8-DAY HANOI – SAPA – HALONG BAY PACKAGE TOUR

* Hanoi Package Tour to Sapa and Halong Bay – BRIEF ITIERARY:

Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival (-/-/-)

Day 2: Hanoi Half-day Walking Private Tour (B)

Optional tour: Hanoi street food (D)

Day 3 : Ha Noi  – Sapa by Bus – Cat Cat (B/L/D)

Day 4 : Sapa – Optional Tours to Minorities Markets (B)

Day 5 : Lao Chai & Ta Van Village Tour – Bus to Hanoi (B/L)

Day 6 : Hanoi – Halong Bay Group Tour (B/L/D)

Day 7 : Halong Bay – Hanoi (B/L)

Day 8 : Hanoi – Departure(B)

DAY 01: HANOI – ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

When you arrive at Noi Bai airport – Hanoi, right after getting out of the restricted area, you will see our guide waiting for you at the lobby with a board of your name. Then our driver will take care and transfer you safely to Hanoi center for checking in hotel in Hanoi.

O/N in Hanoi.

DAY 02: HANOI HALF-DAY WALKING PRIVATE TOUR (B)

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be picked up at hotel to commence our walking tour to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Later, we will take a visit at Ngoc Son Temple on the way you return to the hotel.

In the afternoon, you’ll be free to do your own activities or can engage some our following optional tours:

Optional: Hanoi Street Food (D)

At 18.00, our tour guide will welcome you at your hotel lobby, then start the tour to Hanoi Old Quarter “36 streets” to visit some famous and specialized- food families or stalls/ local restaurants, shops where they run their business every day, certainly you will watch and taste some dishes, we can customize vegetarian or special food too.

Special thing that tours guide would like to introduce some popular authentic food in lovely mini restaurants (not luxury restaurants) where you feel comfortable to sit down and enjoy some favorite dishes and nice drinks too.

It’s interesting to hear from tour guide about the history of the old quarter in Hanoi, it is thousand years old and today retains much of the old flavor that made the area special in earlier times, each street was the exclusive domain of one trade (guilds) so there are whole streets of blacksmiths, silver shops, paper shops, headstone makers and more. Originally there were just 36 streets in the old quarter but today there are more than 50 streets.

It is very difficult to find some local food stalls and mini restaurants on your own in hidden alleys and sidewalks, certainly the best way to make it easy is joining with us, taking part in this special tour to learn about Vietnamese cuisine, culture, people, and language.

After all, we will give you a unique experience to try the foods of the local Hanoi people, we ensure the food is handled hygienically and provide a comfortable venue for the tastings. The benefit also goes back to the vendors or restaurants/ families as we buy directly from them.

21.00, our tour guide say goodbye to you, and will help you order taxi or show you direction back your hotel.

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 1 person US$ 45 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people US$ 35 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3 – 6 people US$ 30 per person

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 7 – 10 people US$ 25 per person

Inclusions: English speaking tour guide, hotel pick-up in Hanoi old quarter, authentic food (not seafood), drinks.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 03: HANOI – SEAT-IN COACH BUS TO SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (B/L/D)

06h30 – 07h00: Pick up at hotel or at the meeting point and then start departure to Sapa, following Noi Bai – Lao Cai high-way.

Along the way, you will have chance to contemplate the beauty of northwest mountains that terraced fields are sparkling in sunlight or dim in thick fog. Have a short break for 30 minutes then continue the trip to Sapa.

13h00: Arrive in Sapa, check in hotel and have lunch.

Afternoon: Start trekking to Cat Cat village, about 45 minutes walk from Sapa, this is the village of Black H’Mong hill tribe. The village is on the slope of the hill and easy walking, rice and corn are grown here.
Visiting Cat Cat village, you will have a chance to visit a big waterfall on the stream and the old Hydro Electric Power Station built by French people.

That is the image of young women sitting by looms with colorful pieces of brocade decorated with designs of flowers and birds. When these pieces of brocade are finished, they are dyed and embroidered with beautiful designs. A note worthy is that H’Mong women use indigo plants and leaves to dye these brocade fabrics. And then they roll around and smooth section of wood covered with wax on fabrics to polish them, making their colors.

