An Off-the-Beaten-Path tour of Northern Vietnam – Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay

For those seeking the road less traveled, an uncommon cultural & scenic journey, a trip to Northern Vietnam should be at the top of the list. Far deep in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range of Vietnam near the Chinese border lays a picturesque village of Sapa, also known as the “Tonkinese Alps”. Nestled atop the dramatic mountains covered with terraced rice fields, spectacular waterfalls, flora and lush vegetations, Sapa is the home to numerous ethnic minorities for centuries. Once an arduous journey, Sapa is now made accessible both by road and by The Victoria Express, an Indochina-inspired 8-hour overnight train that brings passengers back in time reminiscent of the Golden Age of Travel.

Your Northern Vietnam Adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s artistic and intellectual capital, a city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks. Here, you’ll get a chance to visit both Hanoi’s must-sees such as Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex and Hoa Lo Prison; as well as some local favorites like the city’s Old Quarters and the wet market at Chau Long. Next, discover the road less traveled to SaPa. Visit the colorful Coc Ly market to watch the local ethnic minorities trade their goods and socialize. Journey downstream by boat on the Chay River to enjoy the magnificent views of Sapa’s mountainscape. Trek around the region’s rural villages with a chance to visit the homes of the H’Mong and Dzao people. After a couple of days of inspiring cultural immersion, it’s time to relax, indulge and soak up UNESCO Halong Bay’s spectacular seascape on board one of the bay’s finest cruises.

Northern Vietnam Adventure – a short, extraordinary journey to an enchanted land that will imprint in your heart precious memories that will last a lifetime.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• All ground transportation by Private Car (except overnight cruise)
• 3 nights at Hotel de L’Opera (Deluxe) OR Sofitel Legend Metropole (Premium) in Hanoi
• 2 nights at Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa (Deluxe) OR Hotel de la Coupole (Premium) in Sapa
• 1 night on board The Victoria Express Train (Deluxe/Premium)
• 1 night on board the Pelican Cruise (Deluxe) OR Paradise Elegance Cruise (Premium) in Halong
• Meals as specified per itinerary
• Private Tour: Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and Professional Guides

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight accommodations.

Day 2: Hanoi
Today, enjoy a tour of Hanoi City visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex comprised of his mausoleum, stilt house and Presidential Palace, Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake and the famous Old Quarters which comprises of a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses. Also known as The 36 Streets, each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics, handicrafts, medicines and household items. Last but not least, visit Hoa Lo Prison (a.k.a. Hanoi Hilton) which was a prison used by the French colonists for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War where the late John McCain was held. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 3: Hanoi/ Sapa
This morning, travel overland by car for Sapa (approx. 5 hours), famed for its rice terraces and tranquil minority villages for an off-the-beaten path expedition. Upon arrival in Sapa, take a walk around the Sapa Town, a former colonial mountain retreat. Stroll through parks and squares while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. On clear days, it is possible to see the summit of Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy the balance of the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 4:  Sapa
After breakfast, head northwards towards O Quy Ho with several stops to view the magnificent landscapes of Fansipan Mountain, Sin Chai Valley and the beautiful flower and vegetable farms. Pass through a wild region where waterfalls cut through the thick rain forest covering the mountainsides. Visit the village of Ban Khoang, home to the Black Hmong and Red Zao ethnic people who live their unique way of life and maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields and the cardamom farming under the thick forest. Spend over an hour walking around this remote village to get an understanding of local life. Continue on to Ta Giang Phing Valley where the Black Hmong live in small villages scattered alongside a peaceful stream. After lunch, walk along the path which connects all the villages and observe the daily chores of a typical farmer. Return to Sapa in the afternoon. (B,L)

**Note: approximate walking distance is 9 km but can be adjusted based on passengers’ preference and physical abilities. 

Day 5: Sapa / Lao Cai / Hanoi 
Morning at leisure. Later this morning, enjoy a boat trip on the Chay River, a light trek in Tay Village and a visit to Fairy cave. Continue by road to Lao Cai and board your overnight Victoria Express Train to Hanoi. Arrive the next morning. (B)

Day 6: Hanoi / Halong
Upon early morning arrival in Hanoi, enjoy breakfast at a hotel before continuing by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy lunch on board while sailing through the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, Coconut Three Island. Visiting Luon cave, the perfect combination of lime-stone mountains and jade-green sea by bamboo raft or sea kayak. Weather permitting, visit beautiful Titov beach for swimming or take a hike to the hilltop for panoramic views of Halong Bay. Later this afternoon, enjoy a cooking demonstration before dinner is served.  Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Halong / Hanoi 
This morning,  continue sailing through the bay as your cruise returns to Tuan Chau Wharf. Enroute, enjoy a Tai Chi session on the Sundeck, brunch on board and a shore excursion to Sung Sot Cave. Upon disembarkation, transfer back to Hanoi and check-in at your hotel. (B)

Day 8: Depart Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. onward. (B)