Jewels Of Hanoi, Sapa & Halong Bay

From: €355 4-star hotels

4.9

(129 reviews)

Check

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Cat Cat Village

Embark on a journey that begins and concludes in Hanoi! With the Explorer tour “Gems of Hanoi, Sapa & Halong Bay – 7 Days,” you will experience a 7-day tour package that immerses you in the wonders of Hanoi, Vietnam, and three other captivating destinations. This adventure features accommodations in well-selected hotels, the expertise of a knowledgeable guide, delicious meals, convenient transportation, and much more.

Included/Excluded

* Throughout the tour, guests will be accommodated exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels.
* 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 VTP Travel
* Entrance fees if specified in the program
* Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.

* Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
* Meals not mentioned in the program
* 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

Hotel List:
To view the list and detailed information about the hotels used in the tour

Please click here: View Hotel List

Itinerary

<span> Day 1</span> Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam

Upon your arrival at the airport, our amiable representative will extend a warm greeting, and a car will be at your service to transport you directly to the ideally situated hotel. This establishment provides the perfect starting point for exploring the enchanting Hanoi Old Town at your own pace. Enjoy your overnight stay in Hanoi.

<span> Day 2</span> Hanoi City Tour full day

We will meet you for a comprehensive exploration of Hanoi's rich offerings throughout the day. In the morning, you'll visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the esteemed founder of the nation (closed on Monday & Friday), the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, you'll explore the remarkable Museum of Ethnology, focusing on Vietnam's 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. The itinerary includes visits to the scenic West Lake, Tran Vu Pagoda, the serene Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake), and the Ngoc Son Temple. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Quarter's bustling streets with a one-hour rickshaw ride and conclude the day with a captivating traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form. Your overnight stay will be in Hanoi.

<span> Day 3</span> Hanoi - Sapa - Cat Cat Village - Sapa

Between 6:30 and 7:00 am, our designated driver and tour guide will pick you up from your Hanoi hotel for your journey to Sapa. By 10:00 am, you'll be following the scenic highway to Lao Cai City, with a pleasant break en route to Sapa. At 13:00 pm, you'll arrive in Sapa and be captivated by the vibrant traditional attire of the H'mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic groups. Enjoy welcome drinks and receive an overview of the itinerary, followed by a delicious lunch featuring local Vietnamese dishes before checking in to your hotel.

At 14:30 pm, embark on a downhill hike to Cat Cat village nestled in the Muong Hoa Valley. Take in the breathtaking views of the valley, stretching towards Fansipan, Vietnam and Indochina's highest peak. Explore the Black H'mong's traditional stilt houses, observing activities such as weaving, embroidery, and clothes drying. Continue the walk to the impressive Cat Cat Waterfall, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

By 17:00 pm, return to Sapa town for dinner, and enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Sapa Market and the town itself.

<span> Day 4</span> Trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van Villages | Back to Hanoi

Commence your trek around 9:00 am from Sapa, heading towards a different section of Muong Hoa Valley, offering awe-inspiring landscapes of the mountainous terrain. Traverse through verdant rice terraces to reach Lao Chai village, immersing yourself in the daily life and rich cultural heritage of the Black H’mong community.

By 11:30 am, arrive at Ta Van village, inhabited by the Tay minority, showcasing a distinctive influence from Chinese culture. A bus will then take you back to Sapa.

Take advantage of free time in Sapa from 14:30 pm for personal refreshment.

At 15:15 pm, board a bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

Expect to arrive in Hanoi at 21:15 pm.

Between 7:30 am and 8:30 am, our team will pick you up at your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter.

During the journey to Halong Bay, we'll make a brief stop at an arts and crafts center. Here, you can observe local craftspeople at work and grab a quick snack.

Around 12:00 pm, we'll reach the port, where you'll be transferred to the Glory Legend Cruise.

Upon boarding, enjoy a welcome drink and receive a cruise briefing along with safety instructions during check-in.

Lunch will be served with a selection of delicious Vietnamese dishes as you sail through the bay, passing by the impressive limestone formations.

Embark on a bamboo craft guided by indigenous locals, navigating through a captivating cave formation into a serene bay where you might even spot some monkeys.

Relax on Ti Top Beach, swim in the warm waters, sunbathe, or trek to the summit for panoramic views.

As the boat sails towards Luon Bo area, take advantage of free time and anchor overnight.

Participate in a Cooking class on the sundeck, followed by Happy Hour (Buy one drink, get one free). Witness the breathtaking sunset over Halong Bay.