Evening: After dinner, you are free to explore the charm of Sapa by night, enjoy roasted corn, baked eggs beside charcoal fire or go shopping. Especially on Saturday night, we highly recommend a stop at the Love Market which is one of unique cultures of ethnic minorities HMong, Dzao in Lao Cai in particular and North West of Vietnam in general.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Sapa

* Services: Bus Limousine to Sapa, Group Tour to Cat Cat Village, Hotel in Sapa

DAY 04: SAPA – FREE – OPTIONAL TO MINORITIES MARKETS (B)

Today, you will have free time in Sapa to relax and discover Sapa town by yourself.

And if needed, you can choose one of below optional tours:

Option 1: Coc Ly Market, Private Tour (Tuesday only)

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is USD 85.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3-4 people is USD 75.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 4-8 people is USD 60.- per pax 

Highlights:

This is a unique market, which takes place only on Tuesday. Coc Ly is a very small market where you can meet several ethnic minorities such as Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La, Nung and Tay. The trip offers you a one-way boat ride along Chay River and a short walk to Trung Do village of Tay minority

Itinerary:

After having breakfast, you will travel by car from Lao Cai Railway Station. The ride is relatively flat from Lao Cai. It will take you through rural area. The road is rougher for the last 30km. You arrive in Coc Ly by the time where the market is the most crowded.

Coc Ly market locates by the Chay River, which flows from China. Every Tuesday morning, minorities from surrounding villages such as Flower Hmong, Black Zao and Tay, gather to sell and buy their products. After visiting the market, you travel by boat downstream. Along the ride, you can enjoy magnificent sight of the beautiful caves and life on the riverbank. You will have lunch on a beach or later in a village.

The trip will also offers you a visit to Trung Do village of Tay minority, where you can stop by a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea. You will go further downstream until you arrive to Bao Nhai Bridge. Here you get on the car for the journey back to Lao Cai.

Approx: 5 hours driving/ 1.5 hours boat cruise/ 0.5-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch

Option 2: Cao Son Market, Private Tour (Wednesday only)

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is USD 82.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3-4 people is USD 72.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 4-8 people is USD 68.- per pax

Highlights:

Cao Son is the most stunning part of Lao Cai province. The wonder of Cao Son is ever inspirational with mild weather, authentic culture of local hill tribes, spectacular views toward lush valleys and mighty Chay river.

On this trip you will visit one of the smallest local markets in the area, which locates in a beautiful landscape. The market still keeps its original aspect as it is.  Here you will meet Flower Hmong , Black Dao, Tay, Nung minorities.

Itinerary:

After having breakfast, you will travel by car from Sapa. You will enjoy beautiful scenery along the ride until you arrive in Muong Khuong. From there, you turn in a dirt road, which goes up in mountains. Pine trees forests and villages surround the tinny market. Flower H’mong, Black Dao, Tay, Nung ethnic minorities come to buy and sell local products such as food and material for agriculture and fabric.

People coming to the market not only for selling or buying something but also importantly to meet friends, relative and to sip some cups of wine until the dawn comes. No where else but here, Flower H’mong people greet you with a temptation of corn wine and endless hospitality. After exploring the market, you will be able to visit a village of Flower H’mong or a village of Tay people. You will then head back to Muong Khuong and have lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, you get on the car for journey back to Lao Cai

Approx: 6 hours driving/ 1-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch

Option 3: Can Cau Market, Private Tour (Saturdays only)

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is USD 85.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3-4 people is USD 75.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 4-8 people is USD 60.- per pax

Highlights:

Although Can Cau is not a big market in the area but it is very beautiful, animated and colorful. The market is open only on Saturday. You will meet there several ethnic minorities such as Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La as well as Chinese people. Another highlight is the boat trip along Chay River and a short walk to a Tay village.

Itinerary:

You will be met by local guide and driver upon your arrival at Lao Cai station then transferred to a local restaurant for breakfast (optional). Then start our drive to Can Cau market. The road is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai bridge.

After crossing the bridge, we begin our journey uphill offering beautiful views over the valleys. Situated 20 km from Bac Ha, Can Cau is a small, but very colorful market. Opening only on Saturdays, it always delivers a very photogenic display of Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La ethnic costumes. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will leave the market for Bac Ha town for lunch.

In the afternoon, we drive downhill towards Lao Cai for about half an hour. We stop on the way (before reaching Lao Cai) to take a short walk to Trung Do village inhabited by Tay people. Tay villages are always set up at the foot of a mountain or along a stream and are named after a mountain, a field, or a river. Each village contains about 15-20 households. A large village is divided into many small hamlets.

The houses are built on stilts or level with the ground. Stop by a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea before taking a boat cruise upstream the Chay River. The scenery is very beautiful on both sides of the river. The boat trip will end at Coc Ly where your vehicle will be waiting for you for the journey back to Lao Cai. End of tour.

Approx: 6 hours driving/ 1.5 hours boat cruise/ 0.5-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch

Option 4: Bac Ha Market, Group tour – Sunday only

=> The tour price applied to a private group of 2 people is USD 85.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 3-4 people is USD 75.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a private group of 4-8 people is USD 60.- per pax
=> The tour price applied to a group tour is US$ 45.-per pax

Highlights:

Bac Ha market, located in the heart of Bac ha small town is the largest one in the area. Every Sunday, the different and colorful ethnic minority come all here to sell their homemade products or buy something for the family. They are Hmong, Phu La, Back Dzao, Tay or Nung minorities. Some of these ethnic minorities can’t be met in any other areas.

The highlights of this trip is to live yourself in Bac Ha colorful market that happens only on Sunday and also to take a wonderful boat trip upstream Chay River, to have some pleasant walks through Tay village.

Itinerary:

You will be met by local guide and driver upon your arrival at Lao Cai station then transferred to a local restaurant for breakfast (optional). Then start our drive to Bac Ha town. The road is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai bridge. After crossing the bridge, we begin our journey up to Bac Ha. Bac Ha market, located in the heart of Bac ha small town is the largest one in the area.

Every Sunday, the different and colorful ethnic minority come all here to sell their homemade products or buy something for the family. They are Hmong, Phu La, Back Dzao, Tay or Nung minorities. Some of these ethnic minorities can’t be met in any other areas. Your lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we drive downhill towards Lao Cai for about half an hour. We stop on the way (before reaching Lao Cai) to take a short walk to Trung Do village inhabited by Tay people. Tay villages are always set up at the foot of a mountain or along a stream and are named after a mountain, a field, or a river. Each village contains about 15-20 households. A large village is divided into many small hamlets.

The houses are built on stilts or level with the ground. Stop by a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea before taking a boat cruise upstream the Chay River. The scenery is very beautiful on both sides of the river. The boat trip will end at Bao Nhai bridge where your vehicle will be waiting for you for the journey back to Lao Cai. End of tour.

Approx: 5 hours driving/ 1.5 hours boat cruise/ 0.5-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch

Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

DAY 05: LAO CHAI AND TA VAN VILLAGES – SAPA – SEAT IN COACH BUS TO HANOI (B/ L)

09h00: After breakfast, we start trekking down to Lao Chai village of Black H’mong ethnic people. Here we will discover their daily life and how they make traditional clothes, handicraft, indigo… We will visit the biggest valley which provides the best view for golden rice terrace fields in Vietnam. After Lao Chai we walk to Ta Van village of Dzay people. It is a small group of ethnic people in Vietnam with a rich culture and beautiful houses located on rice paddy fields.

Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages, about 8 km from Sapa town, where black H’mong and Dzay people are living, it is also the beginning of the valley which is called Muong Hoa. From a high point of the main road, great view of the whole villages open wide to offer the marvelous panorama views, backed by high mountains and facing the river.

Here you will enjoy the fresh air, see terraced fields, stream, discover and visit some Black H’mong families. You will have a welcome feeling at any house of the hospitable people there. You can interact them, learn about their culture and customs…We will have lunch with the locals in one of the local houses.

