Essence of Northern Vietnam – 8 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!

On your first day, you can arrive in Hanoi at any time as the only activity scheduled is the airport pick up. The driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city and form your own first impressions of Vietnam. The airport transfer is included in the itinerary, so you don’t have to worry about arranging transportation on your own.

Stay overnight in Hanoi and get ready for an exciting adventure!

• Meal: NA
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then, hop on the van for a scenic drive to Mai Chau. The journey is relatively short, covering about 140 km and taking around 3.5 hours. Along the way, enjoy a brief rest stop before reaching your destination by midday.

Upon arrival, indulge in a traditional Vietnamese lunch served in the village. If you’re a vegan, a vegetarian option will be available to cater to your dietary preferences.

Afternoon:

Embark on an exciting bicycle tour led by a local guide, providing you with a glimpse of the countryside life in Northern Vietnam. Observe farmers diligently working in the fields and witness regional people skillfully weaving scarves.

Following the bicycle tour, take some time to explore the serene surrounding villages at your own pace. Engage in shopping and consider purchasing small souvenirs to bring back home, capturing the essence of this charming region.

In the evening, delight your taste buds with a delectable dinner prepared in the native Thai style. While enjoying your meal, immerse yourself in the cultural experience of a traditional Thai dance show.

• Meal: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Overnight in Mai Chau

Morning:

Indulge in a delicious breakfast before enjoying a leisurely morning to unwind and appreciate the tranquil beauty of Mai Chau. Use this time to relax and immerse yourself in the surrounding serenity. Alternatively, you may opt to participate in optional activities at your own expense, such as cycling. This will allow you to explore the picturesque terraced fields and gain insights into the region’s traditional culture and customs.

Around midday, return to the homestay for a satisfying lunch and check-out. Afterward, take some time to relax and rejuvenate.

Afternoon:

At approximately 15:30, board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi. The travel time back to Hanoi Old Quarter is approximately 3.5 hours. Once you arrive, the bus will drop you off at your hotel, where you will spend the night, providing you with a comfortable and convenient stay.

• Meal: B, L
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning:

Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel around 07:30. Soon after, you will be picked up for the transfer to Ninh Binh. Along the way, take a short break amidst the vast rice fields, allowing you to relish the refreshing air.

Upon arriving in Tam Coc, known as the ” Halong Bay on land ” embark on a memorable boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. With a local rowing the boat, you will spend approximately 2 hours admiring the breathtaking scenery of limestone mountains, rice fields, and temples that line the river. If you visit during the harvest season, you may even witness the stunning golden rice carpet along the river banks.

Afterward, return to the mainland for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

Following lunch and a short break, at 13:30, hop on a bicycle and explore the beautiful villages, immersing yourself in the tranquil rural atmosphere and enjoying the fresh air.

Next, venture to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which served as the capital city of Vietnam a thousand years ago. Delve into Vietnamese history and gain fascinating insights into the past.

Return to Hanoi by bus and prepare for the night train.

Night:

Around 20:00, meet the tour guide at the hotel. You will be transferred to the Hanoi Train Station for an overnight train journey to Lao Cai train station.

Please note:

• The train departs around 22:00 and features shared sleeping compartments with two lower and two upper berths per compartment.
• Our tour guide will not accompany you during the train trip.
• The train schedule is subject to change, and private compartments are available upon request for an additional fee.
• Train journeys offer a unique experience and cabins are shared with other passengers unless a private cabin is requested and paid for in full. Restrooms are available at either end of the carriages.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Overnight on train

Morning:

Between 05:30 and 06:00, your train will arrive at Lao Cai train station. Upon arrival, the bus driver will be there to pick you up and transfer you to Sapa, which typically takes around 1 hour. Please note that if you wish to check in early, an additional fee may apply.

After completing the check-in process, take some time to relax and prepare for a full-day tour. Around 09:30, meet your local guide and commence the trek to Y Linh Ho village, nestled alongside the picturesque Muong Hoa River. From there, continue your journey to Lao Chai village, which is home to the Black H’mong ethnic group.

Afternoon:

Having arrived in Lao Chai village in the morning, proceed to Ta Van village, situated at an elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. Explore the unique culture and traditional attire of the local inhabitants.

Return to Sapa at your own pace and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You will spend the night at your hotel in Sapa.

Note: This downhill trek covers a distance of 12 km and is considered to be of easy difficulty level.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

Morning:

Savor your final breakfast in Sapa and proceed with the check-out process. Embark on a trekking adventure to Cat Cat Village, an enchanting place where you can leisurely wander through the village and immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of the ethnic scenery.

A delightful picnic lunch will be provided by the riverside, allowing you to relish a scenic and satisfying meal.

Afternoon:

Continue your trekking journey to Sin Chai village, nestled at the base of Fansipan Mountain, also known as “the Roof of Indochina.” Following your exploration, return to the main road and be transferred back to Sapa town.

Around 14:30-15:00, the driver will arrive at your hotel to pick you up for the return journey to Hanoi. You will spend the night at a hotel in Hanoi, providing a comfortable and convenient stay.

• Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Morning:

After having your breakfast. Arround 08:00 – 08:30 to pick you up for an exciting journey to Halong Bay. Located in North Vietnam, Halong Bay is renowned as one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing experience amidst thousands of limestone islands, enchanting caves, and captivating emerald waters.

Upon arrival, complete the check-in procedures and board the cruise ship. Around 12:00, the friendly crew members will warmly welcome you with a refreshing welcome drink.

Indulge in a scrumptious lunch featuring fresh seafood from Halong Bay as the boat leisurely cruises through the bay. Take some time to relax in your comfortable cabin and enjoy the freedom of leisure until the afternoon.

Afternoon:

The afternoon brings a variety of water activities to enhance your experience, including cave visits, kayaking, or simply swimming in the sea, depending on the specific itinerary of your Halong Bay cruise.

Afterwards, feel free to unwind and enjoy a delectable dinner onboard the cruise ship.

Note: While our tour guide will not accompany you onboard the cruise in Halong Bay, there will be an English-speaking guide available onboard to assist you.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Overnight on Cruise 

Morning

On this last morning, you can choose to set up early to join a Tai Chi lesson or just relax on the sundeck and witness the amazing sunrise on the bay. After breakfast, you will begin your last excursion to one of the famous attractions in Halong Bay.

Brunch will be served on the way back to the main dock at around 11:00 – 11:30. You will be transferred back to Hanoi after the cruise trip.

Afternoon

Have free time to explore Hanoi Old Quarter and try Vietnamese street food by yourself

Note: If you want a drop-off service at the airport or extra nights in Hanoi, feel free to contact our travel consultant for helpful support.

• Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
• Accommodation: NA