6 Days Splendors of Tonkin: Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh – Sapa

Day 1: Hanoi arrival – Halong Bay – Day Cruise (L, D)

Upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi, we will be greeted by our guide and driver, then immediately transferred to Halong Bay to enjoy the stunning seascape. Upon arrival at the harbor, we board our day cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch while sailing through the emerald waters, passing by thousands of limestone islands and exploring beautiful caves. In the evening, we disembark and head to a welcome dinner at The One Indian Halong restaurant. We check in and spend the night at a seaview hotel in Halong.

Day 2: Halong Bay – Back to Hanoi – ½ City Tour – Cyclo (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and transfer back to Hanoi. After leaving luggage at hotel, we will visit Ho Chi Minh complex where we will spend time at Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (outside visit only if later than 10.30 AM), his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Followings we visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi which located by the West Lake. Lunch at Indian restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius. We finish our day with 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired "old quarter". Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc 1 Day (B)

Pick up at your hotel at 8 AM, we will drive Southward of Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. On arrival, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital dated back from 10th and 11th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features several dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs…. We then stop at a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we take sampan along the Ngo Dong River to visit three caves Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba (Tam Coc) in the Ngo Dong River. Our pleasant boat rowing starts from the embroidery village of Van Lam then proceed through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst limestone to three natural caves, of which, the largest is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods. In the afternoon, we will be driven back to Hanoi for overnight accommodation.

Day 4: Hanoi – Bus to Sapa – Cat Cat Village (B)

In the morning, depart for Sapa by express bus, passing through stunning mountain scenery along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy a downhill hike to Cat Cat Village, where you will see a waterfall and a small hydroelectric station. In the afternoon, return to Sapa town and enjoy free time to explore at leisure. Overnight in a hotel in Sapa.

Day 5: Sapa – Fansipan Peak by Cable Car – Bus back to Hanoi (B)

In the morning, after breakfast, head to Fansipan Peak, known as the “Roof of Indochina.” Take a scenic cable car ride above valleys and forests, and visit the spiritual complex with its temples and the giant bronze Buddha. Reach the summit for panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son range before descending. In the afternoon, explore Muong Hoa Valley, known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. Later, board the express bus back to Hanoi. Arrive around 9:30 PM, check in at the hotel, and rest overnight.

Day 6: Free shopping – Departure (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, we have free time to explore the city on our own or enjoy some last-minute shopping at the local markets and malls. Then, we will be transferred to the airport for our departure flight.