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

Day 1: Night Arrival Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 31, 2025

10:00pm

Arrive in Hanoi

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

10:30pm

Late Night Snack at Pho Thin

Try Hanoi’s iconic pho at this popular spot, open until midnight, perfect for a late craving.
VND60000, 1h0m

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi & Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in Hanoi to prepare for your day trip.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Travel to Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi for Halong Bay via private car or shuttle; approximately 3.5-4 hours drive.
VND600000, 4h0m

12:00pm

Halong Bay Day Cruise

Discover stunning limestone karsts with a 4-5 hour cruise including a delicious seafood lunch.
USD65, 5h0m

5:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the evening for a relaxing night.
Included, 4h0m

9:30pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Sample Hanoi’s famous Bun Cha at this well-loved eatery open late into the night.
VND80000, 1h0m

Day 3: Ninh Binh Exploration

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast before heading out to Ninh Binh.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

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

10:00am

Boat Tour of Trang An

Enjoy a 2-hour peaceful boat ride through caves and three valleys amid breathtaking karsts.
VND200000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chookie's Beer Garden

Dine on local dishes in a leafy garden atmosphere popular with travelers.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam known for its impressive statues and architecture.
VND150000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon to get ready for your overnight trip to Sapa.
VND400000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Enjoy the signature Hanoi grilled fish dish before your journey ahead.
VND150000, 1h0m

9:00pm

Night Train or Sleeper Bus to Sapa

Leave Hanoi by overnight train or bus to Sapa for scenic highland adventure.
VND500000, 8h0m

Day 4: Sapa Trekking

Sapa, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

5:00am

Arrive in Sapa and hotel check-in

Arrive early morning in Sapa and transfer to your hotel to refresh.
Varies, 1h0m

6:30am

Breakfast at Little View Restaurant

Start your day with a breakfast enjoyed alongside beautiful mountain views.
VND80000, 1h0m

7:30am

Trek to Cat Cat Village

Walk to this traditional Hmong village to experience local culture and stunning scenery.
VND200000 (guide), 3h0m

11:00am

Explore Sapa Market

Wander through the vibrant market showcasing local crafts and produce.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Agora Restaurant

Enjoy freshly prepared Vietnamese dishes with local ingredients in a contemporary setting.
VND150000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ham Rong Mountain Park

Relax in this landscaped park offering panoramic views of Sapa town and the surrounding terraces.
VND70000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam

Taste regional specialties in a cozy atmosphere after your day's activities.
VND130000, 1h0m

Day 5: Sapa Trek & Hanoi City Tour

Sapa to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for your morning trek before departure.
Included, 1h0m

7:30am

Trek to Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages

Experience scenic trekking visiting ethnic minority villages and stunning rice terraces for 2.5 hours.
VND250000 (guide), 2h30m

10:00am

Return to Sapa Town

Head back to Sapa town to prepare for your departure to Hanoi.
Included, 0h30m

10:30am

Travel from Sapa to Hanoi

Depart Sapa by bus or train for a 5-6 hour journey back to Hanoi.
VND500000, 6h0m

4:30pm

Hanoi City Tour - Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Begin your city tour with a visit to the iconic lake and temple in Central Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h0m

5:30pm

Transfer to Airport

After your short city tour, head directly to the airport to catch your 8:00pm flight.
Varies, Duration varies based on traffic