Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai
Our trip starts with an overnight train journey from Vietnam's capital city to the border town of Lao Cai. The accommodation for tonight will be in soft sleeper berths on the express train (standard cabin includes 4 berths per cabin).
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa (BL)
Early arrive at Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa for breakfast. Today we start by getting some exercise with trek to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, Ta Van and Cau May. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local ethnic minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These minority people, including the Red Zao, Hmong and Tay people, walk to Sapa to trade at the markets. Tonight we spend night in Sapa town.
Day 3: Sapa – Ta Phin – Lao Cai (B)
This morning our exercise involves climbing up Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa and its environs. After lunch time we drive out of town and commence an hour-long walk to Ta Phin, home to the distinctive Dao (pronounced Zao) community. From here we drive to Lao Cai station for night train back to Hanoi.
Day 4 Hanoi – Halong Bay (BLD)
Arrive in Hanoi at around 5am, transfer to Hong Ngoc hotel for a short break and breakfast. Depart at 0830AM and when arrive Halong at midday, we will be met by the Customer Services Manager and transferred to our boat. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or try our hand at some kayaking. We can relax on the top deck using the sun-tanning area or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar.
Day 5 Halong – Hanoi (BL)
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we visit another cave which has spectacular salinities. After the visit to the cave, there will be a chance for a quick swim before an early lunch as we cruise back to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 4pm.