VIETNAM NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS: 8-DAY JOURNEY 🏔️

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VIETNAM NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS: 8-DAY JOURNEY 🏔️

8Day Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Ninh Binh - Sapa

Price

Duration

Overview

An exclusive 8-day itinerary focused entirely on Northern Vietnam, featuring iconic destinations such as Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay. Perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, rich culture, and authentic local experiences — all within a thoughtfully planned journey.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL

Arrival Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai International airport; your driver will meet you OUTSIDE the arrivals lounge and transfer you to your hotel in Hanoi.

Please look for your tour guide who holds up your names on a welcome signboard. If you can’t find the tour guide, please feel free to call me via my cellphone +84 9868 969 38.

Your room will be ready from 14h PM. Free in the afternoon

Meals on your own. Overnight in Hanoi

Please note: Your travel documents contain a Vietnam eVisa (unless otherwise arranged). Please ensure to pack this in your carry-on luggage. Your Vietnam eVisa must be presented to Customs upon entry into the country.

DAY 02: HANOI CITY TOUR

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and has been a place to keep and witness more than 1000 years of a long history.

That is why this place is a solemn ancient city. Visiting around Hanoi, you will see ancient architectures such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Vietnam Ethnology Museum or Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison. All together create an ancient and historic city.

Coming to Hanoi, you not only see the architectural works but also to immerse yourself in the unique culture here.

8h00 – 8h30: Our Tour guide and our Bus pick up at your hotel and start to discover Hanoi City

08h45: Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnamese great father or Uncle Ho. You have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh then walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969.

Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where worships the Goddess of Mercy – It is the most unique pagoda in the world.

- Should dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, pagodas, etc.

- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. But still can take picture of the Mausoleum and visit around that area.

- Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for the annual maintaining.

10h15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in the whole country of Vietnam.

Special NoteWe will visit Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead of Vietnam Ethnology Museum closed on Mondays.

12h30-12h45: Have lunch at our restaurant. You have an opportunity to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine. Vegeterian foods are available.

13h30: Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. It is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi built in the 6th century.

14h30: Continue to visit Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, The Temple of Literature (Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam) is one of the most attractive tourist spots in Northern Vietnam. The Temple of Literature was founded in 1070.

15h30: Keep going to visit Hoa Lo Prison, the prison was built by the French, from 1886 to 1901, when Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina. The French called the prison Maison Centrale. The prison was called “A Hell on Earth” and now the prison is like a war museum for those who want to understand more about the war against France of Vietnamese people.

16h30: Our Bus take you back to the Hotel. We finish the trip!

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 03: HANOI - NINH BINH DAY TOUR (HOA LU - TRANG AN - HANG MUA)

7h00 : Our tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. We take you to Ninh Binh province which is far from Hanoi city about 120 km.

9h00 : Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax

10h30: The first destination in this trip is visit Hoa Lu ancient capital. This is the first capital of Vietnam. Come to visit Hoa Lu, you will learn about why the capital was moved to Hanoi nowadays. You are impressed on an outstanding architecture when entering temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17 century. Try to feel ancient atmospheres in Hoa Lu ancient capital.

11h30 : Continue the tour with 45 minutes for cycling around the village to discover the life of local people.

12h30 : Have buffet lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods goat meat, fried rice… Vegetarian food is always available in the buffet lunch.

13h30 – 14h00 : Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as The world Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has the wonderful tunnel cave system so that Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for New Version of Kong in 2016 – “ Skull Island “. Boat trip to visit Trang An to see the amazing beauty of this landscape with many caves such as : Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dack cave), Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine), green river and natural view.

16h00 : Get on the bus to go to Mua Cave ( Dancing Cave ). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach to the top of Lying Dragon Moutain, have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here.

17h30 : Get on the Bus to return to Hanoi

19h30 : Arrive to Hanoi and get drop off at the Hotel. The trip end !

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 04: HANOI - HA LONG BAY DAY CRUISE

7h30-08h00: Our Tour guide will pick up you at the hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter then depart to Halong Bay by Expressway Transfer.

10h30: Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax

12h00 – 12h30: Arrive Tuan Chau Harbor. We will take you on 5-6 hour journey via 2 day-sleeper boat cruise route which renowned for its striking, passages uninhabited islets and outcrops have been given imaginative names by the locals, due to their perceived shapes while having lunch on boat.

14h00: You will visit Surprising Cave to see a lot of stalagmites and stalagtiles with different shapes of sea lives

15h00: Visit Titop Island with sandy beach to the towering limestone mountain with excellent backdrop of the Bay, and climb up Titop Peak for a panoramic view of the bay like paradise.

16h00: Then do kayaking or bamboo boat in Luon Cave to discover the beautiful Lagoon.

17h00 – 17h30: Cruising back to Tuan Chau harbor. There are a lot of time for enjoying sunset party with tea, cakes, sunbathing on upper deck with music and enjoying great fun of group touring fellows among world iconic natural scenery.

18h00 – 18h30: We get on bus to back Hanoi by Expressway, have a short break for 20-30 minutes.

21h00 – 21h30: Arrive at the hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Trip ends.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 05: HANOI - SAPA BY BUS WITH A SHORT TREK TO CAT CAT VILLAGE

6:00 – 6:30: Picking up from hotel in the old quarter or bus station, get on sleeping bus and depart to Sapa.

