Overview

Embark on a 9-day journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. From the tranquil incense villages and vibrant street food of Hanoi to the majestic peaks of Fansipan in Sapa, cruise Halong Bay’s emerald waters, and explore Hoi An’s ancient charm. Every day unveils breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable cultural experiences tailored just for you!

Day 1: Pick Up Airport – Relaxing In Hotel

Day 2: Incense Village – Street Food Tour – Sapa (B, L, D)

Day 3: Sapa – Fansipan – Cat Cat village (B, L)

Day 4: Lao Chai – Ta Van Village – Back to Ha Noi (B, L)

Day 5: Ha Noi – Halong Bay Cruise (B, L)

Day 6: Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave (B , L)

Day 7: Ha Noi – Flight Da Nang – Coconut Jungle – Hoi An Ancient Town (B, L)

Day 8: Hoi An – Ba Na Hills (B, L)

Day 9 : Da Nang – Flight Back Home (B)

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Airport Pick-Up – Settle in and Relax

Welcome to Hanoi! After your flight, our warm and friendly guide will greet you at Noi Bai Airport. Sit back and enjoy the 45-minute ride to your hotel in the heart of the bustling Old Quarter. Along the way, we’ll share a few fun tidbits about Hanoi’s vibrant culture, quirky traffic, and the local dishes you simply can’t miss.

Once at the hotel, it’s time to check in and relax after your journey. (Note: Check-in time is 2:00 PM, so take it easy and make yourself at home.) Rest up and soak in the calm – tomorrow, your adventure begins!

Day 2: Incense Village – Street Food Tour – Sapa (B, L, D)

Incense Village

Morning: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Get ready for a day packed with culture and creativity!

• 7:45 – 8:15 AM: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Buckle up for an exciting journey to explore Vietnam’s timeless traditions.
• 9:30 AM: First stop – Ha Thai Village, where lacquerware has been handcrafted since the 17th century. Meet a skilled artist, try your hand at crafting a piece of art, and get a glimpse into this beautiful tradition.
• 10:50 AM: Next, we’re off to Chuong Village, home of the iconic Vietnamese conical hats. Meet talented artisans, hear captivating stories (including those of a Vietnam War veteran if he’s available), and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by a local expert. Feeling adventurous? Join a mini cooking class or paint your own conical hat for a unique keepsake!
• 1:30 PM: After lunch, we visit Quang Phu Cau village, famous for its ancient houses and vibrant dyeing yards. Trust us, your camera will love this spot!
• 3:00 PM: Wrap up the village tour with a behind-the-scenes visit to the biggest incense factory in town. Watch the process, chat with the workers, and pick up some fragrant incense as a perfect souvenir.
• 4:30 – 5:00 PM: Head back to your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to rest and refresh.

This memorable morning sets the stage for the rest of your amazing day – and the adventure continues tonight!

Street Food Tour

Afternoon: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
After a little downtime, it’s time to dive into Hanoi’s buzzing street food scene! Over the next three hours, we’ll wander through the Old Quarter’s hidden gems, tasting 5 to 8 mouthwatering Vietnamese dishes and sipping on at least three local drinks—think egg coffee, refreshing iced tea, or even a cold local beer.

Your guide will take you to the city’s best-kept secrets, introducing you to iconic dishes like Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles), Phở (noodle soup), Bánh Cuốn (steamed rice rolls), Nem Rán (crispy spring rolls), and the famous Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich). Got a sweet tooth? You’ll love treats like Chè (sweet soup), Hoa Quả Dầm (fresh fruit mix), or Bánh Khoai (sweet potato cakes), Bia Hơi (Fresh beer), Trà đá (Iced tea),… and of course, Egg Coffee. Every bite comes with a story, as your guide shares the rich culinary history behind each dish.

We’ll wrap up the tour at the stunning Hoan Kiem Lake, the perfect spot to soak in Hanoi’s nighttime charm before heading back to your hotel—or straight to your next adventure!

Night Travel to Sapa
9:30 – 10:00 PM: After the food tour, we’ll head to the bus station to board your VIP sleeper bus to Sapa. With a cozy setup, you’ll enjoy a peaceful night’s rest on the road, waking up ready to explore the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Sapa!

Day 3: Sapa – Fansipan – Cat Cat Village (B, L)

5:30 AM: Welcome to Sapa! Your adventure starts bright and early as our friendly driver greets you at the station to take you to your hotel.

6:30 AM: Start the day right with a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant. Once fueled up, we’ll head to Sun Plaza, where you’ll board the Muong Hoa Mountain Train to Hoang Lien Station. From there, it’s cable car time! Soar through the clouds up to Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina” and Southeast Asia’s highest peak. The panoramic views of lush valleys and rugged mountains will leave you speechless—a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

After conquering Fansipan, we’ll head back to Sapa town for a delicious lunch, followed by some downtime at your hotel to recharge.

