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7 days

Northern Vietnam in 1 week: Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh and Sapa

In short

One week covers the essentials of the North: Hanoi (2 nights), Ha Long (1 night), Ninh Binh (1 night) and Sapa (2 nights), returning to Hanoi for your flight. Ideal in October-November or March-April.

Who and when
A short trip or an add-on to an Asia trip, October-November and March-April.
Best months
March,April,October,November

The route

  1. Days 1 to 3 · 2 nights

    Hanoi

    Arrival, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and an evening street food tour. Next day: Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and a water puppet show.

    Hanoi: guided food tour with Train Street4.9 · 8,499 reviews
    See this stop Activities in Hanoi

  2. Days 3 to 4 · 1 night

    Ha Long Bay

    Getting there: Cruise shuttle from Hanoi, about 2.5 hours on the expressway. Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

    2-day / 1-night cruise in Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay: kayaking, a cave, sunset on deck.

    Hanoi: 2-day 5-star cruise in Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays with balcony4.8 · 6,215 reviews
    See this stop Activities in Ha Long Bay

  3. Days 4 to 5 · 1 night

    Ninh Binh

    Getting there: Direct transfer by car or limousine van, about 3 hours. Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

    Early-morning boat ride at Trang An or Tam Coc, cycling through rice fields, climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint at sunset.

    Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong jungle trek and wildlife day trip4.5 · 590 reviews
    See this stop Activities in Ninh Binh

  4. Days 5 to 7 · 2 nights

    Sapa

    Getting there: Back towards Hanoi then a sleeper bus or limousine van to Sapa, about 7-8 hours in total: leave early in the morning.

    Trek through the Muong Hoa Valley with a homestay night, rice terraces and Hmong villages.

    From Sapa: guided day trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van with lunch4.9 · 524 reviews
    See this stop Activities in Sapa

End of the trip

Back to Hanoi by bus (about 5-6 hours) on the last day: book a late-evening flight, or add one more night in Hanoi.

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Cruises, day trips and guided tours — free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most offers.

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