Su Pan, a small village along the road. From here, you’ll be transferred back to Sapa by car. Approximate duration: 1-hour drive / 3 hours of walking / 1-hour lunch

Hanoi – Halong Bay

Halong Bay - Upon arrival at the railway station, you will be picked up and taken to a nearby mini hotel for breakfast and freshening up. After breakfast, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through the lush, rural landscapes of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, featuring over 1,600 limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden cruise boat and set sail through this spectacular natural wonder. As you glide past soaring cliffs, hidden coves, and floating fishing villages, indulge in a freshly prepared seafood lunch served on board.

Halong Bay - In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to swim in the clear, inviting waters of the bay or explore one of its enchanting limestone caves, filled with fascinating rock formations sculpted by millennia of natural processes. As evening approaches, your boat will anchor near a quiet island, providing the perfect setting for relaxation. Enjoy a delectable dinner served on board, and afterward, spend the evening stargazing from the deck or try your hand at night squid fishing. Overnight on board in Ha Long Bay.

Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure

Halong Bay - Wake up to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy the peaceful moments of sunrise over the water. Afterward, savor a delicious breakfast on board as the day begins. The morning is reserved for further exploration of the bay’s lesser-known corners, with opportunities to swim in its inviting waters or simply relax and take in the stunning scenery.

Hanoi - Around midday, the boat will begin its return journey to the main harbor, where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi for your departure flight. End of our service.

• 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day on transfer and sightseeing days
• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• 2 day /1 night cruise in Halong Bay (double/twin cabin in shared boat)
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast

• Early check-in or late check-out
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Visa - as per country requirements
• Tips
• Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)

Embark on a captivating 6-day adventure through Northern Vietnam, where vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and memorable local interactions await. Begin in Hanoi with a comprehensive city tour, visiting historic sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Journey overnight by train to the misty mountains of Sapa, where you will trek through breathtaking rice terraces, explore ethnic minority villages, and experience an authentic homestay. Proceed to the magnificent Halong Bay for an overnight cruise amidst limestone karsts and emerald waters. With knowledgeable local guides, accommodations ranging from 3 to 5, and smooth logistics, this tour provides a rich insight into Vietnam’s diverse beauty and cultural heritage.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.