North Vietnam Explorer 8 Days

Our comprehensive city tour unearths Hanoi's essential landmarks. The morning unveils the Ho Chi Minh Complex, encompassing the Mausoleum, his stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a potent political center for nearly 13 centuries, awaits your exploration. Afternoon excursions include The Temple of Literature, Vietnam's inaugural university dating back to 1070, and the Long Bien Bridge—a relic of French occupation (1899 - 1902). A spirited one-hour cyclo tour through the bustling Old Quarter ensues, a requisite experience. The day culminates with Vietnamese coffee at a local café, overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and approximately from 1st October to 30th November for preservation. In the evening, you board an overnight train to Lao Cai, drifting into slumber within comfortable soft sleeper berths. Departing around 21:00, you'll arrive in Lao Cai at approximately 06:00 the following day. | Overnight: On board sleeper train. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Our trekking odyssey commences with a scenic drive from Lao Cai Station to Sapa, the charming mountain town. This hour-long journey unveils dramatic highland landscapes that capture the essence of nature's grandeur. Arriving in Sapa by 8:00 am, we fuel up with a hearty breakfast before plunging into the day's adventures. Perched at 1600m elevation, Sapa's cool climate and picturesque mountains have historically lured visitors. Once a French hill station and now a global attraction, Sapa's allure lies in its captivating scenery, vibrant markets, and the presence of ethnic hill tribes in neighboring villages. Our journey takes us on a jeep ride to the trekking trailhead, leading us through the scenic Ban Ho valley. En route, we encounter traditional wooden houses of the Tay ethnic minority. Our trek continues to Thanh Phu village, where a local house serves as a lunch venue. Subsequently, we journey to Sin Chai village, the domain of the Red Dao minority, for an immersive experience in bamboo huts, enriched by the warm hospitality of the Red Dao. Approx: 1-hour drive / 5-hour trek / 1-hour lunch. | Overnight: Sin Chai village - Bamboo huts. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today's trek is a downhill escapade toward My Son village, home to the Xafo ethnic minority, a rare gem among Northern Vietnam's ethnic groups. A 90-minute walk guides us to Nam Toong, a Red Dao village where a sumptuous lunch awaits. The descent resumes, leading us to Ban Ho village, where an invigorating swim at La Vie waterfall beckons. As the afternoon sun wanes, we transition to Lao Cai for our overnight train journey back to Hanoi. Enveloped in the comfort of soft sleeper berths, the express train departs around 20:00 and graces Hanoi's embrace by approximately 05:00 the following day. | Overnight: On board sleeper train. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hoa Lu, the former Vietnamese capital during the Dinh and Le Dynasties (968-1009 AD), stands as a testament to history's endurance. Structures and tombs from that era persist, embellishing the landscape with echoes of the past. Notably, the region's natural allure, characterized by limestone peaks rivaling Halong Bay's splendor, beckons. As morning light bathes the train station, your guide awaits your arrival, commencing our journey. A two-hour drive brings us to Ninh Binh province. Here, the Dinh and Le sanctuaries unveil their historic significance, preceding a delectable lunch at a local eatery in Tam Coc. Embarking on a traditional boat, we glide along the Boi River, guided by rice paddies and shielded by limestone cliffs, a voyage that reveals hidden caves and time-honored temples. Thereafter, our path winds to Cuc Phuong National Park, where the evening unveils serenity. | Overnight: Ninh Binh - 4-star hotel. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early morning summons adventure as you're transferred to the ethereal realm of Halong Bay. The allure of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Area's natural beauty is unmatched. Aboard an overnight junk boat, Halong Bay unveils its timeless charm. Venture into ancient limestone caves, engage in sea kayaking and swimming amidst captivating surroundings. Weather permitting, you'll witness a mesmerizing sunset from the boat's deck, serenaded by gentle waves. As stars twinkle above, a delectable seafood feast awaits, celebrating a day of enchantment. | Overnight: Halong Bay - Junk boat. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embracing the dawn, we embark on a smaller vessel, venturing into the enigmatic Lan Ha Bay, a secluded haven within the bay's expanse. Our journey unveils the Leaning Tower, a renowned rock climbing cliff, as well as the intriguing floating fishing villages that harbor locally farmed fish, shrimps, and crabs in serene bay waters. Amidst this exploration, you can partake in refreshing swims or navigate the waters by kayak, basking in the pristine surroundings. Post-lunch, we set course for Three Peaches Beach, a serene expanse of white sands, where time awaits for sun-soaked relaxation, weather permitting. | Overnight: Halong Bay - Junk boat. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Commence the day with an invigorating swim followed by a hearty breakfast. Our itinerary guides us to the "Cave of Surprises," a natural marvel within Halong Bay. As the journey cycles to its end, we cruise back to the harbor, embarking on the return to Hanoi. The day crescendos as you're chauffeured to the airport for your homeward-bound flight. Note: Day use room in Hanoi not included. | Overnight: N/A. | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch