Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long Bay

Day 1

Arrival Hanoi

Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be escorted by car to your accommodation in Hanoi.

The remainder of your day will be spent at leisure.

Day 2

Hanoi – Lao Cai

Start your trip with an early morning visit to Hoan Kiem Lake where you’ll see the locals go through their morning tai chi and aerobics routines, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple.

Continue with a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, visiting St Joseph Cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison and Huu Tiep Lake, where the wreckage of a US B-52 bomber can be seen.

After lunch, visit the picturesque Temple of Literature, then stop for an afternoon beer with the locals. In the evening, you’ll board the Victoria Express train for the overnight journey to Lao Cai. in your private sleeper cabin.

Day 3

Lao Cai – Sapa

You’ll arrive in Sapa in the early morning and check into your lodge on a quiet hilltop in the Sapa Valley.

After lunch, head out to explore on a guided walk through Sapa’s gardens, rice paddies, forests and mountain villages, home to ethnic hill-tribes.

Day 4

Sapa – Nam Cang – Lao Cai

This morning you’ll venture off the beaten track to explore the Hoang Lien National Park. You’ll hike through valleys next to mountains and waterfalls, and weave through local villages where you’ll see farmers working their land.

After lunch, you’ll explore the village and watch arts and crafts demonstrations. You’ll also have the chance to swim in the river before returning to the Victoria Express Train for your overnight journey back to Hanoi.

Day 5

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

Once back in Hanoi, you have the opportunity to pop back to your hotel to refresh before being driven to Ha Long Bay, where you’ll board your cruise ship to sail around the UNESCO-listed natural wonder.

Explore Surprise Cave by bamboo boat or kayak, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy on-board activities such as fruit carving, masterchef competitions or tea ceremonies.

Day 6

Ha Long Bay

Start your morning with a sunrise tai chi session on the deck of the ship, before continuing around the bay. There will be plenty of opportunities to head off the boat to explore, including kayaking excursions and cycling trips.

Back on board, enjoy drinks, a barbeque buffet, watch movies or stargaze.

Day 7

Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Departure

Enjoy another gentle start to the day with tai chi as your boat makes its way slowly back to port, stopping to explore the Cua Van floating village.

Indulge in a Vietnamese tea ceremony before disembarking and returning to Hanoi to catch your onward flight.