Best of North Vietnam 9D8N PRIVATE TOUR: HANOI - SAPA - HALONG BAY – NINH BINH
Over vIEW
This trip will take you to the almost outstanding destination of Northern Vietnam. You will have an opportunity to explore the North Vietnam’s cultural diversity and breathtaking scenery. From Hanoi’s colonial charm, Sapa with a majestic mountain landscape to Ninhbinh with a majestic limestone mountain landscape, and finally, the turquoise, island dotted, Halong Bay.
TOUR PLAN & MEALS INCLUDED IN TOUR:
• 23/12: Day 01: Hanoi Arrival (Meals: No)
• 24/12: Day 02: Hanoi City Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Private Lunch at a local restaurant)
• 25/12: Day 03: Hanoi – Sapa (Meals: Breakfast, Private Lunch at a local restaurant)
• 26/12; Day 04: Lao Chai – Ta Van – Sapa (Meals: Breakfast, Private Lunch at a local restaurant)
• 27/12: Day 05: Sapa – Fanxipan M.T – Hanoi (Meals: Breakfast, Private Lunch at a local restaurant)
• 28/12: Day 6: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch and Dinner onboard)
• 29/12: Day 07: Halong – Hanoi (Meals: Brunch onboard)
• 30/12: Day 08: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Tam Coc (Meals: Breakfast, Private Lunch at a local restaurant)
• 31/12; Day 09: Hanoi City – Departure (Meals: B)
Day 01: Hanoi Arrival (Meals: No)
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi, your tour guide will welcome you outside the customs area holding a sign with your name on it. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. The room is at your disposal from 14h00.
Because of the policy at the Noi Bai Airport. Guides could not stand inside the airport. They have to stand at the line outside after glass door. Please find your guide outside the airport, All guides with your name on hand. If you don't see your guide, please call us at the following support number +84 39 8181 868 or the guide's phone number.
Overnight in Hanoi
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Private English- Speaking Guide only for Airport Pick up
- Entrance Ticket: Yes/one time.
- Meal Plan: No
- Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi – 5-star
- Room arrangement: 02 Rooms - Deluxe Lakeview (01 DBL - a King-sized Bed + 01 Twin Beds).
Day 02: Hanoi City Tour (Meals: B,L)
Full-day tour of Vietnam’s capital city, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his traditional stilt house, and the thousand-year-old Temple of Literature also known as the First University of Vietnam. Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, we head to visit the Ethnology Museum (closed on Monday) where you can discover the diversity of Vietnam’s many ethnic groups.
Transfer back to the city center for a leisure walking tour around Hoang Kiem Lake and its vicinity. There is free time at leisure for walking through the Old Quarter and shopping for souvenirs.
Remark: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum closes from 08 September to 08 November for annual maintenance. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and most museums are closed on Mondays. All visitors to the mausoleum are required to wear clothes covering their knees and shoulders. This applies to both men and women
Overnight in Hanoi
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Private English- Speaking Guide
- Entrance Ticket: Yes/one-time admission ticket
- Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel, Private Lunch at a local restaurant
- Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi – 5-star
- Room arrangement: 02 Rooms - Deluxe Lakeview (01 DBL - a King-sized Bed + 01 Twin Beds).
Day 03: Hanoi – Sapa (Meals: B/L)
After checking out of your hotel in Hanoi, you will be picked up by a private vehicle with your private guide and transferred to Sapa via the Noi Bai - Lao Cai Expressway. The trip will take approximately 5,5 hours, and you will have lunch at a local restaurant in Sapa.
In the afternoon, visit the Silver Waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Sapa, and Conquer O Quy Ho Pass. O Quy Ho Pass is a popular attraction for travelers looking for adventure and natural beauty on their trip to Sapa. With its winding road and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, taking a drive through the pass is highly recommended to fully experience the breathtaking scenery of Sapa.
“O Quy Ho Pass is situated on Highway 4D running through the Hoang Lien Son range. It is recognized as one of the four most stunning passes in Vietnam, connecting the provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau. Sitting at a height of 2,035m above sea level, O Quy Ho Pass is lovingly referred to as "Heaven's Gate" by the locals. The summit is frequently shrouded in clouds, creating a mesmerizing and enticing view that lures countless tourists”.
