From Halong Bay to the Ancient Port City of Hoi An in 2 Weeks

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, symbolizing feudal education and standing as one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

Take a night train to Lao Cai, the capital city of the enchanting northwest mountains.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, you'll enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before heading to Bac Ha, a peaceful town about 100 kilometers northeast of Sapa.

Upon arrival, embark on a scenic hike through the surrounding mountains, hills, valleys, and ethnic villages. You'll traverse lush fir forests and reach Ngai Phong Cho, a village inhabited by the Flower Hmong and Phu La communities, where traditional mud houses still stand.

Continue your trek to the rarely visited Thai Giang Pho and Na Lo villages, home to the Tay and Black Hmong minorities, and soak in the stunning landscapes of rice terraces and winding rivers. The day ends with a warm homestay experience with a Tay ethnic family, where you'll share dinner and gain insight into their customs.

Your night will be spent in homestay accommodation, typically a cozy room in a traditional house with mosquito nets, comfortable mattresses, and clean sheets. The bathroom, equipped with hot water and towels, as well as shared toilets, are often located outside for an authentic experience.

Depending on the day of the week, you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant weekly markets of the local minorities in the Bac Ha region. (Tuesday: Coc Ly market, Wednesday: Sin Cheng market, Saturday: Can Cau market, Sunday: Muong Hum market, Muong Khuong or Bac Ha). At these markets, you'll meet with colorful ethnic groups who gather to exchange goods and share news within their communities. You'll also witness the fascinating cattle trade practices among the local minorities.

Afterward, we'll journey to Sapa, a picturesque destination once favored as a French resort during the colonial era. Nestled at the edge of the country, amidst the renowned Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sapa boasts a temperate climate. Today, it's celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes typical of the northern high mountains, featuring winding zigzag paths along the hills and boundless rice terraces. Additionally, Sapa is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional villages, lively markets, and diverse ethnic minority communities.

In the afternoon, we'll venture off the well-trodden path to explore Hang Da and Sa Seng, two splendid high-altitude areas situated to the east of Sapa. Your journey will take you through the karst limestone formations of Hang Da, passing through quaint hamlets while observing local agricultural activities. Continuing on, you'll traverse Sa Seng, a long valley flanked by mountain ranges, offering picturesque views of lush forests and pristine waterways.

As the day comes to a close, we'll return to the town of Sapa, where you'll spend the night at a comfortable hotel. 

Prepare for a day of enchanting hiking through the stunning and exotic landscapes of the Muong Hoa Valley. Situated in the southwest of Sapa, at the base of Mount Fansipan—the highest peak in Indochina—Muong Hoa Valley beckons with its natural beauty. During your exploration, you'll visit ethnic villages scattered throughout the valley, including Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong, as well as Ta Van, inhabited by the Dzay people.

You'll have the chance to engage with local residents as they toil in the verdant rice fields, gaining insights into their daily routines and way of life. Muong Hoa Valley, framed by steep mountains, is a cultural mosaic inhabited by various minority ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Dzao, Dzay, and Tay, all of whom rely on rice farming for their livelihoods.

As the day comes to a close, we'll journey back to Hanoi by road, where you'll spend the night and rest after an exhilarating day of exploration.

Set out for Ninh Binh – the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugarloaf mountains of Tam Coc. In the past, it was renowned for its dance performances for the kings of the Tran Dynasty (13th-14th century).

Afterward, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of this fabulous region.

Explore a vast landscape featuring sugarloaf-shaped rock formations, rice paddies, and rivers. Enjoy boat rides on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the sugarloaf peaks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lush surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore the beauty of Tam Coc. This meandering river takes you through lush rice fields, past picturesque sugar loaf hills, and beneath the three enchanting caves nestled at the base of towering limestone peaks.

End your day with an overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

Departure for Halong – the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Boarding upon arrival aboard a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew then departure for a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long (northern part of Halong Bay):

• Admire the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).
• In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, which can include card games or night fishing.

Spend the night on board.

Wake up at dawn to witness a breathtaking spectacle: the sun's initial rays piercing through the myriad sugarloaf islets of the bay. Join us for a Tai Chi session on the terrace, creating a serene and unforgettable moment.

