7-Day Itinerary: Explore Hanoi & Sapa, Vietnam – Fansipan & Stone Church

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

9:00AM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive at your hotel to drop off your luggage and freshen up for the day's adventure.
Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel in downtown Hanoi.
USD30, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, soaking in the local vibe and enjoying the surroundings.
Walk from your hotel; it should take around 10-15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Savor the iconic bun cha – grilled pork with vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs at this famous local joint.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from Hoan Kiem Lake.
USD5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Literary Temple

Experience Vietnam's reverence for education and Confucianism at this historical temple dedicated to Confucius.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
USD1, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll Through the Old Quarter

Wander through the lively streets of the Old Quarter, experiencing its bustling market atmosphere and unique shops.
Walking tour through the maze of streets.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy cha ca, a traditional dish of grilled fish with turmeric and dill, served with noodles.
Walk for about 10 minutes from the Old Quarter.
USD10, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Watch a Water Puppet Show

End your first day watching a captivating water puppet performance, a unique cultural experience.
At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, a short taxi ride from dinner.
USD5, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Giang

Start your day with a famous egg coffee and some delicious pastries at this iconic local café.
Take a taxi or walk if nearby.
USD4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Witness the solemn beauty of Ho Chi Minh's final resting place and learn about his life.
A 15-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore One Pillar Pagoda

Admire the architectural wonder of this historic pagoda, which resembles a lotus blossom.
Next to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum; a short walk.
Free, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Koto

Enjoy a meal at Koto, a social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in hospitality.
A short taxi ride from the pagoda.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through interesting exhibits.
Take a taxi from the restaurant; should take about 15 minutes.
USD2, 2 hours

4:00PM

Enjoy Coffee at The Note Coffee

Relax with a coffee at this charming café known for its post-it note decorations.
Taxi back to the Old Quarter.
USD3, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at La Badiane

Refine your palate with upscale Vietnamese cuisine in a stylish setting.
Taxi ride from the café.
USD15, 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Halong Bay

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the exciting day ahead with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Depart for Halong Bay

Travel to Halong Bay (approximately 3-4 hours drive) to marvel at its steep karst cliffs and emerald waters.
Shared shuttle or private car transfer.
USD30, 4 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on Cruise Ship

Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring seafood while cruising through the breathtaking landscapes.
Onboard the cruise.
Included, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Sung Sot Cave

Venture into the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Cruise guides will take you there.
USD5, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kayaking in Halong Bay

Get a closer look at the bay by kayaking through its stunning waterways.
Kayaks provided by your cruise.
Included, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return Scenic Cruise

Relax and enjoy the picturesque views on your way back to the dock.
Back to the original departure point.
Included, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hanoi

Make the return trip to Hanoi after an exhilarating day of exploration.
Shared shuttle or private car transfer.
USD30, 4 hours

9:30PM

Dinner at Street Food Tour

Satisfy your hunger with a guided street food tour, tasting local delicacies at various food stalls.
Arranged guided tour will pick you up at your hotel.
USD20, 2 hours
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Day 4: Journey to Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before your journey to Sapa.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Sapa

Board a bus or train to Sapa, a breathtaking journey through the scenic hills of Northern Vietnam.
Bus or train station, 30-minute taxi from the hotel.
USD20, 6 hours

2:00PM

Check-In at Sapa Hotel

Arrive in Sapa and check-in to your hotel to rest and rejuvenate.
Walk from the bus/train station to your hotel.
USD25, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Stone Church

Admire the gothic architecture of the Stone Church, a symbol of Sapa with stunning mountain views.
A short walk from your hotel.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Sapa Market

Discover local handicrafts, produce, and the vibrant culture at the bustling Sapa Market.
Walk back to town center.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Hill Station

Indulge in a farm-to-table experience with local ingredients in a cozy atmosphere.
A short walk from the market.
USD12, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Fansipan Adventure

Sapa, Vietnam

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast to fuel up for your trek to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Trek to Fansipan

Start the trek to Fansipan, navigating lush trails and breathtaking landscapes.
Join a guided tour or hire a local guide for efficiency.
USD25 (with guide), 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fansipan Summit

Enjoy a packed lunch at the summit while soaking in the panoramic vistas.
Self-catered; carry your lunch from the hotel.
USD5, 1 hour

2:00PM

Descend Fansipan

Begin your descent, taking in the scenery while heading back.
Follow the same trail down.
Free, 4 hours

6:00PM

Return to Hotel

Relax and unwind after a thrilling day of adventure.
Back to hotel.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Sapa Cuisine

Delight in traditional Sapa dishes while enjoying the cozy ambiance of this restaurant.
Walking distance from your hotel.
USD10, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Sapa, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, getting ready for a day of exploration.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Cat Cat Village

Experience the traditional lifestyle of the Hmong people in this charming village.
Take a local taxi or arrange a tour.
USD5 (entry fee), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch with Local Family

Enjoy a homemade meal prepared by a local family in Cat Cat Village.
Paid beforehand; the family will host you.
USD10, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Silver Waterfall

Marvel at the stunning Silver Waterfall and surround it by beautiful landscapes.
Local taxi from Cat Cat Village.
USD3 (entry fee), 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Markets

Return to Sapa and explore the bustling local markets for souvenirs.
Return to Sapa town via taxi.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Green Restaurant

End your day with an excellent meal featuring Sapa's locally sourced ingredients.
A short walk from your hotel.
USD12, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor your last breakfast in Sapa, enjoying the local flavors one last time.
At the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel Back to Hanoi

Embark on your journey back to Hanoi to catch your flight or explore more.
Bus or train to Hanoi.
USD20, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy the famous cha ca dish one last time before concluding your trip.
Return to the Old Quarter for this iconic dining experience.
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Last Minute Shopping

Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs before heading to the airport.
Walk around the Old Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Departure Prep

Return to your hotel to recharge, freshen up, and prepare for departure.
Travel back to the hotel.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Departure from Hanoi Airport

Travel towards the airport to conclude your Vietnam adventure.
Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.
USD20, 1 hour
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