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A 9-day Vietnam Journey
The Sapa to the Sea journey begins in the buzzing capital
of Hanoi.
An overnight train journey takes you to the far Northwest
corner of Vietnam. Near to the Chinese border, the Sapa
region is filled with ethnic minorities who maintain their
own local culture, traditions, and dress. Spend three days
trekking through the region, exploring the vast diversity
whilst enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Return to the lowlands and travel east to the flatlands
of the Red River Delta. A cable car ride takes you to the
top of Yen Tu Mount with sweeping panoramic views of the
surrounding countryside, before trekking down to visit Giai
Oan pagoda. Spend the night on Tuan Chan Island amidst the
calming waters of the South China Sea.
Relax on an overnight cruise on the magnificent Halong
Bay. Feast on seafood, visit mystical caves, and swim in
the turquoise waters of the Bay. For those with energy remaining,
kayak through the calm waters for a different viewpoint
of the towering karsts. Your journey comes to an end back
in Hanoi where a farewell dinner.
Day 1 - Hanoi Arrival (D)
Arrival Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of
today is at your leisure to rest and relax or enjoy
a brief walking with your guide to explore the incredible
Old quarter and charming lakes of Hanoi. Meet up again
in the evening for a scrumptious welcome dinner in one
of Hanoi's best local restaurants.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2 - Hanoi - Lao Cai (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the
capital's sites. Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
& the Ho Chi Minh complex before enjoying a nice
buffet lunch at Brother Café. This afternoon
is free for you to visit historical sites by yourself
or shop in the Old Quarter with its 36 winding streets.
Enjoy an early dinner at L'Indochine restaurant before
boarding the train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train.
Day 3 - Lao Cai - Sapa - Ma Tra - Ta Phin (B,L,D)
Early this morning arrive in Lao Cai and transfer along
terraced hillsides to Sapa, home to some of Vietnam's
most colorful ethnic groups. After breakfast, commence
with a short hike along a narrow trail through beautiful
gardens and lush pine forests. Pass through the Black
H'mong ethnic minority village of Ma Tra, and continue
through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. Take
a midday rest for lunch at a local ethnic school before
continuing the afternoon trek to the Red Dao minority
village of Ta Phin. Visit a workshop and a nearby cave
before transferring by road back to Sapa. (Today's trek
is approximately 20km)
Overnight in Sapa
Day 4 - Sapa - Ban Ho - Nam Toong (B,L,D)
This morning, trek along the fringes of the rainforest
skirting the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. Ascend to
the Red Dao village of Nam Toong where lunch will be
prepared and served in a local school. Continue hiking
to the beautiful village of Ban Ho, located next to
a gorgeous turquoise river. A final haul uphill out
of the Sapa valley will bring you to the large roadside
village of Supan, from where the jeeps will transfer
you to a wonderful Ecolodge where you'll enjoy a home
cooked dinner. (Today involves approximately 5 hours
of trekking)
Over night in an Ecolodge.
Day 5 - Sapa - Heaven Gate - Sin Chai - Lao Cai (B,L,D)
This morning travel to Silver Waterfall and ‘Heaven
Gate', the highest pass of roads in Vietnam. Enjoy the
breathtaking views of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak
in Indochina, before descending on a downhill trail
through bamboo forest. After lunch by the river, continue
the trek to Sin Chai village, where community-based
tourism projects in Sapa takes place. Visit the village
and interact with the local black Hmong minority, one
of the largest group ethnic minorities in Sapa area.
From here, journey back to Sapa and on to Lao Cai to
catch the night train to Hanoi. (Today involves about
4 hours of walking)
Overnight onboard the train.
Day 6 - Hanoi - Yen Tu Mount - Tuan Chau Island (B,L,D)
After an early arrival in Hanoi, enjoy breakfast at
the hotel and a quick shower before heading out to Yen
Tu Mount. Take a cable car up Hoa Hien Temple before
hiking down Giai Oan pagoda. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant
at the bottom of Yen Tu Mount before transferring on
to Tuan Chau Island. (Approximately 5 hours of trekking
today)
Overnight on Tuan Chau Island.
Day 7 - Halong Bay Cruise and Kayak (B,L,D)
This morning a short transfer takes you to Halong Bay
for an early cruise. Set sail through the bay and while
enjoying lunch. Take in the scenery of thousands of
sculpted limestone islands rising from the waves like
dragons' teeth. After lunch, cruise to the inside of
magical landscape of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island,
Dog Island, and Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy sunset from the
top of the Titop Mountain or you can take a bamboo row
boat to discover a water tunnels with many coral reefs
in a scenic lagoon. Back on board the boat, enjoy dinner
as the sun sets.
Overnight onboard Halong Bay junk boat.
Day 8 - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B,L,D)
Rise to the sound of the ocean coming to life for another
lovely day. Before a very early breakfast, you will
have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay
whilst cruising back to the Halong dock to drive back
Hanoi. Upon arriving in Hanoi early this afternoon,
the rest of today is at your leisure before meeting
for a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 9 - Hanoi Departure (B)
After breakfast you will have the chance to wander around
Hanoi for your last minute shopping before transferring
to the airport for your departure flight. |
Tour Duration: 9 Days /8 Nights
Tour Price: Starting at US$ 2,250 per person
Please Note: The price is a guideline and will vary
according to travel dates and room availability. The
price is based on two passengers traveling during
high season and sharing a twin or double room.
Included is:
- English speaking guides throughout.
- Local English speaking guide for trekking days
in Sapa
- Private air-conditioned car for transfers as itinerary
except trekking days.
- Local train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai –
Hanoi (4-a/c-soft-berth cabin, share cabin)
- Twin Share Private cabin for Halong Bay boat cruise.
Shared boat.
- Sightseeing tickets where require in the itinerary
except free, at leisure days.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary ( B= Breakfast,
L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Snack, water and local fruits for trekking days.
- Accommodation as list in twin shared room with
daily breakfast
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