Sapa Holidays

Sample Itinerary - REF SOUTHEAST ASIA 121

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Women practising Tai Chi by Hoan Kiem Lake

Day 1: Hanoi

Good morning Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport you will be met and transferred to your city centre hotel. Known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’, Hanoi is the charming capital and cultural heart of Vietnam. Spend the remains of the day at leisure.

Day 2: Hanoi - Sapa

We depart at 8.30A.M from your hotel. Our first stop is Hoa Lu then we depart for Tam Coc town for a delicious Vietnamese lunch. After lunch, we take a traditional sampan through beautiful rice paddy scenery and the three famous grottoes: Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi. In the late afternoon, we drive back to Hanoi. This evening at approx 9pm, board an overnight express sleeper train from Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai.

A lady from one of the hill tribes near Sapa

Day 3: Sapa

The train pulls into Lao Cai at approximately 06:00am this morning, transfer to Sapa for breakfast. This morning take a light walking tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, Ta Van and Cau May. Walking to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, you meet some of the local ethnic minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Tonight you spend the night at the hotel in Sapa town.

Day 4: Sapa - Hanoi

Start your morning with a hike to a beautiful waterfall before continuing on to a picturesque Red Dao village. Red Dao women wear giant red scarves around their heads and their clothing is embellished with colourful red embroidery and coins. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Sapa before returning to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, freshen up before transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy half day city tour to visit the famous One-pillar-Pagoda nearby, before heading to the Temple of Literature. Next we visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a ride in a traditional cyclo, passing lively markets on narrow streets.

Day 6: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Our local guide will pick you up at the hotel for the transfer you approx. 3 hours to Halong. At midday embark on Bhaya Classic for a Welcome drink followed by a cruise briefing.

A junk sailing past a limestone peak in Halong Bay

Day 7: Halong Bay - Hue

Today we disembark the boat and then transfer back to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Hue, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8: Hue

Your tour begins after breakfast with the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. Spend the morning wandering through the enclosure before lunch and a trip into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of the Emperors at two of the most impressive Royal Tombs. This evening, take a scenic boat cruise along the Perfume River.

Women trading at Dong Ba Market by Tormod Sandtorv

Day 9: Hue - Hoi An

This morning, continue south to the riverside town of Hoi An. The five hour trip hugs the coastline along the South China Sea with breathtaking views particularly as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”). In the afternoon, enjoy a half day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Men sitting on the street in Hoi An in conical hats

Day 10: Hoi An

Spend a day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors that Hoi An is famous for. In the evening, you might want to stroll Hoi An's romantic, silk latern lit streets and dine in one of its fantastic riverside restaurants.