Explore North Vietnam in depth when you take this amazing 5-day circuit from Hanoi. Idyllic emerald ocean waters, expansive rice fields, beautiful ancient cities, and much more await you on this fantastic adventure.
5 Day Circuit of North Vietnam
Day 1: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
We'll pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi between 8 am and 8:30 am before heading to Halong Bay, where the boat will be waiting for us. We set sail on the serene emerald waters and enjoy the fabulous views of the karst islands while enjoying a delicious traditional Vietnamese meal.
After lunch, depending on the weather and the tide, we'll either visit the Dark & Bright Cave, take a ride on a bamboo boat, go kayaking or take a swim in Lan Ha Bay. Regardless of what we do, we're guaranteed to have a great time!
Finally, we'll watch the sunset from the boat while participating in a Vietnamese cooking class, and finish the day with dinner on board.
Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Sapa
It's 8 am and time to get up and enjoy the spectacular views of the bay while reenergizing with a delicious breakfast. Then we continue sailing as you take part in a fantastic Tai chi class on the deck of the ship. Are you ready to connect your body and your mind?
When the boat is finally back at the port, we'll drive back to Hanoi at around 3 pm. There you'll have 6 hours of your own free time until the sleeper bus picks us up and takes us to Sapa. We spend the night on the bus during the journey.
Day 3: Sapa – Ta Van – Lao Chai – Y Linh Ho
Just as we wake up in the morning, we will reach Sapa. We'll drop the luggage at the hotel, have a tasty breakfast and then set off on a brilliant hike through the landscapes of Ta Van. The route, almost 12 miles long, will take us through beautiful rice paddies, and visit and have lunch in the traditional villages of Lao Chai.
After enjoying the scenery of Lao Chai, we'll pass through Y Linh Ho to Tả Van. In the evening, we'll raise a toast with tasty rice liquor while enjoying a succulent dinner.
Day 4: Ta Van – Hanoi
We will get up early to enjoy the sunrise while having breakfast and then prepare for another fantastic trek of 7 kilometres. We'll climb up the hills to enjoy fantastic views of the rice fields and visit a beautiful waterfall where you can take a dip in the picturesque pool. In the afternoon, we will return to the hotel, crossing through an idyllic bamboo field along the way.
After lunch, we head back to Hanoi, arriving at the hotel at around 9:30 pm. where you can have dinner on your own.
Day 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
On the last day, the bus will pick us up at 7:15 am before we drive to the city of Ninh Binh. There, we will visit the district of Hoa Lu, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, and the Mua Cave (Cave of Dance). The climb of 500 steps to the viewpoint is rewarded with a stunning panorama across the surrounding region.
We then eat in a traditional restaurant before continuing the day by visiting the Bich Dong Pagoda. Afterwards, we'll continue our tour with a boat ride for a wonderful hour-and-a-half cruise in the Van Long Nature Reserve. Along the way, if you are lucky, you may even spot Delacour's langur, one of the most endangered species in the world. Finally, we return to Hanoi by bus where our fantastic adventure finishes and we bid farewell at 6:30 pm.
Accommodation
This 5-day circuit includes 4 nights accommodation in the following categories:
Standard accommodation:
- 1st night: cruise in a standard cabin with its own bathroom.
- 2nd night: bus seat on a sleeper bus.
- 3rd night: traditional accommodation in Sapa, Ta Van, in a private bungalow with a capacity of 2 people maximum.
- 4th night: Republik Backpackers Hostel or similar, in a private room.
Deluxe accommodation:
- 1st night: cruise in a deluxe cabin with a private bathroom.
- 2nd night: bus seat on a sleeper bus.
- 3rd night: private bungalow with view in Sapa, Tả Van, maximum capacity of 2 people maximum.
- 4th night: La Siesta Classic Ma May Hanoi, 4* hotel with a private room.
Hotel pick up
The tour includes pick-up between 8 am and 8:30 am from the main hotels in the historical center of Hanoi. If you're staying in other areas, we'll contact you to provide an alternative meeting point.
Minimum group size
Reservations for standard cabins and other types of accommodations require at least 2 people per reservation.
Changes in the itinerary
If you do this circuit on Wednesday and Friday, the itinerary will be slightly different. We will start with Ninh Binh on the first day, and then spend the next two days in Ha Long Bay before going to Ta Van.
