5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Explore North Vietnam in depth through this 5-day circuit from Hanoi, featuring stunning landscapes, rice fields, and ancient cities.

5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi will be between 8 am and 8:30 am. Travel to Halong Bay for a cruise. After a traditional Vietnamese lunch, activities may include visiting the Dark & Bright Cave, kayaking, or swimming in Lan Ha Bay. The day ends with a cooking class and dinner on board.

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Sapa

Wake at 8 am for breakfast and enjoy a Tai chi class on the deck. After returning to port around 3 pm, enjoy 6 hours of free time in Hanoi until the sleeper bus departs for Sapa.

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

Arrive in Sapa, drop off luggage, and have breakfast before a 12-mile hike through Ta Van and Lao Chai villages, with lunch included. In the evening, enjoy dinner and rice liquor.

Day 4: Ta Van – Hanoi

After early breakfast and sunrise, trek 7 kilometers to a waterfall. Return to the hotel after lunch, then depart for Hanoi, arriving by around 9:30 pm.

Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

Bus pickup is at 7:15 am for Ninh Binh. Visit Hoa Lu and Mua Cave, with a 500-step climb. Lunch at a traditional restaurant, followed by a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda and a boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve. Return to Hanoi by 6:30 pm.

Accommodation

The tour includes 4 nights 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.4th night: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi, 4* hotel.

Hotel pick up

Includes pick-up from 8 am and 8:30 am at main hotels in the historical center of Hanoi, with alternative points for other areas.

Minimum group size

Reservations require at least 2 people for standard cabins and other accommodations.

Changes in the itinerary

For circuits on Wednesday and Friday, the itinerary starts with Ninh Binh, followed by Ha Long Bay, and then Ta Van.