Take an overnight train journey from Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai and the gateway to Sapa.

Overnight on train

This morning, meet your guide at your hotel and walk south of Sapa towards the busy village of Cat Cat. The valleys that surround the village of Y Linh Ho are some of the most picturesque in the region, and this route allows you to explore one of Sapa’s less-traversed areas. Make your way along a gentle incline, through emerald paddy fields above a deep river gorge, before arriving on the river bank. Take a rest, dip your toes in the cool mountain waters and watch local children fishing with nets, before continuing deeper through the villages and terraces of the Black H’mong. Walk at your own pace and take in some of the best panoramas Vietnam has to offer. Enjoy lunch with a view at a local village restaurant before continuing through the valley towards the village of Lao Chai.

Take a well-earned rest and enjoy a soothing cup of tea before learning the art of Batik painting. The beautiful textiles of the Black H’mong are famous around the world and Batik is a traditional part of H’mong culture. Under threat from modernization, Batik is now only practiced by a handful of villagers. Join a hands-on master class led by a local expert and take your creation home! You will be supporting a sustainable tourism project that supports local women and ensures this amazing art form is handed down to the next generation.

Afterwards, head to Ta Van village where you will be picked up and transferred back to your hotel in Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa

Start this half-day walking tour by visiting the rustic village of Suoi Ho. Take a stroll through its sleepy streets and get a glimpse of village life before stopping by a local school to meet the children.
 
Later, enjoy views of the stunning countryside as you walk along the Suoi Ho River, en-route to the second village of Ma Tra. Soak in its vibrant culture and visit its quaint Christian church before being picked up by car and returning to Sapa Town.

Overnight in Sapa

It’s an early start as you arrive back in Hanoi to freshen up and have a quick breakfast before heading to Ha Long Bay arriving around noon.  Leave the noise of the city behind as you travel about four hours to Ha Long Bay. Hop aboard a small tender boat to arrive at Junk cruise and explore the jade green waters of Ha Long Bay over lunch. This afternoon the tender will take you to a secluded part of the bay where the water is perfect for swimming and kayaking around the limestone karsts. You’ll return back to cruise just in time to watch the sunset from the top deck before enjoying the bay’s freshest seafood dinner. 

Overnight on cruise

Wake up refreshed from a good night sleep as the boat motors towards Surprise Cave, the biggest in Ha Long Bay. Board the tender for a short trip to the cave and be amazed - the entry to the cave is deceptively narrow but once through, the cave opens up to a large chamber with impressive limestone formations. Surprise! Then it’s back to the boat and cruise to Ha Long Port arriving around noon, where you will continue to Hanoi.