Hanoi to Sapa, Tam Coc and Halong Bay – 8D/7N

UTravel Private Tours signature Vietnam tour package,  Hanoi to Sapa, Tam Coc and Halong Bay – 8D/7N, that provides a good introduction to first timer in Northern Vietnam of Hanoi.

 

North Vietnam has both gorgeous mountains and beautiful coastal bays and lagoons to thrill visitors all year round, which makes charming Hanoi a great base to begin your adventure. Hanoi has a lot to fascinate all with its rich culture and heritage. Explore the old quarter and admire the grand French architecture in this bustling city with lots to see, buy and eat.

 

Sapa highlands is a favorite with trekking enthusiast. Coupled with its stunning mountain vistas and lush rice fields terraces, Sapa is a great attraction that offers that rural rustic charms not found elsewhere.  Hill tribes, such as the Hmong, Tay and Dao, make up much of the town’s local population.

 

The majestic tall limestone structures of gorgeous Halong Bay is simply breath-taking. The incredible hues of blue water or the romantic amber rays of amazing sunsets are just some reasons why Halong Bay is a must do in a sailing junk boat!

This Vietnam tour package can be customised to your needs (as of all our other packages).  If you have more time, we can travel on a slower pace to allow more sight seeing. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival 

 

  • Arrival and pick up at Hanoi (Noi Bai) International Airport
  • Transfer to your hotel for check in
  • Free at your leisure in Hanoi city
  • Pick up & drop off for Water Puppet Show 
  • Overnight in Hanoi

 

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

 

  • Morning pick-up 
  • Scenic shuttle bus ride from Hanoi to Halong Bay
  • Embark on an exotic cruise in picturesque Halong Bay
  • Enjoy scrumptious lunch on board with Halong Bay’s iconic limestone boulder formations
  • Explore amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay
  • Visit Titoy Island – swim, climb to the top of Titoy Island for a panorama view or just relax on the beach
  • Cruise continue with beautiful view of sea-cape along the way
  • Soak up the gorgeous sunset hues on the sun deck. Lots of photo opportunities here
  • Dinner on board with time for social gatherings, fun with board games, squid fishing or simply star gazing into the magical night sky
  • Overnight on board

 

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Sapa (Breakfast & Lunch)

 

  •  Early morning Tai Chi on board or simply enjoy dawn’s fresh crisp air
  • Enjoy delicious warm breakfast and the serenity of peaceful Halong Bay
  • Kayak into Bo Nau Cave – one of the most beautiful grotto in Halong Bay
  • Return to cruise and preparation to check out of cabin
  • Cruise continues passing Ba Hang Fishing Village, Dog Islet and more
  • Enjoy fruit carving demonstrations and cooking classes
  • A traditional savoury Vietnamese lunch is served on board
  • Disembark cruise after lunch
  • Transfer to Hanoi City and onward to Hanoi Train Station for overnight train journey to border town of Lao Cai. Train departs 21:30
  • Overnight on train

 

Day 4: Sapa – Tavan Village (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) 

 

  • Early train arrival in Lao Chai and pick up by shuttle bus
  • Scenic drive up Sapa Pass at 1300m with stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces
  • Arrive in Sapa Town for breakfast
  • Leave bags in bus, trek 1.5km towards Lao Chai Village or Black Hmong Village. Hiking boots highly recommended
  • Hike pass Y Linh Ho Village with amazing views of the rice fields floating among the mountains
  • Delicious local ethnic lunch cooked by guide in Lao Chai Village
  • Visit Catholic Church and observe the daily village life of the black Hmong minority people
  • Continue towards Sapa Valley, a 2 hours downhill hike taking in Zay Village of Tavan
  • Lots of photo opportunities of endless mountain peaks and stunning green fields
  • Enjoyed authentic dinner – local traditional food served
  • Overnight in Tavan

 

Day 5: Tavan – Sapa (Breakfast & Lunch)

 

  • After breakfast, visit Red Dao minority tribe and waterfall at Giang Ta Chai
  • The Red Dao woman wear heavily embroidered clothes with a distinctive red turban decorated with silver coins and red tassels.
  • Continue trek along rice fields, crossing Muong Hoa River and trek up to Su Pan
  • Lunch
  • Jeep pick up and transfer back to Sapa
  • Overnight hotel in Sapa

 

Day 6: Sapa – Bac Ha Market – Hanoi (Breakfast & Lunch)

 

  • Early morning drive (3 hours) from Sapa to Bac Ha Market (Sundays only)
  • Explore Bac Ha market scene with lots of minorities tribes
  • Lunch at local restaurant
  • Either visit Hmong King Palace (Dinh Hoàng A Tưởng ) or take a casual stroll to Ban Pho of the Hmong people
  • Return drive to Lao Cai (2 hours)
  • Overnight train to Hanoi

 

Day 7: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Lunch)

 

  • Arrive in Hanoi at 0530 hr
  • Transfer to hotel 
  • 0830 hr – Pick up at hotel by coach to Hoa Lu (2.5 hour drive)
  • Visit historic capital of Vietnam, famous ancient temples of Le and Dinh dynasties.
  • Bus transfer from Hoa Lu to Tam Coc for lunch at 1230 hr
  • After lunch, boat trip to Tam Coc – karst formations and limestone caves
  • Cycle from Tam Coc to Bich Dong (about an hour – 5km) through quiet villages, rice fields, rivers and rocky outcrops
  • Transfer back to Hanoi
  • Drop off at your hotel around 1830 hr
  • Overnight in Hanoi

 

Day 8: Hanoi – Home

 

  • Free at your leisure till pick up to transfer to airport for your flight home.

 

 

Highlights & Inclusions:

 

  • Hotel/Airport Pick up and Drop Off  
  • All Admission Fees
  • Accommodation 3 or 4* or guesthouse
  • Meals as indicated in itinerary 
  • Excludes personal expenses, drinks like beer and soft drinks
  • Excludes air tickets
  • Overnight boat cruise in Halong Bay 
  • Round trip – soft sleeper train
  • Shuttle Bus- Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Lao Cai Station
  • Air-Conditioned Private Van with English Speaking Driver
  • Car Insurance, Tolls, Petrol & All Parking
  • No Tipping Required

 

Insider Tips:

 

  • Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for Sapa 
  • As it can be hot, do bring hats or umbrellas or sufficient drinking water
  • Bring your own swim gear or equipment for fun in the water
  • Be prepared with umbrellas or raincoats for rainy season in Sapa
  • Please advise if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions

Vegetarian or Halal food option are available, please advise at time of booking if required