7 Day North Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

Welcome to Vietnam – Arrival in Hanoi & Overnight Train to Lao Cai

Your unforgettable journey through the captivating landscapes of Vietnam begins the moment you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Upon landing, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional driver from AsiaTourAdvisor.com, ready to escort you into the heart of this vibrant capital city.

You’ll be transferred in a comfortable, air-conditioned private car to a charming mini-hotel in Hanoi, where you can safely store your luggage and take some time to relax after your flight.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take this opportunity to explore Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, savor a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café, or stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Whether you dive into the city’s culture or simply unwind, Hanoi offers something for every traveler.

At around 5:30 PM, your mini-hotel will provide a private room where you can freshen up with a hot shower and rest briefly before your night train journey.

The evening is yours to experience the culinary and cultural delights of Hanoi. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants or sample street food while soaking in the lively local atmosphere.

At approximately 8:45 PM, our friendly tour guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to Hanoi Railway Station, where you’ll board the overnight train bound for Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. Settle into your air-conditioned cabin, featuring comfortable soft-sleeper berths, ensuring a restful and cozy night as you travel north through the scenic Vietnamese countryside.

Included in this day’s package:

• Private airport transfer with professional driver

• Day-use mini-hotel room in Hanoi (for luggage storage and shower)

• Overnight soft-sleeper train ticket from Hanoi to Lao Cai

• Escort to Hanoi Railway Station by tour guide

Arrival in Lao Cai & Trekking Adventure in Sapa

As dawn breaks, your train will gently arrive at Lao Cai Station around 6:00 AM, marking the start of an exciting day brimming with discovery and natural beauty. Upon stepping off the train, look for the distinctive sign bearing AsiaTourAdvisor’s logo and your name—our dedicated guide will be there to warmly welcome you and assist with your transfer.

From Lao Cai, you’ll embark on a scenic private car journey to the charming former hill station of Sapa, nestled among mist-covered mountains and terraced rice fields. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant, fueling up for the adventures ahead.

Your trek begins with a gentle 20-minute walk through the quaint streets of Sapa town, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere before venturing deeper into the surrounding landscape.

The highlight of today’s journey is a trek to Ma Tra Village, home to the indigenous Black H’mong ethnic community. Here, you’ll be immersed in traditional culture, encountering local villagers going about their daily routines. As you continue your trek, you’ll traverse vibrant, emerald-green rice terraces that cascade down the hillsides—a quintessential image of the region’s breathtaking scenery.

Along the way, you’ll visit a fascinating ancient Catholic abbey, a poignant reminder of the area’s French colonial past, blending history with natural beauty.

Your trek then continues for about 2 kilometers to Ta Phin Village, where the unique lifestyle of the Red Dzao tribe unfolds before your eyes. This village is renowned for its exquisite handwoven textiles and intricate brocades—an opportunity to admire, and perhaps purchase, authentic crafts directly from the skilled local artisans.

You’ll pause here for a picnic lunch, surrounded by the serene beauty of Ta Phin Village, before exploring further. Discover the mysterious Ta Phin Cave and wander through the hamlet inhabited by the Black H’mong people, deepening your connection to the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

As the afternoon fades, you’ll be transferred back to Sapa town. The rest of your day and evening are yours to unwind and enjoy—whether you choose to stroll the bustling market streets, savor local cuisine, or simply relax amid the cool mountain air.

Trekking & Travel Details:

• Approximate trekking distance: 8 km (around 4 hours on foot)

• Driving distance: over 30 km from Lao Cai to Sapa by private car

Morning Trek from Sapa to Golden Stream Valley & Night Train to Hanoi

After a nourishing breakfast and hotel check-out, you will meet your guide bright and early to begin your second trekking adventure, departing from the charming town of Sapa toward the stunning Golden Stream Valley.

Today’s trek treats you to breathtaking panoramas of lush rice terraces and vibrant gardens, all framed by the majestic backdrop of Mount Fansipan, towering at an impressive 10,312 feet (3,143 meters)—the highest peak in Indochina.

Your journey takes you across a picturesque suspension bridge, where you can pause to absorb the sweeping valley views. Continuing along the trail, you’ll arrive at Lao Chai Village, where a delicious lunch awaits you at a local spot. After your meal, enjoy a guided walk through Lao Chai, home to the resilient Black H’mong community. Experience their unique customs and gain insight into their traditional lifestyle.

From Lao Chai, the trek continues to Ta Van Village, inhabited by the Dzay ethnic group. This stretch is relatively gentle but can become slippery during wet weather, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended. In Ta Van, you’ll visit local families, learning firsthand about their vibrant culture and everyday lives amid the stunning natural surroundings.

After exploring Ta Van, you’ll follow the trail to the main road, where your private driver will be waiting to take you back to Sapa town.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether wandering Sapa’s colorful markets, relaxing in a café, or simply soaking up the mountain atmosphere. Dinner is on your own to savor at your preferred spot.

As evening falls, your driver will pick you up to transfer you to Lao Cai Train Station for your overnight train journey back to Hanoi, concluding your memorable northern Vietnam experience.

Return to Hanoi & Overnight Halong Bay Cruise

As the soft glow of early morning light gently illuminates Hanoi, your train will arrive back in the bustling capital city. To ensure your comfort and a smooth transition, our attentive guide will be waiting to warmly welcome you and assist with your check-in at a cozy mini-hotel, where a private day-use room awaits—perfect for freshening up and relaxing after your journey.

Following a rejuvenating breakfast at the hotel, your guide will escort you on a scenic drive to one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking treasures and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay.