Overnight in Sapa
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Private English- Speaking Guide
- Entrance Ticket: Yes/one-time admission ticket
- Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel, Private Lunch at a local restaurant
- Accommodation: Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa – 5-star
- Room arrangement: 01 Bungalow Mountain view (1 king bed & 2 single beds)
Day 04: Lao Chai – Ta Van – Sapa (Meals: B/L)
Today, our guide will take you to the villages of the H'Mong and Dzay peoples, known as Lao Chai and Ta Van. You will have the chance to capture stunning photos of the rice terraces and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery. As we walk through these villages, you will experience the daily lives of the local ethnic communities by visiting their homes and observing their activities.
After exploring, we will drive back to Sapa Town for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to stroll around Sapa Town, visit Sapa market and shop at the market, or indulge in a relaxing massage, facial, or pedicure. Dinner will be on your own.
Overnight in Sapa
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Private English- Speaking Guide
- Entrance Ticket: Yes/one-time admission ticket
- Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel, Private Lunch at a local restaurant
- Accommodation: Silk Path Grand Sapa Resort & Spa – 5-star
- Room arrangement: 01 Bungalow Mountain view (1 king bed & 2 single bed
Day 05: Sapa – Fanxipan M.T – Hanoi (Meals: B/L)
In the morning, you will have a short transfer to Fansipan Cable Station and take a scenic cable car ride up 3,143 meters above sea level to the peak of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula. You'll enjoy an impressive scenic view of the Hoang Lien Son Range and Muong Hoa Valley's natural landscapes as you ascend the mountain. Once you reach the top, you can spend time admiring the breathtaking views and exploring the various temples at the peak. You can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the mountain with a visit to the Bich Van Thien Tu pagoda, Bao An Thien Tu temple, and Thanh Van Dac Lo spiritual landmarks. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
- Please note that: after the cable car ride, you still have to climb another 600 steps to the peak of the mountain (It takes about 30 minutes). The road to ascend to the summit of Fansipan Mountain is incredibly steep and narrow, leading to rapid fatigue and a significant expenditure of energy.
- We strongly recommend traveling by funicular for the best and safest experience for you, in both the upward and downward directions. Especially when there are elderly people and children in the group.
- Fansipan cable car tickets & Funicular (Round-trip tickets) are not included in the tour
- Due to the geology of Fansipan Mountain, the walks are not necessarily suitable for the elderly, disabled, asthmatic, or those who suffer from vertigo or heart conditions. The amount of steps makes it unsuitable for pushchairs or for carrying babies in a sling or backpack. If you are not used to physical exertion, then this walk could be too strenuous for you. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
In the afternoon, you will transfer back to Hanoi via the Lao Cai - Noi Bai Expressway. The travel time is approximately 5 hours. You will then be transferred to the hotel for check-in and will have free time to relax.
Overnight in Hanoi
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Private English- Speaking Guide
- Entrance Ticket: No
- Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel, Private Lunch at a local restaurant
- Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi – 5-star
- Room arrangement: 02 Rooms - Deluxe Lakeview (01 DBL - a King-sized Bed + 01 Twin Beds).
Day 06: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (Meals: B/L/D)
Have breakfast at the hotel and check out of your room.
08:00: Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer about 3 to 3.5 hours to Halong Bay — with a 20-minute comfort stop.
11:30: Visit the pearl farm & workshop. Visitors will have the chance to witness the process of forming a pearl, from cultivation to harvest. Visitors will be introduced meticulously to each stage of the pearl production by the staff. You will definitely feel excited when witness every single twinkle pearl is taken out by the skillful hands of artisans.
12:15: Arrive at the port where a speedboat is waiting to transport you to your Vietnamese sailing vessel. You are greeted on board with a welcome drink followed by a quick safety briefing as the boat sets sail. Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the dramatic beauty of the bay unfolds around you. Take in majestic views of limestone karsts rising out of emerald waters and savor dinner on board followed by an evening at leisure, where you can try your hand at squid fishing, watch a movie, or stargaze on the sundeck.
Note: The above itinerary is for your reference only as each cruise will have its different itinerary and will be slightly different. Halong Bay Cruise is subject to weather conditions.
• Advance registration is required. Please provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number, and visa expiry date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in, otherwise boarding may be denied by the port authority
• For the purpose of environmental protection, Ha Long Bay is PROHIBITED to use/carry plastic bags and bottles, one-use plastic bottle. If you intentionally violate, you will be refused service and may be fined according to Notice No. 475/TB-UBND of Quang Ninh province and Notice No.370/BQLVHL/NVNC.
