Private Tour Highlights
- Get enriched in Vietnamese culture in Hanoi
- Island hop and trek through tropical forests
- Journey by foot through the rugged and stunning terrain of Sapa
- Get a full picture of Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes
- Experience the beautiful land and waterscapes of the Halong Bay
- Interact with the welcoming indigenous people
- Gaze at the jagged limestone cliffs on the Halong Bay islands
- See the remarkable architecture of Hai Phong
- Enjoy a tea ceremony with traditional Vietnamese tea
- Guided biking or walking excursion in Cat Ba National Park and visit an organic farm
Tour Overview
Start in Hanoi spending a few days immersed in rich Vietnamese culture before setting sail through Halong Bay. Enjoy island hopping and exploring through the lush tropical forests and caves of Cat Ba National Park. A final few days in the north will guide you by foot through the rugged and stunning terrain of Sapa to visit the many remote villages with a chance to interact with the welcoming indigenous people. Together, these areas paint a striking picture of Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes.
The excursion to Halong Bay offers the classic experience of cruising around the islands with their jagged limestone cliffs, spending the night aboard a traditional sailing junk, but with the adventure of exploring beautiful Cat Ba Island. Halong Bay’s largest island, Cat Ba Island; home to the Cat Ba National Park encompasses lush tropical forests, and intricate caves and grottoes for your exploration. Also in store is a visit to nearby Hai Phong, Vietnam’s third largest city, to tour its remarkable architectural sites and to visit the city if you wish.
Primarily Vietnamese in character, Sapa comes alive during the weekend market when the local ethnic H’mong and Dao people trek in from nearby villages to sell their wares. Surrounded by the vista of Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan (3,142 meters or 10,308 feet), the region holds countless trails and walks for all levels of enthusiasts and provides an introduction into the lives of the isolated communities of the north. This itinerary includes some reasonably long days of hiking to the remote Hill Tribe villages, but can be altered to better suit your ability or fitness level if you desire.
Inclusions
Round trip train fare from Hanoi to Lao Cai (Sapa), Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified (food only), Bottled water and cool towels provided for transfers and sightseeing, Vietnam government tax and service charge, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)
Notes:
* Additional supplements may apply between 19 December – 8 January.
* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
* Halong Bay cruise ship operation may be subject to current weather conditions. If your cruise does not operate due to undesirable conditions, an alternate itinerary will be provided; please inquire with your Yampu Tours Travel Consultant for additional details.
Package Price: From £$ 7165
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Overnight international flight to Hanoi.
International flight to Hanoi
International flight to Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, airport reception and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, airport reception and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Highlights of Hanoi Proper
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Morning tour of the Ho Chi Minh Complex with a private guide. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked and visit the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum - an extraordinary tribute to the life of the "father of the country." Carry on to the Governor's Residence, a fine example of Hanoi's French architecture, followed by a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda to hear the legend of its construction.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a private afternoon tour of the Hanoi City highlights. Marvel at the tree lined streets on the way to the Opera House and pass by Hoan Kiem Lake en route to one of the city's fascinating museums of choice: The Museum of History of Vietnamese Military, Vietnam History Museum, or Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, for a quick escape from the busy streets. Afterwards, enjoy a private guided walking tour of the Ancient Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets District, where a nice mix of ancient homes, temples and small shops will be found.
Note: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed for maintenance on Mondays and Fridays from September to November annually.
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Hanoi- Halong Bay
Depart Hanoi in the morning for an approximately 3.5-hour drive that winds through the beautiful countryside to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board the boat to begin the cruise. Enjoy lunch while cruising towards Vung Vieng in Bai Tu Long. When having reached Vung Vieng, visit the floating village by traditional rowing boat. Enjoy a tea ceremony with traditional Vietnamese tea and then eat dinner while the boat is anchored for the night. Enjoy a drink or join the crew and try squid fishing. Overnight on boat.
Depart Hanoi in the morning for an approximately 3.5-hour drive that winds through the beautiful countryside to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board the boat to begin the cruise. Enjoy lunch while cruising towards Vung Vieng in Bai Tu Long. When having reached Vung Vieng, visit the floating village by traditional rowing boat. Enjoy a tea ceremony with traditional Vietnamese tea and then eat dinner while the boat is anchored for the night. Enjoy a drink or join the crew and try squid fishing. Overnight on boat.
Arrival in Cat Bat Island by Boat
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Earlier risers may start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay as the boat starts cruising. Breakfast will be served on board while the boat cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay. Take a guided kayaking tour in the Vung Ha area before the boat cruises towards Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Enjoy lunch en route.
Upon arrival at Cat Bat Island, take a guided biking or walking excursion in Cat Ba National Park and visit an organic farm. Then return to the boat for a cooking demonstration and a barbeque buffet dinner. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Overnight on boat.
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Visit to Sung Sot Cave
Take early morning Tai Chi lessons on board before visiting Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. Afterwards, enjoy a farewell brunch and check out. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Take early morning Tai Chi lessons on board before visiting Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. Afterwards, enjoy a farewell brunch and check out. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Temples of Hanoi
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Take a morning excursion outside of Hanoi to the surrounding countryside with a private guide. Rich in Buddhism, the north of Vietnam is home to the country's most colorful and revered pagodas and temples. The Thay Pagoda (Master's Pagoda) is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Hanoi. While a temple is a place to worship the dead, a pagoda is a place to worship the Lord Buddha. Thay Pagoda is widely known for its finely carved lacquer and gold statues of Buddha in his past and present form, as well as the colorful Buddhist ceremonies performed here during auspicious dates of the Lunar calendar.
