North Vietnam at a Glance: Halong bay & Sapa 5 days

Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station around 05:00 AM, then take a one-hour bus ride uphill to the picturesque town of Sapa. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the stunning landscapes and iconic rice terraces that make Sapa a must-visit destination.

09:30 AM – Meet your local guide and begin your trekking adventure. The initial part follows a road before turning onto a small trail that winds down into the valley towards Y Linh Ho village, nestled by the Muong Hoa River. From here, continue trekking to Lao Chai village, home to the Black Hmong people—one of the largest ethnic minorities in the Sapa region. The Black Hmong have their own language and wear traditional indigo-blue clothing. Until recently, they followed a nomadic lifestyle, and traces of their past can still be seen in rudimentary houses and stone-walled homes.

The journey continues to Ta Van village (1,200m), where you'll meet the Zay people, a relatively small ethnic group of around 38,000 people living in the mountains of Northwest Vietnam.

After exploring Ta Van village, return to Sapa town by car. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out.

Start the day with a leisurely 3 km walk southwest of Sapa to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong people—one of Sapa’s most well-known ethnic communities. Take in the breathtaking scenery, relax by the stunning waterfall, and explore the remnants of a hydroelectric power station built by the French during Vietnam's colonial era.

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, then continue trekking another 3 km to Sin Chai Village, located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, also known as the "Roof of Indochina." From here, soak in the spectacular mountain landscape before heading back to the main road for your transfer back to Sapa town (3 km).

15:00 – Your driver will pick you up for a 5-hour transfer to Hanoi.

Halong Bay is listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage and voted as a Wonder of Nature by the New7Wonders Foundation. You will have a night staying in this world-famous bay.

After breakfast in Hanoi, depart the capital for the 3hr 30mins drive to Halong Bay. Arrive in Halong City’s jetty (around noon) and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing, onboard activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on the vessel. Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: On-board an overnight cruise in Halong Bay

Early risers can enjoy a memorable sunrise over the karst formations of Halong Bay. Breakfast will be served shortly thereafter.

Enjoy breakfast (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations back towards port. Upon disembarkation, our driver will be waiting to provide transport to Hanoi.

Around 15:00  -16:30 arrive in Hanoi. Drop off at hotel (owned arrangement). End of tour.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi is not included