Immersed In The Beauty Of Northern Vietnam 8 Days

Tour Code: YT6IGIEMGHSR 

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Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa
Land tour From: $444
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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

1 person

Languages

___

About this tour

Explore the best of northern Vietnam with a combination trip from Hanoi. Immerse yourself in the charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, visit the bustling Night Market, and admire the serene beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake. Embark on a breathtaking journey to Halong Bay, where you’ll discover magnificent limestone caves and enchanting islets. Finally, venture to Sapa for an unforgettable trekking experience. This combo tour showcases the highlights of the region, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural wonders.

Highlights

  • * Ha Long Bay: A stunning bay with thousands of limestone cliffs and islets rising from the water. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.
  • * Sapa: A mountainous region in the northwest of Vietnam, known for its beautiful rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities.
  • * Hanoi: The capital of Vietnam, with a mix of old and new architecture, street food, and cultural sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.

Included/Excluded

  • * All accommodations (with Twin/Double rooms) while on tour
  • * Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
  • * All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
  • * Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
  • * Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of Vietnam Tour Packages ( Vietnam Tour Packages)
  • * All sightseeing as specified including entrance fees
  • * Airfares if specified in the program. ( E-Economy class, B-Business calss)
  • * Visa Approval Letter if specified in the program
  • • Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
  • • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • • Any flights (Domestic and International) and airport tax
  • • Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
  • • Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
  • • Surcharge for the festive seasons
  • • Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
  • • The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
  • • Porterage Facility

Itinerary

<span> Day 1</span>Arrival in Hanoi - Discover the Vibrant Old Quarter with a Food Tour (Dinner)

Upon your arrival at Hanoi International Airport, our private car will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in the lively city center. Check-in at your hotel and settle in. Take some time to explore Hanoi at your leisure or join our exciting Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour, where you can indulge in a culinary adventure and savor the flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Relax and unwind at your hotel for the night, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi. Overnight in your Hanoi hotel.

<span> Day 2 </span>Discover the Charm of Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, get ready for a day of exploration. 7:45 – 8:30: Our knowledgeable tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. 08:30: Begin your visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex. Witness the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh and take a stroll through the beautiful Ho Chi Minh garden, where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. 09:30 - 09:45: Explore the unique One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. 10:15: Visit the renowned Lacquer Paintings workshop, the largest center of its kind in Hanoi. 10:45: Choose one of the following options: • Option 1: Visit the Bat Trang ceramics and pottery village (available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) • Option 2: Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays) 12:30: Indulge in a delightful lunch at our restaurant, savoring eight delicious Vietnamese dishes. 13:30 – 13:45: Continue your journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam during the feudal era. 15:00: Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Tran Quoc Pagoda, originally built in the 6th century. Witness the oldest Bodhi Tree in Vietnam, planted by Ho Chi Minh. 15:45: Head to Hoan Kiem Lake and explore Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, who triumphed over Mongolian invaders in the 13th century. 16:15: Conclude the tour and return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Hanoi.

<span> Day 3 </span>Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight on a 3-star Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

7:45 – 8:15: Our shuttle bus and Cruise Tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's old quarter. 8:45: Depart for Halong Bay, a journey of 3.5 hours filled with scenic beauty. 10:15: Arrive in Hai Duong province and enjoy a short break of 20-30 minutes. 12:00: Reach Tuan Chau Harbor. 12:20: Receive a warm welcome on board the Cruise, along with a refreshing welcome drink and a brief introduction about the cruise and safety guidelines. Check-in to your air-conditioned cabin. 12:30: Delight in a special lunch featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes while cruising through the captivating Halong Bay, marveling at the stunning rock formations. Afternoon Activities: 15:00: Explore the enchanting Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave). 16:00: Visit Titop Island, known for its panoramic viewpoint offering breathtaking vistas of Halong Bay. Alternatively, you can enjoy a refreshing swim on the romantic sandy beach. 17:15: Return to the Cruise, freshen up, and unwind on the sundeck. Relax in comfortable lounge chairs, savoring the magical sunset with a cocktail or a good book. 18:00: Participate in a welcome sunset party and a fun Cooking class. Learn how to make fresh noodle rolls and enjoy the delicious outcome. Evening Relaxation: 19:00: Indulge in a delightful dinner while overlooking the mesmerizing sea view through the window, creating a romantic ambiance. 20:30: Engage in entertaining activities such as Squid Fishing, Singing karaoke, or solving puzzles. Overnight on the boat in a clean and comfortable air-conditioned room.

