Trekking and cruise: From Sapa to Halong Bay

THROUGH THE TRIP FROM SAPA TO HALONG BAY, YOU WILL DISCOVER

 

Day 1 : Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai

Board an overnight train Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai.

Overnight on train.

Day 2 : Lao Cai – Sapa – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van (B, L)

This morning, walk west of Sapa towards the valley floor village of Cat Cat. The valleys of Y Linh Ho and Sin Chai are some of the most impressive in the area. Walk down along a gentle winding trail, through emerald rice terrace fields before arriving on the Muong Hoa river bank. Take a rest for refreshment; dip your feet in the cool river before continuing through the villages of the Black H’mong minority. Stop wherever you see a good spot for your best Sapa panoramas shots. At a local restaurant, enjoy lunch with a stunning valley view before continuing southward the valley towards the village of Lao Chai, home to H’mong.

Refresh with a cup of tea before learning the art of Batik painting of the Black H’mong. Role up your sleeves and join in for a hands-on batik experience. With the assistance of the local friendly host and your expert guide, make and take your own creation home! You will be very helpful in supporting the local keeping their unique tradition alive to next generations.

Arrive at Ta Van village to take your transfer back to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.

Trekking distance : 16 km – Difficulty level : Average – Difficult

Day 3 : Suoi Ho – Ma Tra – Sapa – Lao Cai – Overnight train to Hanoi (B, L)

Enjoy half-day walking tour visiting the rustic village of Suoi Ho. Take a gentle walk through its winding paths with sleepy local hamlets and get a glimpse of village life. En route, go pass by a local school and wave Xin chao (hello) to children.

Later, enjoy views of the stunning countryside as you walk to the second village of Ma Tra, past by some orchid plantation and green veggie farms en route. Soak in its vibrant culture and visit a ruined Catholic church before being picked up and returning to Sapa Town. Later this evening, board the overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight on train.

Trekking distance : 7 km – Difficulty level : Easy

Day 4: Hanoi – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

Early today, you arrive back in Hanoi station and transfer to hotel for a quick freshen up and breakfast before heading to Halong Bay. Arriving at Halong port around noon time and after boarding the luxury junk boat, enjoy a lavish lunch aboard in the centre of the World’s top wonder. Spend some time on the boat’s sun deck to enjoy the sublime natural beauty. Later in afternoon, transfer to a floating traditional fishing village where you enjoy an hour marvelling at the limestone towering mountains from a rowing bamboo sampan. Return to the boat, take advantage having a massage on-board, sip a cocktail or two while watching the sunset over the tranquil bay.

Day 5 : Halong Bay – Hanoi (B, L)

Wake up early and join in a slow pace Tai Chi on sun deck before enjoying tasty breakfast while the boat moves towards Surprise Cave, the biggest one in Halong Bay. Climb up the stairs to explore the cave which divides into three large chambers with impressive limestone formations. Surprise cave! Then return to the boat and enjoy the last early lunch while the boat cruises its way towards Halong Port, where you will be transferred to Hanoi.

 

You might be interested in our Stunning Northwestern Vietnam, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Vietnam adventure travel style!