North Vietnam Highlights Tour: Hanoi – Sapa- Ninh Binh – Halong

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide and driver. Then, we will take you to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in. The rest of today is free time for you to explore this old and charming city at your own pace.

Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, boasts a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. It showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Renowned for its diverse culinary scene, city is considered a food lover’s paradise to taste Vietnamese cuisine. Hanoi is well-known for its street food, where you can savor an array of local specialties.

After breakfast, our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a delightful day exploring Hanoi City. This city holds a unique charm despite not being the most modern. Its character lies in the captivating blend of Vietnamese, with Chinese, and French influences, all woven together with the city’s authentic and bustling local life within its old alleyways. Indulge in the delicious local street food for a taste of true Vietnamese flavors.

Our first stop is a tranquil escape to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi dating back over 1500 years, nestled amidst the picturesque West Lake. Here, you’ll be greeted and admired by the sight of the ic 11-story lotus tower, a serene lotus pond, adding to the pagoda’s peaceful atmosphere.

Later, head to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, situated in Ba Dinh Square. Here, you will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (serves as the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh – Uncle Ho). If you’re lucky, you might witness the solemn and precise military honor guard ceremony. (Please take note: The Mausoleum closes from Sep 4th to Nov 4th every year).

Afterward, enjoy a short walk to One Pillar Pagoda with distinctive shape – the main building sits atop a single stone pillar, resembling a lotus flower blossoming from a pond. Here, our tour guide will explain more about legend and history of pagoda, from architecture to common practice of Vietnamese Biddhists. Later, visit the Temple of Literature and Imperial College, Vietnam’s first university and a site dedicated to Confucianism.

After optional lunch break, we delve into Vietnam’s fascinating history at the Vietnam National Museum of History. Here, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s past, from prehistoric times to the 20th century, through a captivating display of artifacts. Witness ancient bronze drums, intricate ceramics, and powerful imperial regalia, each piece whispering stories of Vietnam’s remarkable evolution.

Later, head to Hoan Kiem Lake, also well-known as the Restored Sword Lake, a shimmering jewel in the heart of Hanoi. Strolling along the lake’s perimeter, enjoying a view of the ic Turtle Tower. You will learn the history and reasom for the name of the lake before visiting to Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to various Vietnamese historical figures and the revered Confucian scholar Van Xuong.

Next, immerse yourself in the local life in Hanoi ‘s Old Quarter of Vietnam with a unique and fun cyclo tour! For about an hour, you’ll travel at a slow and leisurely pace through the ic Old Quarter of Hanoi. A cyclo or rickshaw, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi, will be your chariot for exploring the narrow streets. This is a fantastic way to experience the charming and vibrant atmosphere of Old Quarter before going to the railway station in Hanoi to board the overnight train to Lao Cai.

This morning, our train trip is scheduled to arrive at Lao Cai Train Station between 5:00 and 6:00 am. From there, we ‘ll be driving for about 1 hour to Sapa Town. Freshen up and have something for breakfast before we start our adventure day in Sapa with about 15 Km trekking (6 Hours)

We will trek 2 km to Cat Cat village, home to the Hmong people. From there, cross the hanging bridge over the Muong Hoa River and embark on a scenic climb through a lush bamboo forest.

Continue our trekking trip to Y Linh Ho village and enjoy a delightful lunch at a small, traditional restaurant run by a local Hmong family. Savor authentic flavors and immerse yourself in warm hospitality.

After lunch, you’ll continue to village of Lao Chai, one of the oldest and largest Hmong communities in the area. Witness their traditional way of life.From here, you’ll take a trekking/hiking to Ta Van Village, your home for the night. This village is predominantly inhabited by the Giay and Hmong ethnic minorities. Depending on the season, you might even witness the locals planting or harvesting rice! Our guides will share more insights into the unique customs of each ethnic group. Upon arrival in Ta Van, unwind with some free time. Take a shower and freshen up and have your own discovery before dinner.

