North Vietnam Adventure
Cultural Trekking in Sapa & Ha Long Bay Cruise
Highlights
Itinerary
Hanoi Arrival
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Known for its centuries old architecture and delectable cuisine, Hanoi is not only rich in history and culture, but also a buzzing city and a connecting hub to other parts of the country and region. Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai), you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the day at your leisure, followed by a welcome dinner with breathtaking views over Hoan Kiem Lake. After the dinner, you will then spend the first night in Hanoi.
(D)
Attractions in Hanoi - Night train to Sapa
After breakfast in the hotel, a tour of the city is on. Starting with a visit to the President Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and the next door Ho Chi Minh Palace where lies the modest stilt house of the Vietnam's first president. Next stop is the one thousand year old One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most iconic temples in Vietnam, known for its unique lotus blossom shape sitting on top of a wooden pillar erected from a lotus pond. Then you will explore the Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam. Continue to the Ethnological Museum. In the afternoon, enjoy a unique show at the Water Puppetry Theatre near the Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening you will be driven to the train station to take the overnight train to Sapa. Spend your night swayed to sleep by the train and get rested for the next destination.
(B)
Walk along the rice fields to Nam Cang Riverside Lodge
Your train ride arrives at Lao Cai train station in early morning, from where you will be transferred to Sapa. Upon your Sapa arrival, you will enjoy a nice breakfast in a local restaurant before enjoying a full day in Hoang Lien National Park exploring its rich and diverse flora and fauna. During your walk through the national park, you will also meet local ethnic villagers and native animals such as water buffalo. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild before making your way to Nam Cang Riverside Lodge, where you will be staying overnight.
(B,L,D)
Hike along rivers and remote slopes
Today you will make a hike up to the mountains. Take in the breathtaking view at the top and continue the hike to a small village where you will be served a traditional and local lunch. After the hike, return to Sapa in a private car. In the evening, you will transfer from Sapa to Lao Cai by car and take the overnight train back to Hanoi.
(B,L)
Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley
After breakfast, we take you on a scenic drive to the Mai Chau valley. Once you arrive in the valley, you go on a bike tour through paddy fields, villages, and breathtaking mountainous landscapes. You will learn about local lifestyle, customs, and culture. At the end of the day, enjoy a traditional dinner with various local specialties accompanied by a traditional show of the local ethnic minorities. You spend the night in Mai Chau.
(B)
Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve
If you like off-the-beaten-path traveling, today you are in for a treat. After breakfast, you are going to visit Pu Luong, a tropical forest nature reserve and also living place of ethnic Muong and Thai people. You will start at the Sai village and hike to other small villages in Pu Luong while enjoying the outstanding landscape. Back to Mai Chau after the hike and spend the night here.
(B)
Mai Chau: Lac & Pom Coong Village - Hanoi
Today you will have an authentic experience visiting the off-the-beaten-path villages of Pom Coong and Lac. Located far off the main roads, these two villages offer a rustic glimpse into the daily life of the local White Thai minority. After the tour, you will say goodbye to Mai Chau valley and return to Hanoi by car. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
(B)
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Bay of 1600 islands
Today you will go to Ha Long and embark on a two-day cruise trip in the amazing Ha Long Bay. After boarding your cruise, you can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, visit limestone caves, explore the bay by kayak, relax on the deck, sip a cocktail at the bar, and last but not least, dine on board while watching the sun setting on the bay - a sight not to be missed. Spend the night on board of the cruise.
(B, L,D)
Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Start your day early with a Tai Chi session in the fresh air and watch the sun rise over the karst cliffs. Enjoy your breakfast followed by free time to sunbathe and relax on the deck. After lunch, you will soon be back in the harbor, from where you will be brought back to Hanoi to spend the night.
(B, L)
Hanoi Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast in Hanoi before getting to the airport and making your way home.
(B)
Route
Your itinerary will start from Hanoi, heading north to Sapa, then on to the Mai Chau valley, and finally, explore the unique Ha Long Bay.
Destination
VietnamDeparture
Hanoi / HanoiDeparture Time
DailyIncluded
Accommodation as described in programAirport TransfersBoat trips as described in programCooking classDaily breakfast in accommodationDomestic flightsEnglish speaking private tour guideEntrance fees & excursions as per tour programMeals as specified in tour program (B,L,D)Mineral water during excursionsprivate transfer in air conditioned carTravel insuranceNot Included
Intl. flightsVisa feesOptional
Additional tours & activitiesprivate tour guide in other languages on request