9 Days Hanoi, Sapa & Halong Bay Vietnam Tour Package

4.9 (123 Reviews)

Explore Northern Vietnam on this well-rounded 9-day tour package. Perfect for travelers who want to visit the must-see spots without feeling rushed, this itinerary combines guided highlights with a free day in Hanoi. You will experience the capital's lively street food scene, trek through Sapa's picturesque rice valleys, see the giant rock peaks in Ninh Binh, and spend a night cruising among the quiet waters of Halong Bay.

Trip Facts

Country Vietnam
Duration 9 Days 8 Nights
Max. Altitude: 20m above sea level
Accomodation 3 star
Start/End Airport/Airport
No. of location coverage 8
Starting From
$570.05 / person

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Trip Highlights

  • Hanoi Street Food Tour: Taste popular dishes like bun cha, banh mi, and egg coffee with a local guide in the Old Quarter.

  • Sapa Mountain Trekking: Walk through rice terraces in Muong Hoa Valley and visit local hill tribe villages.

  • Fansipan Cable Car: Ride to the top of Mount Fansipan for panoramic mountain views.

  • Ninh Binh Karst & Boat Tour: Climb Mua Cave for scenic photos and ride a wooden boat through Trang An caves.

  • Overnight Halong Bay Cruise: Stay aboard a ship on Halong Bay, kayak through lagoons, and explore natural caves.

  • Full Leisure Day in Hanoi: Enjoy an open day in the capital to explore cafes, museums, or local shops on your own.

Worth It ?

The extra day in this 9-day itinerary makes a big difference in how the trip feels. It keeps you from feeling like you are constantly packing and unpacking, giving you a full, unscheduled day to enjoy Hanoi on your own terms.

Overview

If you want to see Northern Vietnam's top sights but still have time to take a free day, this 9-day itinerary gives you the right balance. It features all four major Northern destinations: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay, with an additional full day built in so you can enjoy the region without a tight schedule.

Your journey opens in Hanoi, where ancient temples sit next to busy city markets. A local guide will lead you through the Old Quarter to sample popular street eats like bun cha and egg coffee. From there, you head into the mountains of Sapa to walk along terraced rice fields alongside guides from local Black H'mong and Dzay ethnic communities. You will also take a cable car up Mount Fansipan for sweeping views across the mountain range.

After returning south, you will explore Ninh Binh, where steep limestone peaks rise out of quiet river valleys. Climb Mua Cave for a view over the countryside, then board a small wooden sampan boat to glide through the river caves of Trang An.

Next, head to the coast for an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Sleep aboard a cruise ship, kayak around hidden lagoons, and visit limestone caves. Finally, wrap up your trip back in Hanoi with a full open day to sip coffee, shop for souvenirs, or explore at your leisure before flying home.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Once you land, our private driver will meet you for a transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to recover from the flight, wander through the local streets, and enjoy your first authentic Vietnamese meal at your own pace. It is a perfect start to your Hanoi travel experience.

Highlights of the day:

  • Private airport pickup and comfortable transfer.
  • Seamless hotel check-in assistance.
  • Leisure time to recover from your flight.
  • Self-guided exploration of local neighborhoods .

Our Ninh Binh day tour takes you beyond the city to explore breathtaking limestone scenery and rich cultural heritage. Visit the historic Hoa Lu ancient capital tour site, cycle through picturesque countryside, and complete your journey with a relaxing Tam Coc tour through the region's famous river caves. We end the day with a climb to the viewpoint before returning to Hanoi.

Highlights of the day:

● Scenic drive to the Ninh Binh countryside
●  Historic tour of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
●  Countryside cycling through local villages
●  Boat ride through limestone caves in Tam Coc
●  Hike to the Mua Cave viewpoint 

Your Halong Bay tour from Hanoi begins with a transfer to the marina, where you will board a luxury 5-star cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the massive Sung Sot Cave and kayaking through the calm waters of the Trinh Nu area. As the evening sets in, enjoy a sunset party on the sundeck and a relaxing dinner onboard.  