Rise and shine to a breath of fresh mountain air! Savor a cup of hot coffee or tea as you take a leisurely walk around your charming homestay. Explore the surrounding rice terraces and soak in the tranquility of the landscape.

After breakfast, enjoy a 11 km scenic hiking trip further up into the mountains. Your journey leads to the cascading Giang Ta Chai waterfalls – a refreshing sight amidst the lush greenery. As you enter the Red Dao territory, your local guide will unveil more about the rich tapestry of their culture and daily routines. Gain fascinating insights into their unique way of life through an insightful visit to a Red Dao family.

Returning to Sapa town, freshen up at your hotel and stretch your legs after a day of exploration. Free time until you’ll be transferred to Lao Cai Train Station to board your overnight train back to Hanoi.

In this morning, you will arrive in Hanoi in the early morning. We will have breakfast, then have 2 hours’ drive to Ninh Binh, where we will visit UNESCO site of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Trang An is well-known for its stunning landscapes, characterized by towering limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and winding rivers. The natural beauty of this region is often compared to the famous Halong Bay, earning it the nickname “Halong Bay on Land”.

Our first stop upon arrival in Ninh Binh is Hoa Lu, served as the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries under Dinh dynasty and early Le dynasty. Here, you’ll explore the temple complexes built in the 10th century dedicated to Kings of these dynasties, including the Dinh King Temple and the Le King Temple.

This afternoon we continue to Trang An wharf and board a unique sampan with locals to explore the Trang An cave complex, including the filming location of King Kong. Embark on a scenic boat ride through a labyrinth of waterways. Majestic karst formations and verdant countryside will surround you, creating a truly mesmerizing scene of serenity.

Later, we will explore Mua Cave (Dancing Cave), well known for its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Climb the 500 steps to reach the top of the mountain and be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas of the Tam Coc region. We then on the return journey to Hanoi. Enjoy a restful sleep tonight, ready for your next adventure!

In this morning, you will arrive in Hanoi in the early morning and then have breakfast at a hotel. Today, get ready to be amazed by the most majestic landscapes of Halong Bay!

Morning: between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, our shuttle bus will pick you up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area. Hop aboard and prepare to be whisked away on a scenic 2.5-hour drive (147 km) through Red River Delta to stunning Halong Bay!

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard with a refreshing drink. Following a quick safety briefing from the cruise teamr, you can relax and savor a delicious lunch onboard while the boat starts cruising among amazing limestone islands.

Afternoon: you’ll explore Halong Bay’s dramatic karst landscape with your cruise! Different cruise companies offer various itineraries, but you might visit some of these fascinating spots and try water activities like kayaking, swimming, etc. Watch the sunset paint the karst mountains with colors.

• Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Discover a magnificent cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Titop Island: Hike to the peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.
• Cua Van Fishing Village: Witness the traditional way of life of local fishermen in a floating village.
• Tung Sau Pearl Farm: Learn about pearl cultivation and see these beautiful gems firsthand.
• Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave): Discover a secluded cave with a unique rock formation.

Evening: indulge in a hearty dinner prepared by our talented chefs in the elegant dining room. After dinner, unwind with a variety of leisure options: join in on board games, try squid fishing, catch a night movie, or head to the bars & karaoke. Overnight onboard.

If you are an early riser, you can embrace the sunrise with a traditional Tai Chi class on the sundeck, invigorating your body and mind. Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard.

After breakfast, continue your cruise to explore more peaceful Halong Bay! You can choose to participate in exciting water activities such as kayaking or follow the cruise itinerary to admire the majestic limestone formations.

Later in the morning, return to the cruise for a smooth check-out process at the reception. As you cruise back to the pier, savor a delightful lunch at 10:00 AM. Disembarkation will take place between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

Following disembarkation, you’ll be transferred by car/van back to Hanoi. In this afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore more of Hanoi City at your own pace.

Breakfast in the hotel. And it is time to finish our North Vietnam Highlights Tour. Today, you’ll be escorted to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to catch a flight for your departure. We finish our fantastic Northern Vietnam Highlights Package Tours.