9D8N NORTHERN VIETNAM: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
Join with us on an unforgettable 9-day Vietnam tour featuring the country's most iconic destinations. Blending breathtaking scenery, authentic culture, and local cuisine, this Vietnam tour package is perfect for first-time travelers seeking an enriching and seamless Vietnam experience.
TOUR OVER VIEW
Embark on the ultimate 9-day Vietnam tour and discover the country's most celebrated destinations in one seamless itinerary. From the vibrant and lively Hanoi to the wonderful scenery of Sapa, the magnificent view of Ninh Binh and peaceful atmosphere of Ha Long Bay. This journey blends culture, nature, adventure, and authentic local life — perfect for travelers who want more than just the usual highlights.
QUICK INFORMATION
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Departure: Hanoi - Sapa - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Transportation: Car / Motorbike / Easy Rider
Each season offers its own unique beauty, from blooming spring flowers (Jan–Mar), lush green summer landscapes (Apr–Jul), peaceful autumn scenery (Aug–Oct), to misty winter mountains (Nov–Dec).
TOUR HIGHLIGht
Explore the ancient landscapes of Ninh Binh by bicycle, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, and enjoy a scenic boat journey through Trang An.
Travel to Sapa and discover Fansipan Mountain, Cat Cat Village, and the spectacular Hoang Lien Son range.
Cruise through the limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN HANOI – RELAX AFTER LONG FLIGHT
Day 1 Land in Hanoi – Relax After Long Flight
WELCOME TO VIETNAM
Landing at Noi Bai International Airport, after collecting your visa and luggage, move outside where our representative will meet you at the pickup point and escort you to the hotel.
After a smooth check-in process, with your room available from 14:00 onwards, settle into your comfortable room and take some time to relax after your flight.
You can explore Hanoi at your own pace and discover some of the city's long-standing history and local attractions, including:
– Hanoi Train Street – A unique attraction where visitors can watch trains passing through a narrow urban neighborhood.
– Hanoi Church and Hanoi Opera House, followed by a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visits to Ngoc Son Temple and the Ly Thai To Statue.
– Dong Xuan Wholesale Market.
– Lotte Mall with Observation Sky Deck.
Optional: Traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique form of Northern Vietnamese art depicting scenes inspired by rural life and episodes from Vietnamese history.
Dinner at your own arrangement.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi Night Market is available from Friday to Sunday.
DAY 2 – HANOI HIDDEN GEMS – HANOI WALKING & STREET FOOD – TRANSFER TO SAPA
Day 2 Hanoi Hidden Gem – Hanoi Walking Street Food – Hanoi Train Street
Morning: After breakfast, please check out and leave your luggage in the hotel lobby.
Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. You will be greeted by our guide and driver at your hotel lobby or designated meeting point for a short safety briefing before beginning the tour.
Start your Hanoi exploration by visiting Hanoi Opera House, one of the city's most recognizable historical and architectural landmarks.
Continue through local neighborhoods and discover another side of Hanoi, passing by small streets, local homes, schools, traditional markets, and residential areas while observing the everyday rhythm of local life.
The journey continues through lesser-known parts of Hanoi, offering opportunities to discover places away from the main tourist routes.
Visit the MUST-SEE places of Hanoi and pass through areas connected with the city's history, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and other important landmarks.
Continue along Thanh Nien Street, located between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, before visiting peaceful local areas and historic sites around the lakes.
Visit Banana Island and discover a greener side of Hanoi. See local farms and houses, meet local people, and learn more about their everyday lifestyle while enjoying seasonal tropical fruits and Vietnamese tea when available.
Continue through peaceful neighborhoods and village areas around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake before visiting Van Nien Pagoda, one of Hanoi's historic Buddhist sites.
On the third part of the Hanoi Jeep Tour, travel along Hoang Hoa Tham Street and discover its greenery, bonsai gardens, and quieter local surroundings.
Continue through Hanoi's backstreets and discover hidden corners of the capital, including the B52 Victory Museum area and other local neighborhoods.
Reach the hotel around 12:30 PM and enjoy some free time.
Afternoon Hanoi walking street food tour:
– Meet your guide at the hotel or a convenient meeting point in the center of Hanoi Old Quarter and begin your local food experience.
