5-Day Northern Vietnam Tour: Hanoi Arrival, Halong Bay Cruise, Ninh Binh & Sapa with City Tour

Day 1: Night Arrival Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

10:00pm

Arrive in Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi at night. Transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter for check-in and rest.
Varies, 1h0m

10:30pm

Late Night Snack at Pho Thin

If you're up for a late bite, enjoy Hanoi’s famous pho at this well-known local spot, open till midnight.
VND60000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your Hanoi hotel to prepare for the long day.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay by private car or shuttle, journey about 3.5 to 4 hours.
VND600000, 4h0m

12:00pm

Board Halong Bay Day Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 4-5 hour cruise, passing limestone karsts and islands with lunch served onboard.
USD65, 5h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the evening.
Included, 4h0m

9:30pm

Late Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for its Bun Cha, this spot serves dinner until late, perfect for your arrival back in Hanoi.
VND80000, 1h0m
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Day 3: Ninh Binh Day Trip

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast in Hanoi before leaving for Ninh Binh.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Drive approximately 2 hours south to Ninh Binh.
VND400000, 2h0m

10:00am

Boat Ride in Trang An

Take a peaceful 2-hour boat tour through caves and limestone formations in this UNESCO site.
VND200000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chookie's Beer Garden

Taste local dishes in a relaxing garden setting loved by travelers.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore this vast Buddhist temple complex, the largest in Vietnam, known for its architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
VND150000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi to prepare for overnight travel to Sapa.
VND400000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy Hanoi’s famous grilled fish dish before your night journey.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:00pm

Night train or sleeper bus to Sapa

Travel overnight to Sapa by train or bus, departing approximately 9pm and arriving early morning.
VND500000, 8h0m
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Day 4: Sapa Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

5:00am

Arrive and Transfer to Hotel

Arrive in Sapa early morning, transfer and settle into your hotel.
Varies, 1h0m

6:30am

Breakfast at Little View Restaurant

Start with breakfast at this local favorite offering scenic views.
VND80000, 1h0m

7:30am

Trek to Cat Cat Village

Visit a traditional Hmong village with picturesque landscapes and cultural immersion.
VND200000 (guide), 3h0m

11:00am

Visit Sapa Market

Explore local crafts and interact with ethnic minority vendors at the market.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Agora Restaurant

Enjoy modern Vietnamese cuisine using fresh local ingredients.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ham Rong Mountain Park

Relax and take in panoramic vistas of Sapa town and rice terraces in this landscaped park.
VND70000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam

Sample local specialties in a cozy setting after a day of trekking.
VND130000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Sapa, Return & Hanoi City

Sapa to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before your morning trek.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Trek to Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages

Enjoy a scenic trek passing rice terraces and experiencing minority villages.
VND250000 (guide), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ta Van Village Homestay

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

2:00pm

Travel back to Sapa town and board night train or bus to Hanoi

Return to Sapa and depart for overnight journey to Hanoi (bus/train departs around 5:30pm).
VND500000, 8h0m

6:30am

Arrive Hanoi and quick breakfast

Arrive Hanoi early morning and grab a quick breakfast at a cafe near the station.
VND50000, 1h0m

7:30am

Hanoi City Tour Start - Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Visit the central lake and temple, an iconic cultural spot in Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h0m

8:45am

Temple of Literature

Explore the oldest university in Vietnam, famous for its traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h0m

10:00am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through comprehensive exhibits and outdoor displays.
VND40000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the distinctive Hanoi grilled fish specialty in a well-known restaurant.
VND150000, 1h0m

1:45pm

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit this museum showcasing Vietnam’s history of resilience and struggle.
VND30000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Old Quarter Walking and Shopping

Experience the bustling streets with local shops and street food.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to hotel or airport transfer

Complete your city tour and head to the airport for your 8:00pm flight.
Varies
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