7D6N Highlights of North Sapa / Hanoi - Halong Bay

On arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport a Travel Haven guide will greet you and transfer by private car through the city to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

This morning depart for the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside). Then it’s on to a wooden ethnic minority style house which was his temporary residence from 1954 – 1969. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Your next stop will be the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Next, time will only allow for one to be visited so decide which one you would most like to see. Continue for an insider’s tour of the capital. Long hidden from the international community Hanoi’s cultural scene is thriving. Mid evening proceed to Hanoi Train Station for the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.

On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai transfer to the former hill station of Sapa. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the monotony of the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colors of its hill tribe population - flashes of shining silver jewellery from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad H'mong and the scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao can be seen. It is here you will find hands stained with color from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings. Take a morning walking tour of Sapa for a visit to the busy market where Red Dao, Black H’Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions. Following, take a light trek to discover Sapa's quaint hill tribe villages set against the stunning Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and Indochina's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan, a picnic lunch will be had en-route. Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks in Sapa.

Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be diverted. Overnight in Sapa.

Have breakfast before driving to visit a local market (Ban Cam on Tuesday / Cao Son on Wednesday / Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday / Can Cau on Saturday / Bac Ha on Sunday).

An early arrival in Hanoi followed by breakfast in a local restaurant before heading to Halong Bay by road. Depart for the 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on motorbikes and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive from Hanoi late morning and welcome at the pier of your boat. Check-in procedures and transfer to your boat for the overnight journey into the Bay. Lunch is served on board as you cruise into Halong Bay. Cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night as the sun sets followed by dinner. Overnight on Halong Bay.

On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi. As an option visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam But Thap on the way back to Hanoi. This afternoon your guide and driver will be at your disposal. Enjoy the many charms that this city has to offer from the many stunning tree lined boulevards or simply taking a coffee at one of the charming street side coffee shop and watching the world go by. Tonight finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Overnight in Hanoi.

Free at leisure until your transfer by private car to Hanoi Airport for international flight or domestic extension.