From 19:30 to 23:00 pm, savor a Deluxe Vietnamese and International BBQ Set Menu Dinner.

Evening activities offer leisure time for chatting at the bar, watching movies and various Vietnamese cultural films, or enjoying a romantic night with music. Board games like chess and playing cards are available, as well as reading magazines in your room and the dining area. Additionally, try your hand at squid fishing or fishing directly from the boat.

The day concludes at 23:00 pm.

Between 6:00 am and 7:00 am, the day commences early with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Tai Chi, also known as Tai Chi Chuan, incorporates deep breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle movements.

From 7:00 am to 8:00 am, enjoy coffee, tea, and pastries for breakfast served in the dining room while taking in the morning view of the bay's landscape.

Between 8:00 am and 9:30 am, explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, featuring beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

From 9:30 am to 11:00 am, indulge in brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Wharf. Relax and absorb the final views of Halong Bay.

Check-out is before 11:30 am.

At 12:00 pm, depart from Halong Bay for Hanoi.

By 3:30 pm, our team will drop you off at your hotel. Check-in and stay overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a leisurely morning on your own before our Private Car takes you to the Airport for your homeward flight. Conclude your unforgettable Hanoi & Halong Bay journey with Legend Travel Group. Farewell and until we meet again!

Durations

5 - 8 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

BOOKING REQUEST

PRIVATE CUSTOMISED TRIP

Tour's Location

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Cat Cat Village

Quan Su Pagoda - 🛕 Quan Su Pagoda: The Beating Heart of Buddhism in Hanoi If you’re exploring Hanoi and want to discover not just its bustling streets and famous lakes but also its spiritual soul, then Quan Su Pagoda (Chùa Quán Sứ) is a must-visit. Known as the Ambassadors’ Pagoda, this sacred site is more than just a place of worship—it’s the headquarters of Vietnamese Buddhism and a living, breathing symbol of faith in the capital. Located at 73 Quan Su Street, right in the center of Hanoi near the junction with Tran Hung Dao, this pagoda welcomes thousands of worshippers and curious travelers every month. Whether you’re seeking peace, cultural insights, or simply a break from the city’s traffic, Quan Su offers a rare mix of spirituality, history, and living tradition. 📜 A Journey Through History Quan Su Pagoda has roots stretching back to the 15th century, during the reign of King Le The Tong. It was originally built as part of a guesthouse for Buddhist envoys and ambassadors visiting from neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia, and China—hence its name, “Quan Su,” meaning Ambassadors. Though the structure has undergone many renovations, the current building was completed in 1942 and reflects a harmonious blend of Vietnamese traditional architecture with subtle modern touches. Over the centuries, the pagoda has grown from a diplomatic spiritual hub into one of the most important religious sites in Vietnam. 🏮 A Living Pagoda in Modern Hanoi Unlike some temples that feel frozen in time, Quan Su Pagoda is very much alive. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a vibrant scene: 🙏 Worship Days – On the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month, the courtyard fills with worshippers offering incense, fruits, and flowers. The atmosphere is both festive and deeply spiritual. 🕯️ Sacred Atmosphere – Inside the main hall, you’ll be greeted by the sight of rows of crimson-lacquered Buddha statues, glowing softly under the dim light of an iron lamp adorned with dragon motifs. 🌳 Peaceful Courtyard – The compound is shaded by ancient trees, creating a tranquil contrast to Hanoi’s bustling streets outside. The air is often thick with the fragrance of burning incense, giving visitors a true sense of Buddhist devotion. For locals, it’s a place of prayer, reflection, and community. For travelers, it’s a window into Vietnamese spirituality. 📚 A Center of Buddhist Learning Quan Su is not just a place for worship—it is also the headquarters of the Central Buddhist Congregation of Vietnam. This makes it the nerve center of Buddhist activities nationwide. At the back of the pagoda, you’ll find: 📖 A Well-Stocked Library – Home to rare Buddhist texts, scriptures, and modern publications. 🏫 Classrooms for Buddhist Studies – Where monks, nuns, and laypeople come to learn about Buddhist philosophy, rituals, and history. 🌏 Cultural & Religious Events – Throughout the year, Quan Su hosts important ceremonies such as Vesak (Buddha’s Birthday), Dharma talks, and international Buddhist exchanges. If you’re visiting during a festival, you may witness large gatherings, chanting rituals, or even cultural performances tied to Buddhist traditions. 