Day 1 Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Welcome to Vietnam's eroded and elegant capital Hanoi, with its gorgeous colonial buildings and intoxicating energy. For all its charms, we're headed out of the city to somewhere decidedly more peaceful...We've reached the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An. We'll be left speechless by the soaring limestone karst peaks set against vibrant greens. We'll visit the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu - Vietnam's first centralised fuedal state from the 10th century - as well as the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties whilst marvelling at the lush rice paddies. After a local lunch, we'll hop on a boat with our skilled rower, as she takes us on a tranquil journey through the winding rivers, natural caves and canals of Tam Coc. You've never seen natural beauty like this before, and this twisting ride is as mind-blowing as it is peaceful.

Day 2 Ninh Binh to Overnight Train to Lao Cai
This morning we'll take a bike ride through Tho Ha village, enjoying the dazzling greenery of the rural landscapes. Later today is your chance to engage in some agricultural activities such as catching crabs, fishing and transplating vegetables, before we return to the hamlet for a cooking class and lunch with a local family. (Breakfast)

Day 3 Overnight Train to Lao Cai to Sapa
We've reached Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. After breakfast it's on to Cat Cat Village.Today is about enjoying the spectacular surroundings - discover cascading waterfalls and have your breath taken away by the terraced fields, vegetable patches and verdant hills. Continue to explore the breathtaking scenery by hiking to Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice fields in Sapa. Tonight, you'll get a real overview of the traditional customs and way of life with a local homestay, enjoying delicious local food and maybe some rice wine. (Lunch)

Day 4 Sapa to Overnight Train to Hanoi
Rise and shine, you don't want to miss a moment. Today you'll hike and ascend through the mountains taking in the views of the terraced rice and corn fields. Once arriving at Ta Phin Village you'll meet the Red Dzao and Black H'moug groups who live peacefully together in the village yet retain their distinctive cultures.We're heading back to Hanoi tonight on another overnight train... (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5 End Hanoi
Our trip ends early this morning as we arrive at Hanoi station, a sharp jolt to the senses after all that serene nature. But this grand old capital has its own charms, and is just begging to be explored.

This Trip takes you out of the hustle of Hanoi and into North Vietnam's glorious national parks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Comfy overnight trains aren't just fun, they save you precious travel time, and will carry you through the jaw-dropping Ninh Binh province, the shimmering waters of Tam Coq and the rolling hills of Sapa, where you'll fall in love with the serenity and spectacular natural beauty of Vietnam, with included experiences like a boat ride through cave formations and and a local homestay showcasing an authentic side to this fascinating country.

Accommodation

• This trip is all about saving you valuable travel time, using overnight trains so you wake up in a new destination each time. You'll also have an authentic homestay with a local family where you can learn the local customs, eat some delicious Vietnamese food.

 

Food

• You'll be sampling some regional delicacies as we travel across Vietnam, with included lunches and plenty of opportunities to try the local food, from rice paper rolls to rich bowls of pho.

 

Staff

• You'll be guided round Sapa by our super knowledgeable, fun and friendly Trip Manager, who will teach you about the local history, the regional delicacies and generally how to have a good time in this beautiful part of the world, while having your back with anything you want or need.

 

Ninh Binh to Overnight Train to Lao Cai via Hanoi

• Take a bike ride through the romantic scenery of Tho Ha Village
• Try your hand at agricultural activities like crab-fishing & transplanting vegetables in Ninh Binh
• Learn to prepare family recipes from locally sourced ingredients in a family-run cooking class, Ninh Binh
• Eat a homemade group lunch with a local family in Ninh Binh

 

Sapa to Overnight Train to Hanoi

• Trek toward Ta Phin Village
• Meet members of the Red Dzao and Black H'mong tribes in Ta Phin Village & learn about their distinctive culture & customs

 

Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh Legend Hotel (or similar)
Overnight Train
Sapa: Homestay

• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

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* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.