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Best of North Vietnam - 7 days

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Best of North Vietnam Tour - 7 days. Tripadvisor Reviews

Best of North Vietnam Tour is a short tour for 7 days to visit Hanoi, Sapa and Halong. Top rated with 456 Tripadvisor Reviews.


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Best of North Vietnam Tour - 7 days

Itinerary Overview

Discover the best of North Vietnam to most popular destinations with stunning landscapes. Start travelling from bustling city of Hanoi to Sapa hill town. Meet people of local ethnic groups and explore wonderful rice terraces. Enjoy the amazing limestone karsts while boarding a boat to cruise the real Halong Bay before getting to your next destination. The trip offers a great overview of North with different experiences and activities that you would never forget.

Highlights

  • Explore Hanoi bustling city
  • Meet colorful people of Sapa Ethnic Groups
  • Enjoy amazing Sapa Rice Terrace
  • Spend the night on boat that cruise between the limestone peaks of Halong Bay while feasting on sumptuous meals on board

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and at leisure in the rest of the day.

Note*:

  • The hotel room will be available at 2:00pm, and in case that you would like to secure an early-check in, an additional charge will be applied.
  • Please be advised that both international and domestic might be crowded at sometimes during the day, so in case that you arrive and cannot find our representatives, please be presented at Pole No.16 outside lobby A2 (International) or Lobby of domestic arrival (Domestic flight) and contact us, so we could easily search for you

Day 2: HANOI HALF DAY CITY TOUR

Free to relax in the morning.

Pickup at 13:30. We will spend a half day to visit the city. We start with visit to President Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum (Outside). We also visit the famous One Pillar Pagoda nearby. Leaving the President's complex, we continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu). Although several Van Mieu can be found throughout Vietnam, the most prominent and famous is that situated in the city of Hanoi, and was functioned as Vietnam's first university. Back to the hotel in late afternoon. Free for personal activities.

At 21:00, our guide will take you to the train station for overnight train to Lao Cai for tour to Sapa. The train departs at 22:00.

Note*:

  • Late checkout at the hotel is not included.
  • Our tour guide will not accompany during the train trip
  • Train schedule is subject to change depending on availability
  • Private compartments on request at surcharge.
  • Train journeys are part of a great local experience. Each cabin has 4 soft berths and are shared with other passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages.

DAY 3: Y LINH HO - LAO CHAI - TA VAN VILLAGES TREKKING

Sa Pa is a quiet mountain town and home to a great diversity of ethnic minority peoples. Most of the ethnic minority people work their land on sloping terraces since the vast majority of the land is mountainous. Their staple foods are rice and corn. Rice, by its very nature of being a labour intensive crop, makes the daily fight for survival paramount. The unique climate in Sapa has a major influence on the ethnic minorities who live in the area. With sub-tropical summers, temperate winters and 160 days of mist annually, the influence on agricultural yields and health related issues are significant.

05:30 ~ 06:00: Arrive at Lao Cai Train Station. Pick up at the train station and transfer to Sapa. Early check in upon arrival is possible upon room occupancy (Surcharge applicable). Breakfast and Relax for a while to get ready for our full day tour.

9.30am: Meet up your local guide and start trekking for 6km of walking down to the south east of Sapa along the side of Muong Hoa valley to Y Linh Ho village of the Black H’mong. A 2 km-trekking down to Lao Chai village, through terraced rice fields to Ta Van village of the Dzay minority people. On the way, we would have chance to learn about the local agriculture producing customs and daily lifestyle. We have lunch at a local family, offering you a worth chance to learn about the local house architecture, which is full of their daily life styles and exclusive custom. We will then get back to Sapa by jeep or motorbike

DAY 4: CAT CAT - SIN CHAI VILLAGES TREKKING - BUS TO HANOI

08:30: Pickup at the hotel. We start a walk down to the South-west of Sapa (around 4 km) to visit Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong. Relax at the food of the stunning waterfall and the vestige of a hydroelectric power station that was constructed by the French during the colonial time in Vietnam. We enjoy picnic lunch by the side of the river, and trek for 6 km to Sin Chai village, which is located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, “the roof of Vietnam and Indochina”. From here you can enjoy huge stunning landscapes before climbing up on the way back to Sapa.

