Let’s explore North Vietnam!
A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai International Airport; your private guide and driver will meet you in the arrival lounge and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi. Hanoi is a window into a world from long ago that has been dragged into the present. Motorbikes whizz around, ladies haggle over the price of bread being sold from a bicycle, and business deals are struck over a cup of green tea whilst sitting on little plastic stools by the side of the road. Prepare to be amazed by this frantic yet incredibly charming slice of real Asia.

After having lunch at the hotel, we will start the afternoon activities by visiting the Ethnology Museum. From the outside, you will be attracted by the presentation and layout, from the form to the displayed content, which is very scientific and logical. It involves grasping the cultural colors of each ethnic group. After two hours of learning about Vietnamese culture, you will move to Hoa Lo Prison (so-called Hanoi Hilton), which tells you about Vietnamese history & wars.

Finish the day with a fun cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). You will ride through the French colonial architecture of the precinct known as the French Quarter, past the French-style villas, the Vietnam History Museum, the heritage Metropole Legend Hotel, and the Opera House. Of course, you will not miss Hanoi Old Quarter and fill your stomach with delicious tradiotional food before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, you will start the journey to visit Duong Lam ancient village on the outskirts of Hanoi. This village has a lifespan of up to 400 years and is considered the last stronghold of Vietnam’s wet rice agriculture.

Upon arrival, you will visit typical old houses in this area and chat with the owners to understand more about the culture in the northeastern region. After that, cycle around the village to experience daily life in the most comfortable and free way. If you love architecture and religion, then Mia Pagoda – an ancient temple built in the 15th century is definitely a destination not to be missed.

Having traditional lunch at locals’ house is the most effective way to immerse yourself in the lives of indigenous people. Continue exploring the village on foot before saying goodbye to Duong Lam and boarding the bus back to Hanoi at 16:00.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, you depart for Sapa, following the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Highway. You will have a chance to contemplate the beauty of the northwest mountains in that terraced fields are sparkling in sunlight or dim in thick fog. Take a quick break for 30 minutes before continuing on your journey to Sapa. You are dropped off in the lobby of your selected hotel at noon.

To get to the Heaven Gate, you have to go through Tram Ton Pass. From there, you will enjoy stunning views of the highlands and verdant forests of Hoang Lien National Park. You must then make a 30-minute jungle journey from there. There are numerous opportunities to see wildflowers along the road. Trekking along the stream, you will arrive at the Love Waterfall. It is the best place for relaxing in Sapa. Then return to Tram Ton and drive back to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you leave Sapa for a 30-minute, winding road transfer to Ban Khoang Valley. Along the journey, soak in the stunning panorama of the Tonkinese Alps, also known as the Hoang Lien Mountain Range. As you get closer to Ban Khoang village, you can see the picturesque view of the valley from above. Take some great photos of this impressive, beautiful landscape. Then, stop for an easy walk to visit a village of the Red Dao ethnic at Ban Khoang. The local women there are very skilled in making their embroidery and beautiful traditional costumes. After hundreds of years in the mountains, the people here still maintain their culture of farming rice with buffaloes and maintaining a self-sufficient system.

Depart from Ban Khoang Valley for an 8-km road transfer to Ta Giang Phinh Valley and enjoy a local lunch there. Take a relaxing walk in the picturesque Ta Giang Phinh Valley this afternoon. Take a stroll down the village route that meanders through the stunning valley, which is home to the Blue Hmong ethnic minority. Visit some local houses to see some handicraft workshops and observe villagers working in the fields tending their crops with buffalos. Transfer back to Sapa town in the late afternoon; the rest of the afternoon and evening are free.

Overnight in Sapa.

Note: Good hiking shoes are highly recommended. The detailed itinerary can be changed slightly depending on weather conditions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early morning, depart with the guide for a half-day trekking tour to Hang Da and Sau Chua Villages, just about 8 km east of Sapa, where the Black Hmong people have been living their traditional and unique way of life despite the recent changes and effects caused by the fast development and tourism boom in Sapa town. Enjoy walking with the guide along the quiet, narrow pathways through the countryside and past the scattered, modest houses of the Black Hmong people.

Please note that the trekking route can be adjusted depending on energy levels, fitness, and weather conditions. Return to the hotel to check out by noon, and then there is some time to spend at leisure for lunch and a last-minute exploration of Sapa town. By mid-afternoon, you will drive back to Hanoi. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Limestone outcrops blanketed in lush vegetation rise from the still, jade-colored water. Your boat glides smoothly across the glassy surface, the shapes and shadows of the islets changing as you navigate this watery paradise. That is Lan Ha Bay, the beautiful neighbor of Halong Bay. Although belonging to a different province, Lan Ha is essentially an extension of Halong Bay and offers the same mesmerizing scenery. Lying southeast of Cat Ba Island, fewer boats make their way to Lan Ha, meaning you’ll enjoy this idyllic setting without the busy crowds.

As you weave through the islands, you’ll come across secluded bays, white sandy beaches, and floating villages. There are caves to explore, and islands to cycle on, and the pristine waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking. Your boat will be your home away from home as you explore Lan Ha Bay, and there are few experiences as magical as watching the sunrise from the comfort of your cabin, then watching it sink behind the sparkling water as the day draws to an end.

Overnight onboard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Dinner

The morning sun stretches over the karsts and the shimmering calm sea. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee is enough to bring you to an exciting alert. The cruise continues to sail along the fabulous scenery of the surrounding bay. You come to the fishing village of Viet Hai, one of Vietnam’s last remaining hidden gems, largely untouched by industrial development. It lies nestled on the eastern side of Cat Ba and is inaccessible by road from the rest of the island – hence its isolation.

The 300-person village was founded before the designation of Cat Ba National Park, and thus parts of the village still remain within the park, making for a uniquely beautiful setting. This is where you can really get to grips with local Vietnamese life, including tree-planting with the locals, learning how wine is fermented, fishing, and animal farming. After disembarking from the cruise ship, you can access Viet Hai by bicycle or electric buggy. The visit takes between one and two hours. Your private driver is waiting for you at the dock to send you back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

After breakfast and a leisurely morning on your own, you will check out by midday as this marks the end of your 5-day trip to Vietnam. Your private driver will pick you up and take you back to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight home.

Meal: Breakfast