8 Days Northern Vietnam Tour

8-Day Northern Vietnam Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Northern Vietnam, exploring its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

Begin your adventure in the heart of the country—Hanoi, where you’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the serene Restored Sword Lake. Journey onward to the world-renowned Ha Long Bay, cruising among towering limestone karsts and exploring the mystical Thien Cung and Dau Go caves.

Next, travel to Sapa in Lao Cai province, where lush rice terraces and ethnic minority villages await. Connect with the traditions of the H’mong and Cat Cat communities and trek through the picturesque Lao Chai and Ta Van valleys. Enjoy panoramic mountain views with a scenic cable car ride and tram journey to Fansipan Mountain, the “Roof of Indochina.”

Conclude your tour with a peaceful retreat to Ninh Binh’s Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a tranquil boat ride through limestone caves and temples will leave you mesmerized.

This tour blends natural wonders, cultural experiences, and gentle adventures for a truly immersive Northern Vietnam experience.

Destination Covered: Hanoi • Ha Long Bay • Lao Cai (Sapa) • Ninh Binh (Trang An)

8-Day Northern Vietnam Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Singapore – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Highlights: Ha Long Bay
Meals Included: Meal on Board, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Muong Thanh Grand (Local 4★) or similar

Your journey begins as you assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our local guide and driver.

Begin your exploration with a drive through Hanoi, a city that beautifully blends ancient architecture with modern vibrancy. After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay—a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site famed for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese dinner at a local restaurant before checking in at your hotel for a restful night.

Day 2: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Highlights: Scenic Ha Long Bay Cruise • Thien Cung & Dau Go Grottoes • Dong Xuan Market
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Chalcedony Hotel or Thien Thai Hotel (4★) or similar

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a scenic cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, home to over 3,000 stunning limestone islands. Explore the fascinating Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) and Dau Go (Driftwood) Grottoes, renowned for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board as you sail through this iconic seascape. Following the cruise, begin your journey back to Hanoi, with a brief stop at the Dai Viet rest area en route.

Upon arrival in the capital city, spend some time shopping at the bustling Dong Xuan Market, a local favorite for souvenirs, handicrafts, and street snacks. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before checking into your hotel.

Day 3: Hanoi – Sapa

Highlights: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum • Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House • One Pillar Pagoda • Temple of Literature • Restored Sword Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sapa Highland or Bamboo Sapa Hotel (4★) or similar

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a morning city tour of Hanoi. Visit key landmarks including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from 14 June to 14 August for annual maintenance; replaced with Quan Thanh Temple during closure), the Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, known for its tranquil courtyards and scholarly history. Wrap up the city tour with a photo stop at the scenic Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake), located in the heart of the city.

In the afternoon, depart for Sapa—a picturesque mountain town nestled in the northern highlands. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours by road. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before checking into your hotel and settling in for the evening.

Notes:

• During the closure of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a visit to Quan Thanh Temple will be included instead.
• Casual or sleeveless attire is not permitted during the visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Day 4: Sapa – Cat Cat Village – Sapa

Highlights: H’mong Ethnic Village • Cat Cat Village • French-Era Hydro Power Station • Waterfall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sapa Highland or Bamboo Sapa Hotel (4★) or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided trek down into the Muong Hoa Valley, covering approximately 5 km. Follow a scenic path surrounded by lush rice terraces, with views of local villagers working in the paddy fields and tending to their animals, such as chickens, water buffaloes, and the distinctive pot-bellied pigs.

Your walk leads to a century-old hydroelectric power station, a remnant from the French colonial era, and a picturesque waterfall—a perfect spot to rest and take memorable photos. Continue the trek to the charming Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic group, where you’ll get a glimpse into their traditional lifestyle and handicrafts.

Return to Sapa in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring to your hotel for the evening.

Important Notes:

• The trek involves 2 to 3 hours of walking, including some steep and potentially slippery terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
• Bring a light jacket as temperatures in the mountainous region can be cooler, especially in the morning and evening.

Day 5: Sapa – Lao Chai & Ta Van – Fansipan Mountain – Sapa

Highlights: Trek through Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages • Muong Hoa Train • Fansipan Cable Car & Tram Ride
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Sapa Highland or Bamboo Sapa Hotel (4★) or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, set out on a scenic trek through the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, following buffalo paths and narrow trails to the ethnic minority villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. These charming villages are home to the Black H’mong and Dzay communities, known for their rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

Marvel at the valley’s multi-layered rice terraces, a truly Instagram-worthy sight, and take in the peaceful rural landscapes. After exploring the villages, return to Sapa for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, head to the MGallery Hotel to board the Muong Hoa mountain train, which offers spectacular views en route to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. Board the world-record-breaking Fansipan Legend Cable Car, recognized by Guinness World Records for:

• The longest non-stop three-rope cable car: 6,292.5 meters
• The greatest elevation gain by a non-stop three-rope cable car: 1,410 meters

Upon reaching the summit complex, enjoy a scenic tram ride (round-trip) to the summit of Fansipan Mountain—the highest peak in Indochina at 3,147 meters, also called the “Rooftop of Indochina.”

After soaking in the panoramic views, return to Sapa for dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay.

Important Notes:

• The day includes trekking and uphill walking—comfortable walking shoes with good grip are strongly recommended.
• Bring a light jacket, as temperatures at higher altitudes can be significantly cooler.

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi

Highlights: Free Time in Sapa • Local Shopping • Leisure Time in Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Chalcedony Hotel or Thien Thai Hotel (4★) or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning in Sapa. Take this time to explore the charming town, visit local markets, and shop for unique ethnic handicrafts and locally produced goods—perfect souvenirs to take home.

After lunch, begin your journey back to Hanoi by road. Upon arrival in the capital city, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—relax at the hotel, explore the nearby streets, or sample local street food.

Day 7: Hanoi – Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hanoi

Highlights: Trang An Landscape Complex • Boat Ride Through Limestone Caves • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Chalcedony Hotel or Thien Thai Hotel (4★) or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh province, home to the magnificent Trang An Landscape Complex—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2014.

Set out on a serene boat ride through the complex, where you’ll glide along winding waterways surrounded by towering limestone karst peaks, tranquil valleys, and mysterious submerged caves. The stunning natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere make Trang An one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey to the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the site of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state in the 10th century. Although much of the original citadel has been lost to time, you can still visit the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, nestled among picturesque rice paddies—offering a fascinating window into Vietnam’s rich historical past.

Return to Hanoi by coach in the late afternoon and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Hanoi – Singapore

Highlights: Leisure Time • Departure
Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hanoi—take this time to relax at the hotel, do some last-minute shopping, or soak in the final sights of Vietnam’s capital.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your return flight to Singapore, bringing home cherished memories of your unforgettable journey through Northern Vietnam.