You are free to explore the town till bus transfer to Hanoi departing at 2:30pm. Arrive Hanoi at 9pm.

DAY 5: Hanoi - Halong bay / night on board

07h30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi (option 1) or Ninh Binh (option 2). Drive to Halong City through the paddy fields in the Red River Delta.
10h00: Stopover on the way for a refreshment breakk
12h00: Arrive at Tuan Chau wharf – Break and photography time
12h30: Board the Cruise for departure. Welcome drink will be served
13h00: Lunch is served while cruising through the bay
15h30: Visit exciting Cua Van fishing village. The village is free of busy roads and streets, electric lights, houses and high rise buildings. Instead, there are only herds of little boats and rafts. You will have the chance to discover the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen.
16h30: Enjoy kayaking or swimming (if the weather permits)..
17h00: Back on board and continue cruising.
19h00: Dinner is served.
21h00: Take some leisure time to enjoy chatting at the bar or enjoy some night fishing.

Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.

DAY 6: HALONG BAY - HANOI

07.00: Coffee and tea will be served
08.00: Continue cruising
08h15: Visit splendid Sung Sot Cave
09h00: Check out and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay, passing Dinh Huong Island, fishing villages, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island and Sail Island.
09.30: Buffet brunch (breakfast/lunch) while cruising back through Halong Bay to the pier
11h30: Arrive at the pier. Time to say goodbye to the crew.
12.00: Return from Halong to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about 17pm.

Note*: the itinerary and activities on board would vary depending on the boat you choose. Please see the choice of boat in Hotel Inclusions.

DAY 7: HANOI DEPARTURE

Free at leisure until our transfer is presented at your hotel and take you to Noi Bai International Airport for flight to for departure flight. Trip ends.

Note*: depending on your flight schedule, we will arrange airport transfer accordingly (2.5 hours for domestic flight/ 3.5 hours for international flights)!


Download Itinerary

Best Of the North Vietnam Tour

Important Notes:

  • THIS IS OUR DEFAULT ITINERARY AND IS CHANGEABLE DEPENDING ON YOUR INTEREST
  • In case of unpredictable bad conditions of weather in Halong Bay, please kindly understand that the cancellation will be made ONLY by the Management Board of Halong Bay and normally the announcement will be informed in short notice.

The best of North Vietnam Tour: 5* basing on 145 Tripadvisor reviews.

Hotels & Prices

Hotel Categories

Small Group

01 May - 30 Sept
(Low season)

01 May - 30 Sept
(High season)

Economy (2*)

Hanoi: La Suite Hotel & Spa
Halong Bay: Aclass Cruise
Sapa: Sapa Panorama Hotel

Superior (3-4*)

Hanoi: Hanoi Noble Hotel 
Halong Bay: Aclass Stellar Cruise
Sapa: Sapa Vista hotel

Deluxe (4*)

Hanoi: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel
Halong Bay: Huong Hai Sealife
Sapa: Sapa Amazing Hotel

Luxury (5*)

Hanoi: Apricot Hotel
Halong Bay: Signature Cruise
Sapa: Victoria Resort

Customize or make it a private tour >>>

 

Notes*:

  • All prices are in USD per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
  • Small group tour - daily departure with max 12 pax (for Halong Cruises, you will join bus by boat companies)
  • In some major cities in Vietnam, hotel rooms may not have windows.
  • Similar hotels are selected if any of above are booked
  • You can also change to other hotels that you want (surcharge/discount would be applied)
  • Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

What's included ?

Transportation

Car, Cruise, Bus, Overnight Train

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights), Overnight on-board (1 night), Overnight train (1 night)

Meals

6 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 1 Dinner
Note*: breakfast is included at the hotel.

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Children Rates

  • FOC for infant under 2 years old
  • 02 - 6 years old without bed: 35% adult rate
  • 06 - 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
  • 06 - 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate
Note*: The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults

Cancellation Policies

  • Cancellation received 60 days or more before arrival date: 10% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 30 days to 59 days prior arrival date: 20% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 15 days to 29 days prior arrival date: 50% of total rate
  • Cancellation received from 7 days to 14 days prior arrival date: 75% of total rate
  • Cancellation received less than 7 days prior arrival date or No show: 100% of total rate

Important information

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the travel consultant whom you deal with and then our hot line contact. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please send us a detailed message and contact information by email, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Our all travel consultants use WhatApps. Please ensure that you have the contact number. It's best to buy a local sim-card. Most hotels offer free wifi. So it's very easy to contact in urgent case.