Here, you will board a beautifully appointed luxury junk ship to begin an unforgettable overnight cruise across the emerald waters of this iconic bay. As the ship glides smoothly through the calm sea, prepare to be mesmerized by the dramatic silhouettes of towering limestone karsts and islands densely cloaked in lush jungle—an awe-inspiring seascape that seems untouched by time.

Your cruise itinerary includes a sumptuous seafood lunch served on board, allowing you to savor the freshest flavors while surrounded by the bay’s stunning natural beauty.

Throughout the afternoon, you will visit a traditional floating fishing village, where local families have ingeniously crafted homes atop boats, maintaining a unique way of life on the water. Following this, explore the majestic Tien Ong Cave, a spectacular cavern famed for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites that tell stories of millennia.

As the sun begins to set, return to your cruise vessel for an elegant cocktail hour accompanied by canapés, while you witness the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors over the bay.

The day culminates in a romantic candlelit dinner aboard the ship, where you can savor delicious cuisine while enveloped by the tranquil ambiance and magical atmosphere of Halong Bay at night.

What’s included:

• Private car transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

• Day-use room in Hanoi mini-hotel with breakfast

• Overnight luxury Halong Bay cruise with accommodation

• All meals on board: breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Entrance fees and cave visits

• Services of an experienced guide

Halong Bay Sunrise, Leisure Activities & Return to Hanoi

As a new day dawns over the mystical waters of Halong Bay, wake up to the serene ambiance of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. Begin your morning with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck—an invigorating yet peaceful way to greet the day as mist rises gently from the bay and the first rays of sunlight shimmer across the jade-colored sea.

Alternatively, simply relax on deck with a cup of tea or coffee and soak in the stillness, watching the bay slowly come to life.

Following your morning refreshment, choose from two delightful activities:

• Excursion to a secluded island: Step ashore on a tranquil island with a pristine white sand beach, perfect for a refreshing swim or a short hike offering panoramic views over the bay.

• Vietnamese cooking demonstration: Join the ship’s chef for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn the secrets behind some of Vietnam’s most beloved traditional dishes. This fun and interactive session provides a deeper appreciation for the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Back on board, enjoy a delicious brunch as your junk sails gently through the bay’s spectacular scenery, gliding past majestic limestone karsts, hidden caves, and floating fishing villages—a final visual feast before returning to shore.

Upon disembarkation at the harbor, your private car and guide will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to Hanoi.

On arrival in Hanoi, you’ll check in at your hotel. The rest of your evening is yours to spend at leisure—relax, shop for souvenirs in the Old Quarter, or dine at one of the city’s excellent restaurants to round out your day.

What’s included:

• Morning Tai Chi session on board

• Leisure activity (island visit with swimming OR Vietnamese cooking class)

• Brunch on board the cruise

• Halong Bay overnight cruise continuation

• Private car transfer back to Hanoi

• Hotel accommodation in Hanoi

Day Trip to Ninh Binh – “Halong Bay on Land”

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be met by your guide and set off on a memorable day trip to Ninh Binh Province, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” due to its breathtaking landscape of limestone karsts rising from lush rice paddies and tranquil waterways.

A scenic 2.5-hour drive south from Hanoi brings you to the peaceful Gia Vien District, the starting point for your adventure in this beautiful and culturally rich region.

Your first destination is the serene Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland in northern Vietnam. Here, you’ll board a traditional sampan boat and glide gently along the quiet waterways, surrounded by towering limestone peaks, emerald-green marshes, and diverse birdlife. The reserve is not only a haven for wildlife but also served as a stunning natural backdrop in the film “Kong: Skull Island.” Keep an eye out for the rare Delacour’s langur, one of the world’s most endangered primates, which can sometimes be seen on the cliffs.

Following this tranquil boat journey, enjoy a hearty Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties.

In the afternoon, you’ll delve into Vietnam’s ancient history with a visit to Hoa Lu, the former royal capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the well-preserved Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, each offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s early dynastic period and heroic resistance against Chinese invasions.

Your journey continues to Duc Thuy Son Mountain, a scenic spot at the confluence of the Van River and the Day River. Here, you can admire panoramic views and learn more about the poetic and strategic significance of this picturesque location.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll return to Hanoi by private car, concluding another rich and rewarding day of exploration.

What’s included:

• Private car transfer throughout the day

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve

• Entrance fees to all mentioned sites

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• English-speaking guide

Farewell Hanoi – Cultural City Tour & Departure

Your final morning in Vietnam begins with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, followed by a cultural exploration of the nation’s historic capital. Our professional English-speaking guide will be there to accompany you on a captivating full-day tour of Hanoi, a city that proudly celebrated its 1,000-year anniversary in 2010 and continues to serve as a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity.

Your tour begins at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the resting place of Vietnam’s revered revolutionary leader. While the mausoleum itself is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and during October and November, you’ll still be able to appreciate its imposing exterior and learn about its historical significance from your guide.

Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Vietnamese spirituality and resilience. This unique structure, built on a single stone pillar over a lotus pond, is one of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks. Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, beautifully set on the tranquil shores of West Lake—a serene stop that reflects Hanoi’s spiritual depth and architectural grace.

Your cultural journey continues with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the country’s rich tapestry of 54 ethnic groups through detailed exhibits, traditional artifacts, and reconstructed tribal homes.

Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to stroll through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter or enjoy a final cup of Vietnamese coffee before your transfer to the airport.

As your unforgettable journey through Vietnam with Vietnam Marvel Travel draws to a close, we want to express our sincere gratitude for choosing to explore this beautiful country with us. We hope your time here has been filled with memorable moments, new friendships, and lasting impressions.

Until we meet again—safe travels and see you on your next adventure!