Vietnam Essence – From the Peaks of Sapa to the Golden Bridge

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.

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.

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.

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.

Awake early to join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over Ha Long Bay’s towering limestone islands. Savor a morning cup of coffee or tea before setting out to explore the nearby islets by rowboat.

Return to the cruise for breakfast, then take time to relax on the sundeck and admire the bay’s fascinating rock formations. Enjoy a light brunch on board before disembarking at the pier and returning to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight to Da Nang — the dynamic coastal city known for its stunning beaches and as the gateway to Hoi An.

Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, meet our local guide and driver who will transfer you to your hotel.

Check in and relax. The rest of the day is free at leisure — unwind by the beach or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Han River waterfront.

Overnight in Da Nang.

Distance: From Da Nang: ~30 km (~45mins to 1hour by car)

12:00 – 12:15 Pick-up from your hotel in Da Nang.

13:00 – Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Experience life as a local fisherman: learn traditional fishing techniques and row a unique bamboo basket boat through peaceful palm waterways.

15:00 – Hoi An Ancient Town. Walking tour highlights:

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – colorful gates, dragon statues, ancestor worship.
• Ancient Houses (Phung Hung or Tan Ky) – over 200 years old, once home to prosperous merchants.
• Museum of Folklore – artifacts of daily life in a 150-year-old merchant house.
• Japanese Covered Bridge – 400-year-old iconic landmark with symbolic carvings.
• Explore handicraft shops, art galleries, and charming laneways.

Dinner: Enjoy a set menu of Hoi An specialty dishes.

18:30 – Lantern Boat Ride

Cruise on the Hoai River, release flower lanterns for good luck, and soak in the magical atmosphere of lantern-lit Hoi An. Free time to explore the night market.

19:30: Transfer back to your hotel in Da Nang (or Hoi An if requested). Tour ends.

Distance: ~30 km | Duration: Full day

7:20 AM – Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. For private tours, pick-up time can be adjusted upon request.

Upon arrival, take the Ba Na Hills cable car, one of the longest and highest in the world, reaching the summit in 15–20 minutes. During the ride, enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and forested valleys below.

At the top, visit the key highlights:

• The Golden Bridge, held up by giant stone hands – an iconic photo spot
• The romantic Le Jardin d’Amour (nine themed flower gardens)
• The historic French Wine Cellar (optional with extra fee)
• The peaceful Linh Ung Pagoda
• Continue exploring the French Village, including:
• Campanile Bell Tower, Nine Floor Goddess Shrine, and Tombstone Temple
• Linh Phong Monastery, Linh Chua Linh Tu Temple, and Tru Vu Tea House
• Watch the colorful Carnival Performance at Du Dome Square

12:00 PM – Enjoy a buffet lunch at a mountaintop restaurant.

1:00–3:00 PM – Free time to explore or join games at Fantasy Park (indoor amusement area).

3:30 PM – Take the cable car down (15–20 minutes) and meet your guide at the base station.

4:30 PM – Transfer back to Da Nang. On the way, stop by the Han Market, where locals shop for fresh produce, dried goods, and souvenirs. A perfect spot to observe daily life and experience the local vibe. Dinner on your own. Overnight in Da Nang/ Hoi An

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time to relax or explore Da Nang or Hoi An at your own pace before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.