A Glance of Northern Vietnam 8 Days 7 Nights (with Homestay in Sapa)

Upon arrival in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. (Check-in standard time: from 14:00). Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant streets of Hanoi or relaxing at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: No

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet our tour guide at the scheduled time and start to explore Hanoi – the charming capital of Vietnam. Our morning journey begins with visits to iconic landmarks, including the One Pillar Pagoda. We’ll then explore the outer part of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument honoring the esteemed country leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as Bác Hồ (Uncle Hồ) by the Vietnamese people. Our tour continues with visits to the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Next, we’ll delve into the tranquility of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature), a symbol of Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage, originally built in 1070 as a Confucian temple and later housing the country’s first university.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Our afternoon adventures take us to the nearby Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest pagoda dating back to the 6th century. Following our visit, we’ll enjoy a traditional cyclo in the vibrant ambiance of the Old Quarter, renowned for its labyrinthine streets, bustling markets, and ancient temples. Finally, take a leisurely break at a coffee shop, savoring the unique flavors of egg coffee or fresh juice before coming back to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning (around 6:30 – 7:00 am), the driver will pick you up at your hotel, transferring by express bus you from Hanoi to Sapa (around 5 hours). Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, we will embark on our adventure with a trek through the rolling hills, meandering through the intricate maze of rice terrace fields, and visiting the Black Hmong villages of Y Linh Ho and Ta Van village, a hidden gem nestled amidst the verdant hills and valleys, home to the vibrant Giay ethnic minority. Engage with the friendly locals, whose warm hospitality offers a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage.

Overnight at the hotel in Sapa

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your adventure in Sapa with a local tour guide. Enjoy an 18 km scenic transfer to Ban Lech village, home to the Red Zao community. Embark on a picturesque trek through a narrow valley, descending for 2 hours until you reach the tranquil Ngoi Bo River. Following a brief uphill hike of 1 hour, arrive at Muong Bo Village in the heart of Thanh Phu Commune, where a traditional lunch awaits in a local household.

After lunch, continue your journey with a gradual ascent towards Nam Cum Village, before making your way to Sin Chai B village of the Red Dao ethnic group, where you’ll spend the night in a local house.

Overnight at a local homestay

Meals: Breakfast

Note:

From Sapa to Ban Lech Village: Approximately 1 hour by car

Trekking Level: Moderate, approximately 5-6 hours of walking

Homestays in the remote areas of Sapa offer basic accommodations, unlike the standard hotels or resorts in the center. However, they provide you with a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the daily lives of the community.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a downhill walk to My Son village, home to the Xafo ethnic minority, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam. After a 1.5-hour trek to the Red Dao village of Nam Toong, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, continue our journey to Ban Ho village, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim—be sure to follow your guide’s advice before diving in. Finally, our vehicle will transfer you back to Sapa from Ban Ho. From there, the bus will take you back to Hanoi (approximately 5-5.5 hours).

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

Note:

From Ban Ho to Sapa: Approximately 1 hour by car

Trekking Level: Moderate, approximately 4-5 hours of walking

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we’ll be heading to Ninh Binh, often referred to as the “Halong Bay on land,” renowned for its stunning landscapes and historical wonders. The scenic drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes approximately 2 hours by car, allowing you to soak in the picturesque countryside scenery along the route. Upon arrival, our first stop is Hoa Lư, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Here, amidst limestone karsts, we’ll explore the remnants of royal palaces, temples, and fortifications, delving into the captivating history of the Dinh and Le dynasties while admiring the architectural marvels. Next, we’ll embark on a mesmerizing boat trip (lasting approximately 2.5 to 3 hours) through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking karst formations, meandering waterways, and ancient caves. This immersive journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ninh Binh province as we glide along tranquil rivers surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Lunch at a local restaurant, indulge in the region’s specialties: goat meat (thịt dê) and crispy rice crackers (Cơm cháy).

In the afternoon, we’ll cap off our day with a bicycle ride through the verdant rice fields and local villages. For those seeking adventure, an optional hike up Ngoa Long Mountain (via approximately 500 stone steps) to the renowned Mua Cave offers panoramic views of the city, karst limestone mountains, and the Ngo Dong River. Along the way, we’ll encounter Buddhist worship sites and statues, where locals pay their respects to the Buddha.

Transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh to check-in.

Overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, being formed over 500 million years ago. Upon arrival at the boat pier, you’ll be greeted by the cruise members with a refreshing drink at the lounge while awaiting embarkation. A small sampan will transport you to the main cruise, where you’ll complete the check-in process, receive a safety briefing, and get a brief introduction to the cruise itinerary. Enjoy a delectable lunch onboard as the cruise glides past picturesque islands and towering rock formations, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking scenery. After lunch, take a short rest before participating in the afternoon activities offered by the cruise, which could include visiting caves, fishing villages, kayaking*, or swimming at a quiet beach, depending on the cruise’s program. Dinner will be served at the cruise’s restaurant while it anchors in a safe and serene area for the night.

*Activities marked with an asterisk (*) may incur additional charges

Overnight onboard the cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day with an early morning Tai Chi class on the sundeck, allowing yourself to embrace a meditative state through gentle movements and controlled breathing. Witness the tranquil beauty of the bay as the sun slowly ascends behind the limestone cliffs, casting a serene glow over the horizon. Continue with the morning activities outlined in the cruise program or bask in the sun’s warmth on the sundeck. Indulge in a leisurely brunch aboard the cruise, savoring each bite as you glide past majestic rock formations on your journey back to the dock.

Upon disembarking, transfer by sampan to the pier, where transportation awaits to take you to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Brunch