6-Day Nature & Relaxation Rail/Train Trip in Hanoi

View Packing List

Day 1: Nature Exploration in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on March 2, 2024

8:00AM

Visit Trang An Landscape Complex

Embark on a peaceful boat tour through the scenic karst mountains and lush greenery of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a taxi or bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, which takes approximately 2 hours.
20 USD, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying the tranquil surroundings of Ninh Binh.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to a nearby restaurant.
10 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda

Discover the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist pagodas in Southeast Asia, set amidst stunning natural beauty.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a short drive from the town center.
Free entry, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local eatery, savoring traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Head back to town for dinner.
15 USD, 1 hour
Book a Hotel

Day 2: Scenic Train Journey to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on March 3, 2024

8:00AM

Take the Train to Sapa

Embark on a picturesque train journey from Hanoi to Sapa, passing through stunning landscapes and lush valleys.
Board the train from Hanoi to Sapa, which takes approximately 8 hours.
30 USD, 8 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation in Sapa

Settle into your accommodation in Sapa and enjoy the cool mountain air and beautiful views.
Take a short taxi ride from the train station to your accommodation.
35 USD, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner and Relaxation

Dine at a local restaurant in Sapa and unwind after a day of travel, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the mountain town.
Explore the nearby dining options in Sapa.
20 USD, 2 hours
Book a Hotel

Day 3: Exploring Mai Chau's Serene Beauty

Mai Chau, Vietnam on March 4, 2024

9:00AM

Visit Pom Coong Village

Immerse yourself in the traditional culture of the White Thai ethnic group in Pom Coong Village, surrounded by picturesque rice fields and lush greenery.
Take a bus or taxi from Sapa to Mai Chau, which takes approximately 4 hours.
15 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Homestay

Enjoy a homely lunch at a local homestay, sampling authentic Vietnamese dishes and engaging with the hospitable locals.
Head to your homestay for a traditional meal experience.
10 USD, 1 hour

3:00PM

Bicycle Tour around Mai Chau Valley

Explore the serene landscapes of Mai Chau on a leisurely bicycle tour, taking in the idyllic beauty of the valley and interacting with local villagers.
Rent a bicycle from your homestay or a nearby rental shop.
5 USD, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner and Cultural Show

Indulge in a traditional dinner at the homestay accompanied by a cultural show featuring music and dance performances by the locals.
Enjoy an evening of cultural entertainment at the homestay.
25 USD, 2 hours
Book a Hotel

Day 4: Relaxation in Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island, Vietnam on March 5, 2024

8:00AM

Ferry to Cat Ba Island

Embark on a scenic ferry ride from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs.
Take a ferry from Hai Phong to Cat Ba Island, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
10 USD, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Cat Ba National Park

Hike through the lush greenery and diverse wildlife of Cat Ba National Park, enjoying panoramic views of the island and the sea.
Take a short taxi ride from the ferry terminal to the national park.
5 USD, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch with a View

Savor a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the stunning landscapes of Cat Ba Island.
Head to a nearby restaurant for a seafood feast.
15 USD, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax on Cat Ba Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of Cat Ba Beach, soaking up the sun and tranquility of this beautiful island paradise.
Take a leisurely stroll from the restaurant to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner by the Waterfront

Enjoy a scrumptious dinner by the waterfront, sampling fresh seafood dishes and watching the sunset over the bay.
Choose a seaside restaurant for a memorable dining experience.
20 USD, 2 hours
Book a Hotel

Day 5: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 6, 2024

8:00AM

Travel from Cat Ba Island to Hanoi

Take a ferry back to Hai Phong and then a bus from Hai Phong to Hanoi, enjoying the scenic journey back to the capital city.
Take a ferry from Cat Ba Island to Hai Phong, then a bus from Hai Phong to Hanoi, totaling approximately 4 hours of travel time.
15 USD, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery in Hanoi

Enjoy a final meal in Hanoi at a local eatery, reminiscing about the relaxing nature-filled journey you've experienced.
Head to a recommended restaurant in Hanoi for lunch.
10 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter

Stroll through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, browsing the vibrant markets and ancient temples that showcase the city's rich history.
Walk around the Old Quarter to soak in the local culture.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Street Food Market

Indulge in a variety of delicious street food offerings at a bustling market in Hanoi, experiencing the flavors of Vietnam at affordable prices.
Visit a popular street food market for dinner.
15 USD, 2 hours
Book a Hotel

Day 6: Departure Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on March 7, 2024

8:00AM

Morning Market Visit

Explore a local morning market in Hanoi, interacting with vendors and sampling fresh produce and Vietnamese delicacies.
Start your day with a visit to a nearby morning market.
5 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Final Souvenir Shopping

Shop for souvenirs and mementos at the vibrant markets of Hanoi, picking up unique gifts to remember your nature-filled adventure.
Head to the bustling markets for some last-minute shopping.
50 USD, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine one last time before departing.
Choose a restaurant for a relaxing farewell meal.
15 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure from Hanoi

Bid farewell to the serene beauty of Vietnam as you head to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of a nature-filled journey.
Take a taxi or airport shuttle to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight.
20 USD, 2 hours
Book a Hotel
0

More About Hanoi

Trip Packing List: Hanoi (Late February — early March 2026)
Packing List
Vietnam Winter Honeymoon — Jan 11–17, 2026 (Jakarta → Hanoi → Sapa → Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ho Chi Minh City)
Packing List
Hanoi Weather in July: A Guide to the Tropical Summer Peak
Weather Guide
Essential Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting Hanoi
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed