8Days Best of Northern Vietnam
Price from $2172 per person on twin sharing basis
Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi
Experience Vietnam’s best of North where you will explore the charms of capital Hanoi, return train journey through northern mountains of Vietnam, see hill tribes and its unique culture & villages, traditional markets and different ethnicities and a Junk cruise on UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.
Day 1: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi – Lao Cai (B)
In the morning You will be taken for a brief walking tour of the fascinating Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a visit some historical sites, including Ho Chi Minh complex containing his mausoleum, former residence and the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s house. Also visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
This afternoon, you will be taken for an hour’s ride on Cyclo through the Old Quarter of "36 streets and 36 wares" where artisans still ply their century-old trades. This is followed by an entertaining water puppet show, Vietnam's most famous performing art form. See puppets come to life performing traditional folklore, legends, and historical tale, directed by puppet masters who stand submerged in the water behind a screen and direct the puppets through the use of long sticks. Traditional musical instruments are used to accompany the story.
Evening transfer to Hanoi train station for your overnight train to Lao Cai.
Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa
Arrive in Lao Cai and visit a colourful weekly hill tribe markets, later transfer to Sapa. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 4: Sapa (B/L)
Transfer to the small Giay village of Ta Van and enjoy a scenic walk through the tranquil rice terraces. Afterwards, head over to a nearby Lao Chai village where you will learn the art of Batik painting. The tour concludes with a stroll to the main road before transferring back to Sapa town.
Day 5: Sapa – Hanoi (B/L)
Transfer to O Quy Ho. Away from the major tourist routes, this trek is the perfect escape. Pass by Oolong tea farms and the rice terraces. Walk along ancient stone paths and visit an authentic Black H’Mong house, home to a local family. Transfer back to Sapa town in the early afternoon and enjoy lunch at the Hill Station. Transfer to train station for your train to Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Arrive in Hanoi and then proceed to a restaurant for breakfast. In the early morning, transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Arriving in Halong, board a sailing Junk to discover this World Heritage site, known as the 'land of 3000 islands'. Rising from the sea the islands offer a wealth of opportunity for the local people. Your visit includes exploring the beauty of this area up close.
A fantastic cruise this afternoon visiting Long Bay, visit Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, visit Sung Sot cave and a swim at Titov beach.
The voyage continues with the arrival at the Cua Van Fishing Village, the biggest and oldest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. The village is explored via a pleasant boat ride. You will pass through this ancient village which comprises fishing boats and floating houses.
Day 7: Halong - Hanoi (B/L)
Enjoy the sunrise on your junk. Tea and Coffee is served before you board small bamboo boats to visit Luon Cave and then cruise to pass so that tourists can have a look Man’s head island, Tortoise Island from the Junks.
Enjoy a good breakfast on board before returning back to Halong before noon. Disembark at the pier and return back to Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi (B)
Transfer to the airport for flight home or opt for beach extensions or add on tours we offer.
Includes: Accommodation in a hotel for 4 nights, 2 overnight train tickets Hanoi – Lao Cai- Hanoi, 1 night on board junk, meals as per itinerary, transfers and sightseeing as indicated, local English speaking guides, entrance fees
Departs: Daily and program can be customised
Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2022. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.