6D5N HANOI – SAPA – HALONG EXPLORATION
DAY 1 – HANOI ARRIVAL – CITY TOUR (L/D)
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our representative will meet and transfer to Hanoi
hotel for check-in the hotel (Early check-in is not guaranteed)
Visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, inclusive of Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (from
outside), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style
house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex
you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become
an important symbol for the people of Hanoi.
Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda located on an east side isle of the West Lake (Tay Ho district), It is
considered as the most ancient pagoda in Thang Long – Ha Noi with its historical progression in
1500 years.
Later, we visit the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son temple – Temple of the Jade
Mountain, Hanoi’s most visited temple sits on a small island in the northern part of the lake,
connected to the lakeshore by an elegant scarlet bridge called Cau The Huc. We then free
shopping at the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses also
known as ‘The 36 Streets’ – each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there,
ranging from fabrics, medicines to crafts. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 2 – HANOI – SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, your guide and drive to SAPA. About 350km far north-west from Hanoi.
Sapa (or Chapa- the “sandy Place”) first appeared in Vietnam national map in the late 1880s when
the French disembarked in highland Tonkin. The first permanent French civilian resident arrived in
Sapa in 1909, and by 1920, there were a number of villas being built in this area by prosperous
professionals. Going through Many ups and downs, nowadays, the district is the home of a great
diversity of ethnic people, including five main groups of Hmong, Yao, Tay, Zay and Xa Pho… Sapa is
the prominent holiday destination, favored by both locals and foreign tourists.
Afternoon, following the road down to the valley by steps, walking to H’Mong Village (Cat Cat
Village) working on the paddy fields and their animals, such as Chicken, Water Buffaloes and pot
Bellied pigs. You can also see the old Hydro Electric Power Station which was built by the French
time in early 20
th
century, and a beautiful waterfall that is the good place for resting. Back to Sapa
town to visit the busy market where Red Dao, Black & Flower H’Mong, Tay and other ethnic
minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and
handicrafts, and to buy provisions. Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 3 – FANSIPAN – HANOI (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer to Cable car station. Then, we visit Fansipan Mountain by cable car. As
you know the cable car in Sapa is the world’s longest and highest cable car, running up from
sleepy Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province to the peak of 3,143-meter Fansipan Mountain, known as
Indochina’s rooftop. Enjoy the view from the highest point of this incredible mountain. The lush
green and subtropical vegetation makes this mountain really very beautiful. Take some pictures
for unforgettable experience from the top. After taking scenery then get cable car back to Sapa.
Cable car round trip is included
Surcharge for funicular is RM35 per pax for one way
Surcharge for Muong Hoa train is RM35 per pax for 2 ways
Afternoon, drive back to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 4 – HANOI – NINH BINH (HOA LU – TAM COC) (B/L/D)
After breakfast, departure for Hoa Lu – Tam Coc, enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the rural areas
on the way. After arriving in Ninh Binh province, the guide takes you to visit Hoa Lu – the Ancient
Royal capital of Viet Nam. We will visit Dinh king temple and Le king temple, in the 10th century,
finding out the heroic histories of this two Kings in Chinese Wars. After that, we go to Tam Coc (10
km far from Hoa Lu).
After lunch time you will get on sampan boat – rowed by the local people – in Hoang Long River to
visit Tam Coc (three caves) on the way. You pass through three enormous caves that provide a
brief respite from the intense summer sun. It takes approximately two hours to go up and down
the river and along the way, you witness local fisherfolk, village life along the river and, of course,
the striking limestone karst formations that Tam Coc is famous for. Afterward we will take car
back Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 5 – HANOI – HALONG ON CRUISE (B/L/D) – Private transfer, no guide
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site (160km driving one way – 3.5hrs drive). This will be your first opportunity to see some of the rural areas of Vietnam. The
drive goes through the Red River delta.
Embark Halong Cruise. Enjoy welcome drink and get a brief
introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Check-in your cabin.
Have lunch while cruising in the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring the fascinating rock and
the beautiful of Halong Bay from your cruise.
Join a guided visit to Stalemate Cave in Ha Long Bay.
Return to Cruise, enjoy the sunset while relaxing with happy hours from now to dinner time at the
bar.
Enjoy happy hours’ various drinks on discount. Taking part in a Cooking Demonstration and
Food Décor Class with our Chef.
Dinner is served on cruise restaurant.
Time of second happy hours to the late night or join Squid Fishing with the crew, sing
Karaoke or just laze around or relax in your cabin.
DAY 6 – HALONG – HANOI DEPARTURE (B/BRUNCH) – Private transfer, no guide
06h30 Welcome a new day with amazing dawn on the cruise. Refresh your body & soul by a Tai
Chi Lesson on sundeck.
Catch morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee, have breakfast.
Climb to the peak of Island for the panoramic views of the bay. Relax on the beach, swim in the
emerald water.
Return to Cruise for freshening up.
Check out your cabin and continue roaming around the picturesque route toward Bai Tho
Mountain near the harbor.
Have early lunch.
Arrive back at Ha Long city for disembarkation.
Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating
conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be cancelled due to poor weather
The above itinerary is for your reference only as each cruise will have its own itinerary and will be
slightly different.
In the afternoon, transfer directly to Noi Bai International Airport for flight home (No guide).