10-Day Vietnam Northern Highlights: Hanoi to Ha Giang Loop and Sapa Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Explore Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with authentic Hanoi pho at this popular local spot; it's a beloved breakfast choice known for its rich broth and fresh ingredients.
VND60000, 1h0m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple Visit

Enjoy a peaceful walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple to absorb the tranquil atmosphere right in the heart of Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:00am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling Old Quarter on foot to discover historic streets, local markets, and traditional craft shops.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste the famous Hanoi dish bun cha, grilled pork with rice noodles, at this well-known eatery favored by locals and visitors alike.
VND70000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Temple of Literature Visit

Visit Vietnam’s first university, a serene complex dedicated to Confucius, showcasing beautiful traditional architecture and gardens. Open 8am-5pm.
VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Water Puppet Theater Show

Experience the traditional art of Hanoi water puppetry with an engaging performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, showing multiple times daily.
VND100000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Sample the iconic Hanoi specialty, cha ca (turmeric fish with dill), at this historic restaurant famous for the authentic dish.
VND150000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Ninh Binh Nature

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ninh Binh

Depart early from Hanoi to Ninh Binh by car or bus; the journey takes approximately 2 hours.
VND200000, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast at Chookies Cafe

Enjoy a fresh and healthy breakfast with coffee and local specialties in a charming garden setting filled with cats, beloved by travelers.
VND80000, 1h0m

10:30am

Boat Ride at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take a peaceful sampan boat ride through limestone karsts and caves in this UNESCO World Heritage site, a must-see natural attraction. Open daily 7am-5pm.
VND200000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local riverside restaurant

Taste fresh local dishes featuring river fish and vegetables in a scenic riverside setting near Trang An.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, featuring impressive statues, pagodas, and peaceful grounds. Open 7am-6pm.
VND60000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Check-in hotel and relax

Settle into your hotel to unwind after an active day; many hotels offer beautiful rural views.
Varies, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tam Coc Garden Restaurant

Dine on delicious Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy garden setting near Tam Coc, famous for local goat meat specialties.
VND120000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cat Ba Island Adventure

Cat Ba Island, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Cat Ba Island

Depart Ninh Binh early, drive to Hai Phong then catch a ferry to Cat Ba Island; total travel about 4-5 hours.
VND350000, 5h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Cannon Fort Cafe

Enjoy a light meal or coffee and refreshments at this cafe near Cat Ba’s main town before exploring.
VND100000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Cat Ba National Park

Explore the lush landscapes and wildlife of Cat Ba National Park, home to rare primates, with hiking trails offering panoramic views. Open 7am-5pm.
VND150000, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax on Cat Co Beaches

Unwind on Cat Co 1 or 2 beaches — perfect for sunset strolls and swimming.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Monkey Island Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes at this well-regarded local restaurant with friendly atmosphere on Cat Ba Island.
VND150000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Leaving Cat Ba by ferry and car, head to Ha Long Bay area, about 2 hours travel.
VND200000, 2h0m

9:30am

Breakfast on arrival

Grab a quick local breakfast in Ha Long Bay town before boarding your cruise.
VND80000, 0h30m

10:00am

Begin Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Enjoy a day cruise in Ha Long Bay exploring majestic limestone karsts, caves, and floating villages — a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cruises typically operate 9am-4pm.
USD70, 6h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ha Long Town

Disembark and transfer to your hotel or onward travel arrangements.
Included, Varies

7:00pm

Dinner at Green Mango Restaurant

Savor Vietnamese and international dishes in Ha Long Bay town with nice views and good service.
VND150000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Ban Gioc Waterfalls Visit

Ban Gioc, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Ban Gioc Waterfalls

Depart early for the long 6-7 hour drive north to the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfalls on the Vietnam-China border.
VND400000, 7h0m

1:00pm

Lunch en route

Stop for roadside or local village lunch serving traditional Vietnamese mountain food.
VND80000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ban Gioc Waterfalls exploration

Explore one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Southeast Asia, enjoy boat rides if available and take photos of the scenic limestone cliffs and cascading water. Open 8am-5pm.
VND50000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Overnight stay nearby

Check into a guesthouse or hotel near Ban Gioc for rest.
Varies, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse or local eatery

