• Day 1: Arrival Hanoi (D)

Welcome to Fascinating Vietnam! From the moment we greet you at the airport you will be charmed by Vietnam’s diverse nature - from the lush paddies of outer Hanoi and over the vast expanse of the Red River. The morning will be an opportunity to refresh for a guided afternoon walk through Hanoi’s famed Old Quarter. We will meander some of the boutique streets and markets before heading for dinner at one of Hanoi’s finest establishments. The evening will be capped with a magical performance by the acclaimed Hanoi Water Puppet troupe or a classical folk performance set in the intimate courtyard of one of Hanoi’s charming pagodas.
Stay in Hanoi.

• Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B,L)

Picturesque boulevards, colonial architecture, serene lakes and the fragrant courtyards of the pagodas colourthe atmosphere of this unique Asian city. Today will be a full day of touring including the Mausoleum complex, the presidential palace, the one pillar pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house. We will meander, at a leisurely pace, some of the 36 boutique streets of the Old Quarter. From silks to silver, medicinal herbs to ceremonial banners there will be ample opportunity for tempting purchases. The afternoon will be dedicated to Hanoi’s more tranquil offerings - the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ngoc Son Temple, the 1000 year old Temple of Literature, the misty expanse of West Lake, Thanh Nien boulevard, the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. The tour will conclude with a visit to either the History Museum or the acclaimed Ethnology Museum.
Stay in Hanoi.

• Day 3: Hanoi-Halong Bay Junk Boat (B,L,D)

This morning we will depart Hanoi early for a four-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, we transfer to our private boat for a cruise on the crystalline emerald waters of Halong Bay. Lunch will be a sumptuous spread of fresh, locally caught seafood. The afternoon will be spent cruising the bay and exploring some of the world’s largest stalactite caves. Sunset on board is a truly memorable event. Our candlelit dinner may be followed by star gazing or cocktails on deck. Anglers are more than welcome.
Stay on boat

• Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi-Overnight train (B,L)

Rise to the sound of the bay awakening. The stunning scenery of this UNESCO designated World Heritage site will be the backdrop to onboard breakfast and lunch. There will be ample opportunity for swimming or relaxation on board. This afternoon we will cruise back to harbor for Hanoi and prepare for the overnight train to the border town of Lao Cai.
Stay on train.

• Day 5: Sapa

Arriving early, we will transfer to Sapa’s Victoria Hotel. After a refreshing morning, we will take a guided tour of nearby Cat Cat village, home to the local H'mong tribes and Cat Cat waterfalls.
Stay in Sapa.

• Day 6: Sapa (B,L)

In contrast to the bustle of the cities, northern Vietnam is known for its diversity of ethnic groups including the H’mong, Day and Red Dao. Stunning hand embroidered motifs against hand dyed indigo cloth are a reminder of the living treasure and artisan nature of these groups. A moderate trek, with a picnic lunch en route will take us to nearby Lao Chai and Ta Van valleys.
Stay in Sapa.

• Day 7: Sapa Train to Hanoi (B,L)

A gentle paced walk to Ham Rong Mountain will reward us with spectacular panoramic views over Sapa. We will also explore Sapa’s famed orchid gardens. The day will conclude with a visit to the terraced rice paddies of Ta Phin valley, home also to the Red Dao. This evening we will board our well appointed luxury train service for the overnight journey to Hanoi.
Stay overnight on train

• Day 8: Departure Hanoi

We arrive in Hanoi at 5am. We welcome you to join us on a complimenting NICHE TRAVEL experience or transfer and farewell you at Noi Bai airport.

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