HANOI – HA LONG – NINH BINH – SAPA

Useful information

This tour 6 day, 5-night Hanoi – Ha Long – Ninh Binh – Sapa package is designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of Northern Vietnam in a comfortable, time-efficient way. From the cultural heart of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, the majestic limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, and the misty mountain terraces of Sapa, this journey seamlessly combines nature, culture, and local life.

You’ll explore ancient temples and historic streets in Hanoi, cruise through thousands of limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay, row between towering cliffs and hidden caves in Trang An, and trek charming ethnic villages in Sapa, including Ta Van and Cat Cat.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi – Half Day City Tour

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.

In the afternoon, your guide will pick you up for a 4 hour Hanoi city tour, including:

• Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (outside)
  The mausoleum is clad in grey granite, supported by rows of square columns, with the words “CHỦ TỊCH HỒ CHÍ MINH” prominently displayed. The surrounding grounds are planted with trees and flowers from across Vietnam, making this one of the capital’s most meaningful historical and cultural symbols.

• Tran Quoc Pagoda
  Located on a small island on West Lake’s southeastern shore, this 1,500-year-old pagoda is considered the oldest in Thang Long – Hanoi and was once the Buddhist center during the Ly and Tran dynasties. Its architecture harmoniously blends solemnity, antiquity, and natural lakeside beauty.

• Train Street
  A unique 200-meter-long street tightly flanked by residential houses. When the train passes, you will experience the thrilling feeling of being just about one meter away, making it one of Hanoi’s most iconic photo and experience spots.

• Water Puppet Show
  A traditional Vietnamese art form performed entirely on water. Each show lasts 45–60 minutes, with wooden puppets as the “actors”, accompanied by live music, sound effects, and lighting, creating a lively and captivating performance.

After the tour, you will enjoy a complimentary Vietnamese hair washing experience or body massage package.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave

07:00 – Pick-up from your hotel in the Old Quarter or the Hanoi Opera House and depart for Ninh Binh.

10:00 – Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

Visit the former capital of Vietnam in the 11th century. The ancient ruins, partly reclaimed by nature, create a mystical atmosphere. Explore the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, restored in the 17th century but believed to be on the original foundations of the royal palaces from the 11th–12th centuries.

After local lunch (around 13:30) – Depart for Trang An, a UNESCO-recognized eco-tourism complex:

• Explore a 250-million-year-old limestone system with flooded forests, towering karst peaks, and cultural relics.

• Enjoy a peaceful boat trip through caves and along emerald rivers, passing spectacular limestone cliffs and lush landscapes.

15:30 – Mua Cave

Climb nearly 500 stone steps to the summit. At the top, a tower in traditional Vietnamese style crowns the mountain. From here, take in the panoramic view of rice fields, winding rivers, and karst mountains – one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Ninh Binh.

Return to Hanoi.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

08:00–08:45 – Hotel Pick-up

Your English-speaking guide will collect you from various hotels around Hanoi Old Quarter (timing approximate due to traffic).

11:45–12:00 – Boarding the Cruise

Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, board the cruise from our private pier where the crew will warmly welcome you.

12:00–13:30 – Lunch on Board

Cruise out into the heart of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sail past iconic limestone islands such as Dog Rock, Duck Rock, and Thumb Rock, a tall islet shaped like a giant thumb.

Enjoy a buffet lunch with a variety of seafood and Vietnamese dishes.

13:30–14:30 – Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave

Stop at Bo Hon Island and walk up around 200 steps under the forest canopy to the entrance of Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay. Spend about 45 minutes exploring its impressive chambers.

(Guests who prefer not to walk can stay on board and relax on the sundeck or in the jacuzzi.)

14:30–15:30 – Kayaking / Rowboat

Head to Luon Cave. Here you can:

• Go kayaking for about 30 minutes, or

• Sit on a rowboat paddled by locals to admire the limestone cliffs and peaceful water.

15:30–16:30 – Titop Island

Stop at Titop Island, where you can climb halfway up for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. This viewpoint offers one of the most stunning vistas of the bay.

17:00 – Sunset Party

Enjoy complimentary wine, Vietnamese tea, fresh fruit, and small cakes while cruising back. Watch the sky change colors as the sun sets over the bay.

18:00 – Disembark and return to Hanoi by limousine bus.

You will be dropped off in the Old Quarter to have dinner or explore by yourself.

Around 21:00, a sleeper bus will pick you up to depart for Sapa.

Overnight on the sleeping bus.

Day 4: Sapa – Fansipan Peak – Ta Van Village

05:30 – Arrive in Sapa, early check-in at your pre-booked hotel and rest.

10:00–10:30 – Your guide will pick you up to visit Fansipan:

• Transfer to the Cable Car Station and take a 20-minute cable car ride, enjoying breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

• Reach an altitude of about 2,800 meters, where you can:

  • Explore the pagoda complex and spiritual sites.

  • Climb around 600 steps to the summit of Fansipan – “The Roof of Indochina”.

  • Spend about 1.5 hours for photos and sightseeing.

After that, visit Ta Van Village, about 12 km from Sapa town:

• This is home to the Black H’Mong and Red Dao ethnic minorities, each with distinct languages, houses, and customs.

• The village lies in Muong Hoa Valley, the largest valley in Sapa along the Hoang Lien Son range.

• While Sapa town is lively and busy, Ta Van offers a peaceful, rural atmosphere with:

  • Vast terraced rice fields covering hillsides

  • The sound of flowing streams and singing birds

Day 5: Cat Cat Village – Hanoi

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then your guide will take you to Cat Cat Village:

• Take a short walk to Cat Cat, a village of the Black H’Mong people located in a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak.

• Observe daily life, traditional handicrafts, and local culture.

• Trek down to the waterfall and old French Hydraulic Power Station, stop for photos at the bridge and waterfall.

• Trek back uphill to Sapa with beautiful scenery along the way (trekking distance approx. 2.5 km, about 2 hours).

After the tour, you will return to Hanoi by sleeper bus.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in to the hotel and enjoy free time.

Day 6: Departure from Hanoi

After breakfast, free at leisure until your private car picks you up and transfers you to the airport for your onward flight.

Net Tour Rates (USD per person)

Based on twin/double/triple sharing

Traveling Period: 01 April – 31 August

Traveling Period: 01 September – 31 March

Inclusions

• 5 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast

• Meals as specified in the program

• All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary

• Professional & friendly English-speaking guide

• Private ground transfers and SIC (shared) transfers as per program

• Daily mineral water: 1–2 bottles per person per day

• Complimentary Vietnamese hair-washing experience or body-massage package in Hanoi

Exclusions

• Tips for guide and driver

• Vietnam visa

• International and domestic air tickets

• Bank fees for payment

• Personal travel insurance

• Personal expenses and drinks

• Any services not clearly mentioned in the “Inclusions” section