Northern Vietnam & Sapa
City, karsts, bay and the high mountains
City, karsts, bay and the high mountains A ready-built creator-led group trip across Vietnam, 4–7 days. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.
Vietnam · 4–7 days · Best season: October to April, the dry season across most of the country · Group size: Flexible group size
Route
Hanoi > Ninh Binh > Halong > Sapa
Highlights
- Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave
- Halong Bay day cruise, Sung Sot Cave, kayaking
- Fansipan Peak full-day tour
- Moana Sapa, Silver Waterfall, back to Hanoi
- The afternoon city tour visits Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, the lakeside Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the lanes of the Old Quarter
Day by day
Day 1: Hanoi arrival & city tour
On arrival in Hanoi, your private driver transfers you to your hotel. The afternoon city tour visits Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, the lakeside Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the lanes of the Old Quarter.
Day 2: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave
Drive to Ninh Binh, the 'Halong Bay on land'. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, then take a rowed sampan through the three caves of Tam Coc along the Ngo Dong river. Finish by climbing the 500 steps of Mua Cave for a panoramic view over the valley before returning to Hanoi.
Day 3: Halong Bay day cruise
A full-day cruise on Halong Bay sails among limestone karsts with a buffet lunch on board. Visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, and climb Ti Top Island for a panoramic view before returning to Hanoi.
Day 4: Transfer to Sapa & Cat Cat Village
A scenic morning drive climbs into the northern mountains to Sapa. After checking in, trek down into the Muong Hoa Valley to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H'mong people, passing terraced rice fields, suspension bridges and waterfalls.
Day 5: Fansipan Peak full-day tour
Ride the cable car toward Fansipan (3,143 m), the 'roof of Indochina', reaching the summit marker by steps or funicular and exploring the gardens and temples of the Fansipan Legend complex, with sweeping views over the mountains.
Day 6: Moana Sapa, Silver Waterfall & back to Hanoi
Visit the Moana Sapa viewpoint and the Silver Waterfall for photos amid the mountain scenery, then transfer back to Hanoi, arriving in the evening.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, your private driver transfers you to the airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions
- Private tours and transfers throughout, with airport pick-up and drop-off
- English-speaking guide as per the itinerary
- 6 nights hotel accommodation (twin/double) with breakfast, full package
- Halong Bay day cruise and Fansipan cable car
- All sightseeing entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Mineral water: 2 × 500 ml per person per day on tours and transfers
- Tips included
- 24/7 support throughout the trip
Exclusions
- International and domestic airfares
- Vietnam visa, e-visa or visa-on-arrival and stamp fees
- Travel insurance and medical clearance
- Drinks and beverages during meals
- Optional tours, activities or entries not listed
- Early check-in or late check-out fees
- Personal and incidental expenses