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ESSENTIAL HANOI - HALONG - SAPA

This tour will take you from the mountain to the bay, the most beautiful landscape of Northern Vietnam.
With a short 7 days trip but we have a chance to discover the life style of the hill tribe, the terraced rice field in Sapa as well as the world heritage sites of Halong bay.
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  • Ha Noi city tour  to visit the most important landmarks of Vietnam's capital city 
  • Discovering most beautiful caves and overnight stay on luxury cruise at world's wonder Halong Bay
  • Trek to Sapa's most beautiful waterfall and Muong Hoa valley's ethnic villages

ITENERARY



The northern area of Vietnam is always an attractive destination for tourists visiting the country.

From Lao Cai, there will be a short transfer to the hill town of Sapa.  After exploring the area, you will return to Hanoi and visit Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and New Seven Natural Wonder of the World. Halong Bay offers out-of-this-world kayaking experiences (optional), suitable for both first-time paddlers and the serious marine explorer. Unique and remote limestone islands sprout from the sea, making kayaking through the inlets an exploration on its own. Many of these isolated islands feature dramatic sea caves and sheltered, pristine beaches that can only be reached by kayak. You will enjoy ending your trip with a relaxing traditional junk trip and take part in a wide variety of activities like kayaking, cave climbing or just simply sitting on the sundeck for a glass of wine.

 

 

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi city tour
Day 3: Hanoi-Halong bay
Day 4: Halong bay-Hanoi-Lao Cai/Overnight on the train
Day 5: Lao cai-Sapa
Day 6: Sapa-Hanoi/Overnight on the train
Day 7: Hanoi-Departure
(this itinerary can be flexibled to do Sapa first and then halong bay)

DAY BY DAY

DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI 

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Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, obtain your Vietnam visa (with pre-approval letter), and then clear Immigration and Customs. After collecting your baggage, exit the airport to meet outside a local Guide of Vietnam Exploration Booking tours. Our tour guide will be holding a sign with your names on it. From the airport, you will be privately transferred to your lovely hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B,L)

 

8:00 AM: Tour guide picks you up for a full-day Hanoi exploration.
 •Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Stilt House - note Mausoleum closures).
• See the unique One Pillar Pagoda.
• Visit the historically significant Temple of Literature.
• Enjoy local lunch at a nearby restaurant.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ethnology Museum (or Women’s Museum if Ethnology Museum is closed).
• Experience the bustling Hanoi Train Street and Old Quarter, including Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake.
• Return to your hotel around 5:00 PM.


Overnight in Hanoi

Chùa Một Cột – Wikipedia tiếng Việt

 





Kayaking in Ha Long Bay: A journey into tranquil beauty

DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY (B,L,D)

 

  • 08:00 – 08:30 – Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and transfer to Ha Long (approx. 2.5–3 hours by road).

  • 11:30 – 11:45 – Arrive at Ha Long International Harbor.

  • 12:15 – Transfer to the cruise by tender. Enjoy a welcome drink, receive a cruise briefing, and check in to your cabin.

  • 13:00 – Lunch on board while the boat begins cruising into the heart of Ha Long Bay, passing fascinating limestone islands and emerald waters.

  • 14:45 – Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, the largest and most spectacular cave in Ha Long Bay.

  • 16:00 – Visit Titop Island, famous for its crescent-shaped beach and crystal waters. You may climb to the mountain peak for a panoramic view of the bay or relax and swim at the beach.

  • 17:00 – 18:30 – Return to the cruise. Relax on the sundeck during sunset with your favorite drinks. Join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration with the chef.

  • 19:15 – Savor a delicious dinner on board.

  • 21:00 – Evening leisure: try night squid fishing, enjoy karaoke, or simply relax under the starry sky. Overnight on the cruise.

DAY 4: HALONG - HANOI - LAO CAI (B,L,D)
  

  • Morning: Start the day with breakfast on board. Enjoy the cruise’s final activities such as a light excursion (floating village visit / kayaking / cave exploration – depending on the cruise program).

