The Amazing Northern Vietnam – 5 Days

Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide/driver. Then, you will transfer to your hotel in the city center. Depending on your arrival time, check-in may be available (hotel check-in time is usually after 2:00 PM). Early check-in is subject to availability or an additional fee.

In the afternoon, let’s begin your tour at the vibrant Old Quarter, where the maze of streets is named after traditional trades and crafts, and visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword): Take a scenic walk around the lake, the heart of Hanoi, and admire the iconic Red Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), dedicated to Confucian and Taoist deities.

After the Old Quarter, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. This serene complex, built in 1070, honors Confucius and celebrates Vietnam’s scholars. Stroll through its courtyards and marvel at the ancient architecture and steel of doctors.

In the evening, you will enjoy a Vietnamese water puppet show at a local theater. This art form originated from the Red River Delta and showcases traditional tales, folklore, and music. The show typically lasts about 45 minutes.

Return to your hotel and unwind after your first day in Hanoi. If time allows, enjoy the night vibe of Hanoi by visiting a café or taking a short stroll around the Night Market on your own (if your arrival is on a weekend).

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals included: None

6.00-6:30: Pick up at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, get on a big bus, and depart for Sapa Town.

9.30: Follow the highway to Lao Cai city and have the first rest stop.

11.00: Second rest stop at Lao Cai city before heading to Sapa

13.30: Arrive at Sapa Town with colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic people. The guide will pick you up to have lunch at a local restaurant.

14.30: Start hiking through Y Linh Ho, then trek through the rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai to see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain. You approach Ta Van village, where Giay Ethnic People inhabit in late afternoon.

The trekking distance is about 9 km and it lasts for 3.5 hours

17.45: Check in homestay; get to know the family of Dzay People. Spend time enjoying the mountain life on Sunset. You may attend cooking local dishes with the family and enjoy dinner in peace. In the evening, you can join the local bar nearby with music and socialize with other tourists, then overnight at the bungalow.

Accommodation: Homestay/Bungalow

Meals included: None

08h00 After breakfast in the hotel, the driver takes you to the Fansipan Cable Car Station and spends 20 minutes with the cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Reach the altitude of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit the pagoda, the spiritual destinations, and trek up to 600 steps. You will reach the peak of Fansipan, the Roof of Indochina. (Spend about 1.5 hours for hiking and taking photos.).

11h00: Come back to Cable Car Station and return to Sapa town

Afternoon: Free time to explore Sapa town or go shopping at Sapa Market.

15h30-16h00: It‘s time to say “Good bye, Sa Pa!” and drive back to Hanoi.

21h00: We arrive in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals included: None

In the morning, you will depart towards the famous Halong Bay (approx. 2.5–3 hours by car).

This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in luxuriant vegetation overlooking the waters. Halong Bay includes some 1,900 islands and islets of rocky peaks, often uninhabited and unvisited. This scene creates a spectacular marine landscape, which earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. You will be served lunch and dinner aboard with excellent and freshly caught seafood from the bay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on the junk

Distance: 122 kilometers, 2 hours

Early in the morning, and depending on the season, you will wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the aquamarine waters of the bay. Then the cruise will tour around the bay until you disembark at the end of the morning. After that, you will check out the cruise and head to Hanoi Airport for your departure flight. Ends of service.

Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: None