The tour starts at 8AM at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the wooden house where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Next, we’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049, an important symbol of Hanoi. We’ll then visit the must-see Temple of Literature, the first ever university of Vietnam.

In the afternoon, our guide will take you to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you will learn about 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. Next, we’ll visit the Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge and Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we’ll hit the streets by cyclo, exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter’s 36 streets.

You’ll then attend a traditional water puppet show and then have dinner. From here you’ll be taken to the train station for your overnight journey to Lao Cai.

You’ll arrive early in the morning. Our guide will take you to your hotel so you can freshen up and have breakfast. We’ll pop into the local market for a quick look and then begin your trek towards Muong Hoa Valley and the Hoang Lien mountain ranges.

In the afternoon, we’ll walk along the Muong Hoa River, and if you like you can have a swim! We’ll arrive in Ta Van and you’ll have time to explore the village before being driven back to your hotel in Sapa.

After breakfast we’ll begin trekking to Ta Phin, passing through Black H’mong and Red Zao minority villages. Both of these minority groups are for famous for producing unique handicrafts. We’ll also visit a local school and you can meet the students there.

After lunch, you’ll be driven back your hotel in Sa Pa to shower and have a quick dinner before catching the night train back to Hanoi.

We’ll have breakfast in Hanoi then a private car will drive you to Ninh Binh (~2.5 hours). On arrival, we’ll go to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties. We’ll then visit the Bich Dong Pagoda, located on top of a mountain with stunning views.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. You’ll then hop aboard a boat to explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site (~2 hours). The boat ride will take you through various rice fields, limestone mountains and caves. You’ll then check-in to your hotel and enjoy dinner there.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Halong Bay and you’ll board a traditional junk boat, set sail and enjoy your lunch on board. The boat will take you past the distinctive formations of Chicken Rock and Titop Island.

In the afternoon, you’ll head out in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Lagoon in Bai Tu Long Bay. You can relax on the junk’s sun-deck, enjoy the spa services and have a cocktail if you like before dinner.

At night, take the opportunity to try your hand at squid fishing before retreating to your room for peaceful sleep.

Wake early to start your day with Tai Chi on the sun-deck, as the sun rises over the bay. After a light breakfast, discover one of Halong Bay’s biggest and most beautiful caves, the Surprise Cave. You’ll then return to the boat and enjoy a final meal before sailing back to the Tuan Chau Marina and be taken back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Depending on your flight time, you’ll have free time today and we’ll transfer you to the airport.