Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Arrival Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is at your leisure to rest and relax or enjoy a brief walking with your guide to explore the incredible Old quarter and charming lakes of Hanoi. Meet up again in the evening for a scrumptious welcome dinner in one of Hanoi's best local restaurants.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Lao Cai (B, L, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the capital's sites. Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh & the Ho Chi Minh complex before enjoying a nice buffet lunch at Brother Cafe. This afternoon is free for you to visit historical sites by yourself or shop in the Old Quarter with its 36 winding streets. Enjoy an early dinner at L'Indochine restaurant before boarding the train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train.
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa - Ma Tra - Ta Phin (B, L, D)
Early this morning arrive in Lao Cai and transfer along terraced hillsides to Sapa, home to some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic groups. After breakfast, commence with a short hike along a narrow trail through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. Pass through the Black H'mong ethnic minority village of Ma Tra, and continue through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. Take a midday rest for lunch at a local ethnic school before continuing the afternoon trek to the Red Dao minority village of Ta Phin. Visit a workshop and a nearby cave before transferring by road back to Sapa. (Today's trek is approximately 20km)
Overnight in Sapa
Day 4: Sapa - Ban Ho - Nam Toong (B, L, D)
This morning, trek along the fringes of the rainforest skirting the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. Ascend to the Red Dao village of Nam Toong where lunch will be prepared and served in a local school. Continue hiking to the beautiful village of Ban Ho, located next to a gorgeous turquoise river. A final haul uphill out of the Sapa valley will bring you to the large roadside village of Supan, from where the jeeps will transfer you to a wonderful Ecolodge where you'll enjoy a home cooked dinner. (Today involves approximately 5 hours of trekking)
Over night in an Ecolodge.
Day 5: Sapa - Heaven Gate - Sin Chai - Lao Cai (B, L, D)
This morning travel to Silver Waterfall and 'Heaven Gate', the highest pass of roads in Vietnam. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, before descending on a downhill trail through bamboo forest. After lunch by the river, continue the trek to Sin Chai village, where community-based tourism projects in Sapa takes place. Visit the village and interact with the local black Hmong minority, one of the largest group ethnic minorities in Sapa area. From here, journey back to Sapa and on to Lao Cai to catch the night train to Hanoi. (Today involves about 4 hours of walking)
Overnight onboard the train.
Day 6: Hanoi - Yen Tu Mount - Tuan Chau Island (B, L, D)
After an early arrival in Hanoi, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a quick shower before heading out to Yen Tu Mount. Take a cable car up Hoa Hien Temple before hiking down Giai Oan pagoda. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant at the bottom of Yen Tu Mount before transferring on to Tuan Chau Island. (Approximately 5 hours of trekking today)
Overnight on Tuan Chau Island.
Day 7: Halong Bay Cruise and Kayak (B, L, D)
This morning a short transfer takes you to Halong Bay for an early cruise. Set sail through the bay and while enjoying lunch. Take in the scenery of thousands of sculpted limestone islands rising from the waves like dragons' teeth. After lunch, cruise to the inside of magical landscape of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, and Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy sunset from the top of the Titop Mountain or you can take a bamboo row boat to discover a water tunnels with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board the boat, enjoy dinner as the sun sets.
Overnight onboard Halong Bay junk boat.
Day 8: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L, D)
Rise to the sound of the ocean coming to life for another lovely day. Before a very early breakfast, you will have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay whilst cruising back to the Halong dock to drive back Hanoi. Upon arriving in Hanoi early this afternoon, the rest of today is at your leisure before meeting for a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9: Hanoi Departure (B)
After breakfast you will have the chance to wander around Hanoi for your last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. |