🌟 Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss When visiting Quan Su Pagoda in 2025, here are the must-see and must-experience moments: 🪔 The Main Hall (Chính Điện) – Admire the intricate architecture, lacquered statues, and the iconic dragon-carved iron lamp. 🌿 The Courtyard – Take a quiet stroll under ancient trees, a perfect pause in the middle of Hanoi’s busy downtown. 🎐 Incense Offering – Join locals in offering incense. Even if you’re not Buddhist, it’s a respectful way to connect with the atmosphere. 🧘 Meditation Time – In recent years, the pagoda has introduced short meditation sessions for visitors, particularly in the early mornings. 📍 Practical Information for Visitors (Updated 2025) ✨ Address: 73 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕕 Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM💰 Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)⌛ Recommended Duration: 45 minutes – 1.5 hours 👉 Travel Tip 2025: In response to growing international visitors, the pagoda now offers multilingual leaflets in English, French, Japanese, and Korean, making it easier to understand the site’s history and symbolism. 🛵 How to Get There Quan Su Pagoda is centrally located, making it very accessible: 🚶 On Foot: If you’re staying around Hoan Kiem Lake, it’s just a 15-minute walk. 🚖 By Taxi/Grab: A quick ride from anywhere in central Hanoi. 🚲 By Bicycle: Combine your visit with a cycling tour around Hanoi’s Old Quarter and French Quarter. 🛍️ Nearby Attractions Since you’re already in Hanoi’s cultural heart, combine your visit with these nearby highlights: 🏛️ Hoa Lo Prison Museum (5-minute walk) – A sobering look into Vietnam’s colonial and wartime history. ☕ Hidden Cafés on Tran Hung Dao Street – Perfect spots to sip egg coffee after your temple visit. 🎭 Vietnam National Tuong Theatre – Just around the corner, where you can catch traditional opera performances. 🌳 Thống Nhất Park – A green escape if you want more tranquility. 🌸 Visiting Tips for 2025 ✔️ Dress respectfully – Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees) is recommended.✔️ Avoid peak worship times unless you want to experience the full crowds—early morning is the most peaceful.✔️ Photography – Allowed in most areas, but be mindful during prayer times.✔️ Bring small offerings – Incense, fruits, or flowers are appreciated if you’d like to participate.✔️ Check festival dates – Visiting during Vesak (usually in May) offers a colorful, festive experience. 🌍 Why You Should Visit Quan Su Pagoda In a city filled with famous landmarks—Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Temple of Literature—Quan Su stands apart. It’s not just about ancient architecture or history frozen in time. Instead, this pagoda represents Vietnamese Buddhism in motion: alive, active, and deeply integrated into modern life. For locals, it’s a sanctuary of faith. For travelers, it’s a chance to step into a living tradition, where the past and present blend seamlessly. 📝 Final Thoughts Quan Su Pagoda may not have the sprawling size of Hanoi’s other temples or the...Hoa Lo Prison - 🏯 Hoa Lo Prison (The “Hanoi Hilton”): A Journey Through Vietnam’s Past If you’re planning a trip to Hanoi in 2025, chances are Hoa Lo Prison Museum will pop up on your must-visit list. This isn’t just another historical site—it’s one of the most haunting reminders of Vietnam’s turbulent past, layered with stories of colonial rule, war, resilience, and propaganda. Nestled right in the heart of Hanoi at 1 Hoa Lo Street, the prison once stood as a symbol of fear. Today, it’s a museum where visitors can step into history and walk through the cells that once held revolutionaries, intellectuals, and later, American prisoners of war. Let’s dive into its history, what to expect when visiting, and why it’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the depth of Vietnam’s journey. 📖 A Brief History of Hoa Lo Prison Originally built by the French in 1896, Hoa Lo was intended to suppress Vietnamese resistance against colonial rule. The name “Hoa Lo” translates to “fiery furnace” or “stove,” but ironically, the neighborhood was known for ceramic stoves before the prison existed. During the colonial era (1896–1954), it became notorious for housing Vietnamese nationalists and revolutionaries. Overcrowding was extreme: while designed for around 450 prisoners, records show it sometimes held over 2,000. Among its inmates were five future General Secretaries of the Vietnamese Communist Party, men who would later help shape modern Vietnam. After the French departure in 1954, the prison continued to function under the Vietnamese government. By the 1960s and 70s, it took on a new identity—one that would make headlines around the world. ✈️ The “Hanoi Hilton” Era For many Western visitors, Hoa Lo is best known by its infamous nickname: the “Hanoi Hilton.” This was the name sarcastically given by American POWs (mostly pilots and crew) during the Vietnam War. Captured servicemen—including some who later became well-known figures like U.S. Senator John McCain—were detained here. Vietnamese state media at the time portrayed the prison as a place where POWs were well-fed and treated humanely. Television broadcasts showed smiling prisoners, neatly clothed and playing games. However, accounts from veterans after the war revealed starkly different experiences—harsh interrogations, cramped living conditions, and psychological strain. Even today, guides sometimes tell foreign visitors with a straight face, “That’s why it was called the Hanoi Hilton.” The irony, of course, is not lost on those familiar with the history. 