BEST OF NORTHERN VIETNAM-7DAYS
(Itinerary: Hanoi -Lao Cai- Sapa –Hanoi by train- Ha Long cruise – Hanoi)
Tour code :XSE 0010 - Classic tour
Highlights:
- A journey for you leisure holidays in Vietnam with the best relaxing times.
- Experience multi-color of Vietnamese culture in Hanoi and enjoy a unique water puppet show
- Explore Sapa local market and walking tour to Lao Chai & Ta Van Village of H’mong people
- Trek to Silver Waterfall and Heaven Gate to enjoy the panoramic views of Sapa
- Discover the Wonder of the World – a Ha Long Bay with its bewitching scenes. Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, the less visited part of Ha Long Bay (Oriental-designed cabin with large windows and en-suite bathroom, Explore Ha Long Bay by kayak, visit the cave and a bamboo boat trip to floating village, Authentic Vietnamese cuisines onboard…..
Overview
Northern Vietnam is the land of culture and history and also connected with millions of breathtaking mountain-sides. By a long-standing forming process, this region is extremely amazing with the variety of original landscapes that you need to discover profoundly. It is different from a highlight tour, “Trekking in Vietnam” is just available with adventurers, hikers, trekkers … who always want to visit the alleys and side streets. Let yourself be inspired by the imposing beauty of Vietnam’s nature. Allow our Northern Vietnam Itinerary 7 days to impress you by a charming and ancient Hanoi, Wonder of the World – a Ha Long Bay with its bewitching scenes, and a marvelous Sapa
Tour summary
- Day 01 : Hanoi arrival
- Day 02 : Hanoi Orientation – Night train to Lao Cai (B,L)
- Day 03 : Lao Cai- Can Cau/ Bac Ha market- Sapa(B,L)
- Day 04 : Sapa -Lao Chai -TaVan village-Lao Cai night train to Hanoi(B,L)
- Day 05 : Hanoi – Hon Gai Harbor – Bai Tu Long Bay- Cong Do- Cap la Island(B,L,D)
- Day 06 : Tra San- Thien Canh Son – Hon Gai border – Hanoi (B,L)
- Day 07 : Hanoi – Departure (B)
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Private driver
Distance: Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi Central: 35 km à 45 minutes
Arrival in Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center and transfer you to your hotel for check-in
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Check in the hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
Arrival in Noi Bai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center and transfer you to your hotel for check-in
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Check in the hotel. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
DAY 2: HANOI – ORIENTATION NIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, the day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh- the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from outside on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoons due to closure), and the house on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda. Next up visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake & Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university which was constructed in 11th century. Back to your hotel and be free for lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Check in the hotel for a short relaxing, Dinner is on your own
21:00: We will stay at Hanoi Railway Station to transfer to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : On Train – Soft berth in sharing cabin with AC
After breakfast, the day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh- the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from outside on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoons due to closure), and the house on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda. Next up visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake & Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university which was constructed in 11th century. Back to your hotel and be free for lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Check in the hotel for a short relaxing, Dinner is on your own
21:00: We will stay at Hanoi Railway Station to transfer to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : On Train – Soft berth in sharing cabin with AC
- Our tour guide will not accompany during the train trip
- Private compartments on request at surcharge.
- Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for – with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.
DAY 3: LAO CAI- CAN CAU /BAC HA MARKET- SAPA ( B,L)
Private driver & guide
Distance: Lao Cai- Market- Sapa: 110km( 3 hours)
Wake you up into the pleasure morning in amongst of Sapa’s mountains 05.25 a.m. Arrival at Lao Cai Railway Station very early.
05h15 you will arrive at the last arrival station – Lao Cai station. Picked up and drive up to Bac Ha market – a colorful market of the local hill tribes
08h30 you will arrive Bac Ha, independently attend the market that known as the most colorful ethnic market of all Northwest Vietnam. It is a fusion of many different hill tribes inhabiting around Bac Ha mountain district and here you can easily distinguish them by their different colorful costume dressing
Attend the market, you will find out not only typical traditional costume but also the way of bartering trade existing in daily life of the Tay, the Dzay, the Red Dzao, the Black H’mong…
After lunch, we will drive back to Lao Cai but on half way we will stop to trek downhill 2km to visit Trung Do village of the Tay minority.
-Afterward the car will pick us up at Bac Ngam bridge then drive downhill to the Ha Khau Vietnam – China border gate for a visit then continue up hill to Sapa
17h00 arrive in Sapa, check in hotel – free time to enjoy Sapa. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Sapa
Wake you up into the pleasure morning in amongst of Sapa’s mountains 05.25 a.m. Arrival at Lao Cai Railway Station very early.