<span> Day 4 </span>Halong Bay - Pearl Farm Visit - Kayaking - Cruise back to Harbor - Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

6:00: Rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise from the sundeck. 7:00: Delight in the morning serenity of the bay while sipping a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy a delicious breakfast. 7:40: Embark on a visit to a Pearl Farm, where the renowned pearls of Halong are cultivated. Witness the intricate process that takes years to produce these precious gems. 8:30: Embark on a kayaking adventure to explore the captivating beauty of Halong Bay. 10:00: Check-out from the cruise and savor the remaining moments of your fantastic journey. 10:45: Enjoy a delightful lunch as the cruise leisurely sails back to Tuan Chau Harbour. 12:00: Disembark from the cruise at Halong Bay harbor, bid farewell to the crew, and conclude your cruise experience. 12:30: Return to Hanoi via our shuttle bus. 14:30: Take a short break in Hai Duong province. 16:30: Arrive in Hanoi, marking the end of your memorable trip.

<span> Day 5 </span> Leisurely Exploration of Hanoi - Train Journey to Sapa (Breakfast)

Take full advantage of your leisure day in Hanoi to immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the local traditions and authentic experiences. In the evening, at 20:00, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the train station for your overnight train journey to Sapa.

<span> Day 6 </span>SaPa – Trekking to Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Embark on an early morning adventure as you arrive in Lao Cai. A scenic 1-hour van ride will take you uphill to the picturesque town of Sapa, offering breathtaking views of mesmerizing landscapes and impressive rice terraces. Upon reaching Sapa, indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up. At 9:00 - 9:30, commence a short 5km trek along a mountain trail, immersing yourself in the captivating Y Linh Ho village. This secluded village is home to the Black Hmong tribe and provides a unique opportunity to experience authentic Sapa culture. Explore native houses, witness their traditional customs, and learn about their remarkable handicrafts made from natural materials like hemp and indigo. As you continue your journey, make your way to the enchanting Muong Hoa River, where you can take a refreshing break or even enjoy a swim. Next, trek uphill to Lao Chai village, where a delightful picnic lunch awaits. After lunch, venture to the Tavan village, where you'll encounter the Day and Red Dzao tribes. This village is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Muong Hoa valley, offering breathtaking panoramas of vast rice terraced fields. In the late afternoon, savor a delicious dinner and spend the night at a local homestay, immersing yourself in the warm hospitality of the Sapa community. Accommodation: Homestay in Sapa

<span> Day 7 </span>Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa – Lao Cai (3-3.5 hours trekking) (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the homestay before embarking on an 8km trek towards the captivating Red Dzao village of Giang Ta Chai. Along the trek, you will traverse diverse terrains, including uphill and downhill sections, and traverse through a lush bamboo forest. Discover scenic spots such as the waterfall, Rattan bridge, and Stream, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, continue the journey with a 2km uphill walk to Hau Thao village. From there, we will take a car back to Sapa. You will have free time to explore Sapa town and its vibrant market before savoring a delicious dinner. Later in the evening, we will transfer you to Lao Cai train station for your overnight train back to Hanoi.

<span> Day 8 </span>Free and Easy – Transfer to the Airport

Take advantage of this day to unwind and enjoy your remaining time in Hanoi at your own pace. Relax and soak in the city's atmosphere. When it's time for your departure, a private car and driver will pick you up from the Old Quarter and transfer you to the airport. Bid farewell to Hanoi, taking with you cherished memories from your journey.

