NORTH VIETNAM, 10 days/9 nights, small group tour, from 2 pax

Day 1 Hanoi

On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing. Stay the next two nights at Hotel La Belle Vie (or similar).

Day 2 Hanoi

Escape Hanoi city and embark on a journey to the unique ancient village of Dong Ngac. Explore the village by bike with a stop at the local market to purchase fresh ingredients for

lunch. Visit the historic Communal House and gain an insight into local life as you chat with our host from the local Do Clan residing in the Ancestral House. Put your culinary skills to the test and take part in a cooking class, savouring your creations for lunch before the return drive back to Hanoi. (BL)

Day 3 Hanoi to Sapa

Spend the morning exploring a few of the unique sites of Vietnam’s capital city. Visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton Prison”, stop in to see the Temple of Literature and wander through the expansive Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Enjoy some free time before transferring to the Fanxipan Overnight Train to begin your journey to Sapa. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening on the Fanxipan Overnight Train (or similar). (B)

Day 4 Sapa

Start early as you arrive into Lao Cai Station before transferring to your hotel. Enjoy breakfast before starting your guided walking tour as you visit the Lao Chai & Tan Van villages, nestled peacefully in the valley of Muong Hoa. Spend time meeting the Black H’mong people of the Hau Thao and Saseng villages as you observe daily life. Embark on a light trek to Ta Van Hoa Valley, admiring the beautifully terraced rice paddy fields and stunning vistas.Stay the next two nights at Bamboo Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 5 Sapa

Begin your day with a drive to the remote Ban Khoang village, home of the Red Dzao people. Enjoy a walk through the village as you learn of their traditional values, unique culture and

remarkable way of life. Continue on to Ta Giang Phinh valley to visit some of the smaller local villages and gain an insight into local life, before stopping for lunch. Begin your return drive to Sapa. (BL)

Day 6 Sapa

Enjoy a leisurely drive through the mountainside.

Stop at the Silver Waterfalls before continuing on to Tram Ton Pass, also known by the locals as “Heaven’s Gate”. Trek through the rice fields overshadowed by the expansive Hoang Lien Son

mountain range. As your return trek begins, visit O Quy Ho, a local village farm where a variety of speciality produce, flowers and medicinal plants are grown. As evening approaches, transfer to Lao Cai station to board your overnight train.

Enjoy your stay for the coming evening on the Fanxipan Overnight Train (or similar). (B)

Day 7 Sapa to Ninh Binh

Arrive early into Hanoi and savour a local breakfast with you fellow travellers. Drive to the picturesque city of Ninh Binh with its stunning network of rivers and rice paddy fields and hundreds of limestone monoliths. Visit the ancient city of Hoa Lu and admire the beautiful surrounds with a boat ride in Trang An, rowing through the expansive network of caverns and grottos. Spend the rest of your day free at leisure. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel (or similar). (B)

Day 8 Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

Set out this morning for a drive Halong Bay. Explore one of Vietnam’s stunning natural wonders as you board a beautifully appointed junk boat. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board before spending the afternoon discovering the many hidden gems of this unique and peaceful region. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar. Overnight on-board Bhaya Cruises (or similar). (BLD)

Day 9 Halong Bay to Hanoi

Watch the sun rise as you enjoy Tai Chi on the sundeck. Relish in a delightful brunch on board before cruising back to port to disembark and drive back to Hanoi. This afternoon, enjoy some free time before meeting with your group to share a farewell dinner. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at The Ann Hotel (or similar). (BD)

Day 10 Hanoi

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. (B)