In an area as diverse as Northern Vietnam, it’s always a good idea to include a good range of sights, activities and experiences in your trip there, as it’s the only way to get some real insight into the history and culture of the country, and the daily life of its local population. This tour is designed with this exact purpose in mind, bringing you to diverse locations like the bustling heart of Hanoi, the peaceful and green valleys filled with minority villages of Sa Pa, and the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. You’ll spend five days getting a true taste of the country and region, and we can guarantee it will leave you wanting more!

• Day 1: Hanoi city tour (L)

We start the tour by picking you up at your hotel to visit Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former residence which now serves as a museum documenting the life of Vietnam’s father and greatest national hero. Next up is the Temple of Literature, which houses the oldest university in Vietnam. After lunch, visit a local handicraft village specialised in pottery before walking around Lake.

• Day 2: Hanoi - Sa Pa (B/L/D)

Following breakfast at the hotel, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to Sa Pa, where you’ll arrive around 12:30 pm. After lunch, you will begin a 7 to 10 km trek through amazing landscapes and terraced rice fields. You will meet different ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Zay, and Red Dao on the way. Eventually we’ll leave the main road and start taking a local path. Here is where you’ll truly get to experience the local life of the Black Hmong, as you finally reach the village. Dinner and overnight in home-stay.

• Day 3: Sa Pa - Hanoi (B/L)

After breakfast, you will set out on a 3-4 hour trek that will take you along buffalo paths and trails to Village of the Black Hmong. We will then return to Sa pa town for lunch, departure scheduled at 3:00 pm for Hanoi.

• Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (L/D)

Pick at 8:00 am at your hotel in Hanoi to embark on a 2-day cruise on Ha long Bay. Relaxation, kayaking, exploration, visits of villages are scheduled on this first day.

• Day 5: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L)

After a Tai Chi morning session, time to explore Cave at 9am and spend about half an hour exploring this medium sized and less visited cave situated in Bai Tu Long Bay. Return to Hanoi for 4:30 pm.