Durations

5 - 8 days

Regional Tours

Vietnam

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Tour's Location

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa
Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s “Killing Fields” - Ba Chuc: A Haunting Memorial to Vietnam’s "Killing Fields" 📍 Location: 40km southwest of Chau Doc⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM – 5 PM💰 Entrance Fee: Free🚗 How to Get There: Take Highway 91, then Highway N1 along the Cambodia border toward Ha Tien, and turn south onto Highway 3T for the final stretch. You can hire a taxi or xe ôm (motorbike taxi) from Chau Doc, including waiting time if needed. A Tranquil Countryside with a Dark Past Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes southwest of Chau Doc, the peaceful village of Ba Chuc hides a history of unimaginable horror. In the late 1970s, as Cambodian refugees fled Pol Pot’s brutal regime, the region’s Khmer population swelled. Tragically, the Khmer Rouge pursued them into Vietnam, leaving behind a trail of massacres that still haunt this area today. The Ba Chuc Memorial: Remembering a Tragedy At the heart of the village stands a solemn memorial honoring the 3,157 victims of one of the worst massacres in Vietnamese history. Between April 18 and April 30, 1978, Khmer Rouge forces slaughtered nearly every resident, often in brutal and inhumane ways. Shockingly, only two villagers survived the bloodshed. The memorial structure, though simple in design, leaves a powerful impact. Beneath a stark concrete canopy lies an eight-sided glass enclosure, where skulls and bones of the victims are displayed, categorized by age—a chilling reminder of the innocence lost in this atrocity. Phi Lai Pagoda: A Silent Witness to Horror Many of the victims were mercilessly killed at the nearby Phi Lai Pagoda, which still bears visible bloodstains on its walls and floors. A small sign near the altar marks a tragic site where 40 villagers perished after a grenade was thrown into a tiny chamber beneath the shrine. Between the memorial and the pagoda, a small exhibition room houses harrowing black-and-white photographs taken immediately after the massacre. These images show scattered, mutilated corpses, offering an unfiltered look at the horrors inflicted upon Ba Chuc. Some pictures are extremely graphic and distressing, so visitors should be prepared before entering. Visiting Ba Chuc Today Despite its grim past, Ba Chuc remains an important historical site, attracting visitors who come to pay their respects and reflect on the devastation of war. A few cafés and food stalls nearby provide refreshments for those exploring the area. Ba Chuc stands as Vietnam’s own "Killing Fields", a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge. While the site is not for the faint-hearted, it serves as a vital testament to history—one that should never be forgotten.The Hoa Hao Religion - The Hoa Hao Religion: A Unique Buddhist Sect in Vietnam 📍 Location: Hoa Hao Village, 20km east of Chau Doc👤 Founder: Huynh Phu So📜 Key Beliefs: Simplicity in worship, direct connection with the Supreme Being, ascetic lifestyle The Hoa Hao religion, a distinctive Buddhist sect, emerged in Vietnam in the late 1930s, originating from the small village of Hoa Hao, near Chau Doc. The movement was founded by Huynh Phu So, a visionary spiritual leader whose life story is deeply intertwined with the sect’s teachings. Origins and Core Beliefs Huynh Phu So, a frail child, was placed under the care of a reclusive monk, where he studied both traditional Buddhist teachings and mystical spiritual disciplines. In 1939, at the age of 20, he experienced a profound trance, during which a new form of Buddhism was revealed to him. Upon awakening, he was miraculously cured of his lifelong illness and began preaching his unique spiritual philosophy. Hoa Hao Buddhism promotes a stripped-down approach to worship, rejecting elaborate rituals, temples, and intermediaries such as monks and priests. Instead, it emphasizes direct personal communication with the Supreme Being. The faith also upholds strict moral values, discouraging alcohol, drugs, and gambling. These principles, along with Huynh Phu So’s reputed healing and prophetic abilities, quickly attracted a large following, especially among Vietnam’s rural peasant communities. Political Influence and Conflict Beyond its religious foundation, the Hoa Hao sect soon became a political force, forming a militia to support its nationalist, anti-French, and anti-Communist stance. During World War II, the Japanese occupation army supplied them with weapons, seeking to destabilize the French colonial administration. However, the French viewed the movement with deep suspicion, branding Huynh Phu So as the "Mad Monk." In 1941, he was imprisoned and later confined to a psychiatric hospital—where he astonishingly converted his doctor to Hoa Hao Buddhism. Upon his release in 1945, tensions between the Hoa Hao and the Viet Minh escalated, leading to Huynh’s assassination by Viet Minh agents in 1947. Despite fierce resistance, the sect’s influence waned over the following decades. In the 1950s, President Ngo Dinh Diem’s crackdown on dissident groups further weakened the movement, culminating in the capture and execution of Hoa Hao military leader Ba Cut in 1956. By the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, the Communist government had eliminated any remaining political or military presence of the sect. Hoa Hao Buddhism Today Despite its turbulent history, Hoa Hao Buddhism remains a significant spiritual tradition, with an estimated two million followers primarily residing in Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. Some devout male practitioners still wear long beards and hair tied in a bun, a traditional marker of Hoa Hao adherents. While the sect no longer engages in political activism, its legacy continues through its strong spiritual and ethical influence on local communities.

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Land tourFrom: $444
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Traveltui

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