5 Days in Northern Vietnam – Sapa, Ninh Binh & 5-Star Lan Ha Bay Cruise
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Tour code: GVNT-320
- Time: 5
- Departure from: Hanoi Old Quarter hotel pickup and drop-off
- Pick-up point: Hotel Pickup
- Vehicle: Transportation
- Best Price Guarantee – Great value with no hidden costs.
- Personalized Service – Tours tailored to your preferences.
- 24/7 Travel Support – Dedicated assistance throughout your journey.
Introduce
Detailed itinerary
5 Days in Northern Vietnam – Sapa, Ninh Binh & 5-Star Lan Ha Bay Cruise
Experience the best of Northern Vietnam on this unforgettable 5-day journey, combining breathtaking mountain landscapes, ancient heritage, authentic local culture and a luxurious overnight cruise.
Discover the historical capital of Hoa Lu, glide through the spectacular limestone scenery of Trang An or Tam Coc, and enjoy panoramic views from Mua Cave in Ninh Binh. Continue to the mountain town of Sapa to explore traditional ethnic villages, admire terraced rice fields and experience the stunning scenery of the Muong Hoa Valley. Alternatively, take a cable car excursion to Fansipan, the legendary “Roof of Indochina.”
Complete your adventure with an overnight experience aboard a 5-star cruise in Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by emerald waters and magnificent limestone karsts. This carefully arranged tour offers a wonderful introduction to Northern Vietnam, combining nature, culture, adventure and relaxation.
Schedule
DAY 1: HANOI – NINH BINH – OVERNIGHT VIP CABIN BUS TO SAPA
07:00 – Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter: Meet your driver and begin your journey to Ninh Binh, a beautiful destination known for its limestone mountains, peaceful waterways and rich cultural heritage.
Morning – Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Explore the historic temples of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Discover the country’s fascinating early history while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this historic site.
Late Morning – Boat Trip in Trang An or Tam Coc: Enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride through spectacular limestone karsts, winding rivers and natural caves. Choose Trang An or Tam Coc according to the confirmed tour arrangement and experience the beautiful countryside landscapes that make Ninh Binh one of Northern Vietnam’s most memorable destinations.
12:00 – Vietnamese Buffet Lunch: Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring a variety of local Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant.
Afternoon – Visit Mua Cave Viewpoint: Climb the stone steps to the famous Mua Cave viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views over Tam Coc, the winding river and the surrounding limestone mountains. This is one of the best locations in Ninh Binh for photography.
Late Afternoon – Return to Hanoi: Travel back to Hanoi after completing the sightseeing programme and prepare for your overnight journey to Sapa.
Evening – Board the VIP Cabin Sleeper Bus to Sapa: Transfer to the bus station and board a VIP sleeper bus with private cabin-style accommodation. Relax in your berth as the bus travels overnight towards the mountainous region of Northern Vietnam.
Note: The exact bus departure time will be confirmed in advance. The Ninh Binh excursion and return transfer may make this a full and busy day.
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight VIP cabin sleeper bus
DAY 2: SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE – MOANA SAPA
05:00 – Arrive in Sapa: Upon arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the designated breakfast or hotel area. Enjoy time to freshen up and rest after the overnight bus journey. Early check-in and room access are subject to hotel availability.
Morning – Explore Cat Cat Village: Visit Cat Cat Village, a traditional settlement of the Black Hmong ethnic community nestled in a beautiful valley near Sapa. Walk along the village paths, admire traditional houses and discover local handicrafts, customs and everyday life in the mountain communities.
Late Morning – Discover Local Culture and Mountain Scenery: Enjoy the surrounding views of green hills, terraced fields and mountain streams while learning more about the traditions of the local people.
12:00 – Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch before continuing the afternoon excursion.
Afternoon – Visit Moana Sapa: Explore Moana Sapa, a popular scenic attraction offering impressive mountain views and distinctive photo spots. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, admire the spectacular backdrop of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range when visible, and capture memorable photographs.
Late Afternoon – Return to Sapa Town: Return to the town centre and enjoy some free time to explore local shops, relax at a café or simply unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Evening – Dinner and Overnight Stay in Sapa: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your comfortable 3-star hotel for a restful night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Sapa
DAY 3: SAPA – LAO CHAI & TA VAN TREKKING OR FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN – OVERNIGHT BUS TO HANOI
07:00 – Breakfast at the Hotel: Enjoy breakfast and prepare for your chosen Sapa experience.
Option 1 – Trekking to Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages: Embark on an approximately 12-kilometre trek through the spectacular Muong Hoa Valley. Follow village trails through terraced rice fields, mountain paths and traditional settlements while discovering the daily life and cultural traditions of local ethnic communities.
Late Morning – Admire the Muong Hoa Valley: Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley, especially its terraced rice fields and surrounding mountains. Visit Lao Chai Village, home to the Black Hmong community, and continue towards Ta Van Village, where you can experience the peaceful atmosphere of rural Sapa.
Option 2 – Explore Fansipan Mountain by Cable Car: Alternatively, visit Fansipan, known as the “Roof of Indochina.” Take a cable car ride towards the summit area and admire panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, weather permitting.
Important – Fansipan Cable Car Ticket: The return cable car ticket is not included in the tour price. The indicative cost is VND 850,000 per person, subject to the current ticket price and applicable ticket category. Any additional tickets or services required for the summit visit are payable separately.
12:00 – Lunch in Sapa: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant according to your selected excursion.
Afternoon – Free Time in Sapa: Return to Sapa town and enjoy time at leisure. You may explore the town centre, browse local shops or relax before the overnight journey.
