Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to the train station. Board the overnight Chapa Express Train (shared cabin or similar) to begin your journey to Sapa, where you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay for the evening.

Chapa Express Train (shared cabin or similar)

As dawn breaks, arrive at Lao Cai station and transfer to your hotel in Sapa town, taking in the stunning mountain views along the way.

After a delicious breakfast with your fellow travellers, ride the Fansipan Cable Car to the peak at 3,000 meters, where you can explore the temples and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Hoang Lien Son and Muong Hoa Valley.

Bamboo Hotel or similar

Breakfast

This morning, meet your local guide and driver at your hotel in Sapa for a short transfer north along National Road 4C to O Quy Ho, with stops to admire the landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai Valley, and local farms.

Continue on through the rainforest to Ban Khoang, a Red Zao village known for its rich traditions and agriculture. Spend over an hour exploring the village before heading to Ta Giang Phinh Valley, home to the Black Hmong. Enjoy lunch by a stream and walk the village paths to observe daily life. In the afternoon, return to Sapa for the night.

Bamboo Hotel or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Sapa at your own pace. Then, embark on a scenic drive back to Hanoi, taking in the stunning landscapes as you descend from the highlands.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and relax until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with fellow travellers.

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa or similar

Breakfast

This morning at 8 AM, your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin your city tour. Start with an orientation drive past notable sites like Long Bien Bridge, St. Joseph’s Church, and the Opera House. Next, take a walking tour through the Old Quarter, where you can experience the lively markets and traditional trades.

Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter to visit his mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, his ‘house on stilts,’ and the One Pillar Pagoda. A short drive will take you to the UNESCO-listed Citadel and Flag Tower, followed by lunch at KOTO Van Mieu restaurant.

After lunch, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dedicated to Confucian worship, along with Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples. Finally, visit the “Hanoi Hilton,” the former prison for U.S. pilots during the Vietnam War, now a small museum.

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

This morning at 8 AM, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a 90 km drive south to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Visit the sanctuary of Dinh Tien Hoang, a former emperor of the Dinh Dynasty, and the temple dedicated to the Le Emperor. Following the Le dynasty, the capital moved to Hanoi.

After lunch (on your own), explore the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning limestone karst peaks and submerged valleys. Discover caves with archaeological traces of human activity spanning over 30,000 years as you take a small boat through this magnificent area. Finally, transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh for check-in.

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Marvel at the towering limestone karsts and expansive paddy fields on your journey from Ninh Binh to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. With around 3,000 limestone karsts, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s breathtaking natural wonders.

Board a beautifully appointed junk boat and cruise the emerald waters, enjoying a delicious lunch before exploring the bay’s secluded corners. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin or relax on the main deck or at the bar.

Overnight on-board the Victory Star cruise or similar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, or simply relax and soak in the beauty of your surroundings before indulging in a delicious buffet brunch.

After disembarking, you’ll drive back to Hanoi, where you can conclude your journey or continue on to your next destination.

Breakfast