Cultural & Scenic North Vietnam – 7-Day Tour

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HA NOI ARRIVAL – FREE TIME

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, complete immigration procedures and visa on arrival (if applicable). Meet our driver at the airport and transfer to your pre-booked hotel in Hanoi city center.

After hotel check-in, take time to relax or begin exploring Vietnam’s vibrant capital at your own pace.

Free time at leisure to discover Hanoi:

• Walk around the Old Quarter to experience bustling local life

• Enjoy street food and traditional cafés

• Explore nearby shops and cultural streets

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HOA LU – TAM COC – MUA CAVE DAY TRIP (LUNCH)

07:30 – 08:00 – Pick-up from your hotel by our friendly guide and depart for Ninh Binh Province.
09:15 – Short break (15–20 minutes).

10:30 – Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (968–1010), learning about Vietnamese feudal history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

11:45 – Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local specialties such as goat meat, chicken, fish, and fried rice. Vegetarian options are available.

13:00 – Take a 1.5-hour bamboo boat trip in Tam Coc, admiring limestone karsts, rice paddies, rivers, and caves – often called “Ha Long Bay on land.”

14:30 – Cycling around the village for 45 minutes to experience local rural life.

15:30 – Visit Mua Cave. Climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for a panoramic view of Tam Coc.

16:30 – Return to Hanoi by limousine bus.
18:30 – Drop-off at hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HA NOI – HA LONG BAY (LUNCH, DINNER)

08:00 – 08:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer to Ha Long Bay
(approximately 2.5–3 hours via expressway).

11:30 – Arrive at the cruise lounge, check in, welcome drink, and safety briefing.

12:30 – Board the cruise and enjoy lunch while sailing through the limestone formations of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.

14:00 – Afternoon activities (depending on cruise itinerary):

• Visit a spectacular limestone cave (Sung Sot Cave or similar)

• Kayaking or bamboo boat ride through lagoons and karst formations

16:30 – Relax on the sundeck, enjoy a sunset party, and admire panoramic bay views.

19:00 – Dinner on board featuring fresh local seafood.

Evening – Free time to relax, join onboard activities such as squid fishing, or enjoy the peaceful night scenery.

Overnight on Ha Long Bay cruise.

DAY 4: HA LONG BAY – HA NOI (BREAKFAST, BRUNCH)

06:30 – Morning activities and light breakfast on board.

08:30 – Explore the bay further by cruising through scenic areas.

09:30 – Enjoy brunch while returning to the harbor.

11:00 – Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

16:30 – 17:30 – Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 5: HA NOI – SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (LUNCH, DINNER)

06:00 – 06:30 – Pick-up from hotel and transfer to Sapa by expressway / limousine bus
(approximately 5.5–6 hours, including stops).

12:30 – Arrive in Sapa town and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

14:00 – Hotel check-in (early check-in subject to availability).

15:00 – Visit Cat Cat Village, home of the H’Mong ethnic minority:

• Explore traditional houses and daily village life

• Visit Cat Cat Waterfall & hydroelectric station

• Learn about local handicrafts and customs

17:30 – Return to Sapa town.

Evening – Dinner at local restaurant and free time to explore Sapa Night Market.

Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 6: SAPA – FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

07:00 – Breakfast at hotel.

08:00 – Transfer to Fansipan Cable Car Station.

09:00 – Ride the cable car to Fansipan Peak (3,143 m) – the “Roof of Indochina,” enjoying breathtaking mountain views.

10:30 – Explore the summit area:

• Fansipan peak marker

• Spiritual complex, pagodas, and Buddha statues

• Panoramic views of Hoang Lien Son mountain range

12:30 – Descend by cable car.

13:30 – Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon – Free time:

• Visit Sapa Stone Church

• Shop for souvenirs

• Optional trekking or café relaxation (own expense)

Dinner at own arrangement.

Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 7: SAPA – HA NOI – DEPARTURE

07:00 – Breakfast at hotel.

08:00 – Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.

10:30 – Check out and transfer back to Hanoi by limousine bus.

16:30 – 17:30 – Arrive in Hanoi.

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for departure (flight time dependent).

End of Best of North Vietnam 7 Days Tour.

TOUR INCLUDED

• Airport pick-up and drop-off as per itinerary

• All transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicle

• 2 days / 1 night Ha Long Bay cruise including onboard meals and activities

• Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary

• Professional English-speaking local tour guides

• Included activities: boat trips, kayaking, cave exploration, Cat Cat Village trekkin

• Round-trip cable car ticket to Fansipan Mountain

• Meals as specified in the program (daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners

• Bottled water: 1 bottle per person per day during tours

• All applicable taxes and service charges

TOUR EXCLUDED

• Hotel accommodation

• Drinks during meals

• International and domestic flight tickets

• Vietnam visa and visa stamping fees

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Tips for guides, drivers, cruise crew, and service staff

• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, shopping, etc.

• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

• Any services not clearly stated in the “Tour Included” section

• Peak season surcharges, compulsory gala dinners during Christmas, New Year, and Tet Holidays