4 Days Northern Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Sa Pa Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:00pm

Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, then transfer to your hotel located in the Old Quarter for convenience and local atmosphere.
VND0, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Enjoy a signature Hanoi dish, Cha Ca (grilled turmeric fish with dill), at the famous restaurant open until 10:30pm.
VND150000, 1h

9:45pm

Evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Experience the peaceful ambiance of Hoan Kiem Lake while enjoying the illuminated Turtle Tower and bustling night market nearby, open late into the evening.
VND0, 45m
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Day 2: Ninh Binh day trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Start your day with authentic Hanoi pho at Pho Thin, famous for its flavorful broth and beef, open from 6am to 11am.
VND60000, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Take a private car or bus for a 2-hour scenic drive south to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning karst landscapes.
VND500000, 2h

10:15am

Boat tour at Tam Coc

Enjoy a 2-hour relaxing sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone caves, open from 7am to 5pm.
VND150000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ninh Binh Impression Restaurant

Taste local specialties like goat meat and mountain vegetables in a serene setting, open 10am to 9pm.
VND200000, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore this historic pagoda complex built into the limestone mountain, open from 7am to 6pm, offering panoramic valley views.
VND10000, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi to relax for the evening after your day exploring Ninh Binh.
VND500000, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for its Bun Cha dish, this spot offers a delicious and authentic northern Vietnamese meal, open until 9:30pm.
VND80000, 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Sa Pa & local exploration

Sa Pa, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your Hanoi hotel to prepare for the train journey to Sa Pa.
Included, 30m

7:15am

Travel to Sa Pa by train

Board a scenic 8-hour overnight train to Lao Cai, then transfer by car to Sa Pa town.
VND600000, 8h

3:30pm

Check in to Sa Pa hotel

Arrive in Sa Pa and check into your accommodation, preparing to explore the mountainous town.
VND0, 30m

4:00pm

Visit Sa Pa Market

Wander the bustling local market with hill tribe handicrafts, fresh produce, and traditional foods, open until 6pm.
VND0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Station Signature Restaurant

Enjoy French-inspired Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere, an excellent introduction to Sa Pa’s dining scene, open until 9pm.
VND250000, 1h
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Day 4: Sa Pa trekking & culture

Sa Pa, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a hearty breakfast featuring local fruits and Vietnamese coffee, from 7am to 9am.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Trek through Cat Cat Village

Explore the traditional H’mong village with waterfalls, ethnic homes, and stunning valley views, trek open all day.
VND70000, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Ganesh Indian Restaurant

Take a break with tasty Indian cuisine, a refreshing change while in Sa Pa, open 11am-9pm.
VND150000, 1h

12:45pm

Visit Fansipan Cable Car

Take the cable car to Fansipan summit, the highest point in Indochina, open from 8am to 5pm.
VND750000, 3h

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or explore Sa Pa town

Spend the late afternoon relaxing or shopping for local crafts and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
VND0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Little Sa Pa Restaurant

Savor traditional Vietnamese dishes with a modern twist in a friendly setting, open until 9pm.
VND200000, 1h
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Day 5: Return to Hanoi

Sa Pa to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing Sa Pa to Hanoi.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel back to Hanoi

Take a private car or bus from Sa Pa to Lao Cai then board the train or bus back to Hanoi; approximately 8 hours travel time in total.
VND600000, 8h

4:30pm

Arrival and check-in at Hanoi hotel

Check back into your Hanoi hotel for rest after the journey.
VND0, 30m

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a diverse range of authentic Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant setting, open until 10pm.
VND250000, 1.5h

8:00pm

Evening stroll in Old Quarter

Walk off dinner with a final night exploring the lively streets and cafes of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
VND0, 1h
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