Our cruise continues, venturing into the lesser-explored corners of Halong Bay. We'll explore the magnificent caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, home to ancient stalagmites and stalactites that have been forming for thousands of years.

Lunch will be served on the junk before we disembark and make our way back to Hanoi.

In the evening, we'll catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the heart of the country.

You'll spend the night in Hue, where you can delve into the rich history and culture of this fascinating city.

Departure for a city tour of Hue (Hue being the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945):

• The Imperial City: The residence and workplace of the 13 Nguyen emperors for 143 years.
• Gia Long Mausoleum: Dedicated to the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, one of the two key figures in the unique Franco-Vietnamese relationship (the other being the French priest Pigneau de Behaine). Alternatively, you can visit the Minh Mang Mausoleum, the emperor famous for having 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Phu Mong Village: Known for its garden houses, which are an integral part of Hue's imperial identity.
• Thien Mu Pagoda: The most beautiful and most visited pagoda in Hue, or the tranquil Tu Hieu Pagoda, which contains the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Depending on the timing, you may have the opportunity to witness the monks' prayer session.
• Dong Ba Market: The largest and oldest market in Hue, where you can find local specialties such as conical hats and tunics.

Spend the night at the hotel.

Alley to Hoi An, a charming old town situated 150 kilometers south of Hue. This hidden gem lies off the beaten path, winding along the untamed coastal shore of the Eastern Sea and the Hai Van Pass road. Throughout the journey, you'll make several planned stops to take in the breathtaking sights.

An important pass located between Hue and Da Nang, which serves as a significant climatic barrier between the north and the south of the country. From the top of the pass, you can admire the magnificent bays of Lang Co and Da Nang that stretch as far as the eye can see.

You'll also marvel at the beautiful bays with turquoise waters in Lang Co and Da Nang, whose long beaches are still relatively untouched by tourists and well-preserved: Thuan An and Lang Co. Here we gain a fascinating glimpse into the livelihoods of the local inhabitants, home to various types of fish farms, adding a unique dimension to our journey.

You'll encounter picturesque roadside cemeteries, often referred to as 'ghost towns.' These cemeteries contain sets of tombs - resembling castles - crafted in various finely detailed Asian architectural styles. This presents an opportunity to discover the unique 'Secondary Burial' custom among the Vietnamese.
Upon reaching Hoi An in the afternoon, you'll have time to check in and spend the night at the hotel.

Cycling on a delightful excursion to explore the antique countryside of Hoi An, a peaceful and green region that nestled along the Thu Bon River.

After your first meal of the day, set about your journey to the Van Lang fish farming village and the enchanting Bay Mau coconut forest. This area, surrounded by meandering canals, mangrove forests, and water coconut trees, retains its bona fide beauty. 

Arrive at the Van Lang village, welcomed by open and friendly boatmen, then depart for a ride in a round basket boat through rivers lined with coconut trees. Admire beautiful landscapes, and relax, then try and learn about exceptional shrimp fishing techniques. After the boat ride, disembark and settle in with a local family for a restful break, indulging in a delicious lunch prepared by your gracious hosts.'

In the afternoon, continue to the Tra Que village, which specializes in the cultivation of organic vegetables. Walk around the fields, meet the farmers, and then participate in agricultural activities: fertilizing the land, planting aromatic herbs… Say goodbye to the friendly farmers, then return by bike to your hotel.

Free evening, night at the hotel.

Enjoy two days of complete relaxation on the beautiful sparse beaches of Cua Dai and An Bang, located not too far from the charming old town of Hoi An.

You can take leisurely bike rides to explore the picturesque countryside, which is dotted with traditional villages specializing in various crafts such as pottery, carpentry, and vegetable cultivation.

Spend your nights in comfort at the hotel.

Enjoy a sedate day of rest and complete any final purchases. In the evening, our guide from Kampá Tour will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

This marks the end of our services. We thank you for choosing us and hope you've had a fascinating trip on your 2-week Halong & Hoi An itinerary of Vietnam!