5-Day Vietnam Northern Highlights: Hanoi, Halong Bay Cruise, Ninh Binh & Sapa Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Halong Transfer

Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional bowl of pho at this popular Hanoi eatery known for its authentic flavors, providing a great start to your day.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay by private car or shuttle bus, a journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
VND600000 (approx. private transfer), 4h0m

1:00pm

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Start your scenic day cruise exploring Halong Bay's limestone karsts and emerald waters with included lunch onboard.
USD65, 6h0m

7:00pm

Return to Hanoi

After a fulfilling cruise, return to Hanoi city center for overnight rest.
Included in transfer, 4h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, a dish popularized internationally.
VND80000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Hanoi accommodation before departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Drive to Ninh Binh, a 2-hour journey south of Hanoi.
VND400000, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through caves and limestone karsts in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
VND200000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chookie's Beer Garden

Savor local Vietnamese dishes with a relaxed garden setting, popular among travelers.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam, known for its grand scale and spiritual significance.
VND150000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Travel to Hanoi

Return to Hanoi to prepare for night train or bus to Sapa.
VND400000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Hanoi - Cha Ca La Vong

Try Hanoi's iconic grilled fish specialty for dinner in the Old Quarter.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:00pm

Night train or sleeper bus to Sapa

Travel overnight to Sapa for early arrival next day; trains depart around 9pm and arrive around 5am.
VND500000, 8h0m
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Day 3: Sapa Adventure Start

Sapa, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

5:00am

Arrive in Sapa, check-in & breakfast

Arrive early morning and enjoy breakfast at local cafe such as Little View Restaurant. Rest and refresh.
VND80000, 1h0m

7:00am

Guided Trek to Cat Cat Village

Explore a traditional Hmong ethnic minority village with scenic views and cultural experience.
VND200000 (guide), 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Sapa Market

Experience the bustling local market with textiles and handicrafts.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Agora Restaurant

Enjoy a meal featuring local ingredients and modern Vietnamese cuisine.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Ham Rong Mountain Park

Stroll through gardens and enjoy panoramic views of Sapa town and rice terraces.
VND70000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel and dinner at Good Morning Vietnam

Unwind with authentic local food and cozy atmosphere after a day of trekking.
VND130000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Sapa Trekking & Hanoi Return

Sapa to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast to prepare for trekking.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Trek To Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages

Discover stunning rice terraces and minority cultures on a moderate trek through these villages.
VND250000 (guide), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ta Van Village Home-stay

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch with local hosts in the village.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Travel back to Sapa town

Return to Sapa town to prepare for departure.
Included in tour, 1h0m

4:00pm

Early dinner in Sapa - Restaurant Little Sapa

Have an early dinner featuring fresh mountain trout to fuel the long trip back.
VND150000, 1h0m

5:30pm

Night train or night bus back to Hanoi

Depart Sapa for overnight return journey to Hanoi.
VND500000, 8h0m
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Day 5: Hanoi City Tour & Flight

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

6:00am

Arrive in Hanoi, breakfast nearby train station

Grab a light breakfast at a nearby cafe offering local coffee and banh mi.
VND50000, 1h0m

7:00am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Visit the iconic lake and temple in the heart of Hanoi to experience the city’s spiritual and cultural symbol.
VND30000, 1h0m

8:15am

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam’s first university and beautiful traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h0m

9:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups with extensive exhibitions and outdoor displays.
VND40000, 2h0m

11:45am

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try Hanoi’s signature cha ca (grilled fish) dish in a popular local restaurant.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit this historic site reflecting on Vietnam’s past and resilience.
VND30000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Old Quarter Walking Tour & Shopping

Stroll through the vibrant streets picking up souvenirs and enjoying street food.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel or airport transfer

Prepare for departure, allowing ample time for your 8:00pm flight.
Varies
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