Ninh Binh - Sapa - Halong Bay - 5 Days

  • 5 days / 4 nights day
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Overview

In the journey trip you will have the chance to visit both Ha Long bay and “Ha Long bay on the land” (Tam Coc). The tour will take you from the mountain to the bay, the most beautiful landscape of Northern Vietnam. We will row a boat along the rice paddies and through many caves, and visite one of the ancient citadels in Vietnam, walk through the terraced rice fields in Sapa, relax on a luxury cruise on Ha Long bay.

Highlight

  • Take a sampan boat down the river in Tam Coc and deep into breathtaking and peaceful nature, enjoy a leisure cycling trip
  • Trek in deep hill tribe villages of ethnic minority to enjoy mountain scenery, see colorful rice paddy terraces and experience the truly life and culture of diverse ethnic minorities
  • Relax on the cruise in Halong bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire spectacular scenery with more than 1.000 limestone islands and islets, caves, and traditional floating villages
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Itinerary

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Day 01: Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi - Night train to Lao Cai (L)

8.00: pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi to Ninh Binh. After 2, 5 hours driving southward, we arrival Tam Coc wharf, get on the boat row while this area is still not busy, we will enjoy nice and quiet riding long river through 3 tunnel cave, consisting of the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba grottoes. These caves are adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colors that sparkle like gemstones. After 2 hours boat ride we get back on the shore, have lunch in local restaurant close by, afterwards we will go to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital with 2 temples of the Kings Dinh and Le before heading back to Hanoi.

Evening, pick up at your hotel then transfer to the station for a night train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on soft sleeper berths cabin to Lao Cai.

Day 02: Lao Cai - Sapa – Walking tour to Cat Cat Village - Sapa (B)

We arrive Lao Cai train station in the early morning. Pick up and driving to Sapa, it takes us around one hour to make our way up the mountains. Once at Sapa, we have breakfast (we will have room if it is available - but the check in time after 12:00). We embark on a lovely walking tour to the hill tribe village of Cat Cat, home of the H'Mong hill tribe minority people. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with families that live in the area.

Optional Fansipan by cable car. The cable car system in Sapa is the world’s longest and highest cable car, running up from sleepy Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province to the peak of 3,143-meter. Fansipan Mountain, known as Indochina’s rooftop.

Reaching Mount Fansipan used to mean a full-day hike at least. But from Feb 2016 the trek up will be reduced to a 25-minute flight by cable car. The 6.5km long cable car can carry a maximum of 2,000 passengers an hour, with each cabin accommodating 35 passengers.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Day 03: Sapa - Muong Hoa Valley - bus to Hanoi (B, L)

Get up in the early morning and enjoy the fresh air and the daily life at Sapa market. Back to hotel for breakfast. At 9.00 we embark on a lovely trek that will take us along buffalo paths and trails and through several hills tribe villages Lao Chai & Ta Van, home to Black H'mong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Once on the valley floor you can really appreciate the wonderful scenery that surrounds you. The walls of the valley are covered with multi-layered rice terraced fields and scattered villages.

We back to Sapa in the afternoon and wait for a bus transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 04: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

We will pick you up around 08:00 am for a transfer to Ha Long Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. "Dragon descending to the sea" as it is known in Vietnamese, picturesque Ha Long Bay has more than 1.000 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes

Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay we embark on a boat trip to cruise discovering this magnificent UNESCO World Wonder. This is a great journey among surreal islands rising from a tranquil emerald sea.

In the late afternoon, we anchor for the night on the bay and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner on board.

Overnight on a junk boat in Ha Long Bay.

Day 05: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B, L)

Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. After breakfast we take a Sampan boat to explore Luon Cave. We may have a chance to see the wild monkeys that gather around waiting for food from the tourists. After that we continue to cruise around the bay. Lunch is served on the boat on our way back to the docks then we return to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi around 16.30.

End of the trip!

FAQS

1. Can I customize the itinerary?

Absolutely. This is your bespoke Vietnam boutique tour, designed just for you. Every traveler is unique, and as a leading Vietnam luxury boutique travel company, we’re here to craft a journey that matches your personal style. Whether you’d like to swap destinations, upgrade to luxury boutique hotels, or slow the pace for a deeper cultural immersion, we’ll tailor every detail to reflect your preferences.

2. What kind of accommodations are included?

We handpick charming boutique hotels known for their comfort, character, and hospitality. In Sapa, you’ll also enjoy a night in a welcoming, well-kept local homestay – a chance to connect with the community and embrace authentic mountain life.

3. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance for any Vietnam boutique tour. While we don’t include it in our packages, this gives you the freedom to choose a plan that suits your needs. Travel insurance ensures you’re protected against unexpected events and provides smooth assistance throughout your journey. Please share your policy details with us before your departure.

4. How can I book this tour?

Booking your boutique journey is easy. This itinerary serves as inspiration—your actual trip will be custom-built. Simply fill out the request form on our website with your preferences. A local travel specialist from our Vietnam luxury boutique team will then contact you to discuss ideas and fine-tune the plan until you’re fully satisfied.

5. What is the payment policy?

Once your custom itinerary is finalized, a deposit of 30% is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due around 60 days prior to your travel date. For last-minute bookings, full payment may be needed upfront. We accept bank transfers, Visa/Mastercard, or cash. Your travel expert will guide you through each step clearly and transparently.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. Here's a quick summary of our cancellation terms:
- 30% deposit is non-refundable once the booking is confirmed
- 60–46 days before arrival: 50% cancellation fee
- 45–31 days before arrival: 75% cancellation fee
- 30 days or less: 100% cancellation fee

If your tour is impacted by unexpected events (like natural disasters or force majeure), we’ll offer you the option to postpone your trip or refund eligible payments (excluding any unrecoverable costs).

7. Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam (or neighboring countries)?

Yes, most travelers will need a visa to enter Vietnam. The process is simple, and we’re happy to guide you through it. If your trip includes neighboring countries, we’ll help you check their specific visa requirements too.

8. Can I extend my trip or add extra days?

Absolutely! Love the beach? Want more time in the mountains? Or just a little extra downtime? Whatever your dream trip looks like, we’ll tailor the itinerary to include more of what you love. Just tell us what you’re thinking and we’ll make it happen.

9. Are solo travelers welcome?

Yes – our Vietnam boutique tours are perfect for solo travelers. You’ll enjoy a private, tailor-made itinerary and personalized care from your travel consultant. A single supplement may apply, but we’ll work with you to find elegant yet affordable options. Whether you’re seeking connection, solitude, or adventure, your solo experience will be safe, smooth, and truly special.

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