– Learn about Vietnamese food culture and enjoy traditional local dishes while walking through the Old Quarter.
– Visit selected local restaurants, food stalls, and eateries to sample a variety of Hanoi specialties.
– Continue exploring the Old Quarter and discover the stories behind the food and neighborhoods.
After the tour, return to your hotel and collect your luggage.
Evening: Transfer to Hanoi bus station and check in for the VIP cabin sleeper bus to Sapa.
Overnight on the sleeper bus.
DAY 3 – NINH BINH – BICYCLE – BICH DONG PAGODA – TRANG AN – TRANSFER TO SAPA
Day 3 Ninh Binh Full Day – Trang An – Cycling – Bich Dong Pagoda – Transfer to Sapa
Morning: Check out and leave your luggage in the hotel lobby.
07:15–07:45: Pick up from your hotel.
09:00: Have a short breakfast stop along the way.
10:00: Arrive in Ninh Binh and begin your cycling experience through the local countryside. Ride through peaceful villages, rice fields, and rural landscapes while discovering the beauty of the area.
10:30: Continue by bicycle through the local villages and meet local families to learn about their daily lives and traditional way of living.
11:00: Visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a historic pagoda complex surrounded by limestone mountains and peaceful countryside.
12:30: Return to the meeting point for lunch.
13:20: Continue to Trang An and board a traditional bamboo boat for a scenic journey through the spectacular limestone landscape of Ninh Binh. Explore the waterways and caves while enjoying the peaceful scenery.
15:45: Leave Ninh Binh and continue your journey toward Hanoi.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi and enjoy some free time before transferring to the sleeper bus.
20:30: Transfer to Hanoi bus station and check in for the sleeper bus to Sapa.
Overnight on the sleeper bus.
DAY 4 – LAO CAI – SAPA – FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN – CAT CAT VILLAGE
Day 4 Lao Cai – Sapa – Fansipan Mountain – Cat Cat Village
Arrive in Lao Cai around 06:00 AM and transfer to Sapa.
After approximately one hour, check in at your hotel. Check-in is subject to room availability.
Have time to relax and enjoy breakfast.
Start the day's activities with breakfast at a local restaurant.
Once fueled up, transfer toward Sun Plaza, where you will board the Muong Hoa Mountain Train toward Hoang Lien Station.
From Hoang Lien Station, take the cable car toward Fansipan Peak, known as the “Roof of Indochina.” Enjoy panoramic views of lush valleys, rugged mountains, and the surrounding Hoang Lien Son range as you ascend.
After exploring Fansipan, return to Sapa town for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy some time to recharge.
At around 13:30, continue to Cat Cat Village, a picturesque H'Mong village nestled in the mountains. Walk through scenic village paths, admire waterfalls, and discover traditional houses and local cultural heritage.
At around 17:30, return to Sapa town and check in at your hotel.
Enjoy dinner at your own arrangement and spend the evening at leisure. Explore Sapa's bustling night market, stroll through the town, or simply relax after a full day of mountain experiences.
Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 5 – GLASS BRIDGE – MOANA CHECK-IN
Day 5 Glass Bridge – Moana Check-in
Morning:
Start the day by visiting the Glass Bridge – Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge, perched at the top of O Quy Ho Pass. This breathtaking glass-bottomed bridge offers panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range from an elevation of approximately 2,200 meters above sea level.
For adventurous travelers, the area may offer additional activities such as the Fansipan Peak Skywalk and other experiences depending on availability and weather conditions.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, visit Moana Sapa, a dreamy check-in destination featuring Heaven's Gate, an Infinity Lake, a golden hand sculpture, and a distinctive swing. Capture memorable photographs with the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and Fansipan Peak as your backdrop.
Enjoy free time to explore Sapa town and its local atmosphere.
Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 6 – SAPA TO HANOI
Day 6 Sapa to Hanoi
Morning: Enjoy the views of Sapa and take some time to relax.
Check out before leaving your hotel and prepare your luggage for the journey back to Hanoi.
Take the transfer back to Hanoi.
After approximately 6 hours of travel, arrive in Hanoi.
Relax and enjoy some free time in the city.