🏛️ What You’ll See Inside the Museum Visiting Hoa Lo Prison Museum is an intense, emotional experience. While much of the original complex was demolished in the 1990s to make way for the modern Hanoi Towers, parts of it remain preserved for public education. Here’s what stands out: 🔒 Preserved Prison Cells – Walk through dark, narrow cells where prisoners were once shackled. The claustrophobic atmosphere offers a chilling glimpse into their reality. ⚖️ French Colonial Artifacts – Rusty shackles, leg irons, and even a guillotine remain on display, stark reminders of the brutal colonial justice system. 📸 Historic Photographs – Rooms filled with images and records of famous political prisoners, many of whom later played pivotal roles in Vietnam’s independence. 🎥 POW Exhibits – Displays highlighting the Vietnam War era, though with a heavy dose of propaganda that emphasizes supposed humane treatment of American prisoners. 🕯️ Memorial Spaces – Sections dedicated to honoring the Vietnamese revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives here. 📍 Practical Visitor Information (Updated 2025) ✨ Location: 1 Hoa Lo Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)🎟️ Ticket Price: 50,000 VND (approx. $2 USD)⌛ Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours 👉 Travel Tip 2025: The museum has recently upgraded its multilingual audio guides (available in English, French, Japanese, and Korean), making it easier for visitors to navigate the complex stories presented. 🛵 Exploring the Surrounding Area After such a heavy experience, you might want a lighter change of pace. Luckily, Hoa Lo is located in a vibrant part of Hanoi: 📚 Publishing Street (Pho Sach Ha Noi) – Just a short walk east, this gentrified street is lined with cozy cafés and bookshops. While most books are in Vietnamese, the peaceful atmosphere is a refreshing break from Hanoi’s traffic chaos. ☕ Hidden Cafés – Nearby, you’ll find small coffee shops serving Vietnam’s famous egg coffee (cà phê trứng)—a sweet treat to decompress after your visit. 🛍️ Trang Tien Plaza & Hoan Kiem Lake – Both within walking distance, perfect for combining history with shopping and sightseeing. 🌍 Why Hoa Lo Prison Should Be on Your Hanoi Itinerary Visiting Hoa Lo isn’t about ticking off another tourist attraction—it’s about connecting with Vietnam’s layered history. It forces you to confront the brutal realities of colonialism and war, while also reflecting on themes of resilience, propaganda, and national identity. Unlike temples or lakes, this is not a place of beauty, but of memory. And in that sense, it adds incredible depth to any trip to Hanoi. ✨ Tips for Visitors in 2025 ✔️ Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.✔️ Take your time in the exhibits—don’t rush, as much of the information is nuanced.✔️ Bring water, but note that food and drinks are not allowed inside.✔️ Be mindful when taking photos—some areas are solemn memorials.✔️ Pair your visit with other nearby cultural sites like the Vietnam National Museum of History or the Temple of Literature for a well-rounded day of exploration. 📝 Final Thoughts Hoa Lo Prison Museum isn’t an easy visit—it’s sobering, sometimes uncomfortable, but always enlightening. Standing inside its walls, you can almost hear the echoes of the past: the voices of revolutionaries who dreamed of independence, and the whispers of captured soldiers who longed for home. In 2025, as Hanoi continues to modernize with skyscrapers, trendy cafés, and bustling nightlife, Hoa Lo remains a stark reminder of where the city has come from. It’s this balance between old and new, tragedy and triumph, that makes Hanoi such a fascinating place to explore. So if...

Reviews

4.9/5

Excellent

(129 Reviews)

Excellent

122

Very Good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Write a review

From: €355

4-star hotels

4.9 (129 Reviews)

Jewels of Hanoi, Sapa & Halong Bay – 7 Days

About this tour

Included/Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam

Day 2 Hanoi City Tour full day

Day 3 Hanoi - Sapa - Cat Cat Village - Sapa

Day 4 Trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van Villages | Back to Hanoi

Day 5 Hanoi - Halong Bay

Day 6 Halong Bay - Hanoi

Day 7 Hanoi Departure

Durations

Languages

Regional Tours

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

Tour's Location

Reviews

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Excellent!

Leave a review Cancel reply

Owner

Explore other options