Evening – Dinner in Sapa: Enjoy dinner before transferring to the bus departure point.
22:00 – Depart Sapa for Hanoi: Board the VIP cabin sleeper bus and travel overnight back to Hanoi. Relax in your private cabin and rest during the journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight VIP cabin sleeper bus to Hanoi
DAY 4: HANOI – HA LONG BAY – LAN HA BAY 5-STAR CRUISE
Early Morning – Arrive in Hanoi: Upon arrival from Sapa, follow the confirmed transfer arrangements for your journey to the Ha Long Bay cruise terminal. The connection between the overnight bus and cruise departure must be carefully coordinated.
Morning – Transfer to Ha Long Bay: Travel from Hanoi towards the harbour, enjoying views of the countryside along the way.
Late Morning – Cruise Check-In and Boarding: Arrive at the designated pier, complete the check-in process and board your 5-star cruise. Meet the onboard team and receive a safety briefing before the cruise begins.
12:00 – Lunch Onboard: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch while cruising through the spectacular seascapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, renowned for emerald waters and towering limestone karsts.
Afternoon – Explore Lan Ha Bay: Cruise among dramatic limestone islands and beautiful coastal scenery. Depending on the confirmed cruise itinerary, weather and operating conditions, activities may include kayaking, swimming or visiting a selected scenic attraction.
Late Afternoon – Relax on the Cruise: Spend time on the sundeck, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the beautiful scenery as the sun begins to set over the bay.
Evening – Dinner and Overnight Cruise: Enjoy dinner onboard and relax in your private cabin. Spend a memorable night surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
Note: Cruise routes, activities, boarding times and meals depend on the selected cruise operator and confirmed package.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight aboard a 5-star cruise
DAY 5: LAN HA BAY – HA LONG BAY – HANOI – AIRPORT TRANSFER
Early Morning – Enjoy the Sunrise over Lan Ha Bay: Wake up to the peaceful scenery of the bay and enjoy the fresh sea air from the cruise deck.
Morning – Breakfast and Final Cruise Activities: Enjoy breakfast onboard before participating in the final activities included in the cruise itinerary. Depending on the route, you may visit a scenic area, enjoy a short excursion or relax onboard as the vessel returns towards the harbour.
Late Morning – Disembark from the Cruise: Complete check-out and leave the cruise at the designated pier.
12:00 – Lunch According to the Cruise Programme: Enjoy lunch onboard or as arranged by the cruise operator before beginning the return transfer.
Afternoon – Transfer from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi: Travel by road back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, connect with your onward journey or proceed to the airport according to your flight schedule.
End of Tour: Your 5-day Northern Vietnam adventure concludes with unforgettable memories of Sapa’s mountain landscapes, Ninh Binh’s limestone scenery and the spectacular beauty of Lan Ha Bay.
Important: Airport drop-off must be arranged according to your flight time. Please confirm your flight details in advance and allow sufficient transfer time from Ha Long Bay to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Useful information
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One overnight VIP cabin sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sapa.
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One overnight VIP cabin sleeper bus from Sapa to Hanoi.
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One night in a 3-star hotel in Sapa.
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One night aboard a 5-star cruise in Lan Ha Bay.
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Meals as indicated in the daily itinerary.
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Hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter on Day 1, according to the confirmed arrangement.
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Ninh Binh sightseeing, including Hoa Lu, Trang An or Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
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Sapa sightseeing at Cat Cat Village and Moana Sapa.
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Choice of Lao Chai–Ta Van trekking or a Fansipan excursion.
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Lan Ha Bay cruise activities and services specified in the confirmed cruise package.
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Transfers and entrance tickets explicitly listed in the final booking confirmation.
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Fansipan return cable car ticket, approximately VND 850,000 per person, subject to the current price.
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International flights and any domestic flights not specified in the itinerary.
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Accommodation in Hanoi before or after the tour.
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Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
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Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
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Travel insurance and visa fees, where applicable.
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Optional activities and additional services not listed as included.
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Any extra tickets or transfers not specified in the confirmed booking.
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Day 1 Schedule: The Ninh Binh excursion and overnight transfer to Sapa make this a busy day. The exact bus departure time should be confirmed in advance.
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Day 4 Connection: The overnight bus from Sapa must arrive in time for the Ha Long Bay cruise transfer and check-in. A suitable connection or alternative transfer may be necessary.
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Boat Trip Selection: Trang An and Tam Coc are alternative sightseeing options. The final selection depends on the confirmed tour arrangement.
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Fansipan Ticket: The return cable car ticket is excluded and payable separately.
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Trekking: The 12-kilometre trek involves uneven paths and may include uphill and downhill sections. Comfortable walking shoes and drinking water are recommended.
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Cruise Schedule: Cruise activities and routes may change due to weather, safety requirements or port regulations.
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Airport Transfer: Please provide your flight details in advance so the final transfer arrangement can be confirmed.
Explore the best of Northern Vietnam in five unforgettable days, from the cultural charm of Sapa and the magnificent landscapes of Ninh Binh to the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay.
Book your journey with GO VIETNAM TRIP and enjoy a carefully arranged travel experience combining nature, culture, adventure and relaxation.
GO VIETNAM TRIP CO., LTD.
YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR AUTHENTIC VIETNAM EXPERIENCES
Address: 216 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Website: www.govietnamtrip.com
Email: Govietnamtrip@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +84 918 203 566
We are delighted to assist you with your reservation and tailor your Vietnam journey to your preferences.
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