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Hike, Bike & Cruise Northern Vietnam 07 May, 2025

Cruise Vacations / Vietnam

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Amazing Experience

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Overview

Trip Overview

Begin your 11-day Northern Vietnam vacation in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for an immersive discovery of the former North Vietnam president’s legacy. Make your way to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, honouring Vietnam’s finest scholars and symbolizing traditional Vietnamese architecture. Continue through the alleyways of Hanoi’s Old Quarters, stopping at roadside restaurants and cafes and indulging in Vietnamese culinary delights, including Nom Kho Bo, Banh Cuon, and Bun Cha.

Embark on a two-hour drive through the beautiful countryside to the UNESCO-listed Trang An and board a rowboat to set sail along the small river nestled among scenic mountains and green fields. Visit the Trang An cave complex before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Travel South to Ninh Binh for a bicycle tour of Tam Coc, riding along gorgeous trails through limestone mountains. Take a short hike to the peak of Hang Mua for uninterrupted views of Tam Coc before venturing to Bich Dong Pagoda, a timeless and striking spiritual attraction. Continue to the citadel of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Dinh and Le dynasties dating to the 11th century.

Your next transfer takes you to the hidden pools, grottoes, and mystical islands in Halong Bay. Enjoy early morning Tai Chi lessons, the diverse ecosystem at Luron Cave, and the charming Cua Van fishing village before boarding an overnight train to the city of Lao Cai. Venture further to the mountain town of Sapa, the expansive rice terraces in Muong Hoa Valley, the majestic Fansipan Mountain, and the iconic Rattan Bridge

Highlights

Departures

From Hanoi:
Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

 

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers in Hanoi
  • 4 nights first-class accommodations in Hanoi
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Ninh Binh
  • 2 nights first-class cruise accommodations on Halong Bay
  • 1 night moderate overnight train accommodations
  • 2 nights first-class accommodations in Sapa
  • Private overland transportation by A/C vehicle 
  • 1- way train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai by Fanxipan train
  • Private-guided Half Day Hanoi at a Glance City Tour
  • Private-guided Half Day Vibrant Hanoi Street Food Scene Tour
  • Private-guided Evening Hanoi Sundowner Sojourn and Dinner Tour
  • Private-guided touring in Ninh Binh including Tam Coc row boat experience and biking adventure
  • Halong Bay excursions including entrance fees
  • Tai Chi session and Cooking Class onboard Halong Bay cruise
  • Private-guided touring in Sapa
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 4 lunches, 4 dinners

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees, if applicable

Summary

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

Hanoi Airport to Hanoi - The Old Quarter

 

Silk Path Hotel Hanoi

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

The Silk Path Hotel is located in the heart of the charming old quarter of Hanoi close to countless tourist attractions, government and diplomatic institutions as well as the business district of the city. The Silk Path Hotel, with its 106 well-appointed exclusively designed rooms and suites, makes the hotel the preferred choice of both the leisure and business traveller.

Silk Path Hotel Hanoi

Half Day Hanoi at a Glance City Tour

Set off today with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a remarkable construction where Vietnamese people express their profound love and gratitude to the great leader (closed Monday & Friday weekly and all afternoons). Then stroll around the serene grounds while learning about Ho Chi Minh's life and legacy. There is an option to visit the nearby iconic One Pillar Pagoda, built-in 1049. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. It is known as the first national university in Vietnam and the symbol of Vietnamese architectural values. Cap off the excursion strolling through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Quarters. This oldest continuously developed area of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by.
 

Depart from your hotel to Ninh Binh. Following a two-hour drive through the beautiful countryside, you will reach Trang An ecosystem. Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape complex nearby which recently recognized as a UNESCO World Natural heritage, get on a rowing boat (small sampan) travelling along the small river with scenic mountain and green fields landscape. The boat takes you to visit cave complex of Trang An: Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou in mystery and wildness, the scenery of mountain and rivers - Halong on the land of Ninh Binh.

Lunch at local restaurant before transferring back to the hotel.

Meal

Lunch

 

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Far from the hectic life of the city, in a peaceful countryside setting, nestles in the middle of the rice fields find Tam Coc Garden Resort. The resort represents great hospitality, gastronomy and romance, and is harmoniously integrated into the living environment of local farmers. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, Tam Coc Garden Resort features an outdoor pool and comfortable thatched roof rooms with private terrace overlooking the garden or mountain.

Tam Coc Garden Resort

Ninh Binh to Hanoi

This morning, visit Van Long, Vietnam's largest wetland, the perfect spot for a relaxing biking adventure to discover its abundant flora, diverse wildlife, and vibrant birdlife. The area is home to 39 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, including some globally endangered species such as the white-breeched langur, which can occasionally be spotted in the early morning or late afternoon. After the excursion, return to your hotel for some rest before transferring back to Hanoi.

Meal

Lunch

 

Half Day Vibrant Hanoi Street Food Scene

Hanoi is a paradise for lovers of street food and the city's best dishes can be found on its bustling sidewalks, where the air is filled with the aroma of lemongrass, chili, cilantro, and other fresh herbs. Your guide will offer you insights into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture, including details about the ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. Start strolling through the labyrinthine streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter and indulge your taste buds along the way. Let's sit down with young locals and try the popular Nom Kho Bo, a salad made with green papaya and beef jerky. The key to this dish is the crunchy texture of the papaya and the flavor imparted by lime and fish sauce. Next, follow the scent of fragrant food to a rustic venue where Banh Cuon, a steamed rice roll, is served. You will be astonished as the skilled chef demonstrates how this delicious dish is cooked. Then visit a family-run eatery that serves Bun Cha, a one-dish meal of noodles with flame-grilled pork cooked over hot coals for extra flavor. After satisfying your appetite, it's time for dessert. Venture down a small alley in search of seasonal sweet treats. Before heading back to your hotel, optional mingle at a hidden café with stunning views of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.

 

Silk Path Boutique Hanoi

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Silk Path Boutique Hanoi is located in the Old City by Hoan Kiem Lake, just a few minutes' walk from top Hanoi attractions, local handicraft shops and street food. Rooms offer a quirky fusion of traditional French and contemporary Asian design, and are soundproofed for optimum comfort. On-site amenities include a rooftop bar, patisserie and restaurant.

Silk Path Boutique Hanoi

This morning, transfer from your Hanoi hotel to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the jetty, proceed with check-in formalities around noon before being welcomed aboard the Paradise Elegance. You will be served lunch while cruising the tranquil waters and will have plenty of time to take in the magnificent seascape of Halong Bay. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will be able to enjoy activities either this afternoon or the following morning to explore caves and grottos, visit pearl farms, or take in picturesque island beaches. After sunset, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before enjoying a delicious dinner. At the end of the day set anchor for the night among the karst formations.

Meal

Dinner, Lunch

 

Paradise Elegance

A sleek, modern vessel that fuses contemporary styling with Vietnamese design concepts, the Paradise Elegance is a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Halong Bay. Boasting a piano bar, day spa and wellness centre, butler service and the full range of dining options, the Elegance is a work of art, the experience exquisite, the journey flawless.

Paradise Elegance

Rise early and start the day with a Tai Chi session on the Sundeck or simply relax on board and take in the magnificent surroundings. After breakfast board smaller tender boats and set off to discover more remote areas of the bay. Visit floating villages where generations have and continue to make their livelihoods from the sea. Many residents who inhabit these fascinating ocean communities rarely set foot on dry land and have perfected living on the water, becoming masters of their environment. Return to your vessel later this afternoon and enjoy some time to relax before sitting down to a delicious dinner.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

 

Paradise Elegance

A sleek, modern vessel that fuses contemporary styling with Vietnamese design concepts, the Paradise Elegance is a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Halong Bay. Boasting a piano bar, day spa and wellness centre, butler service and the full range of dining options, the Elegance is a work of art, the experience exquisite, the journey flawless.

Paradise Elegance

Awaken your senses early this morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck or simply relax on board and take in the magnificent surroundings. Breakfast is served while you enjoy cruising back through the bay. Disembark and bid farewell to the friendly crew. Arriving back into port mid-morning, you will be met by a driver and transferred back to your hotel in Hanoi. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Hanoi to Lao Cai by Overnight Train

This evening, transfer to Hanoi railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai. Train departure time is 10.00 PM.

 

Fanxipan Express Train

Fanxipan Express Train accommodates 56 berths with 2 berths and 4 berths deluxe cabins, accompanied by the hospitality of Fanxipan Express train staff. The enchanting luxury and comfortable facilities of the wood-paneled cabins will make your stay in these carriages memorable. Passengers can relax and admire the beautiful scenery gliding past the spacious window. Each carriage has hot and cold water and a minibar offering Vietnamese and Western delights, snacks and drinks.

Fanxipan Express Train

Sapa was established as a hill station by the French in 1922. This mountain town is a popular trekking destination known for its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and numerous ethnic minority groups who still wear traditional costumes. Upon arrival in the early morning, transfer an hour to Sapa town.

