North Vietnam: highlights tour

Stunning nature of Vietnam

About this tour

This tour in Northern Vietnam will take you to the most iconic sites of the country. Capitol Hanoi is the real Asia: authentic, hectic and full of street life. In the Old Quarter, there is literally something to explore on each street corner. By night train, you will travel to the mountainous area close to the Chinese border. This is the home of traditional tribes like Black Hmong, Dzay and Red Dao. From Sapa, you will make trekkings to the villages of these colourfull tribes and will pass beautiful valleys and rice terraces. Back to Hanpi and continue to Halong Bay. You will board a local boat for a cruise through this area of lime stone rocks scattered around at sea. You will sleep a night on board and make visits to floating fishing communities, caves and view points.  

What will you do
  • join in city tour of Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, Hoan Kiem Lake, the oldest temple and more
  • night train from Hanoi to Sapa, on the comfortabel Fanxipan Express
  • 2 trekkings to the villages of Black Hmong, Dzay and Red Dao tribes
  • boat cruise through Halong Bay, overnight on board, including site trips and activities
Where

Hanoi is the capitol of Vietnam. From Hanoi, you will travel by night train to the northern area that borders China: a mountainous area that is home to traditional tribes. Back to Hanoi and continue to Halong Bay: about 3 hours drive towards sea.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Hanoi, transfer to your hotel | Your hotel is located in the Old Quarter. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city. Want to try out Hanoi's authentic food? Join this optional evening foodie walking tour! 

Day 2

Hanoi City tour | Today you will hop on a join-in city tour of Hanoi and will visit amongst others the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem lake. In the evening, you will get on the night train to Lao Cai. you will travel by comfortable Fanxipan Express.

Day 3

Arrival at Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa, 1st trekking | From the train station, you will be brought to the mountain village of Sapa. Today you will do a first trekking of around 15km. On the way, you will visit traditional villages of Hmong and Dzay tribes and pass thorugh a valley with waterfalls and stunning rice terraces. Overnight in a hotel in Sapa.

Day 4

Visit to the northern valley and 2nd hike | The day starts with a hike to the village of Ban Khoang, where the Red Dao live. After that, a car will drive you to the next village: Ta Giang Phinh of the Black Hmong. It is a relaxed day today, but once again with lots of impressions.

Day 5

Back to Hanoi | Today, you will be brought back by shared express van; a 5 hour ride. Arrival will be in the afternoon and you will overnight in the city.

Day 6

Transfer to Halong Bay and board the cruise boat | You will sail the day around Tu Long Bay and Cong Dong - Cong Do area. Lunch and dinner will be served on board (included). Visit the Vung Vieng fishing village and do some optional kayaking. On board, there are cooking classes and you can enjoy drinks on the sundeck. Overnight on board in a cabin.

Day 7

Finish Halong Bay cruise, transfer to Hanoi | Start the day with Tai Chi on deck! After breakfast, you will visit the Thien Canh Son cave. Sail back to shore and after lunch disembark. A transfer will bring you back to Hanoi, where this tour ends.

Additional info
  • based on 2 persons and low season prices
  • based on mid range hotels, subject to availability
  • Including CO2-offset
  • the program can always be adjusted to your personal wishes

The trip connects with trips in South and Central Vietnam. Catch a flight from Hanoi to your next destination (HCMC, Hue, Danang).