Overnight Cruise in the Famous Halong Bay
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Yes. Your private guide will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to Halong Bay and take care of you if things go wrong – before, during, and after your trip. He will not be allowed to board the cruise and will be waiting for you at the pier, the cruise side will have a cruise manager on board.
- Entrance Ticket: Yes/ one time
- Meal Plan: Have breakfast at the hotel. Lunch and Dinner onboard
- Accommodation: Non-private Treasure Junk Cruise – 4-star
- Room arrangement: 02 Rooms (01 Deluxe Window Class and 01 Balcony Suite Class)
Day 07: Halong – Hanoi (Meals: Brunch)
Today, continue your unforgettable Halong Bay cruise which ends with a hearty brunch and then disembarks at around 10:45 am. Your local guide and driver are waiting for you at the pier and transfer you back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, we’ll then proceed with a sightseeing tour of Hanoi.
• Visit West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda where you can get a deep understanding of the local life, culture, and religion
• Explore the Old Quarter by rickshaw to view the most elegant French colonial architecture and the bustling streets in Hanoi
• Enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show which is unique to Vietnamese culture.
Spend the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Private English-speaking guide.
- Entrance Ticket: No
- Meal Plan: Brunch onboard
- Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi – 5-star
- Room arrangement: 02 Rooms - Deluxe Lakeview (01 DBL - a King-sized Bed + 01 Twin Beds).
Day 8: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Tam Coc (Meals: B/L)
08.00: Your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer about 2.5 hours to Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries — with a 20-minute comfort stop
On arrival, we will visit several historical sites in Hoa Lu's Ancient Capital such as the Temple of King Dinh Tien Hoang, the Temple of King Le Dai Hanh, and a small museum with excavations and artifacts. The tour will help you better understand the history of the foundation and development of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu from 968-1010
Afterward, continue to visit the beautiful Tam Coc and enjoy a unique boat trip to visit three caves, Tam Coc is known by the name “Halong Bay on Land” due to its spectacular scenery with limestone karsts rising from the ground to tower over the region and is a truly wonderful sight to see. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda is a beautiful and historic site located in Ninh Binh. It's known for its unique combination of ancient pagodas, natural caves, and majestic mountains, all surrounded by lush greenery.
The pagoda complex consists of three main pagodas: Ha Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), Trung Pagoda (Middle Pagoda), and Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda). Each pagoda is built at different elevations on the Ngu Nhac Mountain, and you can reach them by climbing a series of steep steps.
- Ha Pagoda: Located at the foot of the mountain, it serves as a shrine for worshiping the Buddha.
- Trung Pagoda: Situated halfway up the mountain, it is partially inside a cave and partially outside.
- Thuong Pagoda: The smallest and highest pagoda, located near the top of the mountain.
The site also features a picturesque lotus pond and a beautifully decorated gate, making it a popular spot for both tourists and photographers.
15.30: Drive back to Hanoi
17.30: Arrive at Hanoi and spend overnight there. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat
- Tour guide: Private English- Speaking Guide
- Entrance Ticket: Yes/one-time admission ticket
- Meal Plan: Breakfast at the hotel, Private Lunch at a local restaurant
- Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi – 5-star
- Room arrangement: 02 Rooms - Deluxe Lakeview (01 DBL - a King-sized Bed + 01 Twin Beds).
Day 09: Hanoi City – Departure (Meals: B)
After breakfast at the hotel, it's your leisure time until we transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight. Check-out time: 12h00.
Today's service includes:
- Transport: Private Vehicle 16 Seat will take you to the airport – one-time
- Tour guide: No
- Entrance Ticket: No
- Meal Plan: Have breakfast at the hotel
- Accommodation: Pan Pacific Hanoi – 5-star. Check-out time: 12h00. A late check-out can be arranged subject to room availability and a surcharge will be applied.
End of services.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
SERVICES INCLUDED | SERVICES EXCLUDED |
|
|
ACCOMMODATION
Location | HOTEL | ROOM CATEGORY | NOTES |
Hanoi | Pan Pacific Hanoi *****(5*) |
| 5-star hotel |
Sapa | SILK PATH GRAND SAPA RESORT & SPA 5* |
| 5-star hotel |
Halong |
Non-private TREASURE JUNK CRUISE *****(4*) |
| 4-star cruise |
Please note: All selected hotels have great locations, with friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast is delicious, offering a wide selection that caters to all tastes.
Thank you very much!
Wish you a pleasant journey with Hanoi Premium Travel!
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