Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour 6 Days: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay

Duration

6 Days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Transports

Overview Tour

Northern Vietnam is the cradle of the Vietnamese civilization and hence, home to more historical and cultural attractions than other regions. Its shoreline and mountains also offer impressive landscapes. Its most popular destinations, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh and Sa Pa, are also among the most visited in Vietnam. Northern Vietnam offers a diverse range of natural attractions from stunning beaches, golden rice fields, imposing mountains to lakes, rivers, primeval forests and excellent culinary dishes. This tour gives you a cultural grounding in Hanoi, from where we will base ourselves for our explorations outside. Vietnamese culture and tradition are strong in Hanoi, matched by the majesty of the countryside in Ninh Binh province to the south, where we will spend a day. Sapa in the mountainous area where you can visit local people and have chance to admire the beautiful view of rice terrace fields and visit Fansipan Peak – The roof of Indochina. Experience the cable car to get there. A highlight on our last destination is Halong Bay. Here, we will embark on an overnight cruise, finding the same kind of incredible seascape that turned Halong Bay into a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but avoiding other cruise ships as we relax on our own.

Highlight

  • Explore the historic Old Quarter of Hanoi.
  • Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh.
  • Take a sampan boat ride through Tam Coc river landscapes.
  • Trek through the ethnic minority villages in Sapa.
  • Enjoy breathtaking rice terrace views in Lao Chai and Ta Van.
  • Visit Fansipan Peak by cable car.
  • Experience an overnight Halong Bay cruise.
  • Visit Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island in Halong Bay.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Day 2: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Bus to Sapa – Free Day for Fansipan Peak

Day 4: Sapa Trekking – Return to Hanoi

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
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Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi and after completing immigration procedures, you will find our driver waiting outside with a welcome sign bearing your name.

You will be transferred to your hotel located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. After check-in, you will have free time to relax or explore the surrounding streets.

During your free time, you may visit Hoan Kiem Lake and walk through the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Quarter where numerous shops, street food stalls, and restaurants can be found. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and local lifestyle of Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour 6 Days Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay

Day 2: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hanoi (B, L)
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07h30 – 08h00: After breakfast, our Limousine bus and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi. The journey begins with a scenic two-hour drive south to Ninh Binh province, passing through beautiful countryside landscapes.

10h30: Arrival in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Surrounded by limestone mountains, Hoa Lu served as the political center of Vietnam for 42 years. You will explore the historical temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, both of which showcase impressive traditional Vietnamese architecture.

11h45: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Vegetarian dishes are also available.

After lunch, continue to Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”. Board a traditional sampan boat for a peaceful cruise along the Ngo Dong River, passing through limestone caves and rice fields.

15h00: Continue with a cycling tour through the peaceful countryside roads of Tam Coc. Along the way, you will see green rice paddies stretching toward the limestone mountains.

16h00: Return to Hanoi by bus.

18h00 – 18h30: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour 6 Days Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay

Day 3: Hanoi – Bus to Sapa – Free Day for Fansipan Peak (B)
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06h30 – 07h00: After breakfast at the hotel, our bus will pick you up for the journey to Sapa.

Upon arrival in Sapa, you will have free time to explore the town and have lunch on your own.

During your free time, you may visit Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina. You can purchase a ticket for the mountain train that connects the town center with the cable car station.

From there, take the Fansipan cable car to reach the summit. From the top, you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Sapa town and the surrounding mountains.

Overnight in Sapa.

Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour 6 Days Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay

Day 4: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van Villages – Hanoi (B, L)
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08h00: After breakfast, begin a trekking adventure to the ethnic minority villages around Sapa.

The trek will take you through Y Linh Ho village and continue to Lao Chai village where the Black H’mong ethnic group lives. Along the way, you will enjoy breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and the Muong Hoa Valley.

Continue trekking to Ta Van village, home of the Giay ethnic minority people.

During the trek, you will have the opportunity to interact with local villagers and observe their daily life and traditional customs.

After lunch, return to Sapa town.

14h30: Board the bus back to Hanoi.

20h30: Arrive in Hanoi and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour 6 Days Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
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08h30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi by shuttle bus and transfer to Halong Bay.

12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer by tender to the cruise.

Welcome drink and cruise briefing will be provided before check-in to your cabin.

Enjoy lunch while cruising through the limestone islands of Halong Bay.

In the afternoon, visit Sung Sot Cave where your guide will introduce the spectacular formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

Continue to Titop Island where you can relax on the beach or climb to the top for panoramic views of the bay.

Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour 6 Days Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Halong Bay

Return to the cruise for sunset viewing and Happy Hour on the sundeck.

Dinner will be served in the cruise restaurant.

Overnight on the cruise in Halong Bay.

Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure (B, L)
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Begin the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over Halong Bay.

Enjoy a light breakfast before continuing the cruise through the peaceful waters of the bay.

You will have time for kayaking and relaxing on board.

Later in the morning, enjoy a brunch before returning to the harbor.

Disembark from the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi.

15h00 – 15h30: Arrive in Hanoi.

You will have free time until our private driver transfers you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

End of the tour.

Inclusions

All transportation
01 night on cruise in Halong Bay
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Professional English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees and sightseeing tickets

Exclusions

International and domestic air tickets
Bank fees related to payment
Bank fees related to payment
Vietnam visa and visa stamping fee
Beverages and personal expenses
Tips for guides and drivers

For Children

👶 Children under 5 years old: Free of charge when sharing bed with parents.
👶 Children from 5 to 8 years old: Charged 75 percent of the adult price.
👶 Children from 9 years old and above: Charged as adults.

Price

Price
Contact Us

Travel Tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for trekking and sightseeing activities.
  • Bring light clothing suitable for Vietnam’s tropical climate.
  • Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for outdoor activities.
  • Carry a small backpack for trekking in Sapa.
  • Always keep a copy of your passport and important travel documents.

Explore Other Options

50 $

Full Day

189 $

2 Days 1 Night

65 $

5 To 6 Hours