Ha Long - Sapa Tour - 5D4N
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Trip length: 5 days | Trip code: HLVNT01
Trip Style: Comfort | Physical Rating: 3/5 | Trip Price: Upon request
Places visited: Ha Long Bay- Sapa
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 01: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Day 02: Ha Long - Hanoi - Night train to Sapa
Day 03: Sapa explore
Day 04: Sapa trekking and local experience
Day 05: Sapa Departure
TRIP MAP
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Depart Hanoi at 8.00 AM for a drive of 3 ½ hours to Halong Bay through the lush country scenery of the Red River delta. Along the way you will have some opportunity to interact with, taking photos and learn about traditional life of local as they are working on farms, taking pigs and buffalos to the market on their motorbike and moving about for daily work. On arrival Halong, check in on board traditional style boat then enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch as the boat take you past strange shape islands and quaint floating villages.
Dubbed one of the most beautiful places on earth, Halong Bay is really a masterpiece of nature. Through millions of years, waves and winds have brought this place into an amazing natural painting that overwhelms even the toughest heart with its alluring beauty.
In the afternoon, you will spend some time to visit to one of amazing caves in Halong that filled with thousands of sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. The boat will then move to a serene place where you will enjoy your swimming in the emerald water and paddling kayak around to discover the islands in depth.
The remainder of the day is to relax. Just sit back with a glass of cocktail and enjoy the marvelous view of Halong as sun setting down behind the islanda and shimmering sea.
Dinner and overnight on board under romantic star live sky.
Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Ha Long - Hanoi - Night train to Sapa
Wake up early in the morning if you wish to catch the sunrise over the Bay. Have breakfast in the fresh air and then take a rowing boat tour around to visit a floating village where you will visit local houses, floating school and learn about the traditional life style of the locals. Later, you will cruise to visit another part of the bay and lunch will be served on your way back to the harbor. Disembark at noontime and get transfer back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is at your leisure for further explore Hanoi and perhaps to indulge with some fantastic shopping.
20h30: Meet up again with your tour guide. You will get a transfer to Hanoi train station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.
The train leave at 22h00 & will take around 9 hours to get to Lao Cai city.
Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 03: Sapa explore
Upon arrival in the border town of Lao Cai in the early morning, you will get picked up and then take an hour's drive up hill through cloud and pristine, spectacular landscape to get to Sa Pa. Upon arrival in Sa Pa, freshen yourself up with wash and breakfast is ready in hotel’s restaurant.
After breakfast, get your luggage stored and take a light trek downhill to visit Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages of Black Hmong people located in a beautiful valley against the wall of Fansipan Mountain. The trek provides a great chance to see, meet, and talk with locals and to drop in to learn about their life and traditions. It is the chance for interesting local interaction and to fill up your album with beautiful photos. Overnight in a hotel in Sa Pa.
Notes: If sleep at a homestay in Sapa, lunch and dinner will be included
Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast
Day 04: Sapa trekking and local experience
Breakfast at the hotel and today you will enjoy a light trekking day to visit the stunning Muong Hoa valley and its hill tribe villages.
The trekking route today is said to be the best you can ever experience. This path provides great scenery of nature with mountains, forests, and terrace fields that carpet along hill slopes. On the trek, you will see minority people from some hill tribes with their typical appearance and colorful dress working and playing. It is the chance for interesting local interaction and filling up your album with beautiful photos. You can decide to take either the easy trek along the river or take a more challenging path up and downhill through bamboo forests and hidden villages.
A picnic lunch will be taken en route and this mid-afternoon you will reach the village of Dzay people in Ta Van. Check in homestay local house and spend sometimes to wandering around the village for sightseeing and local interaction.
Home dinner is served in a cozy atmosphere and enjoy a chat with your host to learn more about their life and tradition.
Our accommodation tonight is based on a multi-shared basis on the wooden floor of the house on stilts with personal mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. There are also hot shower and modern toilet equipment for use at convenience.
Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Sapa Departure
Have breakfast at homestay.
After breakfast, say goodbye to the host, pick up your bag and set off for another trek along the dirt paths, terraces and bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dzao. Along the way you will have more chances to enjoy great view of the landscapes and meet more local peoples.
Free time for lunch & explore the Sapa town on foot or just simply ease your sore muscles in one of the foot massage shops (own cost)
Then our vehicle will transfer you back to Sapa for the journey back Hanoi.
Van depart Sapa at 15h30 – Arrival Hanoi at 21h30
Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch
Nov 2023
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Dec 2022
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Oct 2023
Mya, Anne and all the staff of Travel Authentic Asia exceeded our expectations in our family trip to Thailand and Vietnam.
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Halong Bay Travel FAQs
Are Halong Bay cruises worth it?
Absolutely, a Halong Bay cruise is a must for its stunning scenery, cultural immersion in floating villages, tranquil ambiance, diverse activities like kayaking, luxurious accommodations with sunrise views, magical sunsets, delectable local cuisine, and endless photographic opportunities. It's a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, making it a truly worthwhile experience.
What is special about Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is special for its: - Limestone Karsts: Thousands of towering formations create a picturesque seascape. - Emerald Waters: The bay's waters boast a mesmerizing emerald-green color. - Cave Systems: Numerous caves with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. Floating Villages: Explore traditional fishing villages on the water. - UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized for its global cultural and natural significance. - Unique Flora and Fauna: Diverse marine life and ecosystems contribute to its ecological importance. Scenic Sunrises and Sunsets: Spectacular views during both sunrise and sunset. - Cruise Experiences: Unique boat journeys offer diverse activities and exploration. - Cultural Experiences: Interact with local communities and witness traditional performances. In essence, Halong Bay's beauty, cultural richness, and diverse activities make it a truly special destination.
How long does it take to see Halong Bay?
Typically, individuals often find it necessary to spend around 2 to 3 days in Halong Bay, either aboard a cruise or in a land-based hotel.
What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?
If your primary consideration is weather, then the time frames of September to November and March to May stand out as optimal for a Halong Bay excursion. During these periods, the dry climate and agreeable temperatures create an ideal environment, allowing you to fully partake in on-board activities and ensuring that sightseeing is as flawless as possible.
How long is the journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay typically takes about 3 to 4 hours by road, depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. Many tours and transportation services offer comfortable buses or private cars for the journey, making it a convenient and scenic route. The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles), and the travel time may vary based on the specific starting and ending points within the two locations.
