8-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights

Embark on an enriching full-day tour, discovering Hanoi's most fascinating landmarks. Begin with the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, House-on-Stilts, Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, and savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Vietnamese cuisine. After lunch, visit the Ethnology Museum, providing insightful displays on the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam. Return to the city center to explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple while listening to captivating legends about Hoan Kiem Lake. Wrap up the day with a captivating Water Puppet show. Return to the hotel for relaxation. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Hanoi Activities: Full-day sightseeing tour, visiting essential attractions of Hanoi, and enjoying a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter.

Venture into the picturesque Vietnamese countryside, a short drive from Hanoi, to explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Then, embark on a tranquil sampan journey down the Tam Coc River, renowned as the "Halong Bay on Land," with its captivating grottoes and limestone karst mountains. Start the day with an 8:00 am departure from your Hanoi hotel, traveling through the charming rural landscapes of northern Vietnam. Discover the historic temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) in Hoa Lu. For those up to the challenge, there's an option to take a half-hour hike up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills, offering breathtaking panoramic views (requires moderate physical fitness). Head to Tam Coc Town, where a delectable Vietnamese-style lunch awaits, accompanied by opportunities for capturing the beauty of the villages and landscapes along the way. For the adventurous, climb up to the 15th-century Bich Dong Pagoda on Ngu Nhac Mountain, featuring three structures: Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas. Later, return to Hanoi by bus, and in the evening at around 8:00 pm, our driver will transfer you to Hanoi train station for your overnight train journey to Lao Cai. You'll share sleeping compartments with other passengers in 2 lower and 2 upper berths per compartment. The train departs at approximately 9:15 pm. Notes: Our tour guide will not accompany you during the train journey. Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments are available upon request for an additional fee. Train journeys offer an authentic local experience, as cabins are shared with other passengers. Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local ambiance. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Overnight train to Lao Cai Activities: Day trip to Ninh Binh, visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, enjoy a boat trip to explore Tam Coc, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," and have a bike ride to Bich Dong Pagoda. In the evening, transfer to the train station for an overnight journey to Lao Cai.

Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station between 5:30 am to 6:00 am. You will be picked up at the station and transferred to Sapa. If you prefer an early check-in, it is available upon room occupancy with a surcharge. Take some time to relax and prepare for an exciting full-day tour. At 9:30 am, meet your knowledgeable local guide and begin the trek. The initial part of the trek follows the road, but soon you'll turn onto a small path that leads down the valley to Y Linh Ho village, located by the picturesque Muong Hoa River. From there, continue to the Black H'mong village of Lao Chai. The Black H'mong is one of the largest ethnic minority groups in Sapa, known for their traditional indigo blue clothing and unique language. Witness remnants of their past way of life, with simple houses and stone walls surrounding their homes. Next, head to Ta Van village (1,200m) to meet the Zay people. The Zay community consists of about 38,000 people who primarily reside in the Northwestern mountains of Vietnam. After exploring Ta Van village, return to Sapa by car. Enjoy your leisure time for the rest of the day. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Sapa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Sapa Activities: Embark on a full-day soft trek, traversing dirt tracks and passing through various ethnic minority villages. Immerse yourself in the local culture, witnessing their daily lifestyle and unique customs in Sapa.

After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and start your morning by taking a leisurely walk to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H'mong people, one of the well-known ethnic villages in Sapa. Explore the village's highlights, including a beautiful waterfall and the remnants of a French-built hydroelectric power station from the colonial era. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch by the river before continuing your trek to Sin Chai Village, situated at the base of Fansipan Mountain, also known as "the Roof of Indochina," offering breathtaking mountain vistas. Return to Sapa town and enjoy some free time. At 5:00 pm, transfer to Lao Cai station for the night train back to Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Overnight train to Hanoi Activities: Embark on a soft trekking tour to discover the enchanting beauty of Sapa's villages before departing for Hanoi by train.

Between 5:30 am to 6:00 am, our driver will pick you up from Hanoi train station and transfer you to the hotel for breakfast and relaxation. After breakfast, leave the bustling capital and journey to Halong Bay. Upon reaching Halong City's jetty around noon, complete the check-in process before embarking on the cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board while cruising towards the captivating bay. In the afternoon, partake in on-board activities and sightseeing, or simply unwind amidst the stunning scenery of karst formations. As the day concludes, the boat anchors among the karsts, where dinner will be served. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Midrange cruise in Halong Bay Activities: Escape the city and set off on a scenic journey through the countryside to reach the Halong Bay dock, where your mesmerizing Halong Bay adventure begins. Board a traditional junk boat, known for its beautiful woodwork and friendly crew, and sail through the emerald waters of the bay. Please note: During the Halong Bay cruise, the tour guide will not accompany you. However, there will be an English-speaking guide on board to assist you.

Early risers will be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the stunning karst formations of Halong Bay. A delightful breakfast will be served shortly after. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast (brunch on some boats) as the cruise leisurely navigates through the mesmerizing rock formations, heading back to the harbor. Upon reaching the port, you will be transferred back to Hanoi. Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Brunch Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Hanoi Activities: Spend the morning cruising in Halong Bay before returning to Hanoi.

Our tour guide and driver will accompany you to Hanoi airport for your departure. Bid farewell to the enchanting 8-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights Tour. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: N/A Activities: N/A