5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam

Explore North Vietnam in depth during this 5-day circuit from Hanoi. Experience scenic landscapes, ancient cities, and local culture.

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 for a transfer to Halong Bay. Board the boat, enjoy views of karst islands, and have a traditional Vietnamese meal. Afternoon activities may include visiting the Dark & Bright Cave, a bamboo boat ride, kayaking, or swimming in Lan Ha Bay. Evening cooking class and dinner on board follow.

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Sapa

Wake up at 8 am for breakfast and views of the bay. Attend a Tai Chi class on the deck. Return to port and drive back to Hanoi by 3 pm, allowing for 6 hours of free time before departing to Sapa by sleeper bus overnight.

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

Arrive in Sapa in the morning, check into the hotel, and enjoy breakfast. Begin a 12-mile hike through rice paddies and visit Lao Chai for lunch. The day concludes with a toast and dinner.

Day 4: Ta Van – Hanoi

After breakfast, embark on a 7-kilometer trek to enjoy views and a waterfall dip. Return to the hotel and travel back to Hanoi, arriving around 9:30 pm for dinner on your own.

Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

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

Accommodation

4 nights of accommodation options:

Standard accommodation:
1st night: cruise in a standard cabin.2nd night: bus seat on a sleeper bus.3rd night: traditional accommodation in Sapa, private bungalow.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 with view in Sapa.4th night: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi, 4* hotel.

Hotel pick up

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

Minimum group size

Reservations for standard cabins require a minimum of 2 people.

Changes in the itinerary

On Wednesdays and Fridays, the itinerary starts with Ninh Binh on the first day, followed by two days in Ha Long Bay before heading to Ta Van.