Highlights

• Trekking through the villages of Cat Cat, Cau May, Ta Phin, all home to different ethnic minority groups
• Exploring the beautiful town of Sapa, nestled up in the hills, it offers magnificent views, a cool climate and a bustling market
• Shopping for souvenirs
• Coming back to a comfy hotel room each night
• Cruising through Halong Bay on a traditional junk
• Dining on freshly caught, delicious seafood
• Kayaking into small lagoons

Good for...

• Those wanting to experience Sapa but with their creature comforts, ie staying in a hotel, not a homestay
• Families, friends, couples etc looking for a good quality overnight trip to Halong Bay in a small junk with personal service. This trip doesn't blow the budget but provides a good standard of service, food, accommodation etc

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.

This is a sample itinerary, so the cost really depends on your hotel choice, number of people in your group and dates of travel. An indication of the cost for this itinerary is approximately US$350- US$400 per person based on two people traveling in standard accommodation. Please contact us to customize this itinerary and price to meet your needs and budget.

Tour includes:

• Accommodation at selected hotels with daily breakfast

• Early/late check in/out service at hotels

• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

• English speaking guide on land tour

• Tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle

• Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time

• Soft sleeper four berth air-conditioned cabin:              Hanoi – Lao Cai – Hanoi

 Tour excludes:

• Early/late check in/out service at hotels

• International airport departure tax

• Tips and gratuities

• Services and Meals and Drinks other not mentioned in itinerary

• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature

• Travel Insurance (Compulsory)

Tempting Extensions

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Destination Information

Want to know more about what to do and see in each destination? Click here

Vietnam

Want to know up to date information about the country, visas etc?

Vietnam

Recommended Hotels

There are plenty of hotels in the region but we have the advantage of living here, constantly inspecting them, finding new ones, and dumping old ones and knowing the true levels of service. To see our recommended hotels in each area please click here

FAQ’s

Any further information can be found in our FAQ’s section or feel free to email us