Northern Vietnam with Sapa Explorer

Welcome to Hanoi! Check in to your hotel at your convenience and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Accommodation type: Hanoi Calista Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Dive into the cultural heart of Hanoi on a 4-hour walking journey, beginning with a visit to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, known for its magnificent Gothic architecture. Pause for a local lunch and savor an authentic dish of Hanoian cuisine.

Next, take a stroll through hidden alleys to Dream Bean Café to sip traditional Vietnamese drip coffee and get a taste of local coffee culture in a short barista-led session, learning the art and ritual behind this iconic brew.
Afterward, witness the thrilling moment when trains pass just inches away from homes, cafés, and shops along Hanoi’s famous Train Street ,  a striking symbol of the city’s blend of tradition and modern life.

Wrap up the experience soaking in the city’s vibrant pulse around Hoan Kiem Lake, then take a short walk to Dong Xuan Market for a chance to pick up a few unique souvenirs while you’re at it.

Accommodation type: Hanoi Calista Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Early morning scenic transfer to Sapa. Arrive by midday and check in at your mountain-view accommodation. The afternoon is yours to relax, recharge, or explore the misty charm of this mountain town.

Accommodation: Bamboo Sapa Hotel (or similar)

Get ready for a guided walk through Sapa town. Explore the stone church and town square while uncovering the cultural roots of the region, including the tale of the traditional Love Market.

Follow a scenic trail down to Cat Cat Village, home of the Hmong people. Witness traditional textile crafts, beeswax batik and local rice wine making.  Wrap up the day at hilltop café overlooking terraced landscapes and misty peaks.  Then, choose to return to Sapa on foot or take a private transfer, both included in your experience.

Accommodation: Bamboo Sapa Hotel (or similar)

A day of your own to relax in this serene mountain town. Stroll through Sapa’s streets or opt for a light trek through rice terraces to nearby hill tribe communities. However you spend the day, the stillness of Sapa stays with you.

Accommodation: Bamboo Sapa Hotel (or similar)

Depart Sapa and transfer back to Hanoi. After check-in, enjoy your final evening at your own pace — revisit a favorite corner, try a dish you missed or settle in with a warm bowl of pho, sip something cold above the rooftops, or take a last wander through the Old Quarter by night.

Accommodation type: Hanoi Calista Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Transfer to Halong Bay and hop aboard a boutique cruise. Sail through stunning limestone karsts, kayak into hidden lagoons, and enjoy breathtaking sunset on deck.

Accommodation: Mila Lux Cruise (or similar)

Start your morning with a calming Tai Chi session and breakfast on the bay. After disembarking, head south to Ninh Binh where rivers, rice fields, and limestone karsts converge. Check in to your eco-lodge, nestled peacefully in the countryside.

Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil (or similar)

Escape the bustle of city life with a day trip to enchanting Ninh Binh. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, explore ancient temples and learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties. Then take two wheels, cycling through surrounding countryside passing small village that offer true sense of rural lifestyle.  

After a buffet lunch, it’s time to hop on a bamboo boat for a peaceful Tam Coc boat ride. With towering limestone mountains around every bend and scenic river views, it’s easy to see why this place is known as “Halong Bay on land.” Let’s marvel at the panoramic view of Tam Coc’s breathtaking scenery while capturing stunning photos with the rice fields in the background. 

Take the evening at your own pace – stroll or cycle through Tam Coc’s laid-back streets and find a spot that suits your mood, whether it’s local street eats or riverside restaurants.

Accommodation: Le Clos du Fil (or similar)

Spend your morning lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, or taking a leisurely bike ride through the surrounding rice fields. You will be transferred back to Hanoi around noon. Upon arrival in Hanoi, check-in to your hotel and relax at your own pace.

Accommodation type: Hanoi Calista Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Bid farewell to charming Hanoi. Check out of your hotel and be sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Cherish the memories of your journey as you make your way home with the warmth of Hanoi in your heart.