Explore A Mountain Odyssey in Northern Vietnam 9 days in the most charming places in Northern Vietnam. Start with a visit to Hanoi, which is a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and oriental pagodas and temples. Then cruise to the UNESCO World Heritage Halong Bay, known as the Jewel in the Crown of Vietnam. And at last visit one of the most spectacular mountains and valleys of Vietnam – Sapa with its unique culture.
Today, you will take a flight from San Francisco/Los Angeles/New York to your destination and cross the international date line.
If you need to depart from a different city, please contact our travel advisors to get the quote.
** Please Note:
Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.
Overnight in Hanoi.
8h00 – 8h30: Our Tour guide and our Bus pick up at your hotel and start to discover Hanoi City
08h45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century.
09h30: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father or Uncle Ho. You have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969.
Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world
– Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, pagodas…
– Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. But still can take picture of the Mausoleum and visit around that area
– Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for the annual maintaining.
11h15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.
Special Note: We will visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of Vietnam Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays
12h45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. Vegeterian foods are available
14h00-14h15: Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Northern Vietnam. The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070.
15h15: Keep going to visit Hoa Lo Prison, the prison was built by the French, from 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale. The prison was called “A Hell on Earth” and now the prison is like a war museum for those who want to understand more about the war against France of Vietnamese people.
16h30: Our Bus take you back to the Hotel. We finish the trip!
Overnight in Hanoi.
Halong Bay is a natural wonder of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and once you arrive there, you will understand why. Get ready to be amazed by the world’s most breathtaking views, and have a relaxing time on the cruise, enjoying the exciting activities we have prepared for you.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and leave Hanoi for Halong Bay. The cruise team will meet you at the hotel lobby between 8:00-9:00 am (we will confirm the exact time the day before the tour).
Arrive at the jetty around noon and take a boat to the cruise. After a welcome drink onboard and check-in, enjoy the delicious lunch while the cruise is making its way through the hundreds of islets.
In the afternoon, enjoy some activities such as swimming and kayaking or visiting caves (depending on each boat’s itinerary), or just spend relaxing time on board.
Towards the end of the day, the boat sets anchor for the night in a beautiful place, so don’t miss the sunset before having dinner.
Overnight on cruise
Note:
In case of bad weather, the itinerary might be changed or canceled if the boats will be not allowed to leave the port. Your travel consultant will plan other arrangements for you in this case.
Get up early to enjoy the views of the sunrise over the bay and enjoy a light breakfast. Then enjoy some morning sightseeing prepared by the cruise team. Enjoy an early lunch while the cruise is making its way to the port and disembark. You will be transferred back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi
Have an early breakfast at the hotel and complete the check-out formalities. Take the limousine bus to get to Sapa, the travel time will take around 6 hours. Upon arrival to Sapa, you will be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free to explore this charming town right in the middle of the mountains.
Overnight in Sapa.
Have breakfast at the hotel. Meet your guide around 9:30 am and start your 12 km trekking, visit Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages of the Hmong minority. On the way, enjoy the scenic beauty of the rice terraces and mountain peaks.
Stop for lunch at the local family in Lao Chai or in a cafe nearby the river.
Then keep hiking to Ta Van village of the Dzay people, where we stay overnight with a local family. Here you have the opportunity to experience the local daily life, traditions, and customs.
Overnight at homestay
Enjoy the local breakfast at the homestay and get ready for trekking. We will leave around 9:30 a.m. and hike for about 8 km. and visit 2 villages of the red Dzao and the Hmong minorities: Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan villages. Visit a beautiful waterfall and rattan bridge. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the valley and walk through the bamboo forest on the way to the main road, where the bus will pick you up and transfer you to Sapa. Spend some time exploring the town and leave for Hanoi around 15:00 by limousine bus.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.
Trip Ends.
Everything was smooth and great until the last day when they pick up several customers. Thanks god I still have enough time for check in.
