Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (-/-/-D)
Upon arrival at the airport a local guide will greet you and transfer to the hotel. (Check-in time is from 14.00pm/ early check-in is subject on availability & surcharge). If time permits, take a walk through the old quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before welcome dinner and trip orientation. Overnight in Hanoi.
Distance and journey time:
Transfer: 1 hour
Overnight Boutique Hanoi 1 [Deluxe room with Breakfast]
Day 2: Hanoi (B/L/D)
After leaving the hotel at 8.30, first on your list is the Temple of Literature – one of Vietnam’s most significant historic sites with relics recognised by UNESCO. It’s an ancient University in Vietnam and it offers you a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Then visit the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda.
Enjoy your lunch in one of the city’s finest restaurants. In the afternoon, it’s time for sightseeing museums. First visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam or, as an alternative, the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum (closed on Mondays).
Having dinner before you go to railway station for overnight train to Sapa.
Overnight on train, 4 berth cabin
Day 3: Hanoi – Hue (B/L/-)
Early in the morning, the train will arrive at Lao Cai station, located near the Chinese border. After breakfast you will have time to repack for you trekking adventure (porters will carry your luggage needed for the coming 3 days, and the rest will be transferred to Topas Ecolodge, where you will stay after the 3 day trek). Then leave Lao Cai for a drive to Ta Thang, the starting point of our tour. Trekking is mostly uphill, with an opportunity to enjoy beautiful views over the Red River and green valley below.
Have lunch in Nam Ket and then continue your trek towards the Red Dao village of Sin Chai, the remotest part of Sapa. The trail leads through small minority villages and bamboo forests. Not many tourists have been in this area. Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at Sin Chai village and stay for the night in a family homestay. Relax in the wonderful hospitable atmosphere of the Red Dao. Overnight at homestay
Distance and journey time:
Transfer: 1 hr
Trekking: 6-7 hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Overnight Homestay [Dormitory room with breakfast]
Day 4: Hue – Hoi An (B/L/-)
In the morning, continue your trekking to Thanh Phu village. On the way, enjoy the stunning view of endless rice terraces. From Thanh Phu village, the trail leads uphill to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu. Prepare to be amazed with the breathtaking views of mountain, rivers and waterfalls. Arrive in the Nam Nhiu village just before noon. If it’s a school day, you will visit a small village classroom.
The afternoon trekking tour is a bit more challenging, with more ascending. A hard climb brings you to Nam Than village, the only village in Sapa populated by Blue H’mong minority. In the late afternoon, you will eventually arrive at Nam Cang village, inhabited by the Red Dao minority. It’s time to rest your legs at the relaxing Nam Cang Riverside House before dinner. Stay overnight in a private cabin in the House. Overnight at Nam Cang Riverside House
Distance and journey time:
Trekking: 6-7 hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Overnight Nam Cang Riverside House [Standard room with breakfast]
Day 5: Hoi An – My Son – Hoi An (B/L/D)
Today, continue your trekking tour to Sapa town and enjoy the stunning en route scenery. Crossing the river, follow a hilly trail through the Red Dao village of Nam Ngan to My Son village. My Son village is home to the Xa Pho minority, one of the smallest minorities in Vietnam. Leaving My Son village you ascend to Nam Tong where you can enjoy the aerial views over the enormous valley, rice terraces and the beautiful village Ban Ho. The trek to Ban Ho is mostly downhill and if the weather permits, you can enjoy a swim at the nearby waterfall. Leaving Thanh Phu, soon you’ll see the final destination for today, Topas Ecolodge with private bungalows situated on a hilltop right in the middle of the valley. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge
Distance and journey time:
Transfer: 30 mins
Trekking: 7-8 hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Overnight Topas Ecolodge [Deluxe bungalow with breakfast]
Day 6: Hoi An – Danang – Nha Trang (B/L/-)
