Northern Vietnam Tour 6 Days: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Ha Long Bay
3 DaysHa Long BayVietnam
Modern-day Vietnam is a feast for the senses, from lively city streets to peaceful mountain valleys and the limestone seascape of Ha Long Bay.
Tour Highlights
Journey through Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay in six days.
Experience city culture, rural landscapes, and local trekking insights.
Cruise Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts, drift Tam Coc by sampan.
Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, visit ancient temples and historic sites.
Discover Ninh Binh's natural beauty on a Tam Coc sampan ride.
Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views of Ninh Binh's rice fields.
Trek Sapa's rice terraces, visit local hill tribe villages.
Kayak through Ha Long Bay's lagoons, explore hidden caves.
What's Included
5 nights in 3–4 star hotels or eco-lodges in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Ha Long
Private transfers throughout the tour with experienced drivers
English-speaking tour guides in each destination
Arrival transfer in Hanoi
Depending on your arrival time, unwind or join a leisurely walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where bustling streets meet French colonial charm. In the evening, savor a delightful welcome dinner featuring authentic Northern Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant.
Northern Vietnam Tour: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Halong 6 Days
Included: Airport pick-up, hotel accommodation, dinner
Optional: Cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake or a traditional water puppet show.
Day 2: Hanoi Cultural Discovery
Begin your day with a deep dive into Hanoi’s rich heritage. This guided Hanoi city tour will take you to iconic landmarks such as:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – the resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader
Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – showcasing diverse ethnic cultures
After a local lunch, explore the hidden alleys of the Old Quarter either on foot or by cyclo. Along the way, you’ll sample Hanoi’s famous pho and creamy egg coffee—a true local treat.
Highlight: Taste Hanoi’s famous pho and egg coffee
Day 3: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu – Tam Coc) – The Inland Ha Long Bay
Start early and leave the city behind as you head to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” Your first stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, where you’ll explore centuries-old temples and remnants of royal dynasties.
In the afternoon, embark on a peaceful sampan boat ride through Tam Coc, floating past rice paddies and majestic limestone karsts. Continue with a cycling tour through picturesque countryside villages for an authentic look into rural Vietnamese life.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel accommodation in Ninh Binh
Highlight: Scenic Tam Coc boat trip through limestone caves
Day 4: Ninh Binh – Sapa – Meet the Hill Tribes
After breakfast, journey north to Sapa, a mountainous haven famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority communities. Upon arrival, check into your hotel or eco-lodge overlooking the valleys.
In the afternoon, take a light trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, home to the Black Hmong and Zay ethnic groups. You’ll gain insight into their unique cultures, colorful clothing, and traditional crafts.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, local guide, hotel in Sapa
Highlight: Trekking in Sapa through rice terraces and ethnic minority villages
Day 5: Sapa Adventure – Fansipan or Cat Cat Village & Return to Hanoi
Today offers two exciting experiences—choose what suits your travel spirit:
Option 1: Ride the Fansipan cable car to the highest peak in Indochina, offering jaw-dropping views of the Hoang Lien Son range
Option 2: Hike to Cat Cat Village, a traditional Hmong settlement with scenic waterfalls and cultural displays
After lunch, return to Hanoi via the expressway. Enjoy your evening at leisure or explore the vibrant Hanoi Night Market.
Included: Breakfast, lunch, return transport to Hanoi
Optional: Join a Hanoi street food tour in the Old Quarter
Day 6: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise
Today, take a day cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone islands and calm emerald waters.
Highlights of the cruise include:
Visiting mystical limestone caves
Discovering floating fishing villages
Swimming or kayaking in hidden lagoons
A fresh seafood lunch is served on board as you take in the scenery of Ha Long Bay. After the cruise, return to Hanoi, where your unforgettable journey concludes. Airport drop-off or hotel transfer available upon request.
Included: Breakfast, lunch on board, private transport
Optional: Extend your trip with an overnight cruise or a flight to Central or Southern Vietnam