5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Explore North Vietnam in depth with this 5-day circuit from Hanoi, visiting emerald waters, rice fields, and ancient cities.

5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Pickup from your hotel in Hanoi is between 8 am and 8:30 am to travel to Halong Bay. Enjoy a cruise with stunning views and a traditional Vietnamese meal. After lunch, activities include visiting the Dark & Bright Cave, riding a bamboo boat, kayaking, or swimming in Lan Ha Bay. The day concludes with a cooking class and dinner on board.

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Sapa

Start your day at 8 am with breakfast and a Tai Chi class on deck. Return to port around 3 pm, followed by 6 hours of free time in Hanoi before boarding the sleeper bus to Sapa for the night.

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

Arrive in Sapa in the morning, drop off luggage, have breakfast, and embark on a 12-mile hike through rice paddies, visiting Lao Chai for lunch. The day ends with dinner and rice liquor.

Day 4: Ta Van – Hanoi

Enjoy breakfast with sunrise views, then hike 7 kilometers to visit a waterfall. Return to the hotel, then travel back to Hanoi, arriving around 9:30 pm for dinner on your own.

Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Bus pickup is at 7:15 am to Ninh Binh, visiting Hoa Lu and Mua Cave. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, explore Bich Dong Pagoda and take a boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve. Return to Hanoi for departure at 6:30 pm.

Accommodation

This circuit includes 4 nights of accommodation:

Standard accommodation:

1st night: cruise in a standard cabin.2nd night: bus seat on a sleeper bus.3rd night: traditional accommodation in Sapa.4th night: private room at Republik Backpackers Hostel.

Deluxe accommodation:

1st night: cruise in a deluxe cabin.2nd night: bus seat on a sleeper bus.3rd night: private bungalow in Sapa with views.4th night: private room at La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi.

Hotel pick up

Includes pickup between 8 am and 8:30 am from main hotels in the historical center of Hanoi. Alternative meeting points may be provided for other locations.

Minimum group size

Reservations require 2 people per reservation for standard cabins and accommodations.

Changes in the itinerary

On Wednesdays and Fridays, start with Ninh Binh, followed by Halong Bay, then Ta Van.