ITINERARY
Highlight
Fantastic 6 days through Northern Vietnam’s highlights.
Land transfers, tickets, accommodation & most meals included
Trek the terraced valleys of Sapa and cycle peaceful Mai Chau.
See the amazing Halong bay, a natural wonder that is a must to visit. Hop aboard a Halong Cruise and sail through thousands of islands.
Knowledgeable, English-speaking tour guide.
Introduction
The best of Northern Vietnam in six days: Hanoi, the mountain valleys of Sapa and Mai Chau, and an overnight cruise on Halong Bay.
From Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter, head for the hills — trekking Sapa’s terraced valleys and cycling between the stilt houses of Mai Chau. The journey closes on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, sailing among limestone islands as the sun sets.
Destination
PLAN A
Hanoi → Mai Chau → Halong bay
Day 1: Hanoi / Arrival
Explore the Temple of Literature, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the rich history of Vietnam's first university. Walk around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an island in the lake. Continue your exploration at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through fascinating exhibits and artifacts.
Take a cyclo tour for sightseeing around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Watch video.
- Overnight in Hanoi.
- B,L
Day 2: Hoa Lu
After breakfast at hotel, we transfer you to Hoa Lu (in Ninh Binh), the ancient royal capital of Vietnam. Take a sightseeing tour and take a bike to reach Tam Coc. Enjoy lunch and start exploring the famous 3 caves. Return to Hanoi.
- Overnight in Hanoi
- B,L
Day 3: Mai Chau
Around 7.00 AM, your day begins with a hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a scenic drive through winding mountain roads and traditional Muong and Thai villages. At Thung Khe Pass, enjoy panoramic views of Mai Chau Valley and visit a small local market. After a relaxing lunch, take a guided bicycle ride through peaceful villages, passing farmers and local weavers.
Enjoy some free time to explore on your own before ending the day with a traditional Thai dinner. For groups of five or more, the evening includes a cultural dance show and a taste of local “ruou can” wine.
- Overnight at a bungalow
- B,L,D
Day 4: Mai Chau
After breakfast, you'll join a local Thai guide for a short 2km bike ride before beginning a trek to the remote villages of Na Meo, Na Mo, and Xam Pa. Along the way, you'll pass beautiful rice terraces and gain a deeper understanding of local culture and customs.
Returning to the homestay, you’ll check out and enjoy lunch, followed by some free time to relax or shop for local goods. Then, board the van or bus for the journey back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in the Old Quarter, you'll be dropped off at your hotel.
- Overnight in Hanoi
- B,L
Day 5: Halong bay
Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel and depart for Halong Bay at approximately 8:00am.
Upon arrival in Halong Bay, we will board the vessel and partake in a delectable lunch. During the meal, we will cruise through thousands of stunning islands and islets. Following lunch, you may freshen up in your room before embarking on a visit to the Surprising Cave, kayaking, swimming, and other activities. Later, return to the vessel, get a drink and enjoy the picturesque sunset scenery in the bay. Halong photo.
- Overnight on boat in Halong bay
- B,L,D
Day 6: Halong bay
Morning, breakfast on board. Cruise further and stop at a Pearl Farm village. Continue cruising through many island and islet to explore the hidden charm of the bay. Lunch on board while going back to the prier. Transfer back to Hanoi.
- None
- B,L
PLAN B
Hanoi → Sapa → Halong bay
Day 1: Hanoi / Arrival
Arrival in Hanoi. Our driver meets you at airport and transfers you to your hotel.
After a refreshment, take a city tour, visit the most famous places in Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Ethnology Museum & Ngoc Son Temple. Watch video
- Overnight in Hanoi
- L
Day 2: Hoa Lu
After breakfast at hotel, we transfer you to Hoa Lu (in Ninh Binh), the ancient royal capital of Vietnam. Take a sightseeing tour and take a bike to reach Tam Coc. Enjoy lunch and start exploring the famous 3 caves. Return to Hanoi.
- Overnight in Hanoi
- B,L
Day 3: Sapa
After breakfast, pick you up at hotel and transfer to Sapa. Arrival in Sapa around 13:00, take a little time for refreshment. Enjoy a tasty lunch of local Vietnamese dishes.
Then, we embark on a short trek to Cat Cat village. This village, home to the Black H'mong ethnic group, is nestled in a deep valley near the base of Fansipan Peak. With a knowledgeable guide, we explore the village, witness daily life, and visit the picturesque waterfall that once powered a French-built Hydraulic Power Station. We capture memorable photos before hiking uphill to meet our return bus to Sapa town. The trek covers 3.5 km and lasts about 2 hours. We return to Sapa Town by 17:00.
- Overnight at hotel.
- B,L
Day 4: Sapa
After breakfast, we start our trek, get through the rice terraces in Muong Hoa valley. We reach the village of Black Hmong, see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain. Enjoy picnic lunch at Lao Chai Village.
Continue our trek to Ta Van village – home of Dzay ethnic people. Enjoy the scenery until we meet our van at Ta Van bridge and head back to Sapa town. The total trekking distance is about 12 kms and it lasts for 4.5 hours.
A late lunch will be prepared for you near the craft centre and then visit a village school. Later, we make our way back to Sapa town and return to Hanoi.
- Overnight in Hanoi.
- B,L
Day 5: Halong bay
Morning, enjoy breakfast at hotel and depart for Halong Bay at approximately 8:00am.
Upon arrival in Halong Bay, we will board the vessel and partake in a delectable lunch. During the meal, we will cruise through thousands of stunning islands and islets. Following lunch, you may freshen up in your room before embarking on a visit to the Surprising Cave, kayaking, swimming, and other activities. Later, return to the vessel, get a drink and enjoy the picturesque sunset scenery in the bay. Halong photo.
- Overnight on boat in Halong bay
- B,L,D
Day 6: Halong bay
Morning, breakfast on board. Cruise further and stop at a Pearl Farm village. Continue cruising through many island and islet to explore the hidden charm of the bay. Lunch on board while going back to the prier. Transfer back to Hanoi.
- None
- B,L
End
Price
From$407 $385
This price is based on 3 star hotels and group tour. The tour is upgradable.
| Hotel upgrade | Cost |
| 4 star | $180 |
| 5 star | $390 |
| 5 star+ | $624 |
| Tour upgrade | Cost |
| Small group 4-12 pax | $90 |
| Private Tour You only | Group of 2 $165 Group of 8+ $132 |
| Private+ Top class | $264 |
PRICE INCLUDES:
Hotel & accommodation
Meals (B,L,D = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Transfer vehicle.
English speaking guide.
Entrance and sightseeing tickets.
EXCLUDES:
Drinks.
Tips.
Personal expenses.
International flights.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
May be applied with solo traveler.
