Classic Northern Vietnam Tour – 3 Days

Duration: 3 Days
Start/ End:Hanoi/Hanoi
Tour Type: Explorer
Tour Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi
Tour Customizable: Definitely!
Guide: Local experienced English speaking guide
Transportation: Local transport with a skillful driver

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi – Sapa
Day 3: Sapa – Hanoi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi

The trip starts in Hanoi, where the car and guide pick you up from your hotel or meeting point in the Old Quarter. After about 2 hours, the group arrives at Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist architectural complex in Vietnam, for sightseeing and Buddhist rituals. Then, enjoy lunch at a restaurant.

In the afternoon, a car will take the group to the Trang An eco-tourism center, where you’ll explore caves and historic sites, including Dia Linh Cave, Dark Cave, Light Cave, Wine-making Cave, Three Drops Cave, and three other historical sites.

Around 5:00 PM, the group returns to Hanoi and to their hotel. You can enjoy dinner on your own, tasting Hanoi’s specialties like Bun cha, Cha ca, or Pho.

Day 2: Hanoi – Sapa

Pick up at your hotel and depart for Sapa via the Noi Bai – Lao Cai expressway. After arriving in Sapa, have lunch and hotel check-in.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you mountain climbing and exploring the Ham Rong Mountain tourist area with its wild and majestic scenery. After dinner, you are free to explore the charming beauty of Sapa at night, enjoy grilled corn and eggs in the mountain breeze by the red coal stove. You can also shop for souvenirs.

Especially on Saturday nights, you can join the Sapa Love Market – a traditional cultural feature of the Mong and Dao ethnic minorities in the highlands of Lao Cai province, and the Northwest region of Vietnam in general, since ancient times. Overnight stay at a centrally located hotel in Sapa town.

Day 3: Sapa – Hanoi

After breakfast, you’ll start your journey to explore the Cat Cat – Shin Chai village of the H’Mong people. Explore the village, Cat Cat hydroelectric station, Cat Cat waterfall, and learn about the unique culture and traditions of the local people, such as traditional crafts like weaving, silver carving, blacksmithing, and marriage customs. Have lunch at a restaurant and relax. After lunch, board the bus and bid farewell to Sapa, heading back to Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll once again admire the mystical beauty of the Northwest mountains and forests.