1:30 PM: Ready for more? Your guide will take you on a trek to Cat Cat Village, a picturesque H’mong village tucked in the mountains. Wander through scenic trails, admire cascading waterfalls, and explore the historic remains of a French-built hydropower station. It’s the perfect way to connect with the serene beauty of Sapa’s countryside and meet the friendly locals.

5:30 PM: Return to Sapa town to unwind at your hotel. Enjoy a delicious dinner, then take the evening at your own pace—browse the bustling night market, stroll through the cool mountain air, or simply relax after a day packed with unforgettable memories.

Overnight in Sapa hotel.

Day 4: Trekking Through Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages – Return to Hanoi (B, L)

8:00 – 8:30 AM: After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, get ready to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Sapa’s countryside. Your guide will meet you for an unforgettable trek, starting with a walk down to Y Linh Ho, a serene Hmong village surrounded by century-old terraced rice fields. Make sure your camera’s ready—these landscapes are postcard-perfect!

From Y Linh Ho, we’ll continue to Lao Chai Village, a vibrant hub of the Hmong community. Here, you’ll pause to take in the tranquility, observe daily village life, and enjoy a well-deserved break (about 30–40 minutes).

Next, we trek to Ta Van Village, home to the warm and welcoming Giay people. The village’s rustic charm, rolling hills, and friendly locals create an atmosphere you won’t want to leave. It’s the perfect place to connect with the culture, soak in the scenery, and create lasting memories.

After the trek, we’ll return to Sapa town for a delicious lunch. Once you’ve checked out of your hotel, our driver will drop you at the bus office for your VIP sleeper bus journey back to Hanoi.

2:30 PM: Sit back, stretch out, and enjoy the comfortable ride to the capital.

7:30 PM: Arrive in Hanoi and check into your hotel. The evening is yours to explore or unwind. Wander the lively streets, grab some late-night street food, or enjoy a peaceful stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake under the city lights.

Overnight in Hanoi hotel.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise (B, L)

8:00 – 8:45 AM: Good morning! After breakfast, our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Sit back and enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive along the Hanoi-Haiphong-Tuan Chau Highway. Don’t worry, we’ll stop for a 30-minute break along the way—stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and soak in the journey.

12:00 PM: Welcome to Tuan Chau Harbor! Your Halong Bay adventure begins as you board a luxury cruise. The friendly crew will greet you with a welcome drink, setting the tone for an incredible day ahead.

12:30 PM: Lunch is served! Feast on a delicious Vietnamese meal while gliding through the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Look out at the towering limestone karsts—these dramatic formations create a dreamlike backdrop you’ll never forget. Cameras ready? You’ll definitely want to capture this.

2:00 PM: Our first stop is Bo Hon Island, where we’ll explore the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave. This natural wonder, filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, feels like walking into nature’s cathedral.

2:45 PM: Adventure time! Choose between kayaking or a bamboo boat ride to explore the serene Luon Cave, a peaceful lagoon surrounded by dramatic cliffs. It’s a moment of calm and beauty you won’t want to miss.

3:15 PM: Next up is TiTop Island. You’ve got two choices here:

• Chill on the sandy beach and take a refreshing swim in the clear, calm waters.
• Or, if you’re feeling energetic, hike to the island’s summit for a panoramic view of Halong Bay that will leave you in awe.

4:30 PM: Back on board, it’s time for a sunset party. Sip on wine or tea, snack on fresh fruit and biscuits, and soak up the golden hues of the sunset as we cruise back toward the harbor.

6:00 – 6:15 PM: We’ll dock at Tuan Chau Harbor and begin our journey back to Hanoi.

9:00 PM: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi. After an unforgettable day of exploring Halong Bay, the evening is yours to relax and relive the memories.

Overnight in Hanoi hotel.

Day 6: Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave (B, L)

7:45 – 8:15 AM: Good morning! Our cheerful guide will pick you up from your hotel, and we’re off on an exciting day trip to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive. After a couple of hours, we’ll stop for a quick 20-minute break to stretch, grab a snack, or simply relax before diving into the day’s adventures.

10:00 AM: Our first stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from 968–1010. Step back in time as you explore this historic site, where you’ll learn about the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties that shaped Vietnam’s feudal history. The ancient architecture and intriguing stories will transport you to another era.

Afterward, hop on a bicycle for a leisurely ride along the charming village paths. This is a wonderful way to soak in the peaceful rural vibes – endless rice fields, smiling children waving hello, and farmers hard at work in the fields. It’s like stepping into a postcard!

12:30 PM: Time to refuel with a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. Treat yourself to Ninh Binh’s specialties like goat meat, grilled fish, chicken, and fried rice – and no worries, there are plenty of vegetarian options too.

1:30 PM: Next, we head to the magical Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. You might feel like you’ve stepped into a movie set, and you’d be right – this breathtaking spot was a filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island in 2016.

Settle into a small boat and embark on a 2-hour journey through Trang An’s mystical tunnel cave system. As you glide through emerald-green waterways, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and secret caves, the beauty will leave you speechless. It’s a photographer’s paradise, so keep your camera handy!

