A dedicated designer
One expert owns your journey from first sketch to final boarding pass.
Duration
8 DAYS
Travel Style
Private Tailor-Made
Guide Price
Price on Request
Northern Vietnam Explorer: Sapa, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay
Experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Northern Vietnam on this 8-day adventure through Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay. Trek through Sapa’s breathtaking terraced hillsides, meet ethnic minority communities, and take in the fresh mountain air. Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and cycle past rice paddies and limestone peaks in Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Then, set sail on a traditional junk boat to explore the iconic emerald waters and dramatic karsts of Halong Bay.
With hand-picked accommodations, expert local guides, and immersive experiences at every stop, this tour offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Whether it’s your first time in Vietnam or you’re returning to explore deeper, this journey showcases the very best of the north.
Highlight of the Trip
- Discover Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter and historic landmarks.
- Trek through Sapa’s terraced hills and ethnic villages.
- Row a boat through Tam Coc’s limestone caves in Ninh Binh.
- Cruise through Halong Bay’s emerald waters and hidden grottos.
Your Journey, Day by Day
Itinerary in detail
01
Day 1Ha Noi Viet Nam
Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s lively colonial capital. Your guide and driver will meet you outside the baggage claim at Noi Bai Airport and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a short orientation walk. Visit the Opera House, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Stay: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: None Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
02
Day 2Ha Noi Viet Nam
Hanoi City Tour – Night Train to Lao Cai
Spend a full day exploring Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum and his stilt house, then see the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and either the History or Ethnology Museum. Enjoy a traditional water puppet show before dinner at a top Hanoi restaurant. In the evening, board the overnight train to Lao Cai.
Stay: Overnight train (shared 4-berth cabin with A/C)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Accommodation: Overnight train (shared 4-berth cabin with A/C)
03
Day 3Lao Cai Sa Pa
Lao Cai – Sapa
04
Day 4Lao Cai Sa Pa Viet Nam
Sapa Trek – Stay at Topas Ecolodge
05
Day 5Lech Village Viet Nam
Lech Village – Train to Hanoi
06
Day 6Ninh Binh Viet Nam
Hanoi – Ninh Binh
07
Day 7Halong Bay Viet Nam
Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Cruise
08
Day 8Ha Noi Viet Nam
Halong – Hanoi – Departure
What's Included
- Trains Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi • All accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels • Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary • English speaking guides • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary • Early check-in and late check-out at hotels. • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.) • Tips for guides and drivers • Personal travel insurance • Vietnam Visa fee
Tailor this journey
Speak to a Vietnam specialist
Every day of this itinerary can be reshaped around your timing, passions, and travel style — at no extra cost.
Plan Your Tailored Journey →Visual Journey
Scenes from This Journey
Halong Bay - a natural Highlights of Vietnam
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Accommodations
Handpicked Stays on this Journey
Anantara Hoi An Resort
Boutique LuxuryAnantara Hoi An Resort Discover the exceptional Anantara Hoi An Resort, strategically located less than a mile from the historic heart of Hoi An, nestled in lus
TIA Wellness Resort
Boutique LuxuryTIA Wellness Resort TIA Wellness Resort marks the exciting evolution of the award-winning Fusion Maia Da Nang. Now rebranded and enhanced, the resort delivers n
Anantara Mui Ne Resort and Spa
Boutique LuxuryHandpicked luxury boutique property offering personalized service and local charm.
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Rated 4.9 / 5 by discerning travelers
"The seamless execution of every private transfer, the depth of our specialist guides, and the breathtaking boutique hotels made this the trip of a lifetime."
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