A Glance of Northern Vietnam 8 Days 7 Nights (with Sapa Topas Ecolodge)

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. 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 visit the tranquil Thai Vy Temple, dedicated to Vietnamese emperors and national heroes. Finally, we’ll cap off our day with a bicycle ride through the verdant rice fields and local villages. Return to your hotel in Hanoi and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

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 you by a shared limousine or bus from Hanoi to Topas Ecolodge (around 5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your bungalow and soak in the stunning mountain views from your private balcony.

In the afternoon, join a small group tour (maximum 10 travellers) to explore the Red Dzao village with a knowledgeable local guide. Traverse a serene path offering vistas of verdant rice terraces, gently ascending to Lech village. Here, delve into the heart of local life as you visit a traditional wooden house, warmly welcomed by the hospitable Red Dao hosts. Marvel at the vivid attire of the Red Dao women, renowned for their intricate handmade embroidery, and learn more about their rich cultural heritage. On the way back to Topas Ecolodge, you will walk on small trails passing rice terraces and cross a suspension bridge, where you can take some great pictures of the natural landscape. You’ll then learn about the interesting cultivating culture of the local farmers. Upon returning to the lodge, savor a leisurely evening at your own pace, partaking in the activities offered by the property. Dinner will be served at the lodge’s restaurant.

Note: Hiking Level: Easy, with approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of walking. Tour and transfer: on a shared basis, maximum 10 travellers. A supplementary charge will be incurred for private bookings. Due to limited space, guests are requested to bring only 1 cabin bag/suitcase 115cm (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) per person.

Overnight at Topas Ecolodge Sapa

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy your breakfast in the lodge’s restaurant or on the terrace. At 8:30 am, our journey begins as we delve deeper into Hoang Lien National Park, arriving at the trek starting point near Sin Chai village. Here, immerse yourself in untouched landscapes, admiring towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and expansive valleys. The path leads to Nam Nhiu, a Red Dao village where you’ll meet and engage with local villagers, explore their homes, and gain insights into their daily lives. Continuing along a narrow dirt trail, you’ll be captivated by the picturesque sight of bamboo huts amidst rice fields, used by local farmers during harvest time. After traversing rice terraces and crossing a serene river, arrive at Nam Cang village, renowned for its remote location in Sapa. Here, you’ll encounter Red Dao women adorned in vibrant traditional attire and discover their expertise in herbal baths, local medicine, and embroidery. You’ll have the chance to delve into the village’s craftsmanship, witnessing the creation of writing paper, jewelry, and embroidery.

At 2:15 pm, you’ll be transferred back to Topas Ecolodge, where the rest of your day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Note:

Hiking Level: Moderate, with approximately 3 to 3.5 hours of walking. Tour and transfer: on a shared basis, maximum 10 travellers. A supplementary charge will be incurred for private bookings. Suggestion: Book traditional Red Dzao herbal bath at the lodge’s spa, enjoy Happy Hours at Pool’s Bar, attend various activities provided by the lodge.

Overnight at Topas Ecolodge

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in the lodge’s restaurant or on the terrace, followed by a leisurely morning at Topas Ecolodge. You can opt to relax at the lodge or explore the stunning surrounding areas using the mountain bikes provided free of charge, which you can borrow from the reception. Alternatively, you have the choice to take a scheduled shuttle bus to Sapa to visit the town or book a half-day tour (with a charge) to explore the highest peak of Indochina, Mt. Fansipan (3,143m), via cable car.

Later in the day, Topas’s limousine or bus express will depart from Sapa at 01:15 pm and from Topas Ecolodge at 02:30 pm, transferring you back to your hotel in Hanoi (on a shared basis). Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be transferred to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast

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