PRIVATE AND 100% TAILOR-MADE TOUR

Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Sa Pa - 5 Days

Code: VIFA262

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Kayaking Area, Ha Long City, Sa Pa, Stone Church, Central Square, Fansipan Peak, Cat Cat Village

Tour Overview

Experience three of Northern Vietnam’s most iconic destinations on a 5-day journey combining city culture, spectacular mountain scenery and the legendary landscapes of Ha Long Bay.

Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam’s characterful capital, where historic neighborhoods and local life set the tone for the journey. Continue to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters, towering limestone formations and impressive caves.

The adventure then leads to the highlands of Sa Pa, surrounded by mist-covered mountains, terraced valleys and villages shaped by the traditions of local ethnic communities. Discover the region’s distinctive culture and make your way to Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina and famously known as the “Roof of Indochina.”

Blending cultural encounters with contrasting landscapes from the mountains to the sea, this itinerary is an ideal introduction to the diversity of Northern Vietnam.

Tour Highlights

Experience the history, culture and local atmosphere of Hanoi
Cruise among the limestone islands of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay
Discover spectacular caves and emerald waters in Ha Long Bay
Explore the mountain landscapes and valleys surrounding Sa Pa
Learn about the traditions of local ethnic communities
Visit traditional villages in the Sa Pa region
Reach Fansipan Peak - the “Roof of Indochina”
Combine Northern Vietnam’s city, mountain and coastal highlights in one 5-day journey

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and collect your luggage before proceeding to the designated meeting point outside the terminal.

Our representative will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi.

After arrival at the hotel, complete the check-in procedure and settle into your room. Standard check-in time is from 14:00 onwards.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax after the journey and enjoy your first moments in Hanoi at your own pace.

Day 2: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

In the morning, our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Depart for Ha Long Bay via the expressway, with a short 20-minute break along the way.

Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, board the cruise and begin a scenic 5-6 hour journey through Ha Long Bay. Sail among dramatic limestone islands and rocky outcrops, many of which have been given imaginative names by local people based on their distinctive shapes.

Enjoy lunch on board while taking in the surrounding scenery.

Continue to Surprise Cave, where impressive stalactites and stalagmites create a variety of natural formations inside one of the bay’s most remarkable caves.

Next, visit Titop Island, known for its sandy beach and striking limestone mountain. Those who wish can climb to Titop Peak for a panoramic view across Ha Long Bay.

The journey then continues to Luon Cave, where you can choose between kayaking or a bamboo boat ride to explore the peaceful lagoon and limestone surroundings.

Afterwards, return to the cruise and sail back toward Tuan Chau Harbor. On the way, enjoy a sunset party with tea and cakes, relax on the upper deck, listen to music or simply take in the scenery as the day winds down.

Disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor and board the bus back to Hanoi via the expressway, with a 20-30 minute rest stop on the way.

Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter in the evening.

Notes

Swimming at Titop Island is optional and depends on seasonal and weather conditions.
Guests are recommended to bring swimwear, sunglasses and insect repellent.
The cruise itinerary and schedule may be adjusted depending on weather and operational conditions.

Day 3: Hanoi - Sa Pa - Cat Cat Village

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Hanoi and board the bus for the journey to Sa Pa.

Travel along the highway toward Lao Cai, with a comfort stop on the way. A second short break will be made in Lao Cai City before continuing into the mountains toward Sa Pa.

Upon arrival in Sa Pa Town, enjoy the lively atmosphere and colorful traditional dress of the H’mong, Dao and Tay ethnic communities.

Receive a welcome drink and a short briefing about the day’s program before enjoying lunch with local Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, complete the hotel check-in procedure.

In the afternoon, take a short drive to the entrance of Cat Cat Village, a traditional village of the Black H’mong community located in a deep valley near the foot of Fansipan Mountain.

Accompanied by a local guide, walk through the village and learn more about the daily life, culture and traditions of the local people. Continue trekking down into the valley to visit the waterfall and the historic hydroelectric power station built by the French. Stop for photos at the bridge and waterfall before walking uphill to the pick-up point.

The trekking route is approximately 2.5 km and takes around 2 hours.

Return to Sa Pa Town in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner and spend the evening at leisure before an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Sa Pa - Fansipan Peak - Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver and tour guide for the transfer to the Fansipan Cable Car Station.

Board the cable car for a scenic ride of approximately 20 minutes, enjoying sweeping views over the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and the valleys surrounding Sa Pa.

At around 2,800 meters above sea level, take time to admire the scenery, capture photos and visit the spiritual complex and pagoda area. From here, continue on foot and climb approximately 600 steps to reach Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina and famously known as the “Roof of Indochina.”

Allow around 1.5 hours for walking, sightseeing and photography in the summit area.

Afterwards, return by cable car and transfer back to Sa Pa Town.

Arrive at the hotel, check out and enjoy lunch. The remaining time is free for you to relax or explore Sa Pa at your own pace.

Later, meet the other group members at the designated bus station and board the bus back to Hanoi. The journey includes two comfort stops along the way.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, the bus will drop you off at the designated stop.

End of the day’s program.

Day 5: Hanoi Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel on the final morning of your journey.

Afterwards, complete the check-out formalities. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore nearby local markets, pick up souvenirs or enjoy a final walk around Hanoi.

Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Board your flight home, bringing your Northern Vietnam journey to a close.

Trip ends.

Inclusions

Accommodation in twin or double rooms on a sharing basis at hotels specified in the itinerary
All transportation within Vietnam as outlined in the program, including airport pick-up and drop-off
Local English-speaking tour guides during scheduled sightseeing and activities
Entrance fees to attractions and sightseeing sites mentioned in the itinerary
Meals as specified in the daily program

Exclusions

International and domestic flights to and from Vietnam
French-, German-, Spanish-, Chinese- or Russian-speaking guides, available upon request with an additional surcharge
Beverages and personal expenses
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and service staff
Travel insurance
Single room supplement
Early check-in and late check-out charges
Hotel or room upgrades unless otherwise stated in the itinerary
Bank transfer, wire transfer and other related transaction fees
Any services or expenses not specifically mentioned in the inclusions above

Price

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Kid Policies

Under 4 (under 48 months): Free of charge, charge actual airfare only.

From 5 (from 60 months to under 72 months): Charge 50% of package total.

From 6 (from 72 months) – under 11 years old (under 132 Months): 75% charged and sharing bed with parents.

From 11 (132 months): charged as adults

Payment Method

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Cancelation Policies

Important Note: Domestic flight tickets included in tours are completely non-refundable.

Cancellation Charges based on time of notice:

60 days prior to arrival date: 10% cancellation charge of the package.
59 - 30 days prior to arrival date: 5% cancellation charge.
29 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 10% cancellation charge.
14 – 8 days prior to arrival date: 40% cancellation charge.
7 days prior to arrival date: 100% cancellation charge.
No show: 100% cancellation charge.

Special Circumstances (Flight delayed, food poisoning, getting sick, or unable to attend the tour):

We will review each request on a case by case basis and do our best to accommodate rescheduling whenever possible. Additional fees may apply depending on the circumstances and availability.