Vietnam Tour: Hanoi – Sapa – Halong Bay Highlights

Upon arrival in Hanoi, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. (Check-in time: 14:00; early check-in subject to availability.)

Spend the rest of the day exploring Hanoi at your leisure:

• Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
• Wander through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets and hidden cafés.
• Savor local favorites like Pho, Banh Mi, and Bun Cha.
• Try the famous Egg Coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty.
• Relax at Train Street, enjoy a drink, and watch the passing trains.

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.

08:45 – 09:15 | Our bus and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Tuan Chau Island, Halong City via the new expressway. Enjoy a short rest stop along the way.

12:30 | Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, receive a warm welcome aboard, and attend a short safety briefing. Begin your 5-hour journey through the stunning seascape of Halong Bay, following the route of the 2-day cruise. Admire fascinating limestone formations such as Cock Fighting Islet and Thumb Islet, while enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch on board.

13:45 | Visit Bo Hon Archipelago and explore the impressive Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave), filled with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Continue to Luon Cave for kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through its tranquil lagoon. Then head to Titov Island, where you can relax on the sandy beach or hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.

16:30 | Return to the cruise for Afternoon Tea as you leisurely sail back toward Tuan Chau Harbor. Relax on the sundeck, enjoy music, and soak in the world-famous natural scenery.

18:00 | Disembark and take the expressway back to Hanoi.

20:30 | Drop off at your hotel. End of the tour.

Depending on your flight schedule, you'll have some time in the morning for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping before transferring to the airport for your departure.