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 4

Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi (B)

  • Check out of your Hotel (Your Luggae will be stored at the Hotel)
    We start our trek at the village and continue down the valley, along local trails and across rice paddies to visit Dzay ethnic minorities and Black H’mong communities living within a different environment.
    The interaction and closeness we experience with the local minority groups is an absolutely incredible experience. 
    Return to Sapa and transfer to Lao Cai station for an overnight train journey to Hanoi.
Day 5

Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)

  • On arival in Hanoi, you are met for transfer to Halong Bay, a collection of almost 2000 islands and jungle-clad limestone pillars in the Tonkin Gulf. Called “Bay of Descending Dragons” in Vietnamese, the archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a world-famous travel destination.
    Upon arrival in Halong Bay, enjoy a welcome drink and a delicious freshly caught seafood lunch whilst sailing out of the Bay passing amazing shaped mountains. Take in the seascape from the sundeck or even in your private cabin 
    Time for a swim, kayaking and or a cavevisit. 
    In the late afternoon, take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and enjoy the seafood feast for dinner as stars emerge from behind those jungle-clad limestone pillars.
    Spend the night on board in an elegant Air-conditioned cabin with handicraft wooden interiors 
Day 6

Halong Bay - Catba Island (B/Brunch)

  • After breakfast, board  a small boat and cruise towards Catba Island
    We disembark at Viet Hai pier, where we have a leisurely bike ride through the island to Viet Hai commune – a small village in the middle of Cat Ba National Park, enjoying the wonderful scenery and fresh air, whilst observing the daily life of the people here.
    We stop for lunch at a local family home, before our return bike ride back to the pier. 
    We re-board our boat for our transfer to Cat Ba Island.

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)