  • Return to the boat, check out of your cabin, and relax while the cruise sails back to the pier.

  • Brunch / early lunch is served on board before disembarkation.

  • 11:00 – 11:30 – Disembark at Ha Long International Harbor. Meet your driver for the transfer back to Hanoi.

  • Afternoon: Arrive in Hanoi (around 14:30–15:00). Free time to relax, stroll in the Old Quarter, or enjoy an early dinner on your own.

  • Evening: Transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai (shared 4-berth soft-sleeper cabin).

  • Overnight on train.

Top 15 Sapa attractions worth visiting once in a lifetime
 

KINH NGHIỆM DU LỊCH SAPA - Long Phú Tourist - Công ty lữ hành chuyên nghiệp.

Bản Cát Cát - điểm nhấn ấn tượng của du lịch cộng đồng Lào Cai


Bản đồ du lịch Sapa: Cẩm nang các điểm đến hấp dẫn

 

Một Chốn Bình Yên tại Bản Cát Cát, Việt Nam: Có Gì Để Xem và Trải Nghiệm

DAY 5: LAO CAI - SAPA - CAT CAT (B,L)

 

  • Early Morning: Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station. Meet your local guide and transfer by private vehicle to Sapa Town (approx. 1 hour drive, winding mountain roads with scenic views).

  • Upon arrival, have breakfast and check in (early check-in subject to room availability, or luggage can be stored at the hotel). Take some time to rest.

  • Late Morning: Begin a guided trek to Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H’Mong ethnic minority. Stroll down a scenic valley road leading into the village.

    • Visit traditional wooden houses to learn about local crafts such as weaving, indigo dyeing, and metalwork.

    • Continue the walk to Cat Cat Waterfall, a beautiful spot surrounded by mountains and rice terraces.

    • Interact with local villagers and discover their daily life and culture.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Sapa.

  • Afternoon: Leisure time to explore Sapa Town at your own pace – visit the local market, admire French colonial architecture, or simply relax at your hotel.

  • Evening: Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 6 : SAPA - LAO CHAI - TA VAN - HANOI  (B,L,D) 

 

  • Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and begin a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in northern Vietnam.

    • Walk along mountain trails with panoramic views of terraced rice fields.

    • Visit Lao Chai Village, home to the Black H’Mong ethnic group. Learn about their unique traditions, handicrafts, and farming methods.

    • Continue trekking to Ta Van Village, where the Giay minority people live in wooden stilt houses surrounded by rice paddies.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch along the trek or a meal at a local family house.

  • Afternoon: After exploring Ta Van, transfer back to Sapa Town by vehicle. Free time to freshen up and rest.

  • Evening: Transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for the overnight train to Hanoi (shared 4-berth soft-sleeper cabin).

  • Overnight on train.



Muong Hoa Valley: Exploring the Enchanting Beauty of Northern Vietnam

Ý Linh Hồ - Lao Chải - Tả Văn - Chợ Cốc Ly

 

DAY 7 : HANOI DEPARTURE (B)


Upon arrival in Hanoi early this morning around 4:30 am, you will be met and transferred to a local hotel where you will have the use of a room to freshen up and have breakfast.
 

After breakfast, you are free at leisure until transfer to the Hanoi airport in time for your flight to the next destination. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.

I

Remarks: 

1. All of our itineraries can be tailor-made to suit your requirements, allowing us to create the perfect holiday just for you. Please click on the “Tailor this trip" button and complete the requested information for us. Upon receipt, our travel consultant will customize the best value vacation for your kind consideration. Please note: Changes CAN be made to the itinerary after our initial quote, but may result in a price change also!
 

