Itinerary in Northern Vietnam Tour 6 days admin, August 30, 2023August 25, 2023 The 6-day tour package of Northern Vietnam provides great value with the most popular attractions of the region and flexibility to have unique experiences. You can enjoy an overnight cruise to witness the stunning beauty of Halong Bay, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the first capital of Vietnam, and explore the Sapa hill tribal area to meet ethnic groups like Hmong. This is a perfect trip for young individuals who want to embark on a memorable solo travel journey. Don’t miss out! Itinerary: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc – Hoa Lu Morning On the first day, we will begin a day-long trip in North Vietnam. You should prepare to leave between 7:15 and 7:45 am to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh via expressway, which is over 100 kilometers away. During the journey, you can enjoy the peaceful countryside views. The initial destination is Hoa Lu Old Capital, which was Vietnam’s capital city a millennium ago. This offers an opportunity to discover more about Vietnamese history. The stunning intricate carvings and beautiful artwork embellishing this ancient capital will leave you in awe of the exceptional skills of Vietnamese craftsmen from the past. To cap off the morning journey, enjoy an authentic Vietnamese meal cooked by Vietnamese chefs. Afternoon You will begin a 90-minute boat ride in Tam Coc, where the locals will row the small boat as you admire the stunning karst mountains. During the boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, you can capture many beautiful photos of the peaceful scenery, including the mountains, rice fields, and temples. If you go during harvest season, you may witness a golden carpet of rice along the riverbanks. When this day tour ends, you return to Hanoi from Ninh Binh. Day 2: Hanoi Half-day City Tour – Night Train To Sapa Morning or Afternoon Begin your second day of travel with a city tour in Hanoi and learn more about the ancient capital. You acquaint yourself with Hanoi Old Quarter’s serene atmosphere and these must-visit sites: Start exploring Vietnam’s earliest university, the Temple of Literature, where the country’s aristocracy, mandarins, and elite learned. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to pay respects to the revered founder of modern Vietnam who rests there in eternal peace. Afterward, make your way to the One Pillar Pagoda, the most renowned pagoda in Vietnam, which has a distinctive lotus-like design emerging from water. Make sure to visit West Lake and Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi that has a history of over 1,500 years. Immerse yourself in the ancient Ly dynasty architecture and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere of West Lake. Evening You can use the available time to take a bath and unwind before catching the Lao Cai train. Once you finish packing your belongings, our driver will collect you from your hotel and drive you to the railway station in the city. Take a train to Lao Cai station and spend the night in a shared sleeping cabin with other passengers on the lower bunks. Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van Once the train reaches Lao Cai Station (between 4:30 am to 5:00 am), you will be taken by the bus driver to Sapa, which is a popular tourist spot in North Vietnam. In case you arrive early, you can check-in before 2 pm with an additional fee. Before embarking on your trekking journey in Lao Cai with our local tour guide, it’s important to take some time to relax. The trekking trail includes Y Linh Ho, a small town situated next to the Muong Hoa River, and Lao Chai, a well-known Black Hmong community recognized for their impressive indigo blue clothing and historical remains. After having lunch, devote some time to discovering the customs of the area. Then, head back to Sapa and proceed with your exploration by visiting Ta Van Village, where the Zay community resides. Among the charming terraced fields, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the homes constructed by this ethnic group. Back to the town and spend the night at the hotel. Day 4: Cat Cat – Sin Chai – Sapa – Hanoi Morning Get up early and eat breakfast at your hotel. At about 9 o’clock, we will walk to Cat Cat Village from the South-West direction. Enjoy a leisurely time near the impressive waterfall and the remains of a hydroelectric power plant constructed by the French during Vietnam’s colonial period. After the morning tour, you can have a picnic along the river for lunch to spend time in nature. Afternoon Continue your hike to Sin Chai village, which is at the base of Fansipan Mountain, often known as “the Roof of Indochina”. Take in the breathtaking views of the mountain. Once the tour is over, you’ll go back to the main road where you’ll be picked up between 2:30 PM and 3:00 PM. You’ll then be driven to Sapa town and later returned to Hanoi around 9:30 PM. It’s recommended that you rest before heading to Halong on the following day. Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Overnight Cruise Morning Around 08:00 – 08:30, have breakfast at the hotel before being transferred to the well-known Northern destination: Halong Bay. The cruise check-in starts between 11:30 and 12:00. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by friendly crew members who will offer you a complimentary refreshing drink. You can also indulge in a scrumptious lunch consisting of seafood prepared by skilled chefs. While enjoying your meal, you can admire the stunning emerald water and numerous limestone islands of various sizes and shapes. Afternoon Sign up for some post-break activities, such as exploring the caverns in Halong Bay, kayaking, or taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of a beautiful beach. Please note that the specific activities may vary depending on the itinerary of each trip. Go back to your ship for some relaxation and dinner. During your enjoyable cruise, you can participate in several activities such as squid fishing, playing cards, and watching movies (depending on what the cruise offers). Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi Morning You can begin your second day in Halong feeling rejuvenated by participating in a Tai Chi class before breakfast early in the morning. It’s important to note that this activity may vary by cruise, so it’s best to inquire with our sales consultant for further information. After that, the boat will take you to see the last attraction on the itinerary, you can visit one of the most beautiful caves: Trung Trang Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Dark & Bright Cave, etc. Check out and head to the restaurant for brunch, which is provided on the way to the cruise return to the main port. Around 11:30, disembark and take a transfer back to Hanoi. OTHER SUGGESTED ITINERARY There are several tour options available for exploring Northern Vietnam. Some popular options include: Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel – Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the famous Water Puppet Theater – Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner and overnight in Hanoi Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his former residence, and the One Pillar Pagoda – Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university – Take a cyclo ride to visit the bustling Dong Xuan Market – Watch a traditional Vietnamese cultural show in the evening – Overnight in Hanoi Day 3: Halong Bay Cruise – Depart from Hanoi for a scenic drive to Halong Bay – Embark on a cruise to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay – Visit the floating fishing village, explore the limestone caves, and enjoy kayaking – Enjoy a seafood dinner on-board while watching the sunset – Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay Day 4: Halong Bay – Ninh Binh – Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Halong Bay – Continue cruising through the stunning scenery before heading back to the harbor – Transfer to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land” – Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and take a boat trip through Tam Coc’s caves and limestone karsts – Overnight in Ninh Binh Day 5: Mai Chau – Leave Ninh Binh and drive to Mai Chau, a peaceful valley surrounded by rolling hills and terraced rice fields – Visit local ethnic minority villages and interact with the locals to learn about their traditional way of life – Enjoy a traditional performance by the White Thai people in the evening – Overnight in a homestay or hotel in Mai Chau Day 6: Return to Hanoi – After breakfast, explore more of the picturesque landscapes in Mai Chau – Take a leisurely bike ride through the villages and visit handicraft workshops – Return to Hanoi in the afternoon – Free time for shopping and exploring the city – Transfer to the airport for departure or extend your stay in Hanoi Note: This itinerary can be customized according to your preferences and time constraints. Ambassador Cruise Halong Bay Itinerary 2 Days Ambassador is the largest cruise in Halong Bay with 5 decks, 2 sundecks. This 5 stars cruise offers high-quality and wide range of activities for passengers to delve into the culture and nature space of World wonder Ha Long. Request Tour Travel Guide suggested itinerary