An Enchanting Week in Hanoi and Sapa: Solo Adventure in Northern Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Start your day with a bowl of traditional Pho at Pho Gia Truyen, known for its rich broth and authentic taste, located in the Old Quarter and opens from 7am to 10am.

VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Walking Tour of the Old Quarter

Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famed for its colonial architecture, street markets, and vibrant local life. A guided tour can offer rich historical context and insider tips.

VND0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy the famous Bun Cha, grilled pork with noodles, at Bun Cha Huong Lien, a popular eatery that gained international fame after President Obama’s visit, open from 10am to 9pm.

VND70000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Discover Vietnam’s first university built in 1070, a peaceful complex showcasing traditional Vietnamese architecture and gardens.

VND30000, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at Hoan Kiem Lake

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, an iconic spot in Hanoi with beautiful scenery, the Ngoc Son Temple, and opportunities for people-watching and enjoying local tea stalls.

VND0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Dine at Quan An Ngon, known for its wide variety of Vietnamese street food dishes served in a charming garden setting, open until 10pm.

VND120000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Evening Water Puppet Show

Enjoy the traditional Vietnamese art of water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Shows run daily at 8pm and last about 1 hour.

VND100000, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Historical Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Dinh

Try the famous Vietnamese egg coffee paired with light breakfast options at Café Dinh, a local favourite open from 7am to 10pm.

VND50000, 1h

9:00am

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Visit the mausoleum where the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh lies, along with the Presidential Palace and the historic One Pillar Pagoda nearby, open from 8am to 11am (closed Monday and Friday).

VND0, 2h

11:30am

Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Gain insights into the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam through extensive displays of artifacts, houses, and cultural items. Open 8am to 5:30pm daily.

VND40000, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

Savour Vietnamese fusion dishes at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant dedicated to training disadvantaged youth, open for lunch 11am to 3pm.

VND120000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Cycling Around West Lake

Rent a bike and enjoy a scenic 5-6km ride around Hanoi’s West Lake, stopping for photos at Tran Quoc Pagoda.

VND50000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the signature Hanoi grilled turmeric fish dish, Cha Ca, at this famous local restaurant, open until 10pm.

VND150000, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Hanoi to Sapa

Hanoi to Sapa, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Bakery

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel or try local banh mi sandwiches from a nearby bakery before departure.

VND30000, 1h

8:00am

Travel by Bus to Sapa

Board a comfortable tourist bus for the 5-6 hour scenic journey northwest to Sapa. Buses depart frequently from Hanoi’s My Dinh or Giap Bat bus stations.

VND180000, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Hotel

Arrive at Sapa and check into your hotel to relax and acclimatise to the cooler mountain climate.

Included in accommodation price, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Sapa Market

Explore the vibrant Sapa Market where local ethnic minorities sell fresh produce, textiles and handmade crafts. Opens until early evening.

VND0, 1h

5:00pm

Sunset at Ham Rong Mountain

Walk up to the Ham Rong Mountain Park to enjoy panoramic views of Sapa town and the surrounding terraced fields. Park closes around 6pm.

VND70000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Good Morning Vietnam Restaurant

Try delicious local specialties including thang co (horse meat stew) and fresh mountain vegetables, open until 9pm.

VND120000, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Trekking in Sapa

Sapa, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before your trekking day.

Included in accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Guided Trek to Cat Cat Village

Embark on a 2-3 hour guided trek descending from Sapa town to nearby Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H’mong ethnic group, famous for waterfall views and traditional crafts.

VND350000 (including guide), 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Homestay

Enjoy a traditional local lunch with an ethnic minority host, experiencing authentic regional cuisine.

VND120000, 1h

1:30pm

Trek to Ta Phin Village

Continue trekking to Ta Phin Village, inhabited by Red Dao people, where you can learn about their unique customs, embroidery and herbal medicine traditions.

Included in trek cost, 3h

4:30pm

Return to Sapa Town by Jeep or Motorbike Taxi

After trekking, arrange local transport to return comfortably to Sapa town.

VND150000, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Red Dao Restaurant

Dine on authentic Red Dao dishes, such as grilled pork and bamboo-tube rice, in a warm rustic setting.

VND120000, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Fansipan Mountain

Sapa, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a solid breakfast at your hotel preparing for a mountain adventure.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Fansipan Cable Car Journey

Take the world’s longest cable car to the summit of Fansipan, called the 'Roof of Indochina', offering stunning panoramic mountain views. Opens daily from 7am to 5:30pm.

VND750000, 4h (including summit visit)

1:00pm

Lunch at Sapa Center Restaurant

Relax and refuel with Vietnamese and Western dishes at Sapa Center on return from the mountain.

VND150000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Silver Waterfall and Love Waterfall

Take a half-day excursion to these spectacular waterfalls roughly 15-20km from Sapa, peaceful spots for nature lovers.

VND0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Chapa Restaurant

Enjoy local dishes with a modern twist at Chapa Restaurant in Sapa town, popular with tourists and locals.

VND140000, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Village Homestay

Sapa, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Homestay

Enjoy a local breakfast with your host family, gaining insight into daily rural life.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Full Day Trekking and Cultural Immersion

Embark on a guided trekking tour through remote traditional villages such as Lao Chai and Ta Van, meeting ethnic minority communities like the H’mong and Dzay, experiencing their hospitality.

VND500000 (including meals and guide), 8h