Emergency contact numbers

Mr. Kelvin Do: +84 986759655

Ms. Thuy Pham: +84 984654964

COMBO TRIP

If you book small group tour option, please note that the tour combines with our other tours. As such, As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.

You can start the tour on any date (please contact our consultant in advance to avoid peak dates or holidays) and customize itinerary with extra days/activities at any destination.

Internal Flights

For all internal flights - if included, we would use any as Vietnamairlines, Vietjesair, Jestar, Cambodia Angkorair or Laos Airlines, depending on the itinerary. Most domestic flights in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, airlines would use small 70 seat ATR72 for short distances. Most airlines in Vietnam use the Airbus A321. 20kg for checkin luggage and 7kg for hand-bag is included in the price.

International flights pre/post tour must be booked by your self before travelling date.  

Accommodation

We would use different hotel categories and you can select any basing on your budget. So your travel companions would not stay at the your hotel. A Hotel Voucher will be provided once your tour is confirmed with all hotel details.

Packing List

Conservative Dress

  • Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
  • Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Note*: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Dec-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Nov it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.

Documents

  • All tickets (required)
  • Passport (required) (With photocopies)
  • Required visas
  • Hotel & Tour Vouchers
  • Meeting sign (with your names and flight details that we will use for transfers)
     

Train Travel

Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and not at western standard. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group. For short distance - 3 hours (as Hue to Danang or vv), you will do the trip on soft/hard seat carriage.
Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. You should have meal and buy water before the journey.
Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.

Airport transfers

All airport transfers are included in the tour price. You should provide us your arrival/departure flight details and we will arrange things basing on the information. A meeting sign with your name and all flight details will be sent to you. Please be ready at the lobby at pointed time for pickup.

Driver/guide should always be present at the airport before your arrival time. If you could not find the driver, please contact your travel consultant who you deal with. For any reason that airport transfer could not be arranged, please take the taxi to the hotel. We will refund the money then.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not included in our tour price. When travelling with us, you are suggested to buy insurance that covers all medical coverage, cancellation, personal liability, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Trip Specific Safety

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Be aware that petty theft can be an issue in some towns and cities especially late at night. A common tactic is opportunists on motorbikes that drive by and snatch bags. Please always leave valuables and passports etc in your hotel in safety boxes if available and only carry with you enough cash to spend for the day. Bags should always be carried over the neck and not left to sit on your shoulder.

Warming

Please do not buy gems unless you know what you are doing. Even if genuine you should not expect to be able to sell them at home. If you fall victim to a gem scam, we are unable to assist you.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Please note that visas for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are the responsibility of the inpidual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change.
CAMBODIA - Visas can be obtained at the Cambodian border or Siem Reap Airport for approx. $35 USD very easily. Please have *at least* 2 passport photos with you as well.
VIETNAM - As of March 2017, a select 80 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-Visa. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that you should ONLY apply for a Vietnam E-Visa if you are entering Vietnam by international airport - either Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).
If you are entering Vietnam by land border, please apply for a regular visa for Vietnam. Many of the land borders we travel through do not accept the Vietnam E-Visa. Please view this link to apply E-Visa: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/trang-chu-ttdt
We will help you apply an approval letter for visa on arrival if you enter Vietnam through international airports. You will have to pay for stamping fees to the custom at the airport. View how visa on arrival works through this link: https://www.indochinatreks.com/Vietnam_Visa_On_Arrival
LAOS - Visas are issued upon arrival in Laos. You will need two passport size photographs and approx $35. Tourists are generally admitted to Laos for 15 days with a visa on arrival or for 30 days with a visa issued at a Lao embassy. Please bring visa photos with you.
Please be aware that you will require four clean pages (minimum) in your passport and at least six months validity.

Tipping

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.

Electricity

Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.

Tripadvisor Reviews 9.8 out of 10 based on 796 votes.