Vietnam at a Glance

Morning visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam built in 11th century, followed by taking a 45-minute cyclo ride around the Old Quarter to see daily life of Hanoians, followed by a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit to Ngoc Son Temple.

In the afternoon, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his house-on-stilts and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Rest of the day is free at leisure until transfer with your guide to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on train.

Note: Hotel’s check-out time is 12:00.

Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum opens in the morning only and closes on Mondays and Fridays. Other museums also close on Mondays. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum closes annually on October and November for maintenance.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station in the early morning. Pick up by local guide and transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast.

If on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday: Take a drive along the winding mountainous road to visit a weekly ethnic market where Flower H’mong, Dzao, Tay,… ethnic people from surrounding regions in their colorful traditional costumes gather to sell their farming products and buy necessities. (Tuesday: Coc Ly Market, Thursday: Lung Khau Nhin Market, Saturday: Can Cau Market, Sunday: Bac Ha Market). At around noon, drive back to Lao Cai and continue uphill to Sapa. Check in at the hotel and the rest of the day is free at leisure. 

If on Monday, Wednesday or Friday: Take the drive uphill to Sapa. Drop off luggage at the hotel before visiting Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H’mong ethnic minority people. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of the mountain and rice paddy fields, meet friendly local people and see their daily life activities. On the way back to Sapa, visit a waterfall near an old hydroelectric power station built by the French in the old days. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Overnight in Sapa. 

Note: The Hotel’s check-in time is 14:00

Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, meet a local guide and walk from Sapa on a trail running through the beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. Pass through the Black H’mong village of Ma Tra, a very small village hidden away from civilisation. The walk continues through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. During the day, you will also be able to visit a local school.

Have lunch before arriving at Ta Phin Village. Here you can hear about the unmixed cultural life of Black H’mong and Red Dzao minorities, the 2 largest ethnic groups in the area. You can already recognise them by their traditional costumes. Walk around the village, visit local houses and a cave.

Transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for the night train back to Hanoi.

Overnight on the train. (share 4-berth cabin, soft sleepers)

Note: The Local school closes on weekends and for the whole summer (from June to the end of August).

The hotel's check-out time is 12:00 pm

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station in the early morning. Pick up by local guide and transfer to visit Hanoi’s biggest flower market in Quang Ba. Take in the beauty and wonderful aromas of flowers from villages all around Hanoi, Sapa and Dalat.

Have breakfast at a local restaurant before departing for Ha Long Bay, one of the most stunning natural wonders of Vietnam, a picturesque blend of harmonious transition between the mountains and the sea. On arrival we will join our cruise and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters. We will spend the rest of the day cruising in our boat around the myriad of tiny islands and exploring the many grottoes created by the wind and the waves. While on board we will have a fresh seafood lunch followed by a swim and exploring one of the limestone caves in this area.

Dinner and overnight onboard.

Note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be cancelled due to poor weather. Unused services are not subject to a refund.

Meal Plan: Breakfast lunch and Dinner

Enjoy tea or coffee before morning visit to either Tunnel Cave (Marguerite Cruise) or Surprise Cave (Bhaya Classic Cruise). Return to the junk to check out of cabin. Enjoy brunch while the junk cruises back to the wharf. Disembark before noontime and drive back to Hanoi.
Transfer with your guide to Noi Bai International Airport for departure flight.

Note: No use of hotel in Hanoi on this day

Meal Plan: Breakfast