9 Days - Northern Vietnam Timeless Heritage & Hidden Gems

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Sapa - Halong Bay

Welcome to Vietnam! A land of majestic mountains, emerald waters and rich cultural heritage. This carefully crafted journey takes you from the vibrant capital of Hanoi to the misty highlands of Sapa, the iconic limestone seascapes of Ha Long Bay, and the serene river valleys of Ninh Binh. Along the way, enjoy authentic local experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful encounters with Vietnam’s diverse communities.

Highlights:

✓ Authentic

✓ Local Experience

✓ Small Group

✓ Nature & Culture

✓ Adventure

✓ Flexible Itinerary

✓ Unique

✓ Real Life

✓ Less-touristy

Day 1: Hanoi Airport pick up. Stay at Hanoi Hotel (No meal)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hanoi and welcomed by the Funny Travel Officer. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the nearby area and get your first impression of Vietnam’s capital.

Day 2: Insight Hanoi City Tour. Stay at Hanoi Hotel (B.L)

After breakfast, enjoy a full Hanoi city tour to explore the cultural and historical highlights of the capital. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Huu Tiep Lake (B52 remains) and The Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university. Have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Train Street, enjoy some coffee, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, Local Market and the Old Quarter, where colonial architecture and local life blend together. Return to the hotel in the evening.

Day 3: Ha Noi - Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu ancient capital - Tam Coc Boating – Mua Caves hiking. Stay at Hanoi Hotel (B.L)

Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh to explore Hoa Lu, the 10th-century ancient capital, and learn about Vietnam's resilient history. Next, enjoy a private Tam Coc boat trip, gliding through majestic karst caves on the Ngo Dong River. In the afternoon, conquer the 500 steps of Mua Caves for a breathtaking panoramic view of the "Halong Bay on Land." This active day perfectly blends cultural depth with stunning nature before returning to Hanoi for the night.

Day 4: Hanoi - Sapa – The Misty Mountain Town - Love waterfall/ Silver waterfall. Stay at Sapa Hotel (B.L)

After early morning breakfast, transfer from Hanoi to Sapa, a charming mountain town in northern Vietnam. Refresh and relax at stops along the way. Enjoy a delicious local lunch. Visit Tram Ton Pass at the height of 2,047 meters (6,716 ft) above sea level, the highest pass in Vietnam, with great views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests.

Take a 30 minute walk through the forest, along the way you will have many chances to see wildflowers and jungle plants.

Walk next to the stream, climb natural steps and arrive at the beautiful Love Waterfall/ Silver waterfall.

Head back to the hotel. Spend your afternoon wandering through the misty town, discovering the unique blend of French colonial architecture and vibrant ethnic cultures.

Day 5: Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van Village: Trekking Through Rice Terraces. Stay at Sapa Hotel (B.L)

Today you will enjoy a scenic walk through Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, located in the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, home of the Black H’mong minority. Along the way, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and pass through several ethnic villages, including Lao Chai and Ta Van, where the Black H’mong, Dzao, and Dzay people live. After enjoying lunch and some rest in Ta Van village, you will return to Sapa town by car and be dropped off at your hotel.

Day 6: Sapa – Fansipan Legend – Return to Hanoi. Stay at Hanoi Hotel (B.L)

After breakfast, experience the "Roof of Indochina" via a world-class cable car ride to Fansipan Peak. Ascend through the clouds to reach the sacred summit at 3,143m, offering breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son range—a symbol of nature's grandeur and human resilience. Visit the serene pagoda complex and the giant Buddha statue atop the mountain. After lunch, transfer back to Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay - Through the Timeless Beauty of the Bay. Stay on Cruise (B.L,D)

After breakfast, depart for Ha Long Bay, one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed aboard your cruise vessel by the professional crew.

Enjoy a refined lunch served on board while cruising through the bay’s iconic scenery, where thousands of limestone karsts and hidden grottoes rise gracefully from the emerald waters.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, choosing from carefully arranged water activities or simply admiring the breathtaking landscape as the cruise glides between secluded bays. The vessel will anchor at selected locations according to the day’s curated schedule.

As evening falls, unwind on the sundeck before savoring a delightful dinner in an intimate and relaxed setting.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi. Stay at Hanoi Hotel (B,Br)

Wake up to view the amazing sunrise above Ha Long Bay. Light early breakfast will be served while floating and passing through the limestone islands. Join some more activities on the boat and check-out from your cabin. Early brunch will be served before reaching the harbor. Head back to Hanoi. Free time to explore nightlife in Hanoi.

Day 9: Hanoi - Departure (B)

Free time to explore daytime in Hanoi, until the driver picks you up and heads to the airport for a flight to your home. End of services!