Vietnam’s Northern Trails

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Vietnam's Northern Trails means experiencing the diverse landscapes and rich culture of northern Vietnam on this fascinating journey through vibrant cities, mountain villages and spectacular coastal scenery. Your adventure begins in the historic capital of Hanoi, where ancient temples, bustling streets and colonial architecture create a captivating introduction to the country.
Travel north to Lao Cai, the gateway to the beautiful mountain region of Sa Pa, renowned for its dramatic terraced rice fields, cool mountain air and colourful hill tribe communities. Here you will experience the traditions and landscapes that make this region one of Vietnam’s most memorable destinations.
Continue to the iconic limestone formations of Ha Long Bay, where thousands of karst islands rise from emerald waters. Enjoy a relaxing cruise through this natural wonder before discovering the unspoiled beauty of Cát Bà Island. Blending cultural encounters, scenic landscapes and unique local experiences, this journey offers an unforgettable exploration of northern Vietnam. 

At a glance

Day 1Welcome to Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel
Day 2Hanoi City Tour. Train to Loa Cai
Day 3On arrival, continue to Sapa and visit Cat Cat village
Day 4Explore rice paddies. Return to Hanoi by train
Day 5Onward to Halong Bay and board your traditional vessel
Day 6Travel to Catba Island
Day 7 Return to Hanoi 
Day 8Services end with transfer to the Airport

Highlights

> Daily departures from Hanoi
> All tours are with private guides and include entrance fees
> Travel on Vietnam's most picturesque roads and stunning landscapes to Ninh Binh
> Awaken to the incredible and pleasant sounds of nature
> Board your cruise on Ha Long Bay for an enchanting and memorable 24-hour journey
> Your imagination can not visualise the beauty you encounter in Sapa 
> Enjoy the limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, and delicious local food on Catba Island

 

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Itinerary

Day 1

Hanoi Arrival (D)

  • On arrival at Hanoi Airport, clear customs and proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide, who will be waiting in the lobby. Transfer to your hotel. (Early check-in is exclusive and subject to availability).
Day 2

Hanoi City Tour - Lao Cai (B/L)

  • Hanoi is well known for its history, architecture, charm, tranquility and cuisine. Our first visit is to the most well-respected site of the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. The area surrounding the complex is a traffic-free zone filled with botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas, and includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda.
    Then visit the 11th century Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first University. From here, continue to Bun Cha Huong Lien, the famous local spot where President Barack Obama dined with Anthony Bourdain. 
    In the afternoon, continue to the Ethnology Museum. The museum provides an insightful glimpse into the country’s lengthy history, with more than 15,000 photos and 10,000 objects and artefacts depicting a historical perspective of the lives, activities, customs, and habits of the 54 recognised ethnic groups of Vietnam. 
    End your day by walking through the Hanoi Old Quarter. 
    The streets of this district are bustling with scooters, bicycles, cyclos, and cars zipping around pedestrians. 
    The best way to enjoy the charming colonial architecture is to wander with your guide at a leisurely pace and be sure to stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee or a local snack from one of the many tantalising street vendors.
    Transfer to Hanoi station for onward train journey to Lao Cai.
Day 3

Lao Cai - Sapa (B)

  • Arrive in Lao Cai around 5 am and be met by our transport for a spectacular hour’s journey up the impressive mountains to Sapa. 
    Seeing is believing! The imagination could not visualise, nor appreciate the beauty of the stunning vistas and breathtaking mountainous rice terraces, until you observe them in true form. 
    On arrival in Sapa, check into the hotel for a little rest before our exploration this afternoon.
    In the early afternoon, commence your exciting trek downhill from Sapa town to Cat Cat Village. 
    The 2-hour walk takes us through rice paddies, past different ethnic minority villages hard at work and flower and vegetable gardens, until we reach a magnificent waterfall set amid the lush mountains.
    After a short rest, continue to Cat Cat village, where the village is eagerly awaiting our arrival. With the children’s glee and excitement and a village full of big smiling faces, we are welcomed by the local Black Hmong people. 
    After a welcome and a rest, stroll around the village, learning about the traditional way of life of the Black Hmong. 
    Observe the fascinating demonstration of traditional fibre processing, including: weaving, dying hemp cloth, peeling bark from the dried hemp stalks, tying stripped bark ribbons to form bundles and with the locals strongly encouraging us to try our hand at perfecting their art….they certainly get a lot of laughs watching us!
    Return to Sapa for overnight

Inclusions

  • Return flights with Emirates Airlines
  • Train travel between Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hanoi
  • Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative 
  • Transfer and intercity transportation as per itinerary in AC vehicle
  • Accommodation in double/twin room at selected hotels
  • Meals: as mentioned 
  • Local English Guide
  • Entrance fees

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
  • Travel insurance
  • Vietnam Visa fee
  • Tips
  • Services not stated in the itinerary

Validity

  • Rate valid for travel between 01 and 30 September 26

    ​​​​​​Contact us for any other date of travel required

Country information

Best time to travel to Vietnam
A good time to travel to Vietnam is spring (February to April and again in Autumn (August to October)
Overall, Vietnam enjoys a mild tropical or subtropical climate and aside from a few months a year in the high northern region you'll never need to worry about packing cold-weather gear.
But do bring an umbrella, especially if visiting from July to November, Vietnam's stormiest months.

Vietnam Culture and Greetings
When interacting with a Vietnamese, be sensitive to Vietnam’s history. The person you may talk to may have experienced the struggles of the Vietnam War. Thirty years on many Vietnamese still have physical and mental health problems from the war. Approach any topic regarding this with sensitivity and sympathy.
Objects should be passed, given or received with both hands together. Vietnamese people are generally punctual and expect the same standard from others. The Vietnamese are accustomed to shaking hands. Some Vietnamese might use two hands to shake by resting the left hand on top of the grasp with the other person's hand. Bowing the head while shaking hands indicates respect

Drinks & Food
Vietnamese food is always served fresh and flavourful. You will find lost of fish dishes, cooked with fresh herbs and vegetables. Local cuisine is healthy and light

Discover your environment
Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Taxis are plentiful and can be flagged down on the street. Make sure the taxi has a meter set before starting your journey. Hiring a bike (Wearing a helmet is a must) for the day is popular and is still Vietnam’s most popular transportation mode, together with motorbikes. Express long-distance trains will take you comfortably between cities

Tipping
Tipping is very customary, especially in the most important tourist areas. It is appreciated y the receiver as salaries are on the low side and tipping makes up a sizeable side to monthly earning

Local interesting meals:
Drinking an egg-coffee is a must
Pho: Noodle soup usually with meat
Nem: Spring rolls with pork, noodles, egg and mushroom wrapped in rice paper
Banh bao: Steamed dumplings stuffed with onions, pork and other ingredients
Banh MI: French baguette with pickled daikon and carrot, chili, coriander, cucumber and various cold meats 
Lau: Vietnamese hot pot
Bia hoi: Fresh beer produced daily and served cold in local bars and very refreshing (Low in alcohol)