Hanoi- Sapa - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island
Please note that this is a sample itinerary and can be amended to suit.
Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa
Arrive Hanoi and enjoy an optional city tour. Depart this evening onboard an overnight sleeper train to Sapa, a former French hill station in the remote mountainous region near the border of China.
Day 2: Sapa - Ta Van (Trek 15 km)
Arrive in Lao Cai early morning and drive to Sapa. Start hiking (approx. 5 hour trek) along a small path into the valley and pass through a Black H’mong village. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They are proud of their culture and keep their traditions and way of living, still using their own language and wearing traditional indigio blue clothing. After this continue to Ta Van village to visit the Zay people. Stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van and share dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Ta Van - Su Pan - Sapa - Lao Cai (Trek 8 km)
Continue hiking (approx. 4 hour trek) and visit the Red Dao people at Giang Ta Chai, passing a waterfall along the way. The Red Dao women wear colorful red embroidery, coins on their clothing and red scarves on their heads. Some of the women have shaved off their eyebrows because of a Red Dao Legend. Continue hiking through emerald rice paddies, arriving back in Sapa for lunch and shopping at the local market, before catching your overnight train back to Hanoi. (B,L)
Day 4: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Drive to Ninh Binh, an area of spectacular beauty 100km south of Hanoi, offering a world of natural and cultural heritage to explore. (B,L)
Day 5: Ninh Binh
Explore this beautiful region by bicycle.(B,L)
Day 6: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Drive to Halong Bay and board your traditional junk for an overnight cruise. Cruise through thousands of islands and relax on deck under the stars after a fabulous seafood dinner. For the night owls enjoy a spot of squid fishing! (B,L,D)
Day 7: Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island
This morning visit a cave, then begin an afternoon rock climbing adventure. Halong Bay offers some of the best rock climbing in South East Asia, where you can scale limestone walls on the island, perfect for beginners. For the more experienced, try deep water drops on pinnacles rising from the Bay. Spend the evening in simple bamboo huts on the island. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Depart Hanoi
Enjoy a morning of relaxation, swimming, kayaking or hiking. Transfer to Hanoi in the afternoon. (B,L)