6 Days in Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay

When you arrive at Noi Bai Airport, our driver will pick you up from there. Arrive in Hanoi city in 1 hour. Drop you off at your hotel in Hanoi. 

Spend your leisure time exploring Hanoi Old Quarter.

7:30: Depart from Hanoi City

Hop on our comfortable Jeep and head towards the urban outskirts and countryside. Cross the famous Long Bien Bridge: Enjoy the scenic ride as we cross the historic Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark of Hanoi.

Explore the countryside and meet friendly locals

Arrive in the countryside and meet the friendly locals living near the paddy fields.

Learn about their lives, farming practices, and their livestock including water buffaloes, ducks, chickens, and cows.

Engage in hands-on experiences and learn about traditional farming practices.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and build connections with the friendly villagers.

Visit Co Loa Ancient Citadel: 

• Explore Co Loa, the ancient citadel dating back to the 3rd century BC, considered the oldest in Vietnam. Learn about the origin and mythology of the Vietnamese people and their ancestors.
• Take a leisurely walk around the village, observing the locals at work, home, or the market.
• Visit a local bonsai garden and engage in conversations with the villagers.
• Experience the charm of local entertainment with lotus fragrance tea at a traditional tea house.

Drop you off at your hotel in Hanoi. 

Be ready at Hanoi Train Station at 20:00 before your departure at night. 

Pick up at the train station when you arrive at 5:00 am at Lao Cai train station and transfer to Sapa by a tourist-shared bus.

Early check-in is possible when you arrive if the room is available otherwise we will provide you with a basic room where you can have a shower.

Start the trip at 9:30 as below:

First start of 6km of walking down to the southeast of Sapa along the side of Muong Hoa valley to Y Linh Ho village of the Black Hmong. 

Continue a 2km-trekking down to Lao Chai village, through terraced rice fields to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority people. 

Lunch with a local family gives you a worthwhile chance for you to learn about the local house architecture which is full of their daily lifestyles and exclusive custom. 

Enjoy the landscapes…on the way. The last trek is about 2km to the bus stop in Tavan then get back to Sapa by jeep or minivan.

• Trekking level: 6/10
• 10km trekking, 8km driving from Tavan village back to Sapa

A walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit the Cat Cat village of the Black Hmong. 

Relax at the food of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during colonial times in Vietnam. 

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the side of the river, and then next 3 km to Sin Chai, the village located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, “the roof of Vietnam and Indochina”. From here you can enjoy huge stunning landscapes before climbing up on the way a jeep to return to Sapa.

• Trekking level: 4/10
• 7km trekking, 3km driving from Cat Cat back to Sapa. Get on the night bus to return to Hanoi. 

8:30 – 8:45: Pick up at the meeting point in Hanoi Old Quarter. 

10:30 – 11:00: Stopover for refreshment at Pearl store, Pearl breeding place about 20 minutes.

11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau harbor.

12:00 – 12:30: Transfer to Hermes Cruises. Check-in your cabin.

13:00: Enjoy a nice buffet lunch at our restaurant while the cruise goes ahead to Halong Bay.

15:00 – 16:45: Continue to explore Halong by visiting Pearl Farm Village and participate in kayaking, a must-try sports activity in Halong.

After that, visit Titov Island. Here, you will have time to climb up to the peak of Titov Island, admire the beautiful panorama view of Halong Bay, or swim, take pictures, and play on the sea.

18:00: Enjoy Sunset Party with fruits and snacks at Hermes Sky Bar.

Option: Happy Hour (Buy 2 get 1 free)

Massage service is available

18:30: Join the cooking demonstration: How to make Vietnamese spring rolls – traditional Vietnamese food.

19:30: Enjoy a European set-menu dinner in the restaurant on board.

21:00: Join the Squid Fishing activity. Free time on the boat.

6:30: Practice Tai Chi class. Tea and coffee are served.

6:45 – 7:30: Light breakfast is served.

7:30: Visit Sung Sot cave.

9:30: Check–out time on the board.

9:45 – 10:30: Enjoy buffet brunch while the cruise transfer to the Tuan Chau Wharf.

10:45 – 11:00: Disembark to Tuan Chau Wharf.

12:00 – 15:00: Return to Ha Noi. End of the trip. 

Note: Overnight in Hanoi if your departure will be on the next day.