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 7 – HANOI → HA LONG BAY – OVERNIGHT CRUISE
Day 7 Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise – Overnight
08:00–08:30: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer you to Ha Long Bay.
12:00: Arrive at Sunworld International Harbor and enjoy a short break before boarding the cruise.
12:30: Transfer to the cruise by tender boat.
12:45: Enjoy a welcome drink and receive a safety briefing before checking in to your cabin.
13:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising through the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Long Bay and admiring the spectacular limestone formations rising from the emerald waters.
15:00: Discover Titov Island and enjoy panoramic views over Ha Long Bay. Depending on your preference and weather conditions, enjoy time on the beach or hike to the island viewpoint.
15:30: Kayaking and explore the breathtaking scenery of limestone islands and islets. Swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing are also available depending on the cruise itinerary.
16:30: Return to the mother boat for a shower and refreshment before enjoying Happy Hour on the sundeck while the boat cruises toward the anchoring area.
18:30: Take part in the fruit carving class and learn how to make flowers and decorative fruit arrangements.
19:30: Enjoy a fine dining dinner featuring local and international specialties.
21:00–21:30: Enjoy traditional Vietnamese music onboard before relaxing for the night.
Overnight on the cruise.
DAY 8 – HA LONG BAY – HANOI
Day 8 Ha Long Bay Back to Hanoi
06:30: Wake up early and participate in a Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck.
07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast with beautiful views of Ha Long Bay.
07:45: Transfer to a local fishing village by tender and explore the daily life and traditional fishing culture of the local community.
09:00: Return to the main boat and continue cruising through the bay while enjoying the peaceful scenery.
09:30: Complete your cabin check-out procedures.
10:00: Enjoy a final brunch onboard while the cruise returns toward the harbor.
11:30–12:15: Disembark at Sunworld International Harbor and prepare for the transfer back to Hanoi.
15:00–15:30: Drop off at your hotel in Hanoi.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 9 – DEPARTURE FROM VIETNAM
Day 9 Leave Vietnam
Enjoy your final morning in Vietnam and take some time to relax at your hotel before departure.
Have breakfast at the hotel and prepare your luggage for your flight home.
Our representative will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport according to your flight schedule.
Allow sufficient time for airport check-in, baggage procedures, and departure formalities before your flight.
Your 9-day journey through Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay comes to an end.
Finished 9 days in Vietnam!!!
INCLUDED
•Car transfer with Good A/C
•Hotel with daily breakfast, Good A/C – private room
•Experienced local English-speaking guide
•Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
•All sightseeing tickets
•24/7 hotline support guaranteed
EXCLUDED
•Incoming and outcoming flight – domestic flight
•Beverage, Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
•Travel insurance
•Early check-in and Late check-out (If not mentioned)
•Visa stamping fee (Vietnam: 35$/person)
•Optional ticket in day 8
•Other services not mentioned above
•Tipping fee for private guide & driver
WHAT TO BRING?
Essential Items
• Passport
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal toiletries
• Small backpack
For Mountain Weather
• Warm jacket
• Raincoat
• Long pants
• Extra socks
• Gloves during winter season
Optional
• Camera / Drone
• Power bank
• Motion sickness medicine
• Personal snacks
BEFORE YOU GO
•The itinerary might subject to change due to weather or tide condition with our prior notice
•Schedule subject to change upon weather and operation conditions
•Promotion might apply, inclusions and exclusions might change – you will be informed of changes upon booking.
•All prices are in United States Dollars ($) unless otherwise indicated. Please note that prices quoted are subject to change. Price changes may occur by reason of matters outside our control which increase the cost of the services which we arrange on your behalf. Such factors include adverse currency fluctuations, fuel costs, taxes and accommodation increases.
Authentic Experiences
We create meaningful journeys that connect travelers with the authentic beauty of Vietnam, from local culture and hidden gems to everyday life beyond the tourist crowds.
Local Connection
Our experiences are designed together with local communities, guides, and hosts to ensure every journey feels personal, welcoming, and deeply connected to Vietnamese culture.
Carefully Curated
Every itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to balance culture, nature, comfort, and adventure, giving you unforgettable memories throughout Vietnam.
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