7-Day Solo Adventure from Bangkok to Hanoi and Sapa: A Cultural and Scenic Journey

Day 1: Bangkok City Exploration

Bangkok, Thailand on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at On Lok Yun

Enjoy a traditional Thai breakfast at this famed local diner, known for its coffee and egg sandwiches, providing an authentic start to your day.
THB150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Explore Bangkok’s most famous attraction – the stunning Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, rich in history and exquisite architecture. Open 8:30am–3:30pm.
THB500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Thip Samai Pad Thai

Savour arguably Bangkok’s best Pad Thai at Thip Samai, a legendary spot loved by locals and visitors alike.
THB100, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Cross the river and admire the beautifully decorated spires of Wat Arun, an iconic Bangkok landmark with panoramic views. Open 8:00am–5:30pm.
THB100, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax and shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Explore one of the world’s largest markets with thousands of stalls offering everything from handicrafts to food. Open Friday to Sunday, so May 13 is a Tuesday — instead visit Asiatique the Riverfront (open 4:00pm–midnight) for riverside shops and entertainment.
Free entry, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cabbages & Condoms

Dine on delicious Thai cuisine while supporting social causes in this unique and popular restaurant in Bangkok.
THB500, 1h30m

Day 2: Bangkok Cultural Day

Bangkok, Thailand on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Luka

Fuel up with a Western-style breakfast featuring excellent coffee and homemade pastries in a stylish café.
THB200, 1h

9:00am

Tour Jim Thompson House museum

Discover traditional Thai architecture and art at the former home of the American silk entrepreneur. Open 9:00am–6:00pm.
THB200, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

Visit this contemporary arts centre for exhibitions, performances, and a look into modern Thai cultural expressions. Open 10:00am–9:00pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Krua Apsorn

Taste authentic and well-loved Thai dishes in a comfortable setting, famous among locals and tourists alike.
THB400, 1h

2:00pm

Flight to Hanoi

Catch an afternoon flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Flight duration approx 1h50m.
Approx THB3500, 3h including airport transfer

6:30pm

Dinner at KOTO Restaurant, Hanoi

Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at this social enterprise restaurant teaching youth hospitality skills. Try pho or bun cha in a welcoming atmosphere.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 3: Hanoi Historical Sights

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Dinh

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee and banh mi near the Old Quarter to start your day authentically.
VND50000, 1h

9:00am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around the serene lake and visit the picturesque temple on its islet. Open daily, early morning till evening.
VND30000, 1h

10:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter, filled with shops and colonial architecture, ideal for experiencing Hanoi’s lively atmosphere.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Famous for serving bun cha, a northern Vietnamese grilled pork noodle dish, this spot gained international fame after President Obama dined here.
VND80000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Pay a respectful visit to the mausoleum and nearby sites like the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house. Open 8:00am–11:00am (note morning entry only).
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Temple of Literature

Vietnam’s first university built in 1070, representing scholarly and cultural heritage with beautiful gardens. Open 8:00am–5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Taste a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes from all regions in a charming, garden-like setting.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 4: Travel to Sapa & Explore

Sapa, Vietnam on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a light breakfast before your journey to Sapa.
Included with accommodation, 1h

8:00am

Private car or bus to Sapa

Take a scenic 5–6 hour journey by road through mountains to the town of Sapa, famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic villages.
VND300000 - 600000, 6h

2:00pm

Lunch at Sapa Market area

Sample local specialties like thang co (a traditional Hmong dish) or fresh mountain vegetables at one of the local eateries.
VND100000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Cat Cat Village

Explore this traditional ethnic village a short distance from Sapa, known for its culture, crafts, and beautiful waterfall. Open daylight hours.
VND70000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Little Sapa Restaurant

Enjoy traditional northern Vietnamese dishes paired with stunning mountain views from the restaurant’s terrace.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 5: Trekking & Landscapes

Sapa, Vietnam on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full day trekking with a hearty breakfast served at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Full day trek through Muong Hoa Valley

Join a guided trek visiting ethnic minority villages like Lao Chai and Ta Van, admire vast terraced rice paddies, and interact with local communities. Make sure to bring water and good walking shoes.
VND300000 for guide, 7h

4:00pm

Relax and visit Sapa town

After trekking, enjoy relaxing around the town, visit the local market or the stone church before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Hill Station Signature

Dine on elevated Vietnamese and fusion dishes in a cosy atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on your day's adventure.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 6: Return to Hanoi & Leisure

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and check out

Enjoy breakfast then check out from your hotel to start the return trip to Hanoi.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel back to Hanoi

Drive back by private car or bus along the picturesque mountain roads to Hanoi, about 5–6 hours journey.
VND300000 - 600000, 6h

2:30pm

Check-in and rest at Hanoi hotel

Check into your hotel and rest after the journey.
Varies, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee and stroll at West Lake

Relax by Hanoi’s largest lake, with an option to visit quaint cafes offering beautiful views. A good spot to unwind before your last night.
VND50000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Madame Hien

Experience refined Vietnamese home cooking in a charming colonial house, perfect for a memorable farewell meal.
VND200000, 1h30m

Day 7: Departure Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and final moments in Hanoi.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Last minute shopping or walking in Old Quarter

Take a final stroll in the Old Quarter to pick up souvenirs or simply soak up the atmosphere.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport

Leave for the airport allowing enough time for check-in and security for your flight home or onwards.
Taxi approx VND300000, 1h