The bus will pick you up from Ta Van village to Sapa Town.
Afternoon: Free time at leisure for shopping or visiting Sapa on your own.
16h00: It‘s time to say “Good bye Sapa!” and drive back to Hanoi. Along the way, once again you have a chance to enjoy the magical beauty of northwest mountains.
21h30: We arrive in Ha Noi.

* Services: Lao Chai & Ta Van Group tour, entrance fees, Bus Limousine to Hanoi, Hotel in Hanoi.

O/N in Hanoi.

DAY 06: HANOI – HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (B/L/D)

*Note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions.

08:00: Pick up at Old Quarter area to transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

11:30: Your first stop on arrival at Tuan Chau Island is the Aquamarine check-in lounge. You will have time to refresh yourself after the long drive from Hanoi and wait for checking-in.

12:15 : After taken to Cruise, you will be checked in. While enjoying welcome drink, you will be introduced the itinerary and safety briefing by Cruise Manager.

13:00: You will have a delicious lunch and enjoy the stunning views when the boat cruises towards the southeast of Halong Bay, passing Fighting- Cock and Finger Islet.

14:45 : Visiting Luon Cave or Pearl Farm area by bamboo boat or kayaking.

16:00: You are going to Titov Island – where you can go swimming or hiking to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the Bay

17:30 : Back on board, you can enjoy Sunset party with HAPPY HOUR (from 17:30 – 19:00) – buy 2 get 1 free at bar.

18:30 : If you are interested in Vietnamese cuisines, please join our traditional Vietnamese cooking class on sundeck under the experienced Chef’s guiding (or in the restaurant in case of inclement weather).

19:00: Delight in the shimmering atmosphere of thousands of stars while eating a fantastic, expertly prepared dinner.

20:30: This is the perfect time for you to relax with spa treatments or enjoy a cocktail. Besides, we provide free for squid fishing tools at reception.

DAY 07: HALONG BAY DISCOVERY – HANOI (B/L)

06:00: Warm up your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with a breathtaking view as the sun rises on Halong Bay.

07:00: Light breakfast is served at the restaurant.

08:00: Your next stop is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Ha Long Bay with beautiful stalactites. You will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view across the Bay once you exit the cave as well as the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years which have taken on fascinating shapes.

09:30: Back on board, check-out and return to Tuan Chau Island

10:00: Brunch is served at the restaurant and payment

10:45: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, return to Hanoi.

16:00: Arrive in Hanoi. End of the trip!

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 08: HANOI – DEPARTURE (B)

On time as your request, our car & guide will come to take you to the airport for catching your flight to other city or home.

* Meal code: (B)
* Services: transferred-car with guide.

End of services!

*3 Star Hotels in use:

• Hanoi: Golden Holiday hotel (Studio with window) http://hanoigoldenholidayhotel.com/ or similar ones
• Sapa: Sapa Unique hotel http://sapauniquehotel.net/ or similar ones
• Halong Bay: Aquamarine/Amanda Cruise (Junior Suite Balcony ) https://amandacruise.com.vn/ or similar ones

*4 Star Hotels in use:

• Hanoi: Silk Queen Grand Hotel (Deluxe room) http://silkqueenhotel.com/ or similar ones
• Sapa : Pistachio Sapa hotel (Superior city view) https://pistachiohotel.com/vi or similar ones
• Ha Long Bay: Athena Cruise (Executive Cabin) https://athenacruise.com/itineraries/2-days-1-night-cruise/ or similar ones

* INCLUSIONS:

• Transportation
• Accommodation hotels in Double/Twin/triple shared room
• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay
• Local English speaking guides
• Entrance fee at indicated sights
• Hanoi walking city ½ day Tour, Sapa Group Tour to Cat Cat village, Halong Bay Group Tour
• Seat-in-Coach Limousine Bus (Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi)
• Water Puppet Tickets in Hanoi
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch & D = Dinner
• Gov’t tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water 

* EXCLUSIONS:

• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• Optional Tours from Sapa to markets
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Other foreign language guide
• Peak tourist season or special event rates
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses