Glimpse of Northern Vietnam 6 Days

After breakfast, leave the capital’s lively streets and journey toward Halong Bay, a UNESCO-listed wonder known for its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone islands.  On boarding, a fresh welcome drink will be served as you listen to a cruise briefing. Then unwind and settle into your cabin before savoring your lunch at the restaurant. After a short rest, you’ll visit an impressive cave and have time for swimming at a peaceful beach in the afternoon. Afterward, unwind on deck or join a relaxed cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare a simple Vietnamese specialty. Happy hour is a perfect chance to sip a cocktail and watch the sun set. The cruise will treat you to dinner in the restaurant, after which you can spend some time on the Sky bar or a bit of squid fishing.   

Overnight aboard your cruise

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Waking up to the soft yellow glow of dawn, take a deep breath on the sun deck and admire the beauty of the bay. You may also join an optional Taichi session as well. After your breakfast, you’ll be guided to visit the fishing village before checking out and have brunch at 10:00 am.  Start your morning with peaceful bay views, perhaps joining a Tai Chi session on deck. After a late breakfast or brunch, the boat makes its way back to shore, arriving at Halong Marina around 11:00. Return to Hanoi by mid-afternoon, with free time to relax or explore on your own. A small hotel near the train station will be available for you to freshen up before boarding the overnight train to Lao Cai (shared 4-berth cabin).  

Overnight on the train

Meals: breakfast, brunch 

Your train arrives in Lao Cai early in the morning. From here, travel to Bac Ha, home to one of the largest and most colorful ethnic markets in northern Vietnam. Held every Sunday, the market bursts with vibrant traditional clothing, handwoven fabrics, fresh produce, fragrant spices, and the lively hum of bargaining. (If your visit falls on a Sunday, this will be included in the itinerary.)

After exploring, enjoy a warm, home-style lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, head to Ban Pho 1 and Ban Pho 2 villages, where you’ll meet Flower H’mong families and learn how they distill corn wine using age-old methods. Continue on to Sapa, arriving late in the day for check-in.

Overnight in Sapa

Meals: breakfast 

This morning, set out on a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, a fertile valley dotted with terraced fields and minority villages. After a short drive from Sapa, begin your walk to Y Linh Ho Village, a small, scattered community of Black H’mong people. Nestled on the mountain slopes, the village is surrounded by dramatic rice terraces and offers sweeping views of the valley below. Here, you’ll have the chance to see traditional wooden houses, women weaving hemp fabric, and farmers tending their fields. Continue along the winding trail to Lao Chai Village, one of the largest Black H’mong settlements in the area. The village is famed for its vast rice terraces that cascade down the hillsides, especially stunning during planting and harvest seasons. Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by your guide while taking in the peaceful rural scenery. In the afternoon, make your way to Ta Van Village, home to the Dzay people, whose stilt houses and riverfront gardens offer a different glimpse of valley life. After your visit, transfer back to Lao Cai for your overnight train to Hanoi, sharing a comfortable 4-berth cabin.

Overnight on the train

Meals: breakfast

Your train pulls into Hanoi in the early morning, around 5:30 am. From the station, a quick transfer will take you to a hotel, where you can refresh and enjoy breakfast. Afterwards, continue on to Noi Bai International Airport to catch your onward flight.  

Meals: breakfast