5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

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

5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Pickup from your hotel in Hanoi is scheduled between 8 am and 8:30 am. We proceed to Halong Bay to board a cruise. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine while taking in views of the karst islands. Post-lunch activities may include visiting the Dark & Bright Cave, bamboo boating, kayaking, or swimming in Lan Ha Bay. The day concludes with a Vietnamese cooking class and dinner on board.

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Sapa

Wake up at 8 am for breakfast, followed by a Tai Chi class on deck. After returning to port, drive back to Hanoi by 3 pm, allowing for 6 hours of free time before catching the sleeper bus to Sapa for an overnight journey.

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

Arrive in Sapa in the morning. Drop off luggage, have breakfast, and commence a 12-mile hike through Rice paddies and traditional villages, including lunch in Lao Chai. In the evening, enjoy a dinner and toast with rice liquor.

Day 4: Ta Van – Hanoi

Early morning breakfast, followed by a 7-kilometer trek with views of rice fields and a waterfall. Return to the hotel for lunch before departing for Hanoi, arriving at approximately 9:30 pm.

Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Departure for Ninh Binh at 7:15 am. Visit Hoa Lu, the Mua Cave, and climb 500 steps for a viewpoint. Lunch at a traditional restaurant followed by a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda and 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

This tour 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, Ta Van.4th night: Republik Backpackers Hostel or similar.

Deluxe accommodation:

1st night: cruise in a deluxe cabin.2nd night: bus seat on a sleeper bus.3rd night: private bungalow with view in Sapa, T? Van.4th night: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi.

Hotel pick up

Pickup is between 8 am and 8:30 am from main hotels in the historical center of Hanoi. Alternative points will be provided for other locations.

Minimum group size

Reservations for standard cabins require a minimum of 2 people.

Changes in the itinerary

On Wednesdays and Fridays, the itinerary varies slightly, starting with Ninh Binh on the first day, followed by two days in Halong Bay before heading to Ta Van.