7:30 – 11:45: Following the Highway to Lao Cai city with the comfort break

11:45 – 13.15: Bus on the mountain road approaching to Sapa Town. On the way you can see beautiful view, the valley with terraces field.

13:15 - 13:30: Arrive Sapa Town with colorful traditional costumes of H’mong, Dzao, Tay ethnic People.

- Welcome drink and itinerary briefing

- Enjoy the lunch with local Vietnamese dishes, check-in procedures

14:30: A short walking to Cat Cat village which is home of Black H’mong ethnic people and is located near the bottom of a deep valley at the foot of Fansipan Peak. Our local guide will show you the daily life activities of the locals, trekking down to the valley bottom to the waterfall where the French built a Hydraulic Power Station, short time for photo with bridge and the waterfall then you will trekking up hill to get back to Sapa with very beautiful scenery in the late afternoon. Driver pick up back to Sapa.

Trekking distance is about 2.5 kms and it lasts for 2 hours

16:30: Come back to Sapa Town. We prepare a good dinner for you at 18.00. Overnight at the hotel

DAY 06: SAPA - CHECK IN MOANA - FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN TREKKING

7:00: You have breakfast at the hotel.

8:00: Tour guide and you walk to explore the virtual living corner of Sapa. Moana Sapa check-in area is a relatively new destination in Sapa. With a total area of up to 10,000m2 and a combination of meticulously executed items. The first item that many tourists are interested in is Bali's Heaven Gate. This is a gate inspired by the heavenly gate of the beautiful city of Bali. With a design that simulates the original and a location facing the vast mountains and forests, this place will give you many photos of sacred and mysterious beauty. The gate is elaborately built, in front is a glossy tiled floor to create a majestic impression... In addition to the beautiful, unique and new check-in corners, this destination is also loved because of its panoramic view. straight to Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Fanxipan mountain peak. Coming here, you can take pictures as much as you want and admire the magical picture of clouds and sky of Sapa.

11:00: You return to town.

12:00: You have lunch at the hotel.

14:30: The car picks you up and departs for Fansipan cable car station, taking the world's longest 3-wire cable car with a length of 6,292.5m. You will be able to see the sea of floating clouds, Muong Hoa valley and the beautiful Hoang Lien Son range from above.

After 15 minutes by cable car, you continue to climb 604 steps to reach Fansipan peak - Roof of Indochina. Please take pictures to save this memorable moment.

Then you return to the cable car station to move down.

17:00: Car takes you back to town.

19:00: You have dinner. Then freely explore Sapa town at night: Visit Sapa stone church, go to Sapa culinary market and enjoy typical grilled dishes of this land,... Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 07: SAPA BACK TO HANOI

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel. You are free to roam, shop at Sapa market, and explore the beautiful Sapa town.

11:00: You check out of the hotel and have lunch. After lunch, free time to enjoy mountain town coffee or go shopping.

13:30-14:00: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi.

19:30-20:00: Return to Hanoi. The car takes you back to the original pick-up point, ending the journey to explore the town in the mist and conquer Fansipan peak in an exciting 3 days and 2 nights. Goodbye and see you again on your next travel itinerary.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 08: HANOI DEPARTURE

Free time till our car come to your hotel to transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight back to country.

End of services!

Included/Excluded

  • Hotel accommodation with breakfast and based on twin or triple sharing (01pax staying in Single Room)
  • Package 2D1N Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay with full board meals mention above
  • Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Services of a driver and private/group air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
  • Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
  • Mineral water is available as complementary
  • Meals where mentioned
  • Travel Insurance
  • Vietnam visa if required
  • International airfare and airport tax
  • Dinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
  • Surcharge for special request on food, and meals.
  • Tipping for guide and driver
  • Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
  • Compulsory dinner for Xmas and New Year Eve: TBA

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Reviews

Gary Cole
Gary Cole
My first visit to Vietnam was exceptional due to the personal attention I received from the staff at Starlight Travel From my first email inquiry to my last goodbye with my guide in Saigon has been nothing short of exemplary. I would definitely recommend Starlight Travel to anyone interested in a stress free adventure and let them arrange the transportation, accommodations and places to explore.
Frank H
Frank H
I just had the best 2.5 weeks travelling by myself around Vietnam and Cambodia and it was all thanks to the organisation and dedication of Starlight .Adam was brilliant at curating my itinerary based on what I knew I wanted to do and the things I enjoy doing. It was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. I’ve learnt so much about the history and culture of Vietnam and Cambodia thanks to the knowledgeable guides and enjoyed the mix of group tours and solo tour guides while I traveled around. 6 out of 5 stars! 🌟
TravellerTLangley
TravellerTLangley
This was one of the most amazing trips we have ever had. Joy and her team designed a 14 day tour of Vietnam where we could appreciate major cities and attractions, wonderful accommodation, excellent local guides and personalized preferences making our stay a high quality experience. Starlight has the local knowledge and expertise to offer a reliable and wonderful holiday to everyone. Chloe was always attentive and replied promptly and kindly to any request. Vietnam encompasses history, wonderful people, excellent food, unparalleled contrasts and much more to enjoy. We highly recommend visiting Vietnam with Starlight

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VIETNAM NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS: 8-DAY JOURNEY 🏔️

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