05h15 you will arrive at the last arrival station – Lao Cai station. Picked up and drive up to Bac Ha market – a colorful market of the local hill tribes
08h30 you will arrive Bac Ha, independently attend the market that known as the most colorful ethnic market of all Northwest Vietnam. It is a fusion of many different hill tribes inhabiting around Bac Ha mountain district and here you can easily distinguish them by their different colorful costume dressing
Attend the market, you will find out not only typical traditional costume but also the way of bartering trade existing in daily life of the Tay, the Dzay, the Red Dzao, the Black H’mong…
After lunch, we will drive back to Lao Cai but on half way we will stop to trek downhill 2km to visit Trung Do village of the Tay minority.
-Afterward the car will pick us up at Bac Ngam bridge then drive downhill to the Ha Khau Vietnam – China border gate for a visit then continue up hill to Sapa
17h00 arrive in Sapa, check in hotel – free time to enjoy Sapa. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Sapa
DAY 4: SAPA- LAO CHAI – TA VAN VILLAGE - LAO CAI – NIGHT TRAIN TO HANOI ( B,L)
Private driver & guide
Distance: Sapa- Lao Cai: 45km( 1,5 hours)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
We move to Lao Chai Village where gathering the place of Dzao people. Although being far only 7 kilometers from the noisy and gaudy Sapa, Lao Chai is really tranquil and peaceful. It seems to be a very different world with the traditional customs and culture of minority groups amongst the growing of the neighbors. At the end of the day, we take easy trekking to Ta Van Village. Stepping in a pathway with rice-terraces covered around two sides of the road, you will feel clearly one of the most classic panoramas of West-South Vietnam. You will have an opportunity to meet Giay people, explore their cultural identities and experience a night time as a minority. Lunch is at the local home and then transfer back to Sapa, Free and easy until transfer to Lao Cai Station to take a railway to Hanoi.
Overnight on train. Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : On Train – Soft berth in sharing cabin with AC
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
We move to Lao Chai Village where gathering the place of Dzao people. Although being far only 7 kilometers from the noisy and gaudy Sapa, Lao Chai is really tranquil and peaceful. It seems to be a very different world with the traditional customs and culture of minority groups amongst the growing of the neighbors. At the end of the day, we take easy trekking to Ta Van Village. Stepping in a pathway with rice-terraces covered around two sides of the road, you will feel clearly one of the most classic panoramas of West-South Vietnam. You will have an opportunity to meet Giay people, explore their cultural identities and experience a night time as a minority. Lunch is at the local home and then transfer back to Sapa, Free and easy until transfer to Lao Cai Station to take a railway to Hanoi.
Overnight on train. Overnight on the train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : On Train – Soft berth in sharing cabin with AC
DAY 5: HANOI ARRRIVAL- HON GAI HARBOR – BAI TU LONG BAY – CONG DO – CAP LA ISLAND – TRA SAN (B,L,D)
Shuttles bus & Tour guide on cruise
Distance: Hanoi – Ha Long: 160 km à 4 hours
Explore Ha Long Bay by deluxe cruise
Notes: Ha Long Itinerary is subjected to change based on weather conditions and each Cruise. Arrival early morning in Hanoi around 04:25AM–We will arrange a hotel near the train station for your group to relax and take a nap before the trip to Ha Long Bay.
08:00 – 8:30: We will pick you up from your hotel and head to northeast of Vietnam.
12.30: Arrive Ha Long, transferred a by tender to Cruise on Bai Tu Long bay
12.45: Enjoy a welcome drink with all staffs on board, listen briefly to safety on boat and activities included then check in cabin.
13.30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay.
15.00: Arrive to Cap La Island the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing
17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy sunset tea (enjoy tea and fresh fruit).This time is regarded as “Happy hour”- Buy two get one free while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19.00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.
20.30: Free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.
(Please inform our guide if you want to join in karaoke activity) Overnight in Bai Tu Long bay cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation : Overnight on Ha Long cruise
Notes: Ha Long Itinerary is subjected to change based on weather conditions and each Cruise. Arrival early morning in Hanoi around 04:25AM–We will arrange a hotel near the train station for your group to relax and take a nap before the trip to Ha Long Bay.
08:00 – 8:30: We will pick you up from your hotel and head to northeast of Vietnam.
12.30: Arrive Ha Long, transferred a by tender to Cruise on Bai Tu Long bay
12.45: Enjoy a welcome drink with all staffs on board, listen briefly to safety on boat and activities included then check in cabin.
13.30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay.
15.00: Arrive to Cap La Island the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing
17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy sunset tea (enjoy tea and fresh fruit).This time is regarded as “Happy hour”- Buy two get one free while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19.00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.
20.30: Free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.
