Meal: not included | Accommodation: in Hanoi

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll find our driver waiting to take you to your hotel in the city center. Time for relaxing after the journey. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a captivating destination that offers travelers a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant urban life. Located in the northern part of the country, the city is known for its seamless blending of tradition with modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the heart and soul of Vietnam. Whether you're interested in history, cuisine, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, Hanoi has something for all.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: Night train - sleeper cabin with air conditioning

Your day begins at 8:00 a.m. with a warm hotel pick-up, where we'll whisk you away to start your day orientating around Hanoi.

First, we'll delve into Vietnam's rich educational heritage with a visit to the prestigious Temple of Literature. Be enchanted by the beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens of this ancient university, a symbol of wisdom and intellectual achievement. Next, prepare to be captivated by the diversity of Vietnamese culture at the Museum of Ethnology. Immerse yourself in the fascinating exhibits that showcase the country's ethnic groups, their traditional customs, and colorful heritage.

After a delightful lunch tantalizing your taste buds with authentic Hanoi cuisine, in the afternoon, we continue our journey with a visit to the iconic Ho Chi Minh Complex to gain insight into the life of Vietnam's beloved leader as we explore the Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda. Next, we'll immerse ourselves in Hanoi's bustling heart, the Old Quarter, navigating its charming alleys and partaking in an enticing street food tasting to savor the city's culinary delights. 

Back to your hotel with some time for refreshment. At 20:30 - We depart to Hanoi Railway Station to catch the night train to Lao Cai.

Traveling by train from Hanoi to Lao Cai offers a traditional and authentic experience. The train cabins are generally basic but functional. The default option is a 4-berth sleeper cabin, where you're likely to share the space with other passengers. We also offer an upgraded option of a 2-berth private cabin which provides more space and privacy, ensuring a cozier journey. 

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Sapa

Upon your arrival at Lao Cai railway station around 6:00 AM, you’ll be picked up and walked to a local restaurant for your refreshment followed by a hearty breakfast to energize you for the day ahead. 

After breakfast, a car transfer takes you to the captivating Ta Phin village, a place of cultural richness and natural splendor. Trekking through this picturesque valley, you'll immerse yourself in the Dao community, gaining insights into their way of life and traditions. After a delicious lunch at a local house, the adventure continues with more trekking, leading you through the enchanting Ma Tra area. In mid-afternoon, our car will be awaiting you in Ma Tra to transport you to Sapa town center, where you'll check into your hotel and have the evening to unwind at your leisure. 

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hanoi

8:00 – pick up from your hotel, we then start trekking from Sapa town to Golden Stream Valley. The trek offers some stunning views of the rice terraces, gardens, and Fan Si Pan mountain range. Immerse yourself in the local culture as we visit the welcoming homes of the Black H'Mong and Dzay people in Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, absorbing their way of life and traditions. This trek is relatively easy, though the trail can be quite slippery if it rains, so good footwear is recommended. 

A home-cooked lunch fuels us for an afternoon stroll, leading us to the main road where our driver awaits, ready to take us back to Sapa town.

Time will be on your own to explore the town, its market, and sloping streets with many colorful handicrafts.

14:0 - 14:30 Comfortable shuttle bus departs from Sapa to Hanoi. Enjoy beautiful views driving along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The bus is equipped with large individual seats, A/C, and wifi. There are 2 stops on the way and dinner is at your own cost.

You’ll arrive in Hanoi center at around 20:00 and have a quick transfer back to your hotel. 

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Tam Coc

8:30 - You will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi by our guide and driver and head to Green Ninh Binh (the drive should take us less than 2 hours on the highway). 

Upon arrival, you will visit Hoa Lu, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam back in the 10th century. Your guide will take you through the history of Vietnam a thousand years back by visiting some temples dedicated to the Kings. After that, you will drive through the scenic landscape and countryside villages to Tam Coc village and enjoy a home lunch at one of the village’s houses. 

In the afternoon, you will hop on your bicycles for an easy-paced ride to a local pier to board a rowing sampan for about one hour, sailing through the less-traveled canals of the region, whose beauty has nothing to envy the busiest ones. You will sail through caves and along the Thung Nham wetland, a part of the spectacular natural site of the Trang An landscape complex. After the boat trip, let's continue the cycling route through the scenic rural landscapes in Tam Coc to get a closer look at the villages’ rural life. 

As the sun goes down, we’ll head to Hang Mua (Mua Cave) for an adventurous 500 steps to a spectacular view. Once on top, enjoy the spectacular view of the rivers, rice fields, and villages in the surrounding area. Overnight in Tam Coc

If you prefer not to cycle, please inform your Handspan travel consultant. A very interesting and more relaxed tour program can be customized to meet your preferences.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Onboard the Treasure Junk 

We depart early for an approximate 4-hour drive to Halong City through the Red River Delta region. Upon arrival, we will give farewell to our guide and driver, since they will bring us to join our little group cruise. 

Upon arrival, we will board the Treasure Junk and start to cruise towards the boundaries of Halong Bay while a delicious lunch with fresh seafood is served (vegetarian and kid’s menus available).

Make yourself at ease and just relax after lunch. Hundreds of emerging limestone rock formations will parade all around us for about 2 hours before our first stop. We will then reach the perfect spot, where the waters of Halong and Bai Tu Long hit and wave together. Let's get ready for a closer look at the water and explore the bay in depth paddling on our own kayak.

We’ll get back on the Treasure before sunset when we will be able to enjoy a cocktail on board while we will sail to the anchorage area where we will spend the night offshore. The dinner will be served either inside or outside on the deck, depending on weather conditions. Overnight on board in our cozy air-conditioned cabin with en-suite bathroom. 

Meal: brunch | Accommodation: not included

Awaken to the serene misty bay at 6:30 a.m., where coffee, tea, and cakes await. You can choose to energize your body, mind, and soul with a 30-minute Tai Chi session led by our onboard master or simply bask in the sun with coffee. Later, embark on a bamboo boat to explore a secluded floating village, meandering through floating houses and rowing boats serving various purposes. Returning to the Treasure before 9:00 am, we'll cruise back to the pier, followed by a brunch at 9:30. As we bid farewell to the majestic rocks guarding the kingdom, we'll head to the pier and get a private transfer to Hanoi airport, in a good time for boarding your departure flight. End of our service.