Hanoi Package 9D8N-Lux Cruise, Trangan, Mua, Tavan, Catcat

The Great 9-Day-8-Night Northern Adventure: Discover the Wonders of the North, from Hanoi's Heritage to a Luxury Ha Long Bay Cruise & the Majestic Peaks of Sapa & Ninh Binh

               Experiencing an unforgettable 9-day, 8-night adventure that reveals the heart and soul of Northern Vietnam. This meticulously crafted tour takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Ha Long Bay, the striking limestone karsts of Ninh Binh, and the magnificent mountains of Sapa. Our itinerary is designed to provide a perfect balance of iconic sightseeing, authentic cultural immersion, and moments of pure relaxation, ensuring you experience the true magic of this incredible region.

• Hanoi's Authentic Flavors & Culture: Immerse yourself in the heart of Vietnam's capital with a captivating exploration of the Old Quarter, blending historical insights with delicious street food experiences.
• Majestic Ha Long Bay Cruise: Journey through the breathtaking seascape of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aboard a comfortable cruise, enjoying stunning sunrises and sunsets over the tranquil waters.
• Ninh Binh's "Ha Long Bay on Land": Discover the serene beauty of Ninh Binh, often called the inland Ha Long Bay, with its striking limestone karsts, ancient temples of Hoa Lu, and picturesque boat rides through Trang An and the captivating Mua Cave vistas.
• Hanoi's Timeless Heritage: Uncover the rich history and cultural significance of Hanoi, visiting iconic landmarks such as the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, the historical Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the revered Temple of Literature, and the poignant Hoa Lo Prison.
• Sapa's Highland Splendor & Ethnic Encounters: Trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Sapa, marvel at the stunning terraced rice fields, and experience the unique culture of the Cat Cat, Lao Chai, and Ta Van ethnic minority villages.
• Conquering Fansipan & Sky-High Views: Ascend to the "Roof of Indochina," Fansipan Peak, by scenic cable car, and brave the exhilarating Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge for unparalleled panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

• Comprehensive Itinerary: This tour provides a well-rounded and complete experience, combining the best of urban, coastal, and mountain destinations without feeling rushed.
• Flexibility and Freedom: Enjoy a perfect balance of structured guided tours and free time to explore and discover at your own pace, from savoring a local meal to shopping for souvenirs.
• Authentic Cultural Immersion: From wandering through the historic streets of Hanoi and Ninh Binh's ancient citadel to trekking in Sapa's ethnic villages, you'll gain genuine insights into Vietnamese life and history.
• Seamless and Stress-Free: With all transportation, accommodation, and key activities pre-arranged, you can focus entirely on enjoying your adventure.

• Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Cultural & Culinary Discovery (L or D), Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise (B-L-D), Overnight on Cruise
• Day 3: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B-L), Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 4: Ninh Binh – Mua Cave, Trang An & Hoa Lu (B-L), Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 5: Hanoi City Tour – Thousand-Year-Old Thang Long (B-L), Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 6: Hanoi – Sapa – Cat Cat Village (B-L-D), Overnight in Sapa
• Day 7: Fansipan Peak – Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge (B-L), Overnight in Sapa
• Day 8: Muong Hoa Valley Trekking – Return to Hanoi (B-L), Overnight in Hanoi
• Day 9: Hanoi Leisure & Departure (B)

DETAILED ITINERARY

• Morning/Afternoon: Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), our guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the Old Quarter for luggage storage (standard check-in is from 2:00 PM).
• Afternoon: Begin your Hanoi exploration with a half-day tour of the Old Quarter.
  • Option 1 (Hanoi Cultural Tour): Walk through the historic streets, learning about local life and unique architecture. You can choose to experience a cyclo ride, wear a traditional Áo dài for photos, and enjoy street food at 2-3 stops.
  • Option 2 (Walking Street Foodie Tour): Dedicate your time entirely to a culinary adventure, exploring and savoring Hanoi’s signature dishes at 6 carefully selected local stops.
• Overnight: At a hotel in Hanoi.

• Morning: After hotel breakfast, check out of your room. Our driver will pick you up from 8:00 to 8:30 AM for a 2.5-hour scenic transfer to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival at the pier at around 12:30 PM, you will board your cruise and have lunch on board.
• Afternoon Activities: During cruising, you will enjoy several activities: hiking up 425 steps to Titop Island for panoramic views, kayaking in a small cave, and a Vietnamese cooking class.
• Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night in your comfortable cruise cabin.