Today, continue the walk from Topas Ecolodge along the footpaths of Silver Stone Mount. Visit Lech village, inhabited by the Black H’mong minority. This is a home of your trusting porters; visiting one of their villages will help you to experience more of their culture. Descending to the bottom of the valley, you are now deep amongst the rice terraces. Again, meet the Red Dao people, who live in a nearby village also named Lech. If it is a school day, a visit to the village’s school is a nice opportunity to meet the local children. From the village, follow the trail up to the main road, enjoying the breathtaking view of dotted mountain peaks and the serene Muong Bo River below. In the mid afternoon, arrive back to Topas Ecolodge. Overnight at Topas Ecolodge
Distance and journey time:
Trekking: 6-7 hrs
Difficulty: Hard
Overnight Topas Ecolodge [Deluxe bungalow with breakfast]
Day 7: Nha Trang – Dalat (B/L/-)
After your exciting adventures, it’s time to relax or visit Sapa. If you choose to visit Sapa town, you will have a transfer to the town, where you will visit the Sapa market at the busiest time of day. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the nice atmosphere of this delightful mountain town. The real hiking enthusiasts can continue trekking towards Sapa town, starting early in the morning and arriving in the midafternoon. The rest of the day is at your leisure. In the afternoon we will transfer you back to Lao Cai station to take the overnight train to Hanoi. Overnight on Train
Distance and journey time:
Transfer: 1.5 hrs
Trekking: 4-5 hrs
Difficulty: Medium
Overnight train to Hanoi 1 [4 berth cabin]
Day 8: Dalat- Phan Thiet (B/L/-)
Arrive to Hanoi early in the morning. Transfer to a small hotel near the railway station for a quick shower & breakfast before departing to Halong. The journey takes you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields and everyday Vietnamese village life. Enjoy the picturesque scenery while cruising across the beautiful Halong Bay. As the boat cruises through the limestone karsts and clear waters in the afternoon, several options are available. On-board kayaks are available for those wishing to go out for a paddle (guest’s account) or have a swim off the boat’s platform. If you are seeking culinary experience take part in a Vietnamese spring roll cooking demonstration on the sundeck. After the sun sets, enjoy a scrumptious international / Vietnamese buffet dinner. Overnight on Halong Bay
Distance and journey time:
Transfer: 4 hours
Overnight Emeraude Cruise [Deluxe Cabin with breakfast]
Day 9: Phan Thiet – Ho Chi Minh City (B/L/-)
You may take part in a Tai Chi Class on the sundeck. As you return to Halong City, enjoy a brunch as your boat leaves the limestone rock formations. Our driver will transfer you back to Hanoi. As an optional extra, and according to your flight schedule,you can visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam – ‘But Thap’, the Bat Trang Pottery village, or a small village where you can watch a traditional water puppet performance.
Note: * This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
* Emeraude has annual renovations in the month of June.
Distance and journey time:
Transfer: 4 hours
Overnight Boutique Hanoi 1 [Deluxe room with breakfast]
Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City (B/-/-)
At leisure until transfer out to the airport for your onward international flights.
Distance and journey time:
Transfer: 1 hour
Our Cycling tour Hanoi to Saigon is taking you across beautiful scenery, picturesque landscapes, white sandy beaches, simple village life. This special cycling tour will show you Vietnam from a different point of view. The terrain, sometimes challenging, is taking you through wonderful charms of Vietnam’s nature, perfect beaches, tropical forests, historical and religious monuments, everyday life of generous local people. Cycle to Hoam Kiem lake where local Vietnamese practice Tai Chi, then go through the outskirts of the capital, route follows the Red rive, insight into life outside the big capital. Cycling through Hue – Vietnam’s cultural capital, gives you the opportunity to explore its rich history. You’ll see the relics and ruins on your way, visit beautiful Thien Mu pagoda.
Visit to Hoi An, a delightful old trading town and UNESCO world heritage site will impress you for sure. Cycling to Cham Towers of My Son – a former imperial city, will provide you the insight into over 70 stunning towers and temples rising from the rice paddies.After cycling, you’ll enjoy swimming in crystal clear water, spend your time in some of the nicest beaches in Vietnam, relax your muscles by traditional massages while sunset smiles at you and promises new challenges for the next day.
Discover transformative adventures with Spirit Journeys LTD’s travel tours, where immersive experiences and cultural encounters await.
M&M Japan Nov 2023 - Our experience with SJ travel organising our 2week bespoke trip to Japan was first class.
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Mark K
