Highlights of North Vietnam – 7 Days

Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Halong Bay, known as the “Bay of the Descending Dragon.” Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters.

After arriving at the Indochina Junk Lounge, transfer by buggy to the pier for embarkation. Enjoy a welcome drink, safety briefing, and cabin check-in before a seafood lunch as the cruise sails into the quiet Bai Tu Long Bay.

In the afternoon, explore Thien Canh Son Cave, then relax on Hon Co Beach or enjoy kayaking among limestone formations. Return to the cruise for a Vietnamese cooking class as the sun sets over the bay. Dinner is served on board, followed by optional squid fishing or stargazing.

Wake up early to admire the peaceful morning seascape with coffee or tea on deck. After breakfast, transfer by bamboo boat to Vung Vieng Fishing Village to experience traditional floating life.

Return to the cruise for check-out and a farewell set-menu lunch while sailing through the dramatic karst landscape. Disembark late morning and travel back to Hanoi by private car.

Depart from Hanoi via the expressway to Lao Cai, admiring the changing landscapes along the route. Arrive in Sapa, a mountain town surrounded by terraced fields and misty peaks.

After lunch, explore Ham Rong Mountain, where winding paths lead through orchid gardens, rock formations, and viewpoints offering panoramic views of Muong Hoa Valley. From the summit, take in the spectacular scenery of Sapa and nearby ethnic villages.

After breakfast, set off on a full-day hike through the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley, home to the Black Hmong, Red Dzao, and Zay ethnic groups. Follow scenic trails along terraced fields and bamboo forests to Lao Chai Village, where you’ll visit local homes and enjoy a traditional lunch with a family.

Continue to Ta Van Village, home to the Zay people, known for their distinctive stilt houses and handmade incense. Walk through serene countryside landscapes before returning to Sapa in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, drive to Bac Ha, home of the Flower Hmong people, recognized for their vividly colored clothing and bustling Sunday market. Arrive mid-morning to see the market at its liveliest — a kaleidoscope of fabrics, animals, and local produce.

Observe villagers trading buffalo, horses, and handmade goods, and capture vibrant photos of daily life. Enjoy lunch in Xin Man Town, then continue through winding mountain roads to Hoang Su Phi, one of Vietnam’s most stunning yet less-visited regions.

After breakfast, begin your trek through the spectacular rice terraces and bamboo forests of Hoang Su Phi. Pass through Red Dzao villages, where locals wear indigo tunics and silver jewelry, and learn about their customs and farming practices.

Stop for tea and a home-cooked lunch with a local family, then continue hiking toward a Tay village nestled in the valley. Follow the river back to Panhou Village, where you’ll relax at your eco-lodge surrounded by mountains. Enjoy dinner with local specialties at the retreat.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your lodge with breakfast and mountain views. Later, check out and travel by private vehicle back to Hanoi for your onward flight.