(Please inform our guide if you want to join in karaoke activity) Overnight in Bai Tu Long bay cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation : Overnight on Ha Long cruise
DAY 6: TRA SAN – THIEN CANH SON CAVE – HON GAI HARBOR- HANOI (B,L)
Shuttles bus & Tour guide on cruise
Distance: Ha Long- Hanoi: 160 km à 4 hours
06.30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi
07.00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available
08.00: Explore Thien Canh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature
09.30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing. Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10.30: Cooking demonstration is organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine- “Banh Cuon” by yourself.
11.00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12.00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier
12.30: Say goodbye Halong Bay then returns to Hanoi and drop off at your hotel around 16:30. Free and easy in Hanoi. Dinner is on own. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hanoi hotel
06.30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi
07.00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available
08.00: Explore Thien Canh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature
09.30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing. Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10.30: Cooking demonstration is organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine- “Banh Cuon” by yourself.
11.00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12.00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier
12.30: Say goodbye Halong Bay then returns to Hanoi and drop off at your hotel around 16:30. Free and easy in Hanoi. Dinner is on own. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hanoi hotel
DAY 7: HANOI DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Distance: Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport: 35 km à 45 minute
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars
NOTES
1/ He weather & our latest advice on the weather
Light clothes regardless of the season in the south but for the visit of temples and pagodas, make sure you have a top with sleeves (shoulders must be covered) and bottoms going at least up to the knee. From November to March it can get pretty cold in the North, make sure to have warm clothes for mornings and evenings.
Northern Vietnam:
- Dec – Feb: 10°C to 25°C, mostly dry, grey.
- March: 15°C to 30°C, season change, dry.
- April – June: 25°C to 35°C, some heavy showers.
- Sept – Oct: 25°C to 35°C, clear weather, occasional showers.
Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.
2/ Visa
- To go to Vietnam you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
- The Government of Vietnam promulgates the Resolution on Vietnamese Entry Visa Waiver for Citizens of Five European Countries: UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. This exemption is applied for a maximum period of 15 days regardless of passport categories and purpose of entry into Vietnam, and is valid until June 30, 2021.
- For any stay lasting more than 15 days, or for a multiple entry stay in a period of less than 15 days, a visa is required. A period of 30 days is required after the last exit from Vietnam in order to once again benefit from the visa waiver measure for a stay not exceeding 15 days.
To get more info => Click Here
3/ International flight
- Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Vietnam for two reasons:
- International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
- The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.
4/ Which language?
- The official and most widely spread language is Vietnamese.
- English is spoken in all touristic areas.
5/ Cancellation Policy:
- More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
- 14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- 10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
6/ What to Bring
- Sun Glasses, Sun Block, Wide Brim Hat, Insect Repellent, Swimming Suits
- Warm Clothes (in winter from November to April)
- Original Passport
ACCOMMODATION
LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.
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- Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
- Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
- Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
- Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
- Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| HANOI | …. | Maison d’Orient Hotel.. | Hong Ngoc Dynastie/ Icon 36/ Flower / Hanoi Era/Gondola hotel.. | La Siesta Classic Premium / Golden Silk/ Pearl/ Thang Long opera/Flower Garden | Sofitel Legend Metropole / L’Opera/ Movempick Hotel |
| CRUISE | …. | …. | Oriental Cruises/ V’Spirit Cruises…. | Swan Cruises/ Renea cruise/Calypso cruise/ Victory cruise …. | Dragon Legend cruise/ Heritage/Dynasty/Orchird/ Genesis cruise…… |
| SAPA | Sapa homestay | …. | Sapa Aroma hotel | Sapa charm/Lotus Arora hotel/Amazing/Bamboo Sapa hotel/ Pistachio.. | Silk path Grand resort |
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: NORTH IN VIETNAM 7DAYS 6NIGHTS
From…. To… usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- The English speaking guide as guided time.
- Accommodation based on double/twin sharing with daily breakfast.
- Ha Long Bay cruise 2 days 1night (sharing cabin, surcharge for private one).
- Cyclo in Hanoi/ Water puppet show
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner).
- Train 2 ways: Hanoi – Lao Cai, Lao Cai – Hanoi (soft berth in sharing cabin with AC).
- All transfers with the air-conditioned private vehicle (excepted shuttle bus from/to Ha Long Bay).
- Water & cool towels.
- Government taxes & service charge.
Exclusion
- International Airfares.
- Early check in/ late checkout.
- Meals not indicated.
- Drinks & beverage.
- Surcharge for gala dinner on 24th and 31st of December.
- Vietnam visa stamp fee.
- Personal travel insurance (Compulsory).
- Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills.
Tips and gratuities.
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- xuansontravel@yahoo.com.vn
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.