Northern Vietnam

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Accommodation: (D)

On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to the hotel. Depending on what time you arrive, activities can be organized - or you can rest up. In the evening, the group will have a Welcome Dinner at a local Vietnamese restaurant. Overnight Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Hanoi - Full Day City Tour - Accommodation: (B,L)

This morning you will enjoy a guided city tour of Hanoi, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. The city has a rick and fascinating history. The city tour includes Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Temple of Literature, built in the 11th century as Vietnam’s first university, Fine Art Museum, Quan Thanh Temple. Evening at leisure. Overnight Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel (or similar)

The Temple of Literature: Originally built as a temple to Confucius, this is the site of Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. Inside are the stone stele mounted on the backs of turtles, inscribed with the names of the university’s graduates. The complex is divided into five courtyards with different paths that would originally have been reserved for the Emperor and his mandarins. One of the courtyards contains the statue of Confucius guarded by two beautiful bronze storks standing on turtles. The temple highlights the importance influence that Vietnamese society has placed on education. Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake: The Ngoc Son temple is set on a tiny island on the Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century. The temple is reached by crossing the Huc Bridge which literally means the ‘Place Touched by Morning Sunbeams’. The Hoan Kiem Lake is the local point of the city and the source of many legends. One legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honour of the event he renamed the lake ‘Ho Hoan Kiem’ – Lake of the Restored Sword.

Day 3: Hanoi to Sapa - Overnight Soft Sleeper Train (B)

Morning free in Hanoi. A traditional afternoon cyclo tour through the narrow, ancient streets of the exotic Old Quarter is a great way to soak up the sights and sounds. In the evening, board an overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai and the mountainous region near the Chinese border. Overnight: Soft Sleeper Train - 2 people per sleeper.

Afternoon cyclo tour through the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi! A cyclo (pronounced see-clo) is a Vietnamese version of a cycle rickshaw, originally used as the main form of transportation in Vietnam, it has now been overtaken by motorbikes, but still very much remains at the heart of Vietnamese culture. Sit back and relax as you witness the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese life from the comfort of your arm chair! The Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, is a bustling area of narrow streets home to literally thousands of small businesses, shopkeepers and street vendors, selling everything from bananas to books. Originally each of the 36 streets names’ was related to the products being sold there. Hence you can walk from Fish Street to Tin Street to Bamboo Street. It’s a great place to explore and the slow pace of a cyclo will enable numerous photo opportunities.

Day 4: Sapa - Accommodation: (B, L)

Arrive at Lao Cai station early in the morning and transfer to Sapa. Depending on your fitness level, you can arrange anything from gentle walks to challenging hikes to explore the lush valleys and mountains that surround the town. With an expert local guide, you can navigate small paths through verdant, terraced fields of rice and corn, passing farmers and their water buffalo ploughing the land as they have for centuries. The ethnic-minority groups still maintain their traditions and way of life, including their own language and intricately embroidered, colourful clothing. In the evening, you can stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van village or return to the comfort of your hotel in Sapa. Overnight Royal View Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Sapa - Ta Phin - Hanoi - Overnight Soft Sleeper Train (B, L)

Start the morning with a hike to a beautiful waterfall before continuing on to a picturesque Red Dao village. Red Dao women wear giant red scarves around their heads, and their clothing is embellished with colourful red embroidery and coins. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Sapa before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi. Transfer to hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Soft Sleeper Train - 2 people per sleeper.

Day 6: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Traditional Vietnamese Junk (B, L,D)

Arrive in Hanoi at around 5 am. A day room at the hotel will be available, so you can shower and freshen up before breakfast. At around 8 am start your journey to Halong Bay and arrive at around midday to board atraditional junk for an overnight cruise. Halong Bay is widely considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. Thousands of towering pillars of sea and wind-carved limestone karst make the bay an unforgettable sight. After lunch, explore some of the huge limestone caves dotted around the bay and visit a floating fishing village. Then the captain will find a secluded spot where you can swim, soak up the sun on the top deck, or try your hand at kayaking. In the evening enjoy a seafood feast for dinner. Overnight Junk: Jewel of the Bay (or similar)

Day 7: Ha Long Bay to Hanoi - Accommodation: (B, L)

Enjoy an early morning swim, followed by breakfast as you cruise through more spectacular scenery. In the afternoon drive back to Hanoi, where you will have one more evening to sample its fabulous cuisine and explore the Old Quarter. Overnight Maison D'Hanoi Hanova Hotel (or similar)

Day 8: Hanoi (B)

Tour ends after breakfast. You are transferred to the airport for your international flight.