With this 5-day trip you will board an authentic
romantic boat and sail through the unique Halong Bay,
visit Sapa and walk along amazing landscapes and
colorful hill, meet the locals in this region and
experience the beautiful landscape of Ninh Binh...
Highlights
- Sampan riding in Ninh Binh
- Junk cruise in the World Natural Heritage Site of
Halong Bay
- Enjoy fabulous seafood meals on board, swim in the
crystal clear water
- Trek through the spectacular scenery of Sapa mountain
- Mingle with colourful Montagnards.
ITINERARY
Day 1 Ninh Binh sightseeing, overnight train to
Sapa
You are picked up from hotel and transfer by for a 3
hour journey to Ninh Binh
Located in one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam.
With its dramatic scenery, historical intrigues, Ninh
Binh is an ideal base to venture out on short small day
trips.
Our first stop is Hoa Lu ,the ancient capital of Vietnam
(968-1009) with two temples of two Kings. The trip
offers spectacular scenery with opportunity to meet a
host of smiling children a long the way.
Arriving in Trang An, we take a rowing boat trip for 2
hours on the river, crossing beautiful rice paddy and
through mountain tunnels of Trang An. This is an ideal
place for natural lovers.
In the late afternoon we visit Mua cave, located on top
of the mountain, the cave pagoda offers a spectacular
view of the countryside.
In the evening we jump on the night train for Sapa. We
travel in air-conditioned comfort in our private soft
sleeper cabins!
Overnight on train (Private cabin)
Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch
Day 2 Sapa exploration, Ta Van and Lao Chai
villages
The train arrives in Lao Cai at about 6:00 am where our
guide will welcome you. Look for the sign bearing your
name when you exit the train station. We have breakfast
in a local restaurant and then take a morning drive
through the clouds by car to Sapa (about 1 hours).
At an elevation of 1500 meters, Sapa was founded in the
early years of the last century as a hill resort for
French administrators in summer time. Just soak up the
fresh climate by spending our time wandering this famous
hill town. The ethnic people are frequently seen on the
main street of Sapa and small vendors along the street
selling local textiles and handicraft
After breakfast at a local restaurant our guide will
pick you up for a short walk along buffalo paths and
trails through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai
and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is a
absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery
inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can
meet. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore
this fascinating hillside town.
Overnight at The View hotel in Sapa
Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3 Visit Cat Cat village, overnight train
back to Hanoi
Wake up in Sapa, breakfast at the hotel then enjoy some
exercise with a walk to Cat Cat Village, set in a
beautiful valley just outside Sapa. Cat Cat is home to
the H'mong people who originated from China about 3,000
years ago. The H'mong people are easily recognisable by
their dark blue or black clothing, dyed using the juice
of indigo plants, which are native to the area. H'mong
women wear long aprons with embroidered waistcoats and
have their hair rolled up into a turban-like hat, while
the men wear black skullcaps, long waistcoats and loose
trousers.
In the afternoon we depart for the Lao Cai train
station. We have dinner here before boarding the night
train to Hanoi.
Overnight on train (Private cabin)
Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch
Day 4 Halong bay cruise, overnight on boat
08.30 Pick up at hotel, leaving for Halong city.
Stopover on the way 15 minutes for tea break.
12h00: Board Halong Papaya Cruiser. Lunch is served with
a welcome drink while the boat cruises the bay to enjoy
the beautiful limestone seascape.
You will see Dog Rock, Incense Burner Rock, as well as
Fighting Cock Rock before heading to Sung Sot Cave (Cave
of Surprises ). Then, we stopover at a floating house
owned by fishermen before kayaking to Luon Cave to enjoy
the quiet atmosphere of the bay. Late in the afternoon
we anchor in a safe and scenic location for swimming and
our overnight stay.
Overnight on board Papaya cruiser
Meal inclusions: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 Halong cruise - Hanoi
Breakfast will be served on the boat, before cruising to
another part of Halong Bay where you will view more of
the bays spectacular limestone scenery, such as Man's
Head Islet, Turtle Islet and Fairman's Cave.
The junk then heads to Van Gia fishing village - one of
the oldest and largest floating villages in Halong Bay.
You will have the opportunity to learn more about the
fishermen daily life, before cruising to a beautiful,
secluded spot to swim.
11h30: The boat returns to the dock for lunch before
returning to Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi about 16.00. Tour ends
Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch
Tour Includes:
- Transfers round trip
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation based on twin room
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and permits
Tour does not include:
- Pre & post trip arrangements in Hanoi
- Beverages and meals not mentioned
- Tips, Personal expenses
Number of passengers |
Price per person in USD |
2-4 |
000 |
5-10 |
000 |
|
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