3:45 PM: Next up, we visit Mua Cave, or “Dancing Cave.” Get ready for a bit of a challenge – climbing nearly 500 stone steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. But don’t worry, the reward is absolutely worth it. From the summit, you’ll be treated to a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Tam Coc valley, with its golden rice paddies and meandering rivers below. It’s a scene straight out of a dream!

5:00 PM: After soaking up the incredible views, it’s time to head back to Hanoi. Relax on the bus, maybe scroll through your photos, and relive the day’s unforgettable moments.

7:00 PM: We’ll arrive back in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. The evening is yours – explore the vibrant streets, grab a delicious dinner, or simply unwind after an amazing day.

Overnight in Hanoi hotel.

Day 7: Hanoi Airport – Flight to Da Nang / Hoi An (B, L)

Morning:
After a relaxed breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to say farewell to Hanoi. Your private car will pick you up and take you to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Da Nang City. Sit back and enjoy the short journey as you anticipate the next chapter of your adventure.

Upon landing in Da Nang, you’ll be greeted with a warm smile from our driver, who’ll take you directly to your hotel in Hoi An’s charming center. Take a moment to settle in, freshen up, and recharge because the afternoon promises excitement and unforgettable experiences.

Afternoon:
1:00 PM: Your guide and driver will meet you, and together we’ll head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a serene and lush green area on the outskirts of Hoi An.

2:00 PM: Whether we arrive by car or a picturesque boat ride, you’ll feel the calm energy of this peaceful village. Here, you’ll meet friendly local fishermen and learn about their fascinating way of life that blends age-old traditions with the rhythms of nature.

2:30 PM: Now comes the highlight! Climb into a traditional bamboo basket boat, those adorable round boats unique to Vietnam. As you paddle through the tranquil water coconut forest, your guide will share intriguing stories about the area’s history, including its pivotal role during wartime.

3:30 PM: It’s time to dive into some hands-on fun!

• Learn the art of traditional net fishing from seasoned local fishermen. Whether it’s casting a round net or trying a hand-pulled net, you’ll get a real taste of their skillful techniques.
• Feel the thrill of a basket boat race – guaranteed laughs and unforgettable memories.
• Drift along the coconut waterways, where you might spot clever little crabs hiding among the roots. And if luck is on your side, you could even catch a few!
• Wrap up your village experience by relaxing at a friendly fisherman’s house, where a cool, refreshing drink will be waiting for you.

After bidding farewell to the peaceful coconut forest, we’ll return to the enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town.

Wander through the lively central market, marvel at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and step into beautifully preserved Chinese temples, ancient houses, and museums. Each spot reveals another layer of Hoi An’s multicultural history, where Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences come together in harmony.

As the sun sets, the town’s streets come alive with the glow of colorful lanterns. Stroll along the lantern-lit alleys, take in the peaceful atmosphere, and let Hoi An’s charm and timeless beauty capture your heart.

Day 8: Hoi An – Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge Adventure (B, L)

After a delicious breakfast, we’re off to Ba Na Hills, home to one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks – the breathtaking Golden Bridge.

The drive takes us through scenic landscapes to Da Nang, where we’ll board a cable car that will whisk us up into the clouds. And trust me, this isn’t just any cable car – it’s one of the longest and most spectacular in the world! As we ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of lush forests and mist-covered mountains that will leave you speechless.

Once we reach the top, the magic begins! Step out onto the Golden Hand Bridge, a masterpiece that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Held up by two giant stone hands, the bridge seems to float among the clouds, offering jaw-dropping views of the rolling hills and valleys below. This is the perfect spot to snap some incredible photos, so make sure your camera is ready!

But Ba Na Hills is more than just the Golden Bridge – it’s a full-day adventure!

• French-inspired architecture: Wander through charming villages and gardens that could easily be in Europe, right here in Vietnam.
• Fantasy Park: Let loose and embrace your inner child with a mix of games and thrilling attractions.
• Pagodas and gardens: Explore tranquil temples and enjoy the colorful, flower-filled gardens that dot the hilltop.

By late afternoon, we’ll take the cable car back down, feeling like we’ve stepped out of a dream, and head back to Hoi An. Your hotel is perfectly located near the beach, so you can kick off your shoes, relax, and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.

The evening is yours to enjoy – whether you take a peaceful sunset stroll along the beach, discover a cozy local restaurant for a delicious dinner, or simply unwind at your hotel. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to end this magical day on a perfect note.

Day 9: Da Nang – Flight back home (B)

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel, savoring the flavors of Vietnam one last time. Take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just experienced – from the stunning mountains of Sapa to the tranquil rivers of Ninh Binh, and the vibrant energy of cities like Hanoi and Hoi An. It’s been an unforgettable adventure, and as you head to the airport for your flight home, you’ll carry with you memories of the beauty, culture, and warmth of this amazing country. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon!