Stay up to date with the
Journeys Within Travel Blog
Toll Free (877) 454-3672
Contact Us
Southeast Asia Tours
Southeast Asia Custom Tours
Chiang Mai, Thailand; Luang Prabang, Laos; Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam
Siem Reap Bed and Breakfast
Southeast Asia Tour Guides
Southeast Asia Travel Stories
In The News, Press, Wat News, Newsletter
Local Community Support
Southeast Asia Travel Resources
Contact Journeys Within Cambodia USA
Recommend our travel site

Cambodia | Thailand | Laos | Vietnam | Signature Tours

Northern Vietnam Tour

Back to Vietnam Tours

Northern Vietnam is an incredible area full of character, charm and bustle. Hanoi is a capital city celebrating its growth while still keeping its traditions - women in conical hats dodge motorbikes while selling noodle soup from shoulder baskets. In Halong Bay you will sail through the mists of time seeing a way of life dominated by water. Finally explore Sapa, where you can marvel at the beauty and see a unique way of life.

Day 1   Hanoi - Arrival

Arrive at Noibai Airport, Hanoi, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. 

Your guide will take you to a local restaurant for dinner.

Meals included: Dinner

Overnight at Hilton Opera Hotel

Day 2   Hanoi - City Tour

Your guide will meet you and will discuss with you what you would like to see. There are so many options that we like to leave it up to you and your guide to decide what suits you best. Some interesting highlights are the ‘Hanoi Hilton’, where John McCain and other prisoners were held during the war, it now houses a museum. Or head to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where you can see Uncle Ho laid out to rest. If you like art you can visit the Fine Art Museum or see which local galleries are offering shows. The Temple of Literature is always a nice place to stroll through and is a great stop before or after lunch as you will be having lunch at KOTO, a restaurant benefiting at risk youths. Your guide will be with you all day so discuss what suits you and then have fun.

Attend a Water Puppet Show to experience a truly traditional Vietnamese evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Hilton Opera Hotel

Day 3   Halong Bay - Day 1

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will take a private minivan with driver to Halong Bay.  Arrive in Halong Bay and board a Vietnamese “junk” (boat) where you will have lunch.  Then take a fantastic cruise in Halong Bay, where the cast limestone islands rise vertically out of the water and you will wonder if you are dreaming or sailing into a movie set. Visit Dinh Huong, Ga Choi, Dog, and Snail Islands before continuing to Sung Sot cave.  Jump in for a swim at Titov beach. Enjoy dinner on the boat followed by optional fishing and drinking of Vietnamese wine before heading to your air-conditioned cabin.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight onboard

Day 4   Halong Bay - Day 2

After breakfast onboard continue cruising this area known as one of the 'Wonders of the World' to Man’s Head and Tortoise Islands.  A small bamboo boat will take you to Luon Cave, then off to Bai Tu Long Bay, Toal Island, Bai Tho Mountain.  The boat will then make its way to Halong City as you enjoy your last lunch aboard.  Return to Hanoi in a private car, stopping en-route at Dong Trieu Pottery.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Hilton Opera Hotel

Day 5   Hanoi - Day at Leisure

Have the day free to explore Hanoi on your own and then transfer to the train station for a 10pm departure to Sapa.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight on the train.

Day 6   Trip to Sapa - Day 1

You will arrive at LaoCai train station at 6am where you will be met and driven to Sapa. Visit the Sapa Market and TaPhin Village, famous for its brocade weaving done by Hmong and Dzao women. Have lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon visit Ham Rong Mountain and the Sapa Rose Garden. Have dinner at a local restaurant and then spend the night at your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight at Victoria Hotel Sapa

Day 7   Trip to Sapa - Day 2

In the early morning drive to Bac Ha Market where all of the local hill tribes come to trade, it is an amazing place full of color and life. Try a local food called Thang Co and watch village life happening around you. Continue from here to Hoang Yen Chao Palace and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight at Victoria Hotel Sapa

Day 8   Sapa to Hanoi

Enjoy the cool air and the beautiful surroundings in a free day. In the evening return to LaoCai for the return train to Hanoi leaving at 9:15pm. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight on the train.

Day 9   Hanoi - Departure

You will arrive early at Hanoi Station where you will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Tour Rate: starting at $1,715 per person double with $755 single supplement

Price includes:

  • Boat tickets – Halong Bay
  • Train tickets on the Victoria train (Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi)
  • Accommodation at Hilton Opera, Hanoi
  • Accommodation at The Victoria Hotel, Sapa
  • Air-conditioned car with driver
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Tours and admission fees as mentioned above
  • Meals as specified in itinerary

Price excludes:

  • Personal expenses
  • Visa fees
  • Airport tax
  • Alcohol and meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Tips

 


Cambodia | Thailand | Laos | Vietnam | Signature Tours