Day 1
Hanoi Arrival, Half Day City Tour (Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (external view only), One Pillar Pagoda , The Temple of Literature)
Upon your arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be warmly greeted by our local representative who will guide you to an unforgettable half-day sightseeing tour. Start your journey at Ba Dinh Square, where you can pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (note: the mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and throughout October-November, as well as during the afternoons). Nearby, you will see Ho Chi Minh’s former residence, a charming glimpse into the life of Vietnam’s revered leader (external view only).
Next, discover the enchanting One Pillar Pagoda, a unique architectural marvel that rises gracefully from the tranquil waters of a square lake. This iconic pagoda, built on a single pillar, is a symbol of Hanoi and a testament to the city’s rich spiritual heritage.
Continue your exploration at the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and home to Vietnam’s first national university, the Imperial Academy. Wander through its serene courtyards and lush gardens, soaking in the wisdom and history that this magnificent site offers.
After a delightful lunch, check in to your hotel in Hanoi and enjoy some leisure time. You may choose to embark on your own adventure through the lively Hanoi Old Quarter, where bustling streets are alive with the aromas of street food and vibrant shops. Explore Dong Xuan Market, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Opera House, or take a leisurely stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. Don’t miss the sight of The Huc Bridge, Thap But (Pen Tower), and the tranquil Ngoc Son Temple, all set against the backdrop of the lake’s peaceful green waters.
As the sun sets, indulge in some shopping in the Old Quarter, where you can find unique souvenirs to cherish. Your evening concludes with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll savor the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
To cap off your day, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Vietnamese culture with a captivating performance of Water Puppetry at the theater, a delightful artistic tradition unique to this region. After a full day of exploration and discovery, retreat to your hotel for a restful overnight stay in the vibrant city of Hanoi.
Breakfast: Not included in tour price
Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 2
Hanoi to Sa Pa (Lao Cai, Cat Cat Village, Black H’mong Ethnic People, Hydraulic Power Station)
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby. Prepare for an exciting journey as you depart for the breathtakingly beautiful Sapa! From 07:00 to 07:30, we’ll hit the road, embarking on a scenic 295-kilometer drive via a modern highway that winds through five vibrant provinces and cities: Ha Noi, Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai.
Along the way, we’ll take a refreshing 30-minute break to stretch our legs and soak in the surrounding landscapes.
11:00 AM: As we approach Lao Cai City, we’ll pause again for a second comfort break. Use this time to stretch, grab a snack, and snap a few photos of the bustling city before we make our way to the enchanting Sapa.
1:00 PM: We’ll arrive in Sapa, where you’ll be greeted by the vibrant hues of traditional costumes worn by the H’mong, Dzao, and Tay ethnic people. The town’s lively atmosphere sets the perfect backdrop for your adventure.
Next, hop on a short drive to the gateway of Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’Mong ethnic community. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Fansipan Peak, this village offers a glimpse into the rich traditions and daily lives of its inhabitants.
Get ready for an unforgettable trekking experience! Set out on a scenic 2.5 km trek that leads you down into the heart of a lush valley. You’ll meander past verdant rice terraces, interact with locals, and eventually reach a stunning waterfall and the historic Hydraulic Power Station. Take a moment to capture the stunning views from the bridge before beginning your ascent back up the hill, where your bus will be waiting to return you to Sapa.
This captivating trek lasts approximately 2 hours and promises to be a highlight of your day, with plenty of opportunities for photographs and connections with the local culture.
After a day filled with adventure and discovery, you’ll settle into your accommodation in Sapa, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences. Get ready for more wonders to come in this breathtaking corner of Vietnam!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 3
Sa Pa, Fansipan Peak ( Cable Car at Muong Hoa Station, Muong Hoa Valley, Visit Pagoda, trekking up to 600 steps to reach Fansipan Peak)
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, where the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and local delicacies will awaken your senses.
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll to the hotel’s lobby, soaking in the crisp mountain air before embarking on your morning adventure. A short walk will lead you to the charming Muong Hoa Station, where you’ll board a train that promises both comfort and scenic views. The journey to the Fansipan Cable Car Station is just the beginning of your exploration!
Prepare to be amazed as you ascend into the sky! The 7-minute train ride offers panoramic vistas of the breathtaking Muong Hoa valley. Once you arrive at the cable car station, you’ll hop aboard for a 20-minute ride that glides above the lush landscape, immersing you in the stunning beauty that surrounds you.
Reaching an impressive altitude of 2800 meters, you’ll be greeted by a sweeping view that will leave you in awe. Spend some time soaking in the scenery, snapping photos, and visiting the serene pagoda nestled among the clouds. For the adventurous at heart, embark on a trek up the 600 steps (~20-30 minutes) that lead to the pinnacle of Fansipan – often referred to as the “Roof of Indochina.” Here, you’ll have an incredible 1.5 hours to hike, take photos, and embrace the exhilarating feeling of standing atop Vietnam’s highest peak.
After savoring the heights, descend via the same enchanting cable car before catching the train back to Sapa Town, where a well-deserved lunch awaits.
Once back in town, indulge in a leisurely afternoon. Take time to stroll the vibrant streets of Sapa, shop for unique handicrafts, or simply unwind and reflect on the breathtaking adventure you just experienced. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace, allowing you to soak up the rich culture and stunning landscapes before the day comes to a close.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 4
Sa Pa, Rong May Glass Bridge, Back to Hanoi
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, meet your knowledgeable guide in the lobby for an exhilarating adventure. Prepare for a scenic transfer to the stunning Cloud Dragon Glass Bridge—known in Vietnamese as Rong May. This architectural marvel, which opened in November 2019, soars to over 2,000 meters above sea level, making it the highest glass bridge in Vietnam!
Suspended over the breathtaking O Quy Ho Pass and nestled against the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the bridge extends a staggering 60 meters outwards and features a total length of 300 meters in a graceful circular design. With four sturdy walkways branching out in different directions, you’ll feel a mix of excitement and serenity as you stroll across its transparent surface, embracing the dazzling views.
For thrill-seekers, the bridge offers an array of adventurous activities, while those simply looking to soak in the beauty of their surroundings can revel in the sensation of walking on clouds, surrounded by a landscape that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Afterward, we will journey back to the charming town of Sapa. At around 14:30, we will hop back on our vehicle for the return trip to Hanoi, making two comfort breaks along the way to refresh and enjoy the scenery.
As the day concludes, you’ll settle in for a restful overnight stay in the vibrant heart of Hanoi, filled with memories of an unforgettable day!
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: Included in tour price
Day 5
Hanoi Departure
After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, take some time to unwind and explore at your own pace. Stroll through the charming streets, savor a final cup of Vietnamese coffee, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs. When the time comes, you’ll be seamlessly transferred to the Hanoi/Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight—no guide needed! Enjoy this moment to reflect on your unforgettable journey before you take to the skies. Safe travels!
Breakfast: Included in tour price