North Vietnam Express - Sapa & Halong Bay

05 Days   View Departures  
  (01 Reviews)   
Sapa - Ta Van Village
Sapa - Ta Van Village
Sapa - Cat Cat Village
Sapa - Cat Cat Village
Halong Bay Landscape
Halong Bay Landscape
Overview
sapa-23.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Hanoi - Sapa - Halong Bay
  • Duration: 05 Days
  • Theme: Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Group tour ( Max 12 Adults)
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English
Highlight

Embark on a 5-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 immerse yourself in vibrant local cultures and breathtaking landscapes.

Notes
This is not a group tour from start to finish; instead, you will join different group tours in various cities, which we co-organize with our local partners. Each day, you’ll be part of a new group. After receiving your inquiry, one of our travel consultants will promptly get in touch to confirm the availability of your trip.
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Arrival in Hanoi, pick-up at Noi Bai Airport, and transfer to hotel

    Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the exit of the arrival hall. 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.

    Included:
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Travel to Sapa in a shared bus, explore Lao Chai and Ta Van villages (group tour)

    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 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.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nomad Trails Boutique Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    15 Tue Tinh street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Half day walking trip to Cat Cat village, travel back to Hanoi (group tour)

    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.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi (group tour)

    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.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Cozy Bay Cruise Day Trip
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Departure from Hanoi

    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.

    Included:
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Video:
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?

    Inclusions
    • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
    • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
    • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
    • Boat: Cozy Bay Cruise Day Trip
    • Transportation
    • Meal: Breakfast: 04, Lunch: 01
    • Kayak: Halong
    • Service charges and Taxes
    Exclusions
    • International flight from/to your country
    • Travel insurance
    • Personal expenses
    • Tipping and Gratuities
    • Other not mentioned in the program
    Departures
    Starting
    Ending
    Price
    Good to know
    • Passeport & Visa

      Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.

      French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.

    • International flights

      International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.

    • Travel insurance

      Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:

      • Emergency medical expenses (including hospitalization and repatriation)
      • Trip cancellations or interruptions
      • Activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor excursions

      Before departure, please provide us with the following information:

      • The name of your insurance company
      • Your policy number
      • A 24/7 emergency assistance contact number

      Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.

    • Weather & best time to visit Vietnam

      Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:

      • North: Cool winters (December to February), hot and humid summers.
      • Central: Rainy season from September to November.
      • South: Tropical climate, warm year-round, with frequent showers from May to October.

      Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.

    • Time zone

      Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.

    • Currency and Payments

      The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.

      • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most mid-range to high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops.
      • ATMs are widely available in major cities.
      • Currency exchange is possible at the airport, banks, or authorized exchange offices.

      Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.

    • Domestic flights

      If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.

      Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).

      Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.

      Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.

      Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.

    • Flight Connections

      If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:

      • Collect your checked luggage.
      • Proceed through immigration and customs.
      • Make your way to the domestic terminal (at some airports, this may require a walk or a shuttle transfer).

      Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.

      Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
      This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.

      Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.

    • Vaccinations & Personal Medication

      No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.

      However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:

      • Hepatitis A and B
      • Typhoid fever
      • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (booster shots recommended)
      • Rabies (in case of prolonged stays in rural areas or possible contact with animals)

      If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
      Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.

    • Malaria & Mosquitoes

      The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.

      However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.

      Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites

      • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin containing DEET (30–50%), icaridin, or PMD (citriodiol).
      • Wear long, covering clothing, especially in the early evening and at night.
      • Sleep under a mosquito net, particularly in simple accommodations, natural settings, or places without air conditioning.
      • Use electric diffusers or mosquito coils in the evening in non-air-conditioned areas.
      • Avoid stagnant water near your accommodation, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
    • Airport Pick-up

      Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.

      Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
      +84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).

      Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.

      Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.

    • Small Group Tour

      Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.

      To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.

    • Shared and private room

      For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
      You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:

      • You prefer to have a single room.
      • No other traveler wishes to share a room.

      In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
      Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.

    5.0
    01 Review
    • Matteo Ferraro
       

       | 

      Matteo Ferraro
      Great chance to talk with Hmong children
      It’s really impressive to see babies being carried on their mothers’ backs. It’s a very special image that doesn’t exist where I live – the USA. The Hmong children speak and sing English and interact with tourists very confidently and fluently. I like children, and I am very happy that on this trip I can interact with them, take pictures with them and buy things that they sell or they make themselves. The tour is not a group tour from start to finish but we joined a different group each day. I really recommend this tour from Izitour for everyone planning to visit Vietnam.

      Oct 17, 2024

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