THE BEAUTY OF HANOI, SAPA & HALONG

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to Ha Long Bay which is about 160 km or 3.5 hour drive away. Moving through the countryside on the way will bring you a clear perspective of a country’s whose 80% of population live on farming. Have a quick rest stop en route before reaching Ha Long City. Check in hotel then spend time at leisure.

Morning, breakfast at hotel between 6-7 AM, transfer to the dock for boarding a cruise boat to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Ha Long means Descending Dragon in Vietnamese as legend has it that a holly dragon landed down here from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The boat will stop at Dau Go Island for you to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes). Dau Go Cave in 13th Century was a depot to store pointed wooden stakes, which later were used by Vietnamese great military commander Tran Hung Dao to trap and puncture Mongolian naval boats in famous battles of Bach Dang. Continue cruising while fresh seafood lunch is served on board (not included in the tour price). Return to the dock, disembark and travel back to Hanoi.

Afternoon, drive back Hanoi and shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter. Evening at leisure.

After breakfast, check out hotel then proceed to Lao Cai via Hanoi Lao Cai Highways – the Vietnam’s longest expressway, cutting travel time in half. Arrive Lao Cai after 4hours drive, have lunch at local restaurant. Continue to Sapa Town and check in hotel. We visit the Minority Village where ethnic minority people are in various styles of traditional dress – indigo tunics and leggings, elaborate pleated skirts, sliver-studded jackets. The first sightseeing is Cat Cat minority village where you will have a new understanding to these minorities and experience the unique lifestyle.

Morning, free at leisure, relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape from your balcony. The journey will commence with a drive southwards Muong Hoa valley. You will then start your descending walk into the valley, which is the largest paddy terrace in Sapa area. The guide can provide you with interesting information about rice and rice growing. If you visit the valley some time in between May and October, you will be able to experience how the local do planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in their daily life. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of Black H’mong minority to Ta Van village of Giay minority including a visit to the local Catholic Church.

After breakfast, check out hotel and transfer back to Hanoi. Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon, we visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the center point of Hanoi and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species. Its name “Returned Sword” comes from a legend of a sacred sword being lent to an ancient Vietnamese King by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the turtle. Discover special Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry as well as Vietnamese folklore through a compelling puppet show at Thang Long Theatre. Shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.