Northern Vietnam Exploration at a Glimpse - 8 Days

In and around Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-
in and free at leisure.

Distance: Hanoi Old Quarter center: 40km (~ 45 minute drive)
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Your tour will start early with pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter at around 7:40 AM. From there, you will depart for Tam Coc. At approximately 9:30 AM, you will arrive at Tam Coc and embark on a sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River to explore the three caves of Tam Coc. Afterward, you will return to Tam Coc Wharf and hop on a bicycle to cycle around the traditional villages and Tam Coc town.

At midday, you will enjoy a buffet lunch with delicious Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will board the luxury van again to visit Hoa Lu, an ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you will visit the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, both dating back to the 10th century. Learn about the heroic histories of the two kings during the Chinese Wars.

Next, you will visit Mua Cave, known for its interesting stories. Climb 500 stone steps to reach the top and be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and the Ngo Dong River.

At around 4:00 PM, you will return to Hanoi, with an estimated arrival time between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

At 08:00 - 08:30, you will be picked up from your hotel and begin your journey to Mai Chau in a van. Along the way, there will be a short break for you to stretch your legs.

By midday, you will arrive in Mai Chau and be welcomed with a drink. Enjoy a traditional lunch in the village, with vegetarian options available.

In the afternoon, you will go on a bicycle ride with your tour guide. You will have the opportunity to see farmers working in the fields, witness locals weaving scarves, and visit the peaceful surrounding villages. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the area by bicycle or on foot, and you can also do some shopping.

Late in the afternoon, you will return to your accommodation.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Communal stilt house or Valley View Bungalow

After breakfast, your local tour guide will take you to visit more remote rural villages, including Na Meo and Na Mo, to gain a deeper understanding of their culture and customs. Return to the homestay for lunch and check-out. You will have some free time for shopping and relaxing.

At around 15:00 - 15:30, bid farewell to the family and board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi, which takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

You will have free time until you are picked up at your hotel to be transferred to the train station for the night train to Lao Cai.

Meet at your hotel in Hanoi around 20:00 and transfer to the Hanoi train station. You will embark on an overnight train trip to Lao Cai in a private 4-berth sleeping train cabin. The train is scheduled to depart at approximately 21:15.

Notes:
- During the train trip, your tour guide will not accompany you.
- Train schedules are subject to change.
- Private compartments are available upon request for an additional charge.
- Train journeys are part of the local experience and cabins are shared with other local passengers, unless a private cabin is requested and all berths are paid for.
- Restrooms are available at either end of the carriages.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight on the train

Upon your early arrival at Lao Cai Station, you will be picked up and driven uphill to Sapa in a shared mini van. After freshening up and having breakfast at a local restaurant, you will have free time to explore the charming town of Sapa. Visit Sapa market and the old cathedral, where you can encounter local ethnic minority people such as the Black H'mong and Red Zao. They will be wearing their traditional colorful dresses and selling farming and gathering products, as well as handicrafts for souvenirs.

Around 10:30, return to the Sapa office and begin your exploration trip to Muong Hoa Valley. Follow the main road south for about an hour before turning right onto a footpath that leads downhill to Muong Hoa Valley. This part of the journey offers spectacular scenery of the highest part of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, and on a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Fansipan Peak. Cross the river via a suspension bridge and challenge your feet uphill to Y Linh Ho village. Here, you will visit some H'mong families and observe their daily activities.

After a picnic lunch, continue the trail, which includes ups and downs for approximately 2 hours, until you reach Lao Chai village, a large H'mong village. Follow the riverbank to Ta Van village, home to the Zay people. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore local homes and village schools, immersing yourself in the cultural discovery of the local ethnic groups as well as enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Muong Hoa Valley. Settle down in Ta Van village for an overnight homestay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay in Ta Van Village

After breakfast, you will leave Ta Van village and hike uphill, passing through terraced rice fields and small hamlets of the H'mong ethnic group. The trail will lead you through a bamboo forest to a waterfall, where you can take a break and enjoy the magnificent scenery. Continuing for another half an hour, you will reach Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Zao people. This village sits on top of a hill overlooking the Muong Hoa river. Spend time visiting the village, making friends with the Zao people, and experiencing their hospitality.

To continue the journey, cross the river via a suspension bridge and hike uphill again to Hau Thao village. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a local handicraft center, where H'mong and Zao women gather to exchange experiences and showcase their handicraft skills. Enjoy a late lunch near the center and take some time to relax and interact with local schoolchildren and teachers.

Later, you will take a short drive back to Sapa Town. At around 15:00 - 15:30, a driver will pick you up and transfer you back to Hanoi by limousine bus.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

At 08:30, we will pick you up from your hotel and depart for Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay, with a short break halfway. Upon arriving at Tuan Chau marina at 12:00, you will be transferred to the cruise by tender. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet the captain and crew during the cruise briefing and safety instruction.

At 13:00, savor a special lunch of Vietnamese cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and a variety of appetizing favorites, while sailing through the Islets of Con Vit.

At 15:30, the cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay, an area known for its extraordinary limestone karst landscapes. We proceed to the Ong Cam Area, a serene tourist paradise in Vietnam. Here, you can enjoy kayaking and/or swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay.

At 17:30, return to the cruise and drop anchor for the overnight stay. Experience the complimentary Sunset Party on the sundeck, featuring local wine and fresh fruit.

At 19:00, dinner is served in the restaurant. Indulge in delicious local food prepared and served by the onboard catering staff. After dinner, you can retire to your cabin or partake in activities such as fishing, watching a movie, enjoying a drink at the bar, accessing wifi, or playing games. Spend the night on board.

At 06:00, enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise and take part in an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck.

At 07:00, a light breakfast with coffee and tea is served.

At 08:00, visit the Dark & Bright Cave and surrounding islets by local rowing boats, immersing yourself in the wild and mysterious beauty of this World Heritage site.

At 09:15, return to the cruise and relax before checking out.

At 10:15, join a cooking demonstration on the cruise, where you'll learn how to make the specialty dish of Spring rolls.

At 10:45, lunch is served on board.

At 12:00, disembark at Tuan Chau marina via tender. Our private car will take you back to Hanoi.

Between 15:00 and 15:30, arrive back at your hotel or home.

In the evening, embark on an Old Quarter Street Food Walking Tour:

At 16:00, your knowledgeable English-speaking local guide will provide insight into Vietnamese food culture, including details about ingredients and the historical background of popular northern dishes. You'll have the opportunity to try seasonal fruits and sample a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart.

As you walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, you'll indulge in the famous Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery, where skilled chefs will demonstrate how it's made. Continuing through the heart of the Old Quarter, you'll pass street stalls and residential lanes that have retained the same charm for over 1000 years.

Next, you'll visit outdoor barbeque stalls and join the locals in sampling various flame-grilled meat, vegetable, and bread specialties. For dessert, you'll venture down a small alley to enjoy fresh fruit served in a cup with crushed ice and condensed milk – a local delicacy.

Your guide will then take you to a hidden street food restaurant, where you'll taste the top ten street foods in Hanoi, including Banh My Hanoi, Vietnamese Rice Wine, and famous Egg Coffee. This café is a hidden gem in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter.

At the end of the trip, you're free to continue exploring the area or your guide can assist you in returning to your hotel. If you have a late flight, the guide can also arrange for your transfer to the airport. This marks the end of the trip.