Only 6 kilometers (4 miles) away lies Tay Phuong Pagoda, situated at the top of a small hillock. Built in 1794, the pagoda is famous for its vast display of finely carved wooden statues of former monks from the 18th Century. Afterwards, return to Hanoi to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Lunch is included today.
This evening, transfer in a private vehicle to the Hanoi railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai, which normally departs at 9:15pm.
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Hanoi – Lao Cai
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Upon arrival at the Lao Cai Station in the early morning, transfer to the hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, enjoy a privately guided walk through Sapa's colorful market and stroll down into the valley to visit the small community of Cat Cat. The H'mong that have settled here are a shy and private people, but are welcoming to visitors. A short trail leads off to a waterfall nestled in the ravine below.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel with a private guide and transport. En route stop at Ham Rong Mountain. There will be a chance to climb up the San May (Cloud Yard) to enjoy the panorama of the town of Sapa and to visit the beautiful orchid gardens. Additionally, Ham Rong Mountain has numerous caves and stones in extraordinary shapes to explore.
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Visit to the Lao Cai and Van Ray Districts
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Enjoy a full day privately guided walk with packed lunch to Dao, Giay and H'mong settlements in the Lao Cai and Ta Van Ray districts. The walk is moderate to intermediate and descends into a scenic valley of cascading water crossed by suspension bridges. Lao Cai is a village of the Black H'mong ethnic group. Located 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Sapa, it is quite approachable for travelers coming from Sapa who do not have much time. Once in the village, get welcomed at any of the houses of the hospitable residents. Interact with them and learn about their culture and customs. Next, visit the Giay people of the Ta Van Village to further the experience with the local people.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take the van about 10 kilometers (6 miles) to Ban Ho. Take time to enjoy the picturesque scenery along the way, a mountainous area of stunning natural beauty and diverse ethnic minorities. Trek down the hill to enjoy the fantastic open views in Ban Ho, the beautiful valley where the Tay people reside. Return to Sapa in late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Exploring the Ta Phin Village
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Today visit the Ta Phin Village with a private guide and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. While hiking 15 kilometers (9 miles) to Tha Phin, see local people working in the terraced paddy fields or traveling back and forth between the market and their homes. After a long day of walking on the windy roads and hills around Sapa, soak in a traditional Red Dao herbal bath at Ta Phin. In the evening, transfer back to the Lao Cai railway station for an overnight train back to Hanoi.
Note: if this trek covers too great of a distance, the route and length can be adjusted to guests’ preferences. An alternative 2 kilometer (1.2 mile) trek is available. Please ask a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
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International Flight Home via Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning (between 4:20am and 6:55am), and transfer to the airport for a flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning (between 4:20am and 6:55am), and transfer to the airport for a flight home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Cát Bà Island, Trân Châu, Haiphong, Vietnam
Halong Bay Vietnam, Hàng Bạc, Hanoi, Vietnam
Sapan, Sumbersari, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Places You'll See
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Sapa
The charming little town of Sapa is surrounded by gorgeous mountains and rice terraces. It is also known for its rich cultural diversity. The beautiful church in the center of town, and other colonial buildings are examples of the French missionary influences. Visit the Sapa Culture Museum to learn the history of the town, as well as the traditions of the ethnic groups located there.
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Halong Bay
Halong Bay is known as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. With roughly 1,600 limestone islands, each covered in thick vegetation, it has extreme aesthetic value. Home to a small fishing community of people living on floating houses. Enjoy “junk boat” tours, or a rent a kayak and explore.
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Hanoi
Meaning “embraced by the river”, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Visit the many temples and parks of this beautiful city, such as the Temple of Literature or Hoan Kiem Lake Park. Visit the Army Museum and hear retellings of many battles fought throughout the country’s history. Take the little ones to the Ha Noi circus for some family fun.
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Testimonials
Jeff N.
Traveled June, 2014
Everything met, or exceeded our expectations!
We did not know what to expect with our trip to Vietnam, but everything met, or exceeded our expectations! The guides were both excellent, and added their own local perspective to the areas we explored. All of the included meals were excellent, and exceeded our expectations!
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Emily K.
Traveled January, 2015
I had such a great time with Yampu
I had such a great time with Yampu, and I would love to travel with them again. My boyfriend and I booked a customized private tour to Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai), Laos (Luang Prabang), Cambodia (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh), and Vietnam (Saigon, Hanoi, and Halong Bay.) We both enjoyed every minute of the trip. The guides were all friendly and knowledgeable, the drivers were always punctual, the accommodations were lovely, and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend Yampu to anyone who wants to have a good time on their vacation.
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Eric and Karen W. Canada
Traveled March, 2013
Dealing with Yampu makes me feel like I’m dealing with friends and that’s special
I want to send the attached to you with our heartfelt thanks for all you both did to make our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia the incredible adventure that it was. We have dealt with Yampu (Kontiki) since 2005 and in three trips have not had a moment that has not been wonderful. Jose you have built a company that is second to none in travel and that now appears to be just about anywhere in the world. Your coordination and expertise is unrivaled. The letter I have attached is a quick overview of our thoughts on our Vietnam trip. Feel free to use any or all of it on your website. I have also included a few photos. You continue to amaze and please me. If we can swing anyone your way, we certainly will. Dealing with Yampu makes me feel like I’m dealing with friends and that’s special. Vermont is not that far from Ontario. Karen and I may take a road trip there sometime. If we do we’ll let you know. We’d love to visit you. Warmest Wishes
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