Best of North Vietnam: 7-Day Tour to Hanoi, Sapa, & Halong Bay

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Your Vietnam exploration starts as soon as you land at Noi Bai International Airport. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel by our representative. Check in and spend the rest of time at your leisure.
Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
For the early risers, may we suggest a stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake where you will find yourself among thousands of locals who gather to do their exercises along the lovely tree lined promenade. Back to the hotel for your breakfast and enjoy your free time afterward.
Later today, join us on the sightseeing tour discovering the Hanoi main attractions. Start with a visit of the Temple of Literature – the very first university of the country, followed by the History Museum, where you will have your deep insight of the Vietnam's prehistory up to the August 1945 Revolution. Next will be Opera House, one of the most famous cultural and architectural monuments of Hanoi.
Conclude the day with the traditional Water Puppet Performance - a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture.
Transfer back to the hotel to relax or you can be dropped to wander along the walking streets for the further exploration on your own.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa
Leave Hanoi for around 6-hour scenic drive to Sapa, home for the ethnic minority people and famous for its breathtaking views of cloud-woven mountaintops and gaping valleys. On arrival, check in the hotel for a short break.
After lunch, take part in the guided orientation tour highlighting the key sites such as the Church, local market and the street where most the restaurants and bars are found. Then, drive to Sau Chau Village, which is located on the highest point of the mountain from where you will interact with the ethnic Hmong people and enjoy the stunning panorama view of Sapa at sunset.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa – Ta Giang Phinh Village
Today, you will start a bit later to pick up the best day time when the sun arise for the best vision & photos. Your guide and driver will drive you to Can Ho B and then to Ta Giang Phing hill tribe village for a four to five hour trek. As you walk through these villages nestled in the valleys below Sapa, you will meet some of the local ethnic minority people including the Red Zao, H'mong who are the native to this area.
Back to Sapa later and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa.

Day 5: Sapa – Hanoi
Today you have an optional market day trip. Depending on the day of the week, this may either be Bac Ha (Sunday), home to the flower H'mong hill tribe minority people or Can Cau takes part on Saturday, Coc Ly on Tuesday, Cao Son on Wednesday, Lung Khau Nhi on every Thursday. Then, take a drive back to Hanoi from the market in the afternoon. Alternatively, you may skip the market and be driven straight back Hanoi in the morning.
Check in to the hotel and enjoy free time then.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight on cruise
(The route and activities depend on specific cruise, weather condition and permission of the Halong Authority and could be changed by season)
Following breakfast, journey east through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam‘s most scenic impressive sights. On arrival you are welcomed onboard a traditional junk. Settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two day cruise around Halong Bay. Along the way, enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot cave, one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: on cruise.

Day 7: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure
The sailing junks navigating past over 2,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay make for a marvelous scene. Take an option to get up early to observe the splendid landscape and see the fishermen on a morning catch. The huge breakfast is a perfect way to start your relaxing day. You will have chance to see the Man Head and Tortoise rocks. These imposing islets are named by their distinctive shapes. Cruise through Bai Tu Long and arrange your luggage to disembark at noon. Then, drive back to Hanoi or straight to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Meals: Brunch.
Accommodation: N/A.