Northern Vietnam Tour 8 Days: Hanoi - Sapa - Halong

We have a view from outside of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of the Vietnam Democratic Republic in 1945.

Then we go to One Pillar Pagoda – one of the oldest architectures dating back to the 11th century and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

Moving on to the next destination, the Temple of Literature symbolizes the studious culture from ancient times, and this is also the place where other cultural beauties are passed down.

If time permits, we take a cyclo ride for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets.

Related tour: Hanoi Tours (Daily Tour)

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Mua cave – Hanoi (B, L)

Just only 100km from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, with the advantage of natural beauty (river, mountain, cave) and historical meaning, has become the typical choice for tourists.

After breakfast, we arrive at Hoa Lu, recognized by UNESCO as one of four main areas of the Trang An World Heritage Site complex. Here, we will spend about an hour visiting the temples of the two Vietnamese dynasties of Dinh and Le with unique architecture from the old time.

It only takes a short drive to continue the journey to Van Lam village. Here, you will admire the majestic and beautiful mountain scenery of Tam Coc on a floating bamboo boat.

Continuing your journey on the river, following the boatman’s oars, you will reach Ca Cave, which is considered the first cave with a river running through it. From our picture here, the cave reaches a length of up to 132m. After passing through 2 caves, the boat will slowly take you to the last cave, Ba Cave.

We will enjoy your lunch in a local restaurant. Then we will do a short transfer to visit Mua Cave. Climb up on 500 steps to top to enjoy the amazing view of Ngo Dong River and Tam Coc panorama view from this.

Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa – O Quy Ho Pass (B, L)

After breakfast, we depart to Sapa for 5 hours on the highway.

To start right away with this exciting journey, immerse yourself in nature at an altitude of 2047 meters above sea level on Tram Ton Pass. This is the highest pass in Vietnam, creating great conditions for you to see the surrounding mountain scenery, especially the landscape of Hoang Lien National Park.

You will have a 30-minute trek through the forest. At the end of the road along the stream, your destination is Love Waterfall, then the group continues to move to O Quy Ho Pass to enjoy the end of the day with the beautiful sunset scenery.

OPTIONAL: Rong May Glass Bridge – $17

Day 4: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van- Fansipan (B, L)

After breakfast, we depart for the 4-hour trekking journey.

You can take Kodak photos on the road down to Muong Hoa Valley when the driver’s car stops on the road.

You will need to buy yourself a good pair of sneakers to be ready for the trekking trip on the rocky road. The route will pass through Lao Chai village (a village belonging to the Black Hmong ethnic group), followed by Ta Van village (where residents of the Giay ethnic group).

After visiting ethnic villages, the driver will take tourists from Sapa to an extremely famous place here, the highest peak of the Indochina mountain range – Phanxipang.

There are two ways to conquer the peak: trekking or by the modern three-rope cable system. Typically, it takes 2-4 days to get to the peak by trekking. You must be strong and brave to choose this way.

Our driver will pick you up and head to the cable station. It takes only 15-20 minutes to get to the peak. When reaching the height of 3141m of Phanxipan peak, be a little careful with the thin air conditions here. When conquering this mountain peak, you can completely zoom out to admire the scenery of Sapa with Muong Hoa Valley, and Hoang Lien National Park. At the same time, this place has a Buddhist complex below with temples for tourists to visit.

Come back down by cable cabin and return to Sapa town and enjoy the whole night here.

Day 5: Sapa – Ta Phin village – Hanoi (B, L)

Greeting dawn with breakfast at the hotel, we continue to visit Ta Phin Village. You will admire a scene that is rare to find anywhere else, which is terraced fields located in a large valley. Along with that are local plantations containing many new fruits and vegetables.

Most importantly, visitors can also experience the life of the Red Dao people and visit the handicraft shops here.

Finally, have your last lunch in this city before moving to Hanoi.

Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)

After breakfast, continue your journey to an unmissable destination, one of the 7 natural wonders recognized by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay. It will take you 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there from Hanoi.

When you arrive at Tuan Chau International Port, you will be warmly welcomed by the boat crew and begin your tour of Ha Long’s unique cave and island complex. At the same time, lunch with fresh seafood from this sea will be served right on the ship’s cabin, providing a parallel experience of taste and vision as the ship continues to sail in the bay while you dine.

Activities like exploring limestone caverns, kayaking, and fishing with locals allow tourists to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and saline air of the sea. Spending the night on board will be a thrilling experience.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B, Bruch)

In the morning, your breakfast will be served while floating on the sea to explore the beauty of Halong Bay before disembarking time.

Join some more activities on a boat and then check out the cabin. The early lunch will be served before returning to the main dock and transferring to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 8: Goodbye Hanoi (B)!

Your free time at leisure until your guide and driver pick you up at the airport for your flight back home with wonderful memories.

Note: If you wish to continue your journey with us and want to see a different part of Vietnam, please do not hesitate to let us know, and we will customize your trip efficiently.