Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi - Upon arrival, the guide will warmly greet and pick up guests at the airport, then transfer them to Hanoi for hotel check-in. The rest of the day is free for leisure.

Hanoi – Sapa - Cat Cat Village (Shuttle Bus)

Sapa - Sapa is a charming mountain town in Lao Cai Province, situated approximately 350 km northwest of Hanoi, near the Chinese border. It is home to the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, which includes Fan Si Pan, the highest peak in the country. This serene Vietnamese town hosts various ethnic tribal groups, including the Hmong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho. Historically, Sapa was first settled by the initial four groups, as the Kinh from the lowlands did not inhabit the highest valleys. Today, Sapa attracts a diverse array of visitors drawn by the highland tribes, iconic rice paddies, and forest treks, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty.

Cat Cat Village - A brief drive leads to the entrance of Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic people, located near the base of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. A local guide will introduce the daily life activities of the locals, leading a trek down to the valley bottom to a waterfall where the French constructed a Hydraulic Power Station. There will be a photo opportunity at the bridge and waterfall before walking uphill to meet the bus for the return to Sapa in the afternoon. The trekking distance is approximately 2.5 km and takes about 2 hours.

Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Hanoi (Shuttle Bus)

Lao Chai - A short drive to Y Linh Ho is followed by a trek through rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, offering stunning views of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain. The journey continues to Ta Van Village, home to the Dzay ethnic people. The trekking distance is about 9 km and lasts for 3.5 hours. At 11:30, a bus will pick up guests at Ta Van Bridge to return to Sapa.

Hanoi - Full Day City Tour (SIC Tour)

Chua Tran Quoc - Tran Quoc Pagoda is the oldest of its kind in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty (544 - 548). The Buddhist shrine has undergone several changes over the years, notably its renaming from An Quoc to Tran Quoc (protecting the country) by Emperor Le Huy Tong in the 17th century.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is where Uncle Ho’s body is preserved for visitors from across the country and around the world to pay their respects. From the first steps into Ba Dinh Square, visitors can see Uncle Ho’s tomb standing prominently with the words “Ho Chi Minh President” in striking plum pink stone.

One Pillar Pagoda - One Pillar Pagoda (Mot Cot Pagoda or Chua Mot Cot) is a unique architectural and historical site. It is considered a symbol of Hanoi city, representing a thousand years of civilization with its architectural splendor from a famous historical dynasty in Vietnam.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology - The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi provides insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam, aiming to preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-cultural diversity within the country.

Temple of Literature & National University - The Temple of Literature is often regarded as one of Hanoi’s most picturesque tourist attractions. Originally built as a university in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, scholars, and sages, the building is exceptionally well-preserved and is a superb example of traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Ngoc Son Temple - Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi is a peaceful retreat for tourists and locals seeking respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The tranquil lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda situated on a small island. The temple, which attracts many visitors, was built to commemorate the 13th-century military leader Tran Hung Dao, renowned for his bravery in the battle against the Yuan Dynasty.

Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi (SIC Tour)

Hoa Lu Temples of the Dinh & Le Dynasties - In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself King, establishing Hoa Lu as the capital for the next 41 years (968 – 1009), with 12 years under the Dinh dynasty – King Dinh Tien Hoang, and 29 years under the Le dynasty – King Le Dai Hanh. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, present-day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. Today, two temples stand on the site of the old royal palace, one dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and the other to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers an opportunity to learn more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

Tam Coc - A rowing boat trip at Tam Coc Harbour, arranged by local people, takes visitors through three spectacular caves with hundreds of limestone formations along the way. During the harvest season, travelers can witness the golden hues of terrace rice fields. The boat ride lasts around 2 hours, offering views of mountains, rice paddies, and temples, along with insights into local culture and daily life. Optional activities include a bicycle ride through the countryside after the boat trip.

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi (SIC Tour)

Halong Bay - 7:45 – 8:30 am: The tour guide will pick up guests and transfer them to Halong Bay (approximately 3-3.5 hours of driving). 12:00 – 12:30 pm: Guests will be welcomed aboard the boat, where lunch will be prepared and served by the crew. While enjoying lunch, the captain will navigate the cruise around the most beautiful islets among thousands of limestone islands, such as Dog Islet, Incense Burner Islet, and Fighting Cock Islet. One stop on the 4-hour cruise is Dong Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Cave), located on a remote island in the bay. 4:00 pm: Return to the harbor, with a stop midway for a restroom break or a drink.

Departure from Hanoi

Hanoi - Enjoy a free day until the transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

• English-speaking tour guide (other languages available upon request)
• Entrance fees as mentioned in the program
• Water during transfer
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast
• SIC tour to Sapa, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay
• Accommodation in Double/Twin shared with daily breakfast

• Visa Letter / Visa stamp fee
• International / Internal flight from or to Vietnam
• Drinks, other meals, TIP and personal expenses
• Any services not mentioned in the program

7 days of the best of the North Vietnam tour gives you a great chance to explore all popular tourist destinations of the North of Vietnam. Joining in this tour, you will definitely come to explore the charming beauty of the capital city Hanoi, beautiful mountainous area of Sapa, Ancient Capital of Ninh Binh, the spectacular sceneries of Ha Long Bay’s Land and water.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.