2. We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina in particular (Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos) hotel prices make up the major expense of your holiday. Therefore, we would like to clarify how we define these charges:

· Boutique & character hotels: from $50-$80 USD per room/ per night

· Comfort = 3 star hotels from US$ 40 - US$ 60 per room/ per night

· Superior = 4 star hotels from US$ 80 - US$ 110 per room/ per night

· Deluxe = 5 star hotels from US$120 - US$ 190++ per room/ per night

· High-end = Best of the best hotels fr om US$ 250++ per room/ per night

INCLUSION: 

 
  • Hotels in places as indicated (double/ twin room)
  • Private tours with English speaking guide for the entire trip, except leisure time
  • Entrance fees to  applicable tourist sites 
  • All transfers in air conditioned transport
  • Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Train ticket: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi
  • Flight ticket: Hanoi – Hue, Danang – Saigon (Vietnam Airlines, Economy Class)
  • Government Tax – Service Charges – Accommodations

EXCLUSION:

  • International flight ticket
  • Visa arrangements
  • Other meals not mentioned
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Laundry
  • Other not stated above
  • Travel Insurance

CANCELLATION: 

 
  • Cancellation received before 60 days: FREE of charge
  • Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 10% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 30% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate

CHILDREN POLICY:

 
  • The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
  • For infant (<04 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
  • 04 - 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
  • 04 - 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
  • 04 - 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate

SERVICE & TRAVEL ADVISE

Service Details During The Trip

 

We’ll immerse you in the diverse cultures of Vietnam by showcasing the unique local flavors. And with the perfect balance of included sightseeing and free time, you can customize your dream vacation with the things you have always wanted to do.
 

  • Private Local Tour Guide: You will have legally licensed local tour guide in each destination, from welcome and farewell you at the airport. Your guide will guide, help, assist and taking care of you in order to make your tour worry-free. The good guide for you means we arrange the right guide. Vietnam Exploration Booking tours will arrange tour guide base on the feature of the itinerary and consists of the group, to maximize your experiences in traveling.
  • Private Drivers & Vehicle: Safety is first priority for transportation. A well maintained good condition car with legal business licensed and an experienced driver to make sure you are in safe hands. To maximize your comfort and joyful experience with driving service, cold drinking water, cold towel are provided in the car.
  • ​​Local Flavor Meals: Don’t worry about meals; we select both restaurants and menus for you. Vietnam Exploration Booking tours will select clean and good environment restaurants for our customer. Menu is also carefully selected by us to ensure you try different food every meal. We will recommend and arrange local cuisine since it is part of the cultural experience while traveling. We also recommend dinners are free on your own so you can choose your favorite food by yourself under necessary assistance of your local guide.
  • Well-Selected Hotels: Comfort and good value is our priority for choosing hotels for our customers. Comfort of mattress and bedding, joyful decoration style, user friendly facilities, good service and good breakfast!

Things to bring:


Warm clothes, scarf, hat, cap because the weather in sapa is pretty unpredictable. It is normally cold in September, October, November, December , January, February and March .
Due to altitude of Sapa. It is sometimes foggy in December, January , February and March. 
Trekking shoes, sun glasses, sun cream, insect repellent are also necessary. You should take cash with you in vietnam Dong because banking system in Sapa sometimes does not function well. Us Dollar, Euro, Australian Dolla are accepted in Sapa.
You shoule take medicine with you although there are some chemist’s shops in Sapa in case you get sick. Homestay’s facilities are not as in hotel in Sapa.

Did we hit all the items on your travel bucket list for your holiday?


If not, don’t worry. We specialize in tailor-made tours and can customize this program to create your dream trip. Get in touch with your personal Travel Consultant to create your personalized program.

Don't want the fun to end?


Why not combine this tour with Mai Chau tours, Ninh Binh tours, Hue tours, Hoian tours or spend a few days in the tropical paradise that is the Viet Nam coast? We take care of everything from flights to transfers and accommodation so that you can relax and enjoy your holiday. Explore our other destinations or speak with your personal Travel Consultant for some expert advice on suitable combinations.

Are you planning to Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar or Thailand? We are here to help you save time and money.

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