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

Viewed by 57 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Hanoi

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
Find Hotels in Hanoi & Halong Bay

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
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

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
Find Hotels in Sapa

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
Find Hotels in Sapa to Hanoi
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