Hanoi – SAPA – HALONG – HANOI

Tour code: 6D-HAN01BT

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The driving time is approximately 40 munites.

Afternoon, take a Cyclo tour through Hanoi’s downtown to sightsee the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets, the Trang Tien Plaza shopping center, the colonial French-built Opera House, an elegant architectural landmark of Hanoi modeled after the Palais Garnier opera house in Paris and visit, Hoan Kiem Lake (The Returned Sword Lake whose name comes from a legend of a sacred sword) at sunset. Enjoy tasty foods at the local restaurant.

Take an overnight train journey from Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai and the gateway to Sapa. Overnight on the train

Accommodation: overnight train | Meals: Dinner

This morning, transfer through a scenic landscape to Lao Chai village, a settlement of the Black Hmong ethnic minority people. From a vantage point on the main road, you can catch a panoramic view of the village located right in the Muong Hoa valley at one of its ends and backed by mountains. Enjoy sighting fields, streams and interact with hospitable villagers. Continue by trekking about 4 km to Ta Van village which is clusters of rural houses embraced by the wavy curves of the terraced paddy fields. Villagers here are the Giay ethnic minority people, a small group only inhabiting Northern highlands of Vietnam. Take a break and have a fine lunch in a local household.

After lunch, hike for 3 km over hills and through a bamboo forest. Stop at a waterfall to rest before entering Giang Ta Chai village, home to the Red Dao ethnic minority people. Explore the village and observe villagers in their daily life activities. You will be picked up and return to Sa Pa by car. Dinner at a well-known local restaurant.

Accommodation: In SAPA | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Start this half-day walking tour by visiting the rustic village of Suoi Ho. Take a stroll through its sleepy streets and get a glimpse of village life.

Later, enjoy views of the stunning countryside as you walk along the Suoi Ho River, en-route to the second village of Ma Tra. Soak in its vibrant culture and visit its quaint Christian church before being picked up by car and returning to Sapa Town. Take a relax before transferring to Lao Cai for catching an overnight train to Hanoi

Accommodation: on overnight train | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel where you have a breakfast before going ahead to Halong. Depart from Hanoi and travel to the seaside port of Halong Bay. Transfer to Tuan Chau island to board our beautiful boat, a beautifully restored traditional wooden junk with a colourful, modern design. Settle in to your stylish cabin, or on the sundeck, and enjoy the view from the water.

Set sail to Sung Sot Cav, aptly, known as Surprise Cave, this is a highlight of Halong reached via a small opening in the rock. Next, cruise to Lom Bo Canal to visit a floating pearl farm to learn how these precious ‘stones’ are created and harvested. Here, you’re welcome to kayak or walk about the floating village and do some shopping for the freshest pearls in the bay.

Continue floating through the towering, jungle-clad islands before mooring for the evening and take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration from the on board chefs! Learn firsthand the art of rolling fresh pho cuon (rice fresh rolls) and elegant fruit carving, with a recipe card provided after to help you recollect and recreate these recipes back home! Enjoy dinner on the deck and wrap up your day with a cocktail or try your hand at squid fishing under the stars of the bay.

Accommodation: In Halong | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early to catch the impressive sunrise over the karsts, and find some serenity in a private Tai Chi class on the sundeck. Sink your teeth into some breakfast before setting sail for Ti Tov Island, where you can relax and swim at the picturesque beach, or hike up the mountain for stunning panoramic views of the bay.

Continue your cruise through some of the most iconic sites of Ha Long, seeing some of the most unique inlets and enjoying the natural splendour that makes this World Heritage Site so special. After checking out, enjoy a snack on board before saying goodbye to the crew at the main harbour and transfer back to Hanoi arriving late in the afternoon

Accommodation: In Hanoi | Meals: brunch

Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every October the mausoleum is closed for a month and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel to airport for departure flight.

Accommodation: No | Meals: Breakfast

SPECIAL NOTES:

* Surcharge for Language Speaking Guide US$15/day

**Above rates are not applied during peak season from 20 Dec 2018/19 to 31 Dec 2018/19

Peak season surcharge and compulsory dinner advised at booking stage

WHAT IS INCLUDED: 4 berth soft sleeper in a share cabin Hanoi – Laocai and return, Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast, meals as specified in the itinerary, Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers, Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers, Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival as complementary (for foreigners who need visa), Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary, Mineral water is available as complementary

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: International & Domestic flight tickets, Meals if not specified in the itinerary, Gratuities for guides and drivers, Visa stamping fee at the airport, Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance), Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary

TOUR POLICY & NOTES :

• Infant below 2 years old sharing same room with parents is free of charge.
• Child below 12 yrs old sharing same room with 1 ADL is charged for 90%.
• Tipping for guide and driver (suggestion):
  • Group from 2 – 4 pax: USD 5/ pax/ day
  • Group from 5 – 9 pax:  USD 4/ pax/ day
  • Group from 10 – 15 pax: USD 3/ pax/ day
  • Group above 15 pax: USD 2/ pax/ day