route & tour description

Hanoi,North Vietnam
Sapa,North Vietnam
Halong Bay,North Vietnam
Ninh Binh,North Vietnam
Hanoi,North Vietnam

Mary and John wanted to travel in September to Vietnam. The rainy season ends in the South and starts in Central Vietnam in that month, but the north has pleasant weather. Mary and John landed in Hanoi and went off to Sapa, where they nurtured their love for hiking. We planned a 2 day-1 night hike through gorgeous rice field all the way to Lao Cai. From there, they took a scenic train ride back into Hanoi. They wanted to see both, Halong Bay and the Halong Bay of the land – Ninh Binh, which they did. On their second round in Hanoi they enjoyed a few beers while getting to know the local lifestyle.

highlights

  • Sightseeing in exciting Hanoi
  • Tribal Trekking Tour in Sapa
  • Cruise through Halong Bay
  • The 'Halong Bay of the land' Ninh Binh

Ideal for

  • Culture & History
  • Nature
  • Adventure

Best time

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • Aug
  • Sept
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
USD 500

We arrange for buses and trains between cities, and put you up in hostels and homestays. Instead of a pre-booked trek, you can find yourself a guide in Sapa on the spot. The overnight cruise gets replaced by a day cruise in Halong Bay, which we arrange. No other activities are included.

USD 770

We organise buses, shared minivans and trains between cities, and you stay mostly at BnBs and affordable hotels. Apart from the two day hike in Sapa, no other activities are arranged for, bt you also get to go on the famous cruise at Halong Bay.

USD 1350

We provide shared transportation via mini-van, a comfortable night train journey & private transfers. You stay in boutique hotels & go on a two-days-cruise at Halong Bay. Lastly, we arrange for a sightseeing tour in Hanoi & an organised trek with a tribal village experience in Sapa.

USD 1850

We organise private transportation & arrange the best class available for the Sapa-Hanoi night train journey. You stay in boutique and luxury hotels and experience the luxury cruise at Halong Bay. Additionally, we arrange a sightseeing tour in Hanoi & a tribal village trek in Sapa.

Backpacker

USD 500

We arrange for buses and trains between cities, and put you up in hostels and homestays. Instead of a pre-booked trek, you can find yourself a guide in Sapa on the spot. The overnight cruise gets replaced by a day cruise in Halong Bay, which we arrange. No other activities are included.

Budget

USD 770

We organise buses, shared minivans and trains between cities, and you stay mostly at BnBs and affordable hotels. Apart from the two day hike in Sapa, no other activities are arranged for, bt you also get to go on the famous cruise at Halong Bay.

Comfort

USD 1350

We provide shared transportation via mini-van, a comfortable night train journey & private transfers. You stay in boutique hotels & go on a two-days-cruise at Halong Bay. Lastly, we arrange for a sightseeing tour in Hanoi & an organised trek with a tribal village experience in Sapa.

Luxury

USD 1850

We organise private transportation & arrange the best class available for the Sapa-Hanoi night train journey. You stay in boutique and luxury hotels and experience the luxury cruise at Halong Bay. Additionally, we arrange a sightseeing tour in Hanoi & a tribal village trek in Sapa.

day by day itinerary

Day
1-2
Hanoi

Hanoi's past as the capital of Emperor Ly Thai and later of French Indochina has given it much to boast of. Remnants of French and Chinese occupation peek out at you between the streets, as the present-day capital of Vietnam plays catch up, leaving the horrors of its history behind yet retaining the heritage influences.

highlights

  • Old Quarter & ancient houses within
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  • Hoa Lo Prison
  • Temple of Literature

how to get around

Grab App
Taxi
Walking
Cyclo
Day
3-5
Sapa

The French first established Sapa as a hill station in 1922, and today it is one of Vietnam's well-known holiday & adventure destinations. The tall mountains surrounding deep valleys and rice terraces carpeting the hillside are a breathtaking sight. The hills are home to several indigenous tribes, whose villages you can trek to and learn of their culture.

highlights

  • Rice terraces and bamboo forests
  • Fansipan - Highest Peak South East Asia's
  • Tribal markets in the region
  • Cat Cat Village & Love Waterfall

how to get around

Taxi
Walking
Motor Bike
Day
6-6
Halong Bay

Easily accessible from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts tourists from across the world. The overnight cruise here is a once-in-a-lifetime unforgettable experience. Spend a night on a junk, float among the natural karst formations that tower above you, and discover gorgeous caves and hidden lagoons.

highlights

  • Floating fishermen villages
  • Multiple caves inside the karst mountains
  • Hidden lagoons
  • Cruise Experience

how to get around

Ferry
Day
7-8
Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh in North Vietnam is home to the famous Tam Coc-Trang An complex of karst formations rising up from the ground. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best experienced with a boat ride, with rice paddies on either side, water beneath the boat, and karsts surrounding you. It's transforming rice paddies in harvest season are a gorgeous sight to behold.

highlights

  • Trang An Landscape Complex
  • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
  • Bai Dinh Pagoda
  • Hang Mua Viewpoint

how to get around

Taxi
Motor Bike
Bicycle
Day
9-10
Hanoi

On a second round to Hanoi, you can focus your time on getting to the locals and their lifestyles. Cruise through the city on a Vespa Tour, enjoy the street food and beer culture on a walking tour or simply check out the multiple art galleries all over town.

highlights

  • Old Quarter & ancient houses within
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
  • Hoa Lo Prison
  • Temple of Literature

how to get around

Grab App
Taxi
Walking
Cyclo
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