Enjoy simple local cuisine featuring river fish and fresh vegetables.
VND80000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cao Bang Culture

Cao Bang, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Cao Bang

Drive about 2 hours south from Ban Gioc to Cao Bang town, the provincial capital with rich ethnic culture.
VND150000, 2h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Try Cao Bang specialties such as grilled pork and local noodles in town.
VND60000, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Pac Bo Historical Site

Explore the cave and surrounding area where Ho Chi Minh lived in exile, a significant cultural and historical destination. Open daily 7am-5pm.
VND30000, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cao Bang Restaurant

Savor traditional dishes featuring local herbs, bamboo shoots, and river fish flavors.
VND90000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore local market

Visit Cao Bang market for handicrafts and to experience everyday life of ethnically diverse communities.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and prepare for next day journey.
Varies, Evening

7:00pm

Dinner at Varied Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty final meal in Cao Bang with cold noodles and spicy specialties.
VND120000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Ha Giang Loop Start

Ha Giang, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ha Giang

Journey about 4 hours south to the start point of the famous Ha Giang Loop, known for breathtaking mountain scenery and ethnic villages.
VND350000, 4h0m

11:00am

Breakfast in Ha Giang Town

Have a local breakfast with sticky rice and other specialties to fuel your adventure.
VND60000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Begin Ha Giang Loop: Quan Ba Pass

Start riding or driving the Ha Giang Loop heading to Quan Ba Pass with views of ‘Fairy Bosom’ mountains and stunning valleys.
Free, 3h0m

3:00pm

Visit Lung Tam Village

Visit Lung Tam for insight into H’Mong culture and traditional houses.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Overnight stay in local homestay

Stay at a homestay to experience the warm hospitality and ethnic culture.
VND200000, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at homestay

Enjoy homemade ethnic dishes including corn wine and fresh vegetables.
Included, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Ha Giang Loop Continue

Ha Giang, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at homestay

Start your day with a traditional breakfast prepared by your hosts.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Dong Van Market (Sunday or adjust days for market day)

If visiting on Sunday, explore the vibrant local market in Dong Van town with rich ethnic diversity; otherwise visit Dong Van town and ancient market for culture.
Free, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass

Drive along the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass with views over the Nho Que River gorge, considered one of Vietnam’s most spectacular roads.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local restaurant in Meo Vac

Try local mountainous dishes in Meo Vac town with tranquil hilltop views.
VND90000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore ethnic villages around Meo Vac

Visit surrounding villages to meet ethnic minorities and learn about handicrafts and lifestyle.
Free, 3h0m

5:00pm

Stay overnight at homestay

Enjoy another night immersed in local culture and hospitality.
VND200000, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner with locals

Savor traditional home-cooked meals and stories from locals.
Included, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Sapa Exploration

Sapa, Vietnam on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Sapa

Depart Ha Giang early for about 6 hours drive to Sapa, a picturesque mountain town known for terraced rice fields and ethnic minorities.
VND400000, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Sapa town

Enjoy a hearty lunch featuring local mountain specialties like thang co (traditional horse meat stew) or fresh vegetable dishes.
VND100000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Cat Cat Village

Walk through this H’mong hill tribe village with traditional houses, local crafts, and cotton weaving; open during daylight hours.
VND70000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Sapa Market

Visit the lively Sapa Market to shop for handicrafts, textiles, and experience local culture.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Station

Dine at a well-reviewed restaurant serving fusion Vietnamese and international cuisine in a cozy, artistic setting.
VND150000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return & Hanoi Culture

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel back to Hanoi

Depart Sapa early to drive or take a bus back to Hanoi (~5-6 hours).
VND400000, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Hanoi at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a delicious variety of Vietnamese traditional street foods in a comfortable setting, perfect for your last meal in the city.
VND120000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hanoi Museum or Fine Arts Museum

Spend your afternoon at the Hanoi Museum or Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts to appreciate the history and artistry of the region; both open till 5pm.
VND40000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Cafe Giang

Enjoy the famous Hanoi egg coffee to unwind before your evening departure or continuing travels.
VND60000, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bun Thang Ba Duc

Sample the unique Hanoi noodle soup, Bun Thang, at this popular street vendor known for authentic flavors.
VND70000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability