This northern oddessey takes us into the wild northwest corner of the country where it is mountainous and has great scenery. Sapa in Lao Cai province recently opened to tourists. Hill tribe villages are scattered around. The road from Lao Cai-Hekou leads to Kunming. On the opposite side, to the northeast, is lovely Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful sights of Vietnam; and Haiphong, the largest seaport of Vietnam.
Destination
- Hanoi Capital
- Sapa
- Halong Bay
- Ninh Binh & Hai Phong
Highlight
- Visit beauty spots in Hanoi
- Soft trekking into the scenic rice field and mountains of Sapa
- Cruising in Halong Bay
Brief itinerary:
Day 1 : Hanoi - Arrival
Day 2 : Hanoi city tour – night train to Sapa (B,L)
Day 3: Sapa Tour (B,L)
Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha – night train to Hanoi (B,L) – Market on Sunday
Day 5: Hanoi – Perfume Pagoda (B,L)
Day 6: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (B,L)
Day 7: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B,L)
Day 8: Halong – Hanoi (B,L)
Day 9: Hanoi Departure (B)
Day 1 : Hanoi - Arrival
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old-world charm and some of Asia's most striking colonial architecture. Overnight in hotel, Hanoi.
Day 2 : Hanoi city tour – night train to Sapa (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we enjoy tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. This place has deep significance of the secular and spiritual nature for many Vietnamese who come in large groups to give honour and render respect to the father of their independent nation. The complex also comprises the One-Pillar Pagoda whose origin dates back to the founding of Hanoi in the reign of Emperor Ly Thai Tong (r.1028-1054). We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam's first university since 1076, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artefacts illustrating Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited to end the day's sightseeing. Then transfer to station for night train to Sapa.
Day 3: Sapa Tour (B,L)
Arrival Sapa in the morning, our guide and driver will pick up you at station then transfer to Sapa Town (1 hour). You will enjoy Breakfast at local restaurant, then start tour, we visit the bustling Sapa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from their nearby homes perched on mountain sides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain area. Along the way we traverse several rustic villages and see many mountain people doing their daily work such as logging, herding buffaloes and tilling the fields. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for a remarkable experience, visit Cat Cat Village & Ham Rong Mountain. Overnight in hotel, Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha – night train to Hanoi (B,L) – Market on Sunday
Breakfast at the hotel. Upon leaving Sapa we set off on our scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay communities. They still retain their age-old cultural traditions and are recognizable by their distinct dresses. The experience of this congregation is colourful and unique. After the market we enjoy a walk around the area, visiting the Hmong king’s former residence (the history of the royal house is fascinating) and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent wine from maize. Take a sip and buy a bottle. Then transfer to Lao Cai Station for night train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Perfume Pagoda (B,L)
Arrival Hanoi in the moring, our guide and driver will pick you up at station then transfer to hotel for breakfast and shower, relax until 08:00 AM we will start tour to Huong Pagoda.
An interesting drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to the Perfume Pagoda, which is not just a pagoda but many shrines and sanctuaries built into the mountain sides. This famous complex of pagodas is also one of Vietnam's great pilgrimage sites. On arrival we enjoy a leisurely boat excursion on the Yen River past the spectacular landscape of flooded ricefields and undulating mountains. After a two-hour river cruise we embark on a rugged walk uphill to explore some of the many pagodas and the sacred grotto of Huong Tich. End tour, we transfer back to Hanoi, overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (B,L)
Breakfast at the hotel then we transfer to Ninh Binh, the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and early Le Dynasties was Hoa Lu, which has left its legacy in the form of two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. After a short drive we visit these two remaining structures, dedicated to the Dinh and the Le rulers; then climb the 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mountain for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. The next stop of our trip is Tam Coc which is named "Inland Halong Bay". We take a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of ricefields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc, overnight at hotel in Ninh Binh.
Day 7: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel then transfer to Halong Bay
12.15 Arrive in Ha Long city, board our traditional wooden junk boat, Huong Hai Junk, for an overnight journey. Sip on a refreshing welcome drink upon check in before you begin your cruise through the bay.
13.00 Start sail from Bai Tu Long Bay area, Feast on a delicious lunch as you cruise among beautiful of islets (Tea pot islet, Mat Quy –Monster Face islet, Yen Ngua islet, Man’s Head islet, Tortoise islet etc.) to discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot - Amazing cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay. Swim at Soi Sim beach or Titov beach or a short trek to the top of Titov mountain (426 Steps) for a magnificent panorama scenery.
17.30 Fresh fruits serve at lounge or sundeck. Enjoy vegetable/fruit carving & Folding Napkin
19.30 Enjoy your dinner on board.
21.00 Squid fishing or relax and chatting with your partner, friends, family.
Overnight on Ha Long Bay aboard Huong Hai Junk.
Day 8: Halong – Hanoi (B,L)
06.20 Tai Chi Exercise with an opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery of sunrise over the Bay.
07.00 For early riser complimentary tea, coffee and break fast are served.
08.00 Visit Luon cave on small bamboo boat paddle by out crew staff and enjoy the quiet atmosphere enclosed by high islets and mountains. Be back to our Huong Hai Junk. Sail past rock formations such as and passing Finger islet, Hoa Cuong fishing village area, Ga Choi – Fghting Cock islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Little Dog islet. Enjoy the tranquil scenery as the boat meanders its way through the bay on the way back to Ha Long city, etc.
09.00 Arrange your luggage and do the check out onboard.
10.15 Enjoy a lunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations.
11.30 Arrive back at Ha Long city for disembarkation where your driver waits to take you back to your Hanoi. Trip ends, overnight at Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel, free at leisure until transfer to airport for flight departure. End of services
Trip Included:
- Transportation in private air-conditioned
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- English or French speaking guide
- Entrance fees to stated sights
- Boat trip to Perfume Pagoda, Tam Coc, in Halong Bay
- Meals as mentioned
Trip excluded:
- Meals (lunches & dinners)
- Tip, drinks
- Personal expense
- Travel insurance
- Surcharge for New Year Ever & Christams day
- Visa on arrival letter and Visa Stamp (45 USD)