In the afternoon, embark on a short drive south of Sapa towards Muong Hoa Valley, the largest area of rice terraces in this region. Walk to Sapa Ancient Rock Field and beyond through beautiful terrain with outstanding views across terraced rice fields. Explore the field strewn with ancient volcanic boulders covered in petroglyphs and carvings and learn something of a mystery. Uncovered by a French researcher in 1925, there are 159 carved rocks across an area of eight square kilometers that have puzzled researchers and archaeologists ever since.

After exploring the rock field, follow a dirt trail downhill across Rattan Bridge, a suspension bridge named after the material from which it was constructed, and see waterfall before continuing on foot to the village of Giang Ta Chai, home to the Red Dao. This section of the trek offers stunning views of Muong Hoa Valley and provides the opportunity to understand the lives of tribal people in this region. The trek continues toward Su Pan Village, home of the Black Hmong, before joining your transfer back to Sapa.

 

BB Sapa Resort & Spa

Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa, the only luxury hotel in North-Western Vietnam, opened in March 1998. Built as a traditional mountain chalet with accented wooden decor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace, the Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa overhangs the village, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. It is located in Sapa, 380km (236 miles) Northwest of Hanoi, among the Hoang Lien Mountains, in Lao Cai Province, near the Chinese border. 1650 metres (5413 feet) above sea level, famous for its pristine environment, its unparalleled scenery and its cool climate, Sapa is home to more than 30 colourful hill tribes and close to Vietnam's highest peak, the 3143 metres (10311 feet) Mount Fansipan.

BB Sapa Resort & Spa

Drive north of Sapa, and admire the majestic Fansipan Mountain and the beautiful valley en route. It is also a famous area for farming vegetables and flowers in Sapa. Capture the picturesque landscape when getting closer to Ban Khoang village. Stop for an easy walk to visit the village of Red Dao ethnic in Ban Khoang village. The Red Dao women are very skilled in making their embroidery. The trip will continue with a short drive to Ta Giang Phinh village. There are some modern houses of Kinh ethnic nearby, a large beautiful valley with a pretty stream running through, and a home of Black H’mong ethic. Take the opportunity to explore the village by walking and enjoy the valley view. The H’mong ethnic is famous for making their clothes from hemp and dying with indigo plants. Your picnic lunch is served on the way on a nice grassy spot. End your walking tour and transfer back to Sapa town.

Meal

Lunch, Breakfast

 

BB Sapa Resort & Spa

Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa, the only luxury hotel in North-Western Vietnam, opened in March 1998. Built as a traditional mountain chalet with accented wooden decor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace, the Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa overhangs the village, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. It is located in Sapa, 380km (236 miles) Northwest of Hanoi, among the Hoang Lien Mountains, in Lao Cai Province, near the Chinese border. 1650 metres (5413 feet) above sea level, famous for its pristine environment, its unparalleled scenery and its cool climate, Sapa is home to more than 30 colourful hill tribes and close to Vietnam's highest peak, the 3143 metres (10311 feet) Mount Fansipan.

BB Sapa Resort & Spa

After breakfast, embark on a 5.5-hour drive back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Meal

Breakfast

 

Evening Hanoi Sundowner Sojourn and Dinner

Transfer from your hotel to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake area, which transforms early evening into a haven for exercise, romantic walks and people watching, join the locals for a stroll to a nearby rooftop bar, a perfect Old Quarter vantage point to enjoy the sunset and watch the lights of Hanoi come alive with a drink or cocktail & nibbles. Your guide can then point out the 360-degree overview of Hanoi and the surrounding areas before we head back down onto the streets. The street vibe changes at night and a little electric buzz fills the air as locals come out to eat and vendors try to make their last sales of the day. It can be overwhelming but with your guide to assist in haggling and with local info, this becomes a fun, enchanting environment. The "blue stool" experience is next as you sample the translated local dishes, engage in banter with your stool neighbors and marvel at the passing trade. You will be fascinated by local life and encouraged to ask and discuss any burning questions about real-life in, and the history of, this fascinating country. Followed by a dinner with authentic Vietnamese cuisine in an elegantly cozy ambiance. Transfer back to your hotel.

 

O'Gallery Premier Hotel and Spa

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

O'Gallery Premier Hotel and Spa offers 55 comfortable and modern guest rooms in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Just a 5-minute walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, the water puppet theatre, St Joseph's Cathedral and the Night Market, the hotel is in an ideal location for exploring Hanoi on foot. Amenities include an in-house spa, cafe and restaurant.

O'Gallery Premier Hotel and Spa

Hanoi - The Old Quarter to Hanoi Airport

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