Northern Vietnam Delights

Xin Chao Vietnam - Welcome to Hanoi city. Meet and greet upon arrival and enjoy a private transfer to the city. Check-in Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi - The ward-winning French colonial-style hotel lying in the heart of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake and the magnificent Opera House.Boasting a classical white façade, green shutters, original wrought iron detail, wood paneling and a lush courtyard lawn, the hotel is one of the region’s few remaining hotels of its era.

If time permits, we will take you around the bustling Hanoi Old Quarters, you will wander through the streets where you will discover so many different things - ranging from hectic markets, kitschy toys, tranquil backstreet pagodas and numerous street vendors to smoky meats. Overnight in Hanoi city.

Breakfast at the hotel and then today is spent with a comprehensive orientation city tour of Hanoi. Hanoi is the country’s cultural heart, bearing traces of centuries of changing dynasties. You will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace and the historic complex including Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, One Pillar Pagoda, dating back to the first Vietnamese empire independent from China. Also visit the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison, where American prisoners of war were once confined; the Temple of Literature and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts or History Museum at your choice.

Break time for lunch at a local restaurant and then later, travel by cyclo as a local would through the Old Quarter. This evening, see a traditional Vietnamese roi nuoc (water puppetry) performance. Dinner at a local restaurant

At 21:00, we will transfer you to Hanoi train station to board the Victoria Express (private cabin) to Lao Cai/Sapa. Overnight on the train.

The train arrives in Lao Cai train station at 06:00. You will be picked up by a local tour guide and private transfer uphills to Sapa (38 km). Check-in the hotel (14:00 at noon, available room subject to availability). Having breakfast at the hotel and the rest of morning will be at your own leisure to make exploration to the town and market. In the afternoon, you will take a half day gentle trek to visit Cat Cat villlage inhabited by Black H'mong ethnic minorities. Back to the town. Overnight in Sapa.

Breakfast at the hotel and we will enjoy a full day trekking tour to visit hill tribes villages. The trek will be on the mountain road running along the picturesque Muong Hoa valley and enormous Hoang Lien Mountain Range. During private touring, enjoy panoramic views of lush green valleys and steep hillsides covered in terraced rice fields. Visit lively local people in the village and having lunch in a local home, hiking and walking excursions to villages and waterfalls, or a cooking lesson to learn to prepare local Hmong cuisine. In the afternoon, our private vehicle will transfer you back to the town. Free time to take shower before a transfer to Lao Cai train station to board the Victoria Express back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Breakfast at the station and then we will take you to a mini hotel to take a short rest and have shower. Brewakfast at the hotel and then our driver will pick you up and transfer to Halong Bay. Travel overland through the lush Vietnamese countryside to Ha Long Bay, seeing a traditional way of life en route. Board a luxury wooden junk boat and start cruising and exploring magnificient Halong Bay. Sail among beautiful limestone islands, dine on fresh seafood, enjoy on-board activities such as tai chi at sunrise, and perhaps explore local caves, hike to a scenic overlook, go sea kayaking or visit a floating village.

Greet the sunrise with a tai chi lesson on deck. After breakfast and today will be spent with various activities including caving, kayaking or shore excursions. Coming back to the Halong Jasmine and tonight is 2nd overnight the junk boat.

After breakfast, sail to a spellbinding limestone grotto. Return overland and your tour guide and vehicle awaiting for your return to Hanoi and then direct transfer to the airport to catch your outbound flight to next destination. Goodbye and see you again!