NORTHERN – Nature & Culture
(10 DAYS, 9 NIGHTS)
HANOI – CAT BA ISLAND – HALONG – SAPA
Description
With rolling mountains and stunning blue seas, northern Vietnam embraces a spectrum of diversity still unknown to most local and foreign travelers. During this captivating journey, discover the vast and splendid National Park of Cat Ba Island, observe the spectacular limestone landscape of Halong Bay while sailing, and stroll around colorful hill-tribe fairs nearby to the peaks of Vietnam. All this and more will surely make this trip memorable.
Highlights
- Meet the local people and taste delicious Vietnamese food every day
- Discover Hanoi's landmark monuments
- Take a cyclo ride though the classic streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Explore limestone islands and emerald green waters of Halong Bay
- Gaze at Sapa’s beautiful mountainous landscapes
- Meet wonderful ethnic minorities
- Trek through the hills surrounding Sapa Valley.
Program
DAY 1: WELCOME TO HANOI
Arrive at Noi Bai airport. Pick up and transfer to the hotel in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2: AROUND HANOI
A half-day sightseeing tour features both cultural and historical highlights, comprising the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One-Pillared Pagoda, the Ethnology Museum, the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Tep and the old quarters. Travel to Bat Trang pottery village, 15km from Hanoi’s downtown. Escorted by a local potter guide, visitors will be thrilled by the sights and sounds of the kilns, explore generation-to-generation pottery techniques and get to know the potters’ daily life. You can even try glazing some small pottery pieces which will be delivered within 48 hours. The sightseeing day ends with a pedicab ride and a water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 3: HANOI – CAT BA ISLAND
Depart for Hai Phong (100km). On arrival, take a speed boat to Cat Ba Island. Arrive in Cat Ba, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, board a private boat for cruise on Lan Ha Bay, famous for its primitive islands, crescent beaches, sea tunnels and crystal-clear coves. Later on, enjoy the optional kayaking and swimming at sunset. Enjoy a barbecue dinner and a campfire on a pristine beach under the stars. Overnight in Cat Ba.
Note: Kayaking, barbecue dinner and campfire on the beach are optional and not included in the trip cost
DAY 4: CAT BA ISLAND – HALONG BAY
Transfer to the pier for your boat trip to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, check into overnight cruise. At mid-day, the cruise starts sailing on Ha Long Bay passing by scenic locations including Yen Ngua, Con Coc Mountain and a floating village. A Vietnamese buffet lunch is served on board. En route, visitors will enjoy the view from the sun desk, or relax with a professional massage before the cruise anchors near Trinh Nu & Hang Trong caves for the night stay. During the afternoon, swimming or kayaking activities are proposed. A Vietnamese buffet dinner is served in the elegant dining room. Overnight on board.
Note: kayaking and massaging are optional and not included in the trip cost.
DAY 5: HALONG BAY – HANOI
The morning features an exciting exploration of Halong Bay, a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO. Relish the tranquility of nature from the upper deck and visit magic caves. After lunch, transfer to Hanoi (170km). Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 6: HANOI – SAPA
The full day is free for interesting leisure activities in Hanoi. Enjoy dinner with traditional music show then transfer to the rail station for a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on board in a private cabin with 4 beds.
DAY 7: LAO CAI – SAPA
Early in the morning, arrive in Lao Cai, a border town by the Red River. Transfer to Sapa, a mountainous town frequently shrouded in mist and famous for the hill-tribe villages nearby. Trek around with local guides and hike along narrow paths to visit Lao Chai and San Chai minority villages. The rest of the day is dedicated to leisure or shopping for delicate embroideries and batik at Sapa Fair. Climb to Ham Rong Mount for a panoramic view of Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 8: SAPA – LAO CAI – HANOI
Visit the villages of the Red Dao and the Black H'mong ethnic minority people at Ta Phin. Socialize with locals, wander around the village (2km) and get to know their simple lifestyle in harmony with nature. Say farewell to Sapa and head back down to Lao Cai to board the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on board.
NOTE: MARKET AVAILABLE DATE
Tuesday: Coc Ly Market
Wednesday: Chin Xen (116 km from Lao Cai or 156 km from Sapa) or Cao Son (80 km from Lao Cai or 120 km from Sapa).
Thursday: Lung Khau Nhi (61 km from Lao cai or 90 km from Sapa).
Saturdays: Can Cau Market. Located in a neighboring valley to Sapa. To reach the market, follow a spectacular road with beautiful scenery. This market is the weekly meeting point of the Flower H/Mong, Fula, Black H’Mong and is one the most authentic markets in the region. After the market, visit some nearby villages before returning leisurely to Lao Cai.
Sundays: Muong Khuong, Muong Hum & Bac Ha Markets: the busiest market of the region where you will meet the H’Mongs, Fula, Dao and other ethnic minorities who come and exchange not only the goods but the gossips from their own community.
DAY 9: FREE TIME IN HANOI
Arrive in Hanoi in the morning. Meeting and transfer to hotel. Free time for the rest of day. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM HANOI
Spend your last minutes shopping downtown or at leisure before check-out. Transfer to the airport for departure.