7-Day Itinerary for Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Sapa

1. Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter
   30 minutes (13.6 km) from Noi Bai International Airport

   Take a morning stroll through the historic Hanoi Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets lined with food stalls, boutique shops, and ancient temples. In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. In the evening, catch a traditional water puppet show.

2. Day 2: Trang An Landscape Complex, Ninh Binh
   2 hours and 30 minutes (98.8 km) from Hanoi Old Quarter

   Take a boat tour through the stunning karst formations of Trang An Landscape Complex. In the afternoon, visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and explore the temples and pagodas. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing sunset view at Mua Cave.

3. Day 3: Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh
   1 hour and 20 minutes (45.4 km) from Trang An Landscape Complex

   Explore the lush jungles and diverse wildlife of Cuc Phuong National Park. Take a trek to the Muong ethnic village and learn about their unique culture. In the evening, relax at the park's eco-lodge and enjoy a BBQ dinner.

4. Day 4: Fansipan Mountain, Sapa
   5 hours and 30 minutes (251.5 km) from Cuc Phuong National Park

   Take the cable car to the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Indochina. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Sapa Market and learn about the local ethnic tribes. In the evening, relax at a hot spring spa.

5. Day 5: Cat Cat Village and Waterfall, Sapa
   30 minutes (3.8 km) from Sapa Town

   Take a trek through the scenic rice paddies and visit the Hmong ethnic village of Cat Cat. Learn about their traditional crafts and way of life. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Cat Cat Waterfall, where you can cool off and take a dip. In the evening, enjoy a cultural show at the Sapa Cultural Village.

6. Day 6: Bac Ha Market, Lao Cai
   2 hours and 30 minutes (102.7 km) from Sapa Town

   Visit the colorful Bac Ha Market, where ethnic minorities from all over the region come to trade goods and socialize. In the afternoon, visit the Hoang A Tuong Palace, a beautiful French-style mansion built in the 20th century. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing spa treatment.

7. Day 7: Thac Bac Waterfall, Sapa
   1 hour and 30 minutes (30.9 km) from Bac Ha Market

   Visit the stunning Thac Bac Waterfall, also known as the Silver Falls. Take a dip in the pool and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Ta Phin Village and learn about the Red Dao ethnic tribe. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in Sapa Town.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang Province or the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site. Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes. For a side trip, visit the mountain town of Mai Chau. Hire a motorbike or bicycle to explore the countryside. Don't forget to try the local street food and coffee!

Find hotels and flights for your trip here.