Tour From Mountains to Bay – Northern Vietnam Discovery
(10 Days / 09 Nights)
OVERVIEW
Embark on a 10-day journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of Northern Vietnam. Begin in the lively streets of Hanoi, where history and cuisine collide. Venture by overnight train to Sapa, where scenic rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and serene homestays await. Trek through misty valleys and gaze upon majestic Fansipan Mountain. Then cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, soaking in its surreal limestone beauty from a luxury cabin. With a perfect mix of adventure, cultural immersion, and relaxation, this itinerary offers a rich and unforgettable introduction to the natural and human wonders of northern Vietnam.
TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi – Street Flavours Await (D) 3
Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery (B-L) 3
Day 3: Free Day in Hanoi (B) 5
Day 4: Arrive in Sapa – Transfer to Homestay (B-L-D) 6
Day 5: Easy Hike Through Rice Fields & Villages (B-L-D) 6
Day 6: Rice Terraced Fields & Fansipan Experience (B-L) 7
Day 7: Hanoi Morning – Cruise to Halong Bay (B-L-D) 8
Day 8: Viet Hai Village – Ba Trai Dao Beach (B-L-D) 9
Day 9: Dark & Bright Cave – Hanoi (B-Brunch) 10
TOUR PROGRAM
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi – Street Flavours Await (D)
Arrive in Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi, where your guide awaits to transfer you to the hotel. After check-in, unwind before diving into Hanoi’s evening vibrancy with a guided street food tour from 17:30 to 20:30. Discover hidden alleys and taste authentic local dishes like bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee while soaking in the Old Quarter’s bustling atmosphere. This flavorful journey offers a perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine and culture.
Accommodation: Hanoi Nostalgia Hotel & Spa – Historical Double with Balcony
Day 2: Hanoi City Discovery (B-L)
At 08:00 AM, the tour guide and the driver will pick you up at the hotel to join in the Hanoi City tour full day. Discover Hanoi’s rich history and vibrant culture on this full-day city tour. Start at Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, a national heritage site. Then, explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, stilt house, and One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi since 1049.
Next, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao.
Enjoy a local lunch in the Old Quarter before visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, honoring Confucius and renowned scholars. Stop by the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and Long Bien Market to experience local life.
Conclude your tour with a visit to the historic Long Bien Bridge, designed by the architect of the Eiffel Tower, offering a perfect spot for photos. The tour ends at 4:00 PM.
Accommodation: Hanoi Nostalgia Hotel & Spa – Historical Double with Balcony
Day 3: Free Day in Hanoi (B)
Today is yours to explore at your leisure. You might browse artisan shops in the Old Quarter, visit art galleries, or take a cyclo ride around the French Quarter. Consider optional experiences like a cooking class or a traditional water puppet show. Whether you want to relax at a café or dive deeper into Hanoi’s hidden gems, this free day is the perfect chance to shape your own Hanoi story.
After having dinner on your own and checking out of the hotel, at 20:30, the driver will pick you up from the hotel to transfer to Hanoi Station. Board the night train Chapa Express Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai.
Accommodation: Chapa Express Train – Chapa Deluxe Cabin (2 berths in the 4 berth cabin)
Day 4: Arrive in Sapa – Transfer to Homestay (B-L-D)
Upon morning arrival at Lao Cai station, the driver will pick you up to have breakfast (a bowl of Pho) and transfer to Ta Van Village, nestled in the Muong Hoa Valley. Settle into your cozy homestay surrounded by mountains and rice terraces. After a welcoming lunch, take time to rest or explore the village. Enjoy a peaceful dinner with your host family and immerse yourself in the culture of the local ethnic communities.
Accommodation: Ta Van Homestay – Double Bungalow
Day 5: Easy Hike Through Rice Fields & Villages (B-L-D)
At 09:00 AM, the driver will pick you up at the hotel to join in the Rice Paddies & Culture Tour. Enjoy a peaceful trek through the scenic landscapes of Sapa, visiting Suoi Thau, Ma Tra, and Ta Phin villages. Walk along rice terraces, meet Black Hmong and Red Dao people, and learn about their traditional customs and herbal remedies. Stop for a delicious lunch at a local Hmong house with mountain views. Explore the famous Ta Phin Cave and observe women weaving brocade by hand. After the tour ends at 15:30, transfer back to your homestay for a traditional dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ta Van Homestay – Double Bungalow
Day 6: Rice Terraced Fields & Fansipan Experience (B-L)
Join in the unforgettable Rice Terraced Fields & Fansipan Experience, where breathtaking views of Vietnam’s lush rice terraces and the majestic Fansipan mountain await you.
Morning: Begin your day with a 9 AM pick-up and a leisurely trek through Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages. Wander among the vibrant rice terraces and explore traditional Vietnamese architecture. Enjoy an authentic lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Sapa Town.
Afternoon: After lunch, take a thrilling cable car ride up Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina.” Ascend 600 steps to the summit and take in panoramic views that stretch for miles. The tour concludes around 3:30 PM. Free time to explore Sapa Town until 19:00, the driver will meet and transfer you to Lao Cai Station to board the night train to Hanoi
Accommodation: Chapa Express Train – Chapa Deluxe Cabin (2 berths in the 4 berth cabin)
Day 7: Hanoi Morning – Cruise to Halong Bay (B-L-D)
Arrive in Hanoi early and transfer to the hotel for breakfast at Hanoi Nostalgia Hotel & Spa. Shortly after, at 08:15, depart for the coast and arrive at Tuan Chau Pier to begin your 3D2N luxury Halong Bay cruise, board Verdure Lotus Luxury cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and briefing before check-in. Around 13:00, savor a delicious lunch as the cruise begins sailing through the serene Lan Ha Bay, passing Finger Islet and Candle Islet. In the afternoon, kayak or swim at Tra Bau. Later, join a cooking class, enjoy Happy Hour, and dine onboard. Evening activities include squid fishing or relaxing on deck.
Accommodation: Verdure Lotus Luxury Cruise – Executive Balcony
Day 8: Viet Hai Village – Ba Trai Dao Beach (B-L-D)
Start with sunrise Tai Chi on the sundeck and a light breakfast. Then transfer to a day cruise and explore the scenic Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island by bike, passing rice fields and visiting a traditional house. After lunch on the boat, continue to Ba Trai Dao, one of the most pristine beaches in Lan Ha Bay, for swimming. Return to the main cruise by late afternoon for sunset views, cocktails, a cooking class, and dinner. The evening is yours to enjoy: karaoke, music, squid fishing, or simply stargazing from the deck.
Accommodation: Verdure Lotus Luxury Cruise – Executive Balcony
Day 9: Dark & Bright Cave – Hanoi (B-Brunch)
Begin your day with sunrise Tai Chi, then enjoy breakfast as the cruise sails toward the Dark & Bright Cave, where you can kayak or take a bamboo boat to explore its tranquil beauty. Return to the cruise, check out, and enjoy a brunch while cruising back. Disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor around 11:30–12:00, then head back to Hanoi. You’ll arrive at your hotel between 14:00–14:30, and check in to your hotel. The evening is free for your own plans or to reflect on the incredible journey so far.
Accommodation: Hanoi Nostalgia Hotel & Spa – Historical Double with Balcony
Day 10: Departure Day (B)
After breakfast, relax until your scheduled airport transfer. Your Northern Vietnam journey ends with fond memories of mountain homestays, cultural discoveries, and the timeless beauty of Halong Bay.
TOUR INCLUSION
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Accommodation:
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3 nights at Hanoi Nostalgia Hotel & Spa – Historical Double with Balcony
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2 nights on Chapa Express Train – Chapa Deluxe (sharing in cabin 4 berths)
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2 nights at Ta Van Homestay – Double Bungalow
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2 nights on Verdure Lotus Luxury Cruise – Executive Balcony
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Meal: 9 Breakfasts/ 1 Brunch/ 6 Lunches/ 5 Dinners
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Tour:
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Hanoi Street food tour (17:30 – 20:30)
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Hanoi City tour (08:00 – 16:00)
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Rice Paddies And Cultures – Easy Hiking at 9 AM
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Rice Terraced Fields And Fansipan Experience at 9 AM
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Halong 3D2N Tour
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Transfer: All transfers during the program, night train Hanoi – Lao Cai, Lao Cai – Hanoi
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Tax: VAT Taxes and services charge
TOUR EXCLUSION
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Personal Expense
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Tipping/ Gratuities
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Non-mentioned services in the program
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Flight tickets to/ from Vietnam