Amazing Northern Vietnam
7DAYS -> Hanoi -> Sapa -> Halong Bay -> Ninh Binh
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Overview
Discover the best of Northern Vietnam in 7 days with this immersive tour. Begin in Hanoi, exploring the Old Quarter and local culture, then trek to Cat Cat Village and enjoy stunning views at Moana Check-in Point. Ascend Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina, and visit the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and scenic Tam Coc in Ninh Binh. Cruise through the iconic limestone islands of Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay with an overnight on a traditional junk. Return to Hanoi for final exploration and relaxation. Perfect for travelers seeking culture, nature, and adventure in one seamless Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Highlights
- Hanoi City Tour — stroll the Old Quarter, soak up local street life and cuisine.
- Cat Cat Village & Moana Check-in Point — meet H’mong locals, capture stunning rice terrace views.
- Fansipan Peak Adventure — cable car ride or trek to the “Roof of Indochina.”
- Hoa Lu & Tam Coc — explore Vietnam’s ancient capital and peaceful river caves.
- Halong Bay / Lan Ha Bay Cruise — overnight on a traditional junk, kayak, and enjoy panoramic limestone island scenery.
- Authentic Local Cuisine — taste northern Vietnamese specialties throughout the trip.
- Scenic Photography Opportunities — mountains, rivers, and UNESCO-listed landscapes.
Itinerary Summary
| By Day | Destinations | Activities | Meals |
| Day 1 | Fly to Hanoi - Half Day City Tour | ||
| Day 2 | Hanoi – Cat Cat Village & Moana Check in Point View | Breakfast, Lunch | |
| Day 3 | Touch the Sky: A Journey to Fansipan Peak - Hanoi | Breakfast, Lunch | |
| Day 4 | Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu Tam Coc | Breakfast, Lunch | |
| Day 5 | Hanoi – Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay - Overnight on Cruise | Breakfast, Lunch | |
| Day 6 | Halong Bay/ Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi | Breakfast, Lunch | |
| Day 7 | Hanoi | Breakfast |
Full itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Hanoi - Half Day City Tour
Upon arrival, depending on your flight arrival time, our car will pick you up to transfer to the hotel for check in (Time for check in: 14.00. Early check-in is NOT included and subject to hotel’s availability).
OPTIONAL: Half Day City Tour is available at your request
You will start exploring the city's charming Hanoi:
- Visit the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Situated in the heart of Hanoi, the relic has its outstanding Universal Values which reflect its historical longevity, its continuous role as a seat of power, and its multiple cultural layers. In 2010, with the celebration of Hanoi's millennial anniversary, the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long was listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
- Continue to drive to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple where General Tran Hung Dao – The most talented general of Vietnam in the ancient time.
- The Old Quarter to experience the exciting local daily life of Hanoians, enjoy some of the 36 shaded streets of this historic district. Admire the products made and sold on each street, such as sugar, bamboo, leather or silver.
- A short visit to the famous Hanoi Train Street, where you can sip a local coffee and feel the thrill as the train passes just a few feet away — a truly unique Hanoi experience.
Meals:
Day 2
Hanoi – Cat Cat Village & Moana Check in Point View
Early morning, check out of your hotel. You may leave your main luggage at the hotel for safekeeping. A breakfast box will be arranged by the hotel.
06:30 – 07:00: Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi for your transfer to Sapa by Limousine Bus. The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours.
11:45 – 12:30: Enjoy scenic views as the bus climbs the mountain roads toward Sapa Town — a picturesque valley surrounded by terraced rice fields.
12:30 – 13:00: Upon arrival in Sapa, you’ll be greeted by locals dressed in the colorful traditional costumes of the H’mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic minorities. Check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, take a short trek to Moana Check-in Point, where you can admire panoramic views of the mountains and rice terraces. Here, you can visit famous photo spots such as the Bali Gate, Infinity Pool, Moana Girl Statue, Golden Hand, Swing, Lonely Tree, and the Panoramic Café overlooking the spectacular Fansipan Peak and Muong Hoa Valley — perfect for memorable photos.
Next, visit Cat Cat Village, located about 3 km from Sapa Town at the foot of Fansipan Mountain. This is home to the Black H’mong ethnic community. Your local guide will introduce you to their daily life and traditional crafts. Trek down to the valley to see the beautiful waterfall and the old French-built Hydro Power Station, where you can take photos before trekking uphill back to Sapa through breathtaking scenery in the late afternoon.
Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant on your own.
Overnight in Sapa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Touch the Sky: A Journey to Fansipan Peak - Hanoi
Distance: ~9 km | (~ 15-20 mins by car)
OPTIONAL: Muong Hoa Mountain Train (if you don't want to transfer by car) - Surcharge is available at your request
A more unique option is the Muong Hoa Mountain Train, running directly from Sun Plaza in Sapa town center to the cable car station.
Distance: ~2 km
Duration: ~6 minutes
Highlights: Spectacular views of the Muong Hoa Valley and terraced rice fields.
Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the cable car station — either by van/coach or via funicular through the scenic Muong Hoa Valley.
- Take the cable car ride to Fansipan Peak — the highest mountain in Indochina (3,143 meters above sea level). The cable car journey takes about 15 minutes, followed by a 600-step climb to reach the summit.
- Alternatively, you may choose to take the funicular to the peak (extra fee: USD 5/pax).
- From the top of Fansipan, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the wild forest landscape, and the Muong Hoa Valley below.
If you choose to walk down, you can stop and visit several highlights along the way, including:
- Bao An Zen Monastery
- Bich Van Zen Monastery
- The massive copper Buddha statue and Guanyin statue
(Note: If taking the funicular down, a short staircase is still required.)
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant near the cable car station/ or at the center of Sapa Town.
Afterward, transfer back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu Tam Coc
Distance: ~120km - 2 -> 2.5 hours | Duration: Full day
07:30–08:30 | Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Depart to Ninh Binh (~120km, ~2.5 hours).
09:30 | Short 20-minute break en route.
10:30 | Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the first capital of Vietnam. Visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century. Learn why the capital was moved to Hanoi and admire the ancient architecture amidst scenic surroundings.
11:45 | Enjoy a buffet lunch with local specialties such as goat meat, fried rice, and vegetarian options.
13:00 | Take a peaceful 1.5-hour sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. Marvel at the dramatic limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and a series of natural caves – often called “Halong Bay on Land.”
14:30 | Continue with a 45-minute cycling tour through the countryside and local villages – a great way to experience authentic rural life.
15:30–16:00 | Return to the bus and head back to Hanoi.
18:30 | Drop-off at your hotel. End of tour.
Please note: This is a group tour with a fixed schedule. If you prefer more flexibility, a private tour option is available, allowing for a later pick-up and earlier return upon request.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Hanoi – Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay - Overnight on Cruise
Our guide and shuttle bus will pick you up at your hotel lobby at 8:30 AM, and we’ll begin our journey eastward to Ha Long Bay, passing through the picturesque rice-farming villages of the Red River Delta, where you can witness the rhythm of daily Vietnamese rural life.
Upon arrival, board a beautiful traditional junk boat and begin your cruise through the bay’s 3,000 magnificent limestone islands and islets, each rising dramatically from the emerald waters.
In the evening, as the boat anchors in a tranquil lagoon, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner prepared by the onboard chef. Later, you may take a refreshing evening swim right from the side of the boat — a magical way to end the day.
Spend the night onboard our luxurious cruise, surrounded by the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Halong Bay/ Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi
Awake early and participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, before setting out to explore nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk for breakfast then take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong. Have brunch on board the boat before returning to Halong pier to get back Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Hanoi departure
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
Trip Notes
Inclusions
- All transfer and quality air-conditioned limousine vehicles
- Accommodation at 3, 4 star Hotel selected including daily breakfast with double/twin room
- Tours with local English Speaking Guide
- Meals as mentioned in the program (Breakfast: B ; Lunch: L ; Dinner: D). Halal food is available on your request
- Airport transfer at destination
- Boat trip/ Kayaking
- Cooking Class
- Cycling
- Cable Car Fansipan Mountain
- Entrance fee for all destinations as Tour Itinerary indicated
- Bottle of water available on coach ( 2 bottle/pax/day)
Exclusions
- Domestic & International airfare
- Drinks and other meals do not indicate in the program
- Visa to Vietnam
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (telephone, shopping...)
- Tipping/ Gratuities
- Single Supplement
- Early check in & late check out
- Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.
Accommodation
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