Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh & Halong

Hanoi - Sapa. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to the train station. We board the Chapa Express Train for an overnight journey to Sapa, where you can settle in and enjoy the evening onboard.

Please note: Depending on your point of origin, we recommend arriving in Hanoi a day early to acclimatise. As the evening train to Sapa departs late, a pre-night stay in Hanoi can be arranged if needed.

This morning begins with an early arrival at Lao Cai station, where we disembark and transfer to our hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, we take in the sweeping mountain views that characterise this remote region of northwest Vietnam, near the Chinese border. After breakfast with our fellow travellers, we head to the Fansipan Cable Car. This impressive journey carries us nearly 3,000 metres to the summit of Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. At the top, we explore mountaintop temples and take in panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son range and Muong Hoa Valley.

Afterwards, we make our way to our accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, we set off from our hotel in Sapa with our local guide and driver, heading north along National Road 4C to O Quy Ho. Along the way, we stop to admire the stunning landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai Valley and the vibrant flower and vegetable farms that dot the hillsides. We then turn onto a narrow road that winds through a remote, forested region, passing waterfalls and steep mountains before reaching Ban Khoang, a Red Zao village. Here, we spend over an hour on foot exploring the village, learning about the community’s traditional way of life and its mix of rice farming and cardamom cultivation.

We continue about 10 km to Ta Giang Phinh Valley, home to the Black Hmong people. After an hour’s lunch break by the banks of a stream, we walk along village paths connecting small settlements scattered through the valley. As we go, we witness daily life—locals ploughing fields, harvesting crops or doing household tasks. During quieter months, men often build or repair homes while women focus on traditional embroidery. Our walk ends in the mid-afternoon, and we return by road to Sapa. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Sapa - Hanoi. After breakfast, you’ll have some free time to explore Sapa at your own pace. We then set off on a scenic drive through the mountains, returning to Hanoi. As we descend from the highlands, enjoy the shifting landscapes before arriving back in the city. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.

This morning, we meet our guide at 8 am to begin a full-day tour of Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. We start with a drive past some of the city's notable landmarks, including the Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph’s Cathedral, and the Opera House. From here, we set off on foot to explore the Old Quarter—a maze of 36 ancient streets bustling with market life, where generations of traders continue to sell their wares as they have for centuries.

We then head to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter to learn more about the country’s revered leader, Uncle Ho. Here, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from outside if closed), the Presidential Palace, his stilt house, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. A short drive takes us to the Imperial Citadel and Flag Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010. We stop for lunch at KOTO Van Mieu, a training restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth.

In the afternoon, we continue with a visit to the Temple of Literature—Vietnam’s first university, dedicated to Confucian teachings. We also stop by Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples, both set in scenic surroundings, before ending the day at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, known as the “Hanoi Hilton,” where U.S. pilots were held during the Vietnam War. We return to our hotel where the day concludes.

Please note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, and undergoes annual maintenance from September for 2–3 months during which it can only be viewed from outside. The Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Citadel are closed on Mondays. The Presidential Palace is viewable from the outside only. Other sites in the complex remain open.

Hanoi - Ninh Binh. We begin the day at 8 AM, departing Hanoi for a drive through the countryside to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital. Set among dramatic limestone backdrops, this historic site is home to centuries-old temples dedicated to former emperors of the Dinh and Le dynasties, offering a glimpse into the country’s early royal history.

After lunch (at your own expense), we continue to the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex. Known for its striking karst formations and peaceful waterways, Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we board a small boat and drift through a maze of caves and lush valleys, soaking in the natural beauty of this unique region.

In the late afternoon, we transfer to our hotel in Ninh Binh and check in. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay. This morning, we journey from Ninh Binh to Halong City, passing through a scenic landscape of limestone karsts and sweeping rice fields. On arrival at the harbour, we board a beautifully appointed traditional junk boat to begin our overnight cruise through the breathtaking waters of Halong Bay—one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders, home to nearly 3,000 limestone islets.

As we set sail, take in the stunning views of the bay’s emerald waters and dramatic rock formations. A delicious lunch is served onboard before we spend the afternoon cruising through secluded coves and hidden corners of the bay, with opportunities to explore or simply relax.

In the evening, settle into your private cabin or unwind on the main deck with a drink as the boat anchors in a peaceful spot for the night.

Halong Bay - Hanoi. Today we will start early with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck, an ideal way to take in the peaceful surroundings. Afterward, we will enjoy a leisurely brunch on board as we cruise back to port. Upon disembarkation, we return to Hanoi, where we will then make our way to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!