Northern Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi, Sapa & Halong Bay in 5 Days

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our tour guide will greet you at the security area, holding a sign with your name. Board your private car for a transfer to the heart of Hanoi. Upon reaching your hotel, check in (subject to availability) and take some time to relax.

City Tour Highlights
We begin with a visit to Ba Dinh Square, home to Uncle Ho’s final resting place – the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – where many significant cultural and political events of Vietnam have taken place. Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, where he intermittently lived during the Vietnam War, and admire the tranquil One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple known for its unique architecture and serene lotus pond.

Next, visit the historic Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple, located on the shores of West Lake. Don’t miss the Bodhi tree, a gift from Indian Prime Minister Rajendra Prasad during his visit in 1959.

12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

In the afternoon, visit the Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake), a site rich in history and symbolism. Then, explore the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucian teachings.

4:15 PM: Conclude your day with a traditional Water Puppet Show – a centuries-old Vietnamese art form that brings legends to life through music and puppetry. (Water Puppet Show not included in package price.)

Dinner: Free time to explore local dining options on your own.

Overnight: Stay in Hanoi.

Notes:

Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00 PM.

The itinerary may be adjusted based on your arrival time.

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and museums are closed on Mondays. Suitable alternatives will be arranged.

6:30–7:00 AM:
Your tour guide from Vietnam Travel Advisor will pick you up from your hotel or accommodation. Board a comfortable bus and begin your journey to Sapa Town.

9:30 AM:
Enjoy a short comfort break as you follow the highway to Lao Cai City.

11:00 AM:
Take a second break in Lao Cai City before continuing toward Sapa.

1:00 PM:
Arrive in Sapa Town, greeted by the vibrant traditional costumes of the H’Mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic groups. Enjoy a welcome drink, followed by an itinerary briefing. Relish a lunch of local Vietnamese dishes and complete check-in procedures at your hotel.

2:30 PM:
The bus will take you to the entrance of Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic people. Nestled in a deep valley at the base of Fansipan Peak, the village offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Trek through the village to the valley bottom, where you’ll find a picturesque waterfall and a French-built Hydraulic Power Station. Stop to capture photos of the bridge and waterfall, then hike uphill to meet the bus that will take you back to Sapa Town.

Trekking distance: Approximately 2.5 km, taking about 2 hours.

5:00 PM:
Return to Sapa Town. Enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel. Explore the town’s night activities at your leisure.

Inclusions:

• Coach transportation
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Hotel accommodation
• Lunch and dinner

Exclusions:

Personal expenses expenses

Drinks

Tips

8:00 AM:
After breakfast at the hotel, the driver and tour guide will take you to the Cable Car Station. Enjoy a scenic 20-minute cable car ride, marveling at the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

9:00 AM:
Arrive at an altitude of 2,800 meters. Spend time capturing stunning photos, exploring spiritual sites like the mountain pagoda, and trekking up 600 steps to reach the peak of Fansipan, famously known as the “Roof of Indochina.” The hike and sightseeing take approximately 1.5 hours.

11:00 AM:
Return to the Cable Car Station and descend back to Sapa Town.

12:30 PM:
Enjoy a hearty lunch at the hotel.

1:30–3:45 PM:
Relax and explore Sapa Town on your own. Shop for souvenirs, stroll around, or simply soak in the local charm. Gather with your group at the hotel to prepare for the journey back to Hanoi.

4:00 PM:
Board the bus for your return trip to Hanoi, with two comfort breaks along the way.

8:45 PM:
Arrive in Hanoi and bid farewell as you are dropped off at your hotel or stay.

Inclusions:

• Coach transportation
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Hotel accommodation
• Lunch

Exclusions:

Personal expenses

Drinks

Tips

7:45–8:30 AM:
Our bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Begin the journey to Ha Long Bay, taking in the scenic views of the Red River Delta along the way.

11:30 AM:
Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina. Take a short break while our staff handles registration with the local authorities.

12:00–12:30 PM:
Board the cruise via a short tender transfer. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as the captain and crew provide a briefing on safety and the cruise itinerary.

12:30–1:00 PM:
Set sail to explore the stunning Ha Long Bay, recognized as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Relish a delicious lunch onboard as you pass through spectacular limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald waters.

2:00–2:30 PM:
Disembark to visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), one of Ha Long Bay’s most famous and awe-inspiring caves, featuring magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

3:00 PM:
Return to the cruise and continue to Ti Top Island. Here, you can hike to the island’s summit for panoramic views of the Gulf of Tonkin or enjoy swimming in the island’s crystal-clear waters.

5:00 PM:
Relax onboard as the cruise anchors in a tranquil spot. Indulge in snacks and drinks during “Happy Hour” or participate in a cooking class on the sundeck, learning to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.

7:30 PM:
Savor a sumptuous dinner prepared by the onboard chef, featuring fresh local ingredients.

8:30 PM:
After dinner, enjoy evening activities such as karaoke, squid fishing, or simply relaxing with a drink at the bar. Spend the night onboard, surrounded by the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Inclusions:

• Coach transfer
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Cabin accommodation on the cruise
• Lunch and dinner

Exclusions:

• Drinks
• Tips
• Personal expenses

Exclusions:

Personal expenses

Dinner

Drinks

Tips

6:15–7:00 AM:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast onboard while enjoying the breathtaking view of the sunrise over Ha Long Bay

8:00–9:30 AM:
The cruise moves closer to the center of the Natural Preservation Area. Join the guide for a short excursion to Luon Cave, a stunning natural wonder surrounded by karst mountains. Explore the area by kayaking or relaxing on a bamboo boat. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys along the cliffs—perfect for capturing memorable photos.

9:30 AM:
Return to the cruise and prepare for check-out.

10:00 AM:
Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard as the cruise makes its way back to the harbor.

11:35 AM:
Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina. Board the shuttle bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

3:30–4:00 PM:
Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. From here, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions:

• Coach transfer
• English-speaking tour guide
• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Lunch
• Hotel transfer

Exclusions:

Air tickets

Dinner

Drinks

Tips

Personal expenses