Embark on a 6-day journey to explore the stunning rice terraces and experience the rich ethnic culture of the H'mong and Giay people in Sapa. You'll also marvel at the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most iconic natural wonders. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers with limited time, this tour offers a unique opportunity to meet like-minded people, and to immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures and breathtaking landscapes.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
6:45 - 7:30 AM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Once everyone is on board, we’ll set off for Sapa via the Hanoi - Lao Cai Highway. The drive takes about 6 hours, with a few optional stops along the way for coffee breaks. As we travel, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the rural countryside, mountains, and river landscapes. We expect to arrive in Sapa around 1:00 PM. If your accommodation is in the town center, the driver will drop you off at your hotel, or at a location of your choice within Sapa.
Our local guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in the center of Sapa town. From there, your journey begins with a scenic drive to Silver Waterfall, where you'll take a short walk up the steps to admire the stunning cascade.
Afterward, continue to Heaven Gate, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountain range, including Fansipan, the tallest peak in Indochina. If you're taking an afternoon trip and luck is on your side, you may catch a spectacular sunset at O Quy Ho Pass—the perfect way to experience the beauty of the mountains.
On the return to Sapa, there will be opportunities to stop and explore a rose garden and a lush green tea plantation before arriving back in Sapa town.
Our local guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in the center of Sapa town. From there, your journey begins with a scenic bus ride from Sapa to Lao Chai, a village home to the Black Hmong ethnic group.
Arrival at Lao Chai village, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in their daily life, observing how they create traditional clothing, handicrafts, and indigo dye. If you visit during the rice-growing season, you'll be treated to stunning views of the valley, offering some of the most breathtaking rice terraces in Vietnam.
From Lao Chai, you’ll take a short walk to Ta Van village, where the Giay people live. This small ethnic community has a rich cultural heritage, and their charming houses sit amidst lush rice fields. You’ll learn about their unique customs and gain insight into their everyday life.
To conclude your trip, a bus will pick you up and return you to Sapa town.
Our local guide will pick you up from your hotel in the center of Sapa town. From there, we’ll begin by walking downhill to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H'Mong ethnic minority. The village is nestled in a picturesque valley, about 2 km from Sapa town center.
As we make our way to the village, especially during the rice-growing season, you may catch a glimpse of H’mong farmers working on their rice terraces. Once we arrive at the village, you’ll visit a traditional house and meet the host for a friendly chat, giving you a unique insight into their daily life and culture.
After exploring the village, we’ll continue to Cat Cat Waterfall, where you can take a short break and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere. Sometimes, traditional ethnic performances are held here, and you may even have the chance to participate before we walk back to Sapa.
08:15 - 09:00: Our tour guide will pick up guests from various hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (if you have booked the transfer with us). We then depart for Halong Bay.
10:30 - 10:45: We will make a quick rest stop halfway to stretch our legs, use the facilities, or grab a quick snack if you missed breakfast (not included) before getting back on the road to complete the drive.
12:00 – 12:30: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Welcome to Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. We will take you on a 5-hour journey via a two-day sleeper boat cruise route, renowned for its striking passages with uninhabited islets and outcrops given imaginative names by the locals due to their perceived shapes. Lunch will be served on the boat.
14:00: You will visit Sung Sot Cave to see a variety of stalagmites and stalactites with different shapes resembling sea life.
15:00: Visit Titop Island, which features a sandy beach and a towering limestone mountain with an excellent backdrop of the Bay. Climb up Titop Peak for a panoramic view of the bay, which looks like paradise.
16:00: Enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride in Luon Cave to discover the beautiful lagoon.
18:00 – 18:30: Cruise back to Tuan Chau Harbor. Enjoy a Sunset Party with tea, cakes, and sunbathing on the upper deck with music, and have great fun with fellow travelers among the world’s iconic natural scenery. Then, we will take the bus back to Hanoi via the expressway, with a short break for 20-30 minutes.
21:00 – 21:30: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Trip ends.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.