5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Explore North Vietnam in depth during this 5-day circuit from Hanoi. Idyllic emotions, expansive landscapes, and ancient cities await on this adventure.

5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Pickup from your hotel in Hanoi occurs between 8 am and 8:30 am. Proceed to Halong Bay to board the boat, sailing on emerald waters while enjoying a traditional Vietnamese meal. After kayaking for an hour, participate in a cooking class before dinner onboard.

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Sapa

Wake at 8 am to enjoy breakfast while taking in the bay views. After a Tai Chi class, return to port and drive back to Hanoi by around 3 pm, enjoying 6 hours of free time before boarding a sleeper bus to Sapa for the night.

Day 3: Sapa – Ta Van – Lao Chai – Y Linh Ho

Arrive in Sapa in the morning, store luggage, and enjoy breakfast. Embark on a 12-mile hike through rice paddies with lunch in Lao Chai. Continue to Y Linh Ho and T? Van. Evening toast with rice liquor and dinner follow.

Day 4: Ta Van – Hanoi

After breakfast, trek 7 kilometers to a waterfall. Return to the hotel for lunch and drive back to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 9:30 pm.

Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Depart at 7:15 am for Ninh Binh. Visit Hoa Lu and Mua Cave, followed by lunch in a traditional restaurant. Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda and take a 1.5-hour boat ride in the Van Long Nature Reserve. Return to Hanoi by bus, concluding the tour at 6:30 pm.

Accommodation

4 nights accommodation options include:

Standard accommodation:

1st night: cruise in a standard cabin.2nd night: bus seat on sleeper bus.3rd night: bungalow in Sapa.4th night: backpackers hostel, private room.

Deluxe accommodation:

1st night: cruise in a deluxe cabin.2nd night: bus seat on sleeper bus.3rd night: private bungalow with view in Sapa.4th night: 4* hotel in Hanoi.

Hotel pick up

Pickup occurs between 8 am and 8:30 am from main hotels in the historical center of Hanoi. Alternative meeting points are provided for other locations.

Minimum group size

Reservations for standard cabins require at least 2 people.

Changes in the itinerary

On Wednesdays and Fridays, the itinerary starts with Ninh Binh first, followed by Halong Bay, before heading to Ta Van.