North Vietnam 4 Day Tour
Day 1: Hanoi – Tuần Châu – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Having picked you up from central Hanoi, we'll set off to discover the highlights of northern Vietnam. Our journey by minibus to the country's north-east coast will take us through the beautiful rural farming areas that characterise the region. We'll take a short break halfway through the trip, before arriving at the port in Tuần Châu, the departure point of our cruise on Ha Long Bay.
Settled in on board the boat, you'll be able to enjoy unparalleled views of the emblematic karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay from the panoramic decks. There's no wonder that this extraordinary natural scenery, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most captivating places in Southeast Asia.
After relaxing and building up our energy with a delicious Vietnamese lunch in the boat's restaurant, we'll embark on a kayak tour of Ha Long Bay. Ready to explore its limestone caves and admire its rugged islets up close? We'll paddle on the turquoise waters for around an hour before returning to the boat to change our clothes and attend a Vietnamese cooking class on the deck of the boat!
The first day of our tour will come to an end with dinner on board.
Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Tả Van (Sapa)
After enjoying a delicious breakfast on board, we'll wake up with a Tai Chi class. Discover the benefits of this martial art!
Having enjoyed the fruit of our hard work, there'll be free time during which you can enjoy the boat's facilities. Top up your tan sunbathing on the loungers or take a refreshing dip in the outdoor hot tubs on deck! Our two day cruise will then come to an end returning to Tuần Châu, and from there we'll head back to Hanoi.
Once back in the Vietnamese capital, we'll climb aboard a bus, where we'll spend the night in comfortable beds during the overnight journey north to Tả Van: a picturesque town located not far from the famous Sapa rice terraces.
Day 3: Tả Van (Sapa) – Lao Chải – Linh Hồ
We'll arrive at the bus station in Tả Van first thing in the morning. However, before arriving, we'll visit Hoang Lien National Park and visit the home of a local so that we can learn about the lifestyle of locals in this area.
When we do arrive at Tả Van station, a minibus will be waiting for us at the same stop to take us to the traditional house where we'll spend the night. In this household, which belongs to an ethnic Zay family, we'll be awaited by the main members of the clan as well as a delicious, hearty breakfast.
With renewed energy, we'll set off on a trekking route around Sapa of 7-12 kilometres (4-7 miles) accompanied by a local guide. As we hike through the lush jungle landscapes and admire the iconic staggered rice terraces, we'll learn all about the daily life of the many different ethnic groups who live in the region.
Following the course of the river, we'll reach Lao Chải, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the village school, before being welcomed into the home of another local family for a traditional lunch. We'll then continue on the hiking trail through other small towns like Linh Hồ, finally ending back at our homestay where we'll have dinner and sleep ready for the last day of our tour.
Day 4: Jungle Trek – Sapa – Hanoi
After breakfast at our hosts' house, we'll embark on our second trek through Sapa's breathtaking natural landscapes. This time, we'll make our way to the highest point in the valley, where we'll enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming in secret hidden waterfalls. We'll also stroll through the area's bamboo forests, whose beautiful scenery will leave you speechless.
Our route will come to an end back at the homestay, where we'll share lunch with the Zay family who hosted us, before sadly saying our goodbyes. Having eaten, we'll head to Sapa town by minibus, where you'll have an hour of free time.
Finally, we'll meet back up at Sapa bus station to get the bus back to Hanoi, arriving back between 9:30 pm and 10 pm after an incredible four days exploring northern Vietnam.
Accommodation options
This four day tour includes three nights' accommodation. When making your reservation, you'll have the choice of two different options for your accommodation:
Standard accommodation
- 1st night (cruise): standard cabin with private bathroom.
- 2nd night: night bus.
- 2nd night (homestay in Sapa): shared room with other members of the group.
Deluxe accommodation
- 1st night (cruise): standard cabin with private bathroom.
- 2nd night: night bus.
- 2nd night (homestay in Sapa): private bungalow with maximum capacity of two people.
Hotel pick up
This tour includes a pick up service from hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter. You'll be picked up between 8 am and 8:30 am.
Note on prices
- The prices indicated are per person staying in a double room (either in a standard cabin or in the other types of accommodation, where the accommodation is shared).
- Reservations for standard accommodation require a minimum of two people per booking. Reservations for deluxe accommodation will incur a supplementary charge if booked for individuals.
- Please contact us if you would like to discuss alternative accommodation options.