• Morning: At 7:00 AM, enjoy your breakfast with coffee, tea, and fresh fruits. At 8:00 AM, you'll visit Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave) – the most beautiful and largest cave in Ha Long Bay. You will return to the cruise at 9:00 AM for check-out procedures. A farewell brunch will be served on the cruise before arriving back at the harbor at 11:00 AM.
• Afternoon: You will then take a bus back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel around 3:00 PM.
• Evening: The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore, and arrange your own dinner.

• Morning: After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full-day journey (approximately 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM) to the stunning province of Ninh Binh.
• Mua Cave: Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, you will begin an exhilarating trek up Ngoa Long mountain, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the spectacular Tam Coc rice valley.
• Lunch: You will enjoy a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the authentic regional cuisine of Ninh Binh.
• Trang An: After lunch, you will take a traditional sampan boat trip, gliding along the serene waterways, passing through stunning limestone karsts, verdant foliage, and mysterious caves.
• Hoa Lu: Finally, you will visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Vietnam's first capital, and explore the historical temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
• Evening: After returning to the Trang An pier, you will take the bus back to Hanoi.

• Morning: At 8:30 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up for an enriching tour of Hanoi.
  • Tran Quoc Pagoda: Begin with a tranquil visit to the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda.
  • Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Complex: Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, followed by a visit to his Stilt House and the One Pillar Pagoda.
  • Temple of Literature: Explore Vietnam's first university.

• Afternoon:
  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious and relaxing lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant.
  • B52 Victory Museum: Learn about the historical significance of the "Dien Bien Phu in the Sky" campaign. (Note: If the tour is on Monday or Friday, the museum is closed and will be substituted with Ngoc Son Temple).
  • Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton"): Explore the poignant history of Hoa Lo Prison.
  • Hanoi Train Street: Experience the unique urban spectacle of Hanoi's Train Street.
• Conclusion: The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel around 3:40 PM. Dinner is at your own arrangement.

• Morning: At 6:45 AM, our driver will pick you up for a 6-hour scenic drive to Sapa.
• Afternoon: Upon arrival around 1:00 PM, you will meet your local guide, have lunch, and check in to your hotel. You will then take a short drive to Cat Cat Village to begin a 2-hour trek.
• Evening: After the trek, you will have dinner and spend the night in Sapa town.

• Morning: After breakfast, you'll be driven to the cable car station for a scenic 20-minute ride up the mountain. At the summit, you'll have two options to reach Fansipan Peak (3,143m), the "Roof of Indochina": climb 600 stone steps or take the funicular train from the pagoda area to the peak (optional and self-paid).
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch: You can choose between a buffet at the cable station or a Sapa salmon hotpot at a local restaurant.
  • Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge: After lunch, take a 30-minute drive through the scenic O Quy Ho Pass to visit the Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge. This spectacular skywalk is suspended 500 meters above a deep valley.
• Evening: Dinner is at your own arrangement, giving you a chance to explore Sapa’s local cuisine.

• Morning: After breakfast and check-out, a vehicle will take you to Moana Sapa for scenic photos.
• Afternoon: Continue with a 2-3 hour trek through the Muong Hoa Valley to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. You’ll discover terraced rice fields and the culture of ethnic minorities. Lunch will be served in Ta Van. A comfortable limousine van will then transfer you back to Hanoi.
• Evening: Arrive in Hanoi, check into your hotel, and enjoy a free evening. Dinner is on your own.
• Overnight: At a hotel in Hanoi.

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. You'll have free time for last-minute souvenir shopping in the Old Quarter or exploring more of Hanoi at your own pace before your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.
• Afternoon/Evening: Lunch and dinner are at your own arrangement.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• City Tour Information:
  • The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday and Friday morning.
  • The mausoleum is also typically closed for an annual maintenance period of approximately two months, usually from June to August.
• Weather: Northern Vietnam's weather can be unpredictable. Please pack layers and appropriate gear for both warm and cool climates, especially for the high altitudes in Sapa.
• Physical Activity: This tour includes walking and trekking. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are highly recommended.
• Flexibility: The optional activities in the Hanoi city tour and the choice of climbing steps or taking a funicular on Fansipan offer flexibility to tailor the experience to your preferences.

• International/domestic flights.
• Drinks during meals and other personal expenses.
• Tips for the guide, driver, and hotel staff.
• Funicular train ticket from the pagoda area to the peak of Fansipan (travelers can choose to climb the 600 stone steps instead).