Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi - Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight accommodation at a hotel in Hanoi.

Hanoi – City Tour – Night Train to Sapa

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - After breakfast, a guide will escort you on a full-day tour of Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam. The first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, situated in the heart of Ba Dinh Square. This important national monument houses the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. Please note that the mausoleum is open only from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends, between 08:00 and 11:00.

Next, visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s House on Stilts. Completed on May 19th, 1958, as a birthday gift for Uncle Ho, this modest wooden house reflects his simple lifestyle and dedication to his people.

Nearby is the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure resembling a lotus blossoming from a square pond. Built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong after a dream about the Goddess of Mercy seated on a lotus, it was reconstructed in 1955 after being destroyed by the French in 1954.

Temple of Literature & National University - The tour continues to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dating back nearly 1,000 years. This historic temple offers insight into the country’s ancient educational traditions and Confucian heritage.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including traditional houses representing various ethnic communities. Please note that the museum is closed every Monday.

Lao Cai – Sapa – Walks Through Rice Fields

Muong Hoa Valley - The journey begins with a drive south toward Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice paddies in the Sapa region. From there, descend into the valley on foot. If visiting between May and October, you’ll have the chance to witness and even participate in the planting and harvesting activities, which are vital to the local way of life. The walk will take you from Lao Chai Village, inhabited by the Black Hmong people, to Ta Van Village, home to the Giay community.

Ta Van - The Black Hmong are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Sapa area. They take great pride in their rich cultural heritage and continue to practice their traditional way of life. They have their own language and are known for their distinctive indigo-blue clothing.

The Giay people are a smaller ethnic group, with a population of around 38,000, living primarily in the mountainous regions of Northwest Vietnam. While modern development has influenced their way of life, many women still wear traditional garments in shades of purple, blue, or green. The Giay live in houses made of wood and bamboo, with clay floors.

After exploring Ta Van Village, you’ll be driven back to Sapa.

Sapa Out of Crowd

O Quy Ho Mountain Pass - A short drive north along National Road 4C towards O Quy Ho, with several stops along the way to admire the stunning landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai Valley, and the vibrant flower and vegetable farms. Afterward, turn onto a narrow road for a half-hour drive through a wild region of dense rainforest and towering mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving at Ban Khoang Village.

Sapa - Ban Khoang is home to the Red Dao people, who have preserved their unique way of life and traditional values. The village thrives on a combination of wet rice cultivation on terraced fields and cardamom farming beneath the forest canopy. Spend over an hour exploring this remote village to gain insight into the local culture.

Leaving Ban Khoang, continue for about 10 km to Ta Giang Phinh Valley, where the Black Hmong people live in small villages scattered along a tranquil stream. Enjoy a leisurely lunch break by the stream before embarking on a walk along village paths, connecting one village to another. Here, observe daily activities such as plowing fields, planting, harvesting, or various household chores. During the off-season, men often gather to build or repair houses, while women stay at home crafting traditional clothing.

The walk concludes in the mid-afternoon, after which you will be picked up for the drive back to Sapa.

Sapa – Hoang Lien National Park (Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho) – Night Train to Hanoi

Cat Cat Village - Itinerary:

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Sapa around 9:00 AM and set off from the town. The walk begins with a downhill trek to Cat Cat Village. Take in the beautiful scenery along the way.

Hoang Lien National Park - After reaching a waterfall and a hydroelectric station, take a short break before continuing along a dirt trail through terraced rice fields. This area is part of the Hoang Lien National Park, still covered by rainforest.

Y Linh Ho - Arrive at Y Linh Ho Village, home to the Black Hmong people, where you’ll rest once more before ascending to the main road. A vehicle will meet you there for the drive back to Sapa.

Hanoi – Halong Bay

Ha Long - After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City.

Halong Bay - Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural wonders. Located nearly 200 kilometers from Hanoi, the bay boasts 1,600 limestone islands, each offering a breathtaking view.

Upon arrival in Ha Long, board a luxurious wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the bay’s limestone formations and emerald waters. This is a perfect opportunity to marvel at the extraordinary scenery of this World Heritage Site. Onboard, savor a delicious fresh seafood lunch, then enjoy swimming and exploring some of the bay’s limestone caves. As the sun sets, anchor near a secluded island for the night. Dinner will be served on board, followed by an overnight stay on the junk.

Halong – Ninh Binh

Halong Bay - Waking up to the serene beauty of the bay, there is time for an early morning swim, taking in the joys and emotions of watching the sunrise over the sea, followed by breakfast on board. This morning, continue exploring the bay, seeking out more secluded areas. The junk will remain nearby, serving as a support vessel for anyone who may need it.

Ninh Binh - Around midday, return to the main harbor before transferring to an awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour drive to Ninh Binh.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave

Tam Coc - The Ninh Binh experience begins with a boat trip through Tam Coc, where majestic limestone karsts rise dramatically from the lush green rice fields, evoking comparisons to Guilin in China and earning the area the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land.”

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - Next, delve deeper into Ninh Binh’s history at the site of the 10th-century royal palace, now famous for the intricate wooden carvings of the serene Dinh and Le temples.

Mua Caves - Continue to Mua Cave, a site known for its captivating legends. Climb 500 stone steps to the peak, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and the meandering Ngo Dong River.

Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Departure

Hanoi - Breakfast is served at the hotel. After that, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

End of our service.

• Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
• Private transportation
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• 2 Days/1 Night cruise on board a cruise in Ha Long Bay (double/twin cabin on shared boat).

• Other meals than mentioned in the program
• Visa - as per country requirements
• Early check-in or late check-out
• Gratuities

Embark on an inspiring journey to discover the majestic beauty of Northern Vietnam. Beginning in Hanoi, the 1000-year-old capital, travelers will explore significant historical landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. A night train will transport you to Sapa, where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking terraced rice fields and experience the daily life of the H’mong and Dao ethnic communities.

As the adventure continues, be enchanted by the stunning scenery of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise through the magnificent limestone islands and emerald waters. The journey proceeds to Ninh Bình, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land,” featuring the picturesque Tam Coc and the legendary Hoa Lu ancient capital.

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