Specifically Northern

Welcomed by THREELAND tourguide at Hanoi airport, transfer to the city and have a city tour - an essential preparation for your next excursions. Have a look at the Ethnology Museum, where we can learn much about the hill tribal culture of Vietnam before our upcoming visit to Sapa. A cyclo visit is probably the best way to experience the Old Quarter of Hanoi, stop at Ngoc Son Temple located on the Hoan Kiem Lake (the “Sword” Lake) and at the Temple of Literature, the very 1st high school of Vietnam since 11th century. Late afternoon we will enjoy a unique fascinating show of Water Puppetry, a traditional stage art of Northern Vietnam. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi. (lunch at your own arrangement for flexibility)
Please note! The program will be adjusted in accordance with your arrival time.

Early depart for Halong Bay, a World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994, with thousands limestone islets with stopovers en route to visit the rural life of the Red River Delta’s farmers (esp. in transplanting and harvest times), or the ceramic town at Dong Trieu.  Upon arrival, take a boat trip for about 5 hours to cruise Halong bay (width 1,500 sq. km) to enjoy its splendid seascape of thousands odd-shaped rocky islands, visit the inside-island grottoes and / or swimming. Lunch of fresh seafood served on board by the crew. Late afternoon back to Hanoi for dinner before transfer to the Railway Station to take a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the Train.

Around 6:00 AM, we arrive at Lao Cai Station, a border town overlooking China and serving as the gateway to Sapa. From here, we transfer a scenic 40 km journey through a picturesque landscape of terraced rice fields, small waterfalls, and pine forests to Sapa town. 

Upon arrival in Sapa, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and leave your luggage at the reception. Then, join your tour guide for a visit to Sapa Market, followed by a short hike up to Dragon Peak, a viewpoint offers a panoramic view of Sapa dotted with pine trees, French colonial-style villas and Muong Hoa valley.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely 4 km walk downhill to Cat Cat Village, home of the Hmong people. Discover the daily life of this ethnic group, admire the beautiful surroundings, and enjoy a local music performance in the village.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Sapa.
(Dinner on your own arrangement.)

Option 1 – Weekly Market Visit (Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday):
If today is Saturday, Sunday, or Tuesday, visit one of the region’s colorful ethnic markets:

Saturday: Can Cau Market

Sunday: Bac Ha Market or Sapa Town Market (Black Hmong & Dzay)

Tuesday: Coc Ly Market

These markets, about 3 hours’ drive from Sapa, gather Hmong, Tay, Dzay, Dzao, and Kinh people for trading, socializing, and selling handmade goods. Spend 2–3 hours at the market, with optional activities such as:

Visiting a nearby village

Boat ride on the Chay River (Coc Ly only)

Stop at the Chinese border in Lao Cai

Option 2 – Fansipan & Muong Hoa (if not market day):
Take the cable car to Fansipan Mountain in the morning, then enjoy a scenic walk through Muong Hoa Valley in the afternoon.

After dinner in Lao Cai, board the overnight train to Hanoi (departing at 19:00 or 21:00).
Overnight on the train.

Arrive Hanoi about 06.00am. Have a circle surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake to watch the morning exercises of the Hanoians surrounding the lake, inclusive of yoga, jogging, dance, martial art, and taichi-quan. Visit the Mausoleum and House of Ho Chi Minh before transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
 
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