Day 1 - HanoiArrival at Hanoi airport, you will be met by your guide on the other side of Immigration/ Arrival check point. If time permits, enjoy a brief driving orientation tour of Hoa Kiem Lake, the French Quarter and Old Quarter of Hanoi en - route to your hotel.
You can use the next few hours to rest or explore the surroundings on your own.
or take a Cyclo ride through the Old Town of Hanoi.
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2 - HanoiFor the early risers, may we suggest a stroll along the picturesque Hoa Kiem Lake. Where each early morning, groups of locals gather to do their exercises along the lovely tree lined promenade. You may cross over the red bridge at the north end to Ngoc Son Temple and the Tortoise Tower on a small island.
After breakfast, you will have a full day of your own to see the city so good walking shoes are a must. You will have many options to choose from:
- Temple of Literature, built in 11th Century and the country’s first University
- Ho Chi Minh’s (HCM) Mausoleum and Presidential Palace
- HCM’s Stilt House
- One Pillar Pagoda
- Ethnology Museum
- Opera House
- Hoa Lo prison which is also known as the “Hanoi Hilton”
- West Lake & Pagoda
Attend a Water Puppet show this evening then have a leisurely dinner while waiting for the 21:00 departure on the deluxe Night train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on train in air conditioned cabin.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Soft Sleeper Cabin with AC
Day 3 - Lao Cai – SapaThe train will pull in around 6:00 at Lao Cai station, near the border of China, you will be met by your driver for the 38 miles drive to Sapa, the premier destination of northwest Vietnam.
Enjoy your breakfast while waiting for hotel check-in, catch a few hours of rest or venture out to discover the beautiful mountain landscapes and ethic minority groups of Sapa. Your guide will take you on a 2 hours trekking to the village of Cat Cat & Sin Chai from here you will trek down to the valley among the terraced fields and meet the hill tribes people, get to know their way of life, cultures and traditions.Get back to Sapa town in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
Day 4- SapaA whole day for discover of nature as well as different culture of hill tribe people on a new trek in Sapa with a H'mong guide who speaks excellent English
We will begin with a walking tour of Sapa market, then trekking down hill from village to villages around Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai and Ta Van area which is beautifully decorated by terraced-fields and the house of H'mong, Red Zao and Zay people. You have several levels for your trekking today from soft trek 2-3miles, medium trek (3-4 miles) and hard trek (5 miles +)
Great opportunity for taking photos of breathtaking landscapes, meeting friendly hill-tribe people at home and work...
Have home hosted lunch in the village of Zday people.
Later in the afternoon Jeep or Van will take you back to Sapa for refreshment then transfer to Lao Cai for the night train to Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast& Lunch
Accommodation: Soft Sleeper Cabin with AC
Day 5 Hanoi - HalongYou will be met by your guide early this morning at Hanoi’s railway station. After breakfast you will have over 3 hours dride along the country side of the Red River Delta to the UNESCO world’s heritage site of Halong Bay.
A traditional style Vietnamese Junk Cruise is waiting your arrival and will set sail at noon today. Lunch will be served on board amidst spectacular views of the bay.
Today you will visit one of the largest caves in Halong Bay and included is a beach stop where perhaps you may want to take a swim or dip in the water of the South China Sea.
Tonight enjoy a fresh seafood dinner on the Junk.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch& Dinner
Accommodation: On board
Day 6 - Halong - HanoiParticipate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply watch the sunrise over the magnificent bay. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or juice before setting out to the near- by cave on row boat. Watch for monkeys high on the cliff tops. Return back to the junk, where breakfast is served, while sailing around Bay Tu Long bay where the film “Indochine” was made.
Your cruise will end at noon and you will be met by your guide & driver for the trip back to Hanoi.The trip ends in Hanoi at 3PM.After arrival to Hanoi you may want to catch up on your the later afternoon departure flight or you could have extension visit in Hanoi.