North Vietnam Journey
Duration
10 days
Every other week
Guaranteed
with 2 travellers
Max group size
16 travellers
WHAT TO EXPECT
Experience the beauty of Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat. Indulge in the breath-taking scenery and savour fresh local seafood. Embark on a scenic train ride from Hanoi to Sapa, traversing the countryside and enjoying the mesmerizing views. Leave behind the bustling crowds of Hanoi as you venture to an ancient village, immersing yourself in the local way of life and gaining a deeper understanding of the community. Explore the wonders of North Vietnam’s landscapes and cultural heritage on this unforgettable journey.
North Vietnam Journey
Day 1: Arrival and Xin Chao to Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Hanoi (B/L)
Escape Hanoi city and embark on a journey to the unique ancient village of Dong Ngac. Explore the village by bike with a stop at the local market to purchase fresh ingredients for lunch. Visit the historic Communal House and gain an insight into local life as you chat with our host from the local Do Clan residing in the Ancestral House. Put your culinary skills to the test and take part in a cooking class, savouring your creations for lunch before the return drive back to Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi to Sapa (B)
Spend the morning exploring a few of the unique sites of Vietnam’s capital city. Visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton Prison”, stop in to see the Temple of Literature and wander through the expansive Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Enjoy some free time before transferring to the Fanxipan Overnight Train to begin your journey to Sapa. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening on the Fanxipan Overnight Train (or similar).
Day 4: Sapa (B)
Start early as you arrive into Lao Cai Station before transferring to your hotel. Enjoy breakfast before starting your guided walking tour as you visit the Lao Chai & Tan Van villages, nestled peacefully in the valley of Muong Hoa. Spend time meeting the Black H’mong people of the Hau Thao and Saseng villages as you observe daily life. Embark on a light trek to Ta Van Hoa Valley, admiring the beautifully terraced rice paddy fields and stunning vistas.
Day 5: Sapa (B/L)
Begin your day with a drive to the remote Ban Khoang village, home of the Red Dzao people. Enjoy a walk through the village as you learn of their traditional values, unique culture and remarkable way of life. Continue on to Ta Giang Phinh valley to visit some of the smaller local villages and gain an insight into local life, before stopping for lunch. Begin your return drive to Sapa.
Day 6: Sapa to Hanoi (B)
Enjoy a leisurely drive through the mountainside. Stop at the Silver Waterfalls before continuing on to Tram Ton Pass, also known by the locals as “Heaven’s Gate”. Trek through the rice fields overshadowed by the expansive Hoang Lien Son mountain range. As your return trek begins, visit O Quy Ho, a local village farm where a variety of speciality produce, flowers and medicinal plants are grown. As evening approaches, transfer to Lao Cai station to board your overnight train. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening on the Fanxipan Overnight Train (or similar).
Day 7: Hanoi to Ninh Binh (B)
Arrive early into Hanoi and savour a local breakfast with you fellow travellers. Drive to the picturesque city of Ninh Binh with its stunning network of rivers and rice paddy fields and hundreds of limestone monoliths. Visit the ancient city of Hoa Lu and admire the beautiful surrounds with a boat ride in Trang An, rowing through the expansive network of caverns and grottos. Spend the rest of your day free at leisure.
Day 8: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Set out this morning for a drive to Halong Bay. Explore one of Vietnam’s stunning natural wonders as you board a beautifully appointed junk boat. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board before spending the afternoon discovering the many hidden gems of this unique and peaceful region. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar. Overnight on-board Bhaya Cruises (or similar).
Day 9: Halong Bay to Hanoi (B/D)
Watch the sun rise as you enjoy Tai Chi on the sundeck. Relish in a delightful brunch on board before cruising back to port to disembark and drive back to Hanoi. This afternoon, enjoy some free time before meeting with your group to share a farewell dinner.
Day 10: Departure from Hanoi (B)
Enjoy these last moments in Hanoi before you transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Tour Images
Inclusions
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Insider Experiences
Social - Meet the Black H’mong people of the Hau Thao and Saseng villages
Social - Visit some of the small local villages and learn about their culture
Taste - Cooking class with fresh ingredients from the local market
Unique - River cruising on Halong Bay and overnight onboard
Unique - Tai Chi lesson on Halong Bay at sunrise
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Accommodation
6 nights in 3-4 star hotels
1 night on a boat
2 nights on a train
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Meals
Daily breakfast
3 local lunches
2 local dinners
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Transport
Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Air-conditioned vehicle
Return train tickets from Hanoi to Sapa
All flight specified in itinerary -
Touring
English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees
All tipping
Departure Dates
| START DAY | END DAY |
|---|---|
| Sunday, 3 November 2024 | Tuesday, 12 November 2024 |
| Sunday, 17 November 2024 | Tuesday, 26 November 2024 |
| Sunday, 1 December 2024 | Tuesday, 10 December 2024 |
| Sunday, 15 December 2024 | Tuesday, 24 December 2024 |
| Sunday, 29 December 2024 | Tuesday, 7 January 2025 |
| Sunday, 12 January 2025 | Tuesday, 21 January 2025 |
| Sunday, 26 January 2025 | Tuesday, 4 February 2025 |
| Sunday, 9 February 2025 | Tuesday, 18 February 2025 |
| Sunday, 23 February 2025 | Tuesday, 4 March 2025 |
| Sunday, 9 March 2025 | Tuesday, 18 March 2025 |
| Sunday, 23 March 2025 | Tuesday, 1 April 2025 |
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