Northern Journey 8 Days

Our itinerary starts in Hanoi capital. By the time you land at Noi Bai international airport, our local guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check in.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. 

Meals at your expense. Stay overnight at hotel. 

You have a whole day to explore a lot of prevailing touristy spots in Hanoi-the bustle and hustle city of over 1000 years of history. We pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex, which is a cluster of Ho Chi Minh’s relics, to learn more about the beloved Father of Vietnamese as well as his humble lifestyle and his military activities. We’ll discover all attractions including: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Still House, Presidential Palace and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda.

Then, we set foot in Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam constructed in the 11th century. 

Lunch at your own expense.

In the afternoon, you will find it really  surprising to visit Museum of Ethnology, which sites around 8 km to the northwest of Hanoi center. This museum reflects almost perspectives on tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as significant features in the life of 54 ethnic groups. It offers you a great chance to witness an inspirational collection of about 27,000 artifacts regarding Vietnamese and Southeast Asian ethnic communities.

Our next attraction is the Hanoi Old Quarter - a place to preserve ancient culture and memory of time. It is a special mixture between its nostalgic ambience of old-styled narrow streets and the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. Moreover, you will be amazed by its vibrancy and a wide range of products displayed through 36 ancient streets ranging from street foods, clothing, jewelleries to souvenirs and more. 

Meals at your expense. Take a short break before being transferred to the railway station for a night train to Lao Cai in a shared 4-berth cabin.

You will be in Lao Cai station in the early morning. Then, we will travel to the Hoang Lien Son mountains where is home to spectacular natural landscape and diverse ethnic culture. During the scenic drive, relax and contemplate the splendid valleys and mesmerizing rice paddies.

Then we encounter the regional culture by paying a visit to a Local Market, where the highlanders from distinct ethnic groups in colorful conventional costume exchange and buy many kinds of goods and local products. You can buy some keepsakes for your beloved kit and kin. If you want to capture photos with locals, don’t forget to ask their permission.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is at your leisure. 

Meals at your own expense. Stay overnight at hotel.

Lao Cai markets schedule: Monday – Phiet Village Market; Tuesday – Coc Ly Market; Wednesday – Cao Son Market; Thursday – Lung Khau Nhin Market; Friday – Chau Market; Saturday – Can Cau Market; Sunday – Bac Ha Market.

Today morning, we will move to another fascinating attraction - Cat Cat village. This is the home of the H’Mong hill tribe on the slope of the hill. Enjoy walking down the valley to visit a waterfall and the old hydroelectric station.

Next, we will trek on a dirt road through the beautiful rice terraces to Y Linh Ho village. You can also see a meandering river along the way. Savoring the local delicacies at the village of the Black H’mong for lunch.

In the afternoon, we set foot in Muong Hoa valley - a gorgeous masterpiece of nature. Then trek the scenic routes to Lao Chai village - Black H’Mong group’s home and Tavan village - Giay ethnic’s group. 

The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can wander around to explore the village and local lifestyle in your own way.

Dinner at your own expense. Spend the night at a local house at the village of Giay people.

Breakfast will be served at the homestay, then our trip continues with a trek to Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao ethnic group. Feast the eye on the scenic landscape of a bamboo forest in Hoang Lien Son national park and an overwhelming waterfall. Su Pan is the last attraction in our trekking. 

Take a break and enjoy your lunch. 

Drive back to Sapa town. 

Fast bus is ready to take you back to Hanoi. 

Dinner on your own expense. Stay overnight at the hotel. 

Breakfast will be served at your hotel and then get ready for a scenic drive to Halong Bay - recognized as UNESCO World Heritage with the majestic beauty of stunning natural landscape.

On the way to the gem in the Gulf of Tonkin - Halong Bay, we will pass through the iconic scenery of the lush rice fields and high mountain ranges of the Red River Delta. As soon as you arrive, embark on the Junk boat for a mesmerizing cruise on the bay. Lunch will be served on board. 

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to some of the most magical caves of Halong. You will be astonished by the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactites and stalagmites. Set your mind free and enjoy the peace of the magnificent bay.  Refresh yourself in the pure emerald  water as the ship stops en route. You can also opt to row kayak to enjoy the tropical vibe in this paradise.

Dinner will be served on the board followed by many exciting activities. Stay overnight on the board.

Note: You will be transferred to Halong Bay by shared shuttle bus and our English speaking guide will support you during your trip to the destination. If you want to have a private transfer, please feel free to contact our travel consultants.

There is nothing better than waking up early to immerse in the fresh air and peaceful atmosphere of the bay. Enjoy your breakfast on board during the ship continues to sail to other lesser - known areas. Around midday, a light lunch will be served on board before returning to the pier for a trip back to Hanoi on a shuttle bus. 

Dinner at your own expense. Stay overnight at the hotel.

It’s time to capture some last photos to preserve memories and moments in Hanoi capital. Purchase some great souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Our driver (without tour guide) will pick you up and transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your next flight.

Meals at your expense. 

End of service!