Highlights of the day:

●  Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
●  Luxury 5-star cruise boarding
●  Sung Sot Cave exploration
●  Kayaking and swimming in the Trinh Nu area
●  Onboard sunset party and cultural show 

 

Wake up to a fresh morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck before visiting the famous Tiptop Island tour destination. You will have plenty of time to hike for panoramic bay views, swim at the beach, or just relax. After a delicious brunch onboard, we cruise back to the marina and transfer you safely back to your Hanoi hotel. 

Highlights of the day:

●  Morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck
●  Visit to Titop Island viewpoint
●  Beach swimming and relaxation
●  Buffet brunch on the cruise
●   Return transfer to Hanoi 

We leave the city behind and head into the mountains for your Sapa adventure. After arriving in the beautiful mountain town of Sapa, we take you on a guided tour of Cat Cat village. You will walk through the traditional Black Hmong community, seeing their wooden houses, local waterfalls, and the unique handicrafts that make this area so special. 

Highlights of the day:

●  Scenic mountain drive to Sapa
●  Guided exploration of Cat Cat Village
●  Walking through rice terraces and waterfalls
●  Interaction with Black Hmong community
●   Evening relaxation in Sapa town 

 

Today is all about active exploration as we trek through the stunning Muong Hoa Valley. You will visit Y Linh Ho village, see the iconic rice terraces of Lao Chai, and discover the traditional culture of Ta Van village. It is a perfect day to capture photos of the bamboo forests and valley landscapes. 

Highlights of the day:

●   Trekking tour through Muong Hoa Valley
●   Visit to Y Linh Ho village
●   Exploring Lao Chai rice terraces
●   Cultural experience in Ta Van village
●    Nature walk through bamboo forests 

We continue our trekking journey by visiting Giang Ta Chai village, known for its waterfalls and lush greenery. You will cross suspension bridges and explore the Red Dao ethnic culture in Su Pan before we start the journey back. In the evening, we transfer you back to Hanoi, where you can settle into your hotel and rest. 

Highlights of the day:

●  Trekking tour to Giang Ta Chai village
●   Crossing local suspension bridges
●   Exploring Red Dao culture in Su Pan
●   Scenic nature walk
●   Return transfer to Hanoi 

Enjoy a free day to experience Hanoi at your own pace without a strict schedule. We recommend joining an Old Quarter walking tour to discover hidden cafés and local culture, visiting the famous Train Street Hanoi attraction to watch trains pass through the narrow street, or shopping for souvenirs at the city's vibrant markets. It is also the perfect opportunity to unwind with a relaxing spa treatment. 

Highlights of the day:

●  Self guided quarter walking tour
●  Visit to the famous train street area
●  Time for souvenir shopping
●  Relaxation with local spa and massage
●  Personal exploration of city cafes 

 Enjoy a final buffet breakfast at your hotel before preparing for your journey home. Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will pick you up for a private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport. You will leave with great memories and a full experience of Northern Vietnam.

Highlights of the day:

●  Final buffet breakfast
●  Luggage assistance
●  Private airport transfer
●  Safe departure for your onward journey 

Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • All Government and local Vat and Taxes
  • Meals on Breakfast Basis
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • 7 nights accommodation at 3 star booked hotel
  • 1 nights accommodation at 5 star Halong Bay Cruise
  • All tours and transfers as mentioned above in itinerary
  • Entrance fees which are mentioned in above itinerary

Cost Excludes

  • NOTE: Tourist visa is optional and can be added during checkout if required.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses (shopping, tips, laundry)
  • Lunch and Dinner which are not included in itinerary
  • Extra tours and activities which are not mention in itinerary

Booking Advice

Passport Validation:
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your trip's return date.

Advance Booking:
It is highly recommended to book at least 30 days in advance, especially if you are planning to travel during the peak season to ensure vehicle and guide availability.

Minimum pax requirement:
This package requires a minimum of 2 participants (pax) to operate. Single travelers should check availability before booking.

Flight Coordination:
Please ensure you arrive at the airport 3 hours prior to international flights and 2 hours prior to domestic flights.


Travel guide

  • Documents: Make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining. Most visitors require an e-Visa to enter Vietnam, which you can easily apply for online at least 7 days before traveling.
  • Packing: Lightweight, breathable clothing works best for Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Bring a light jacket, sweater, and sturdy walking shoes for Sapa, as mountain temperatures drop quickly in the evening.

  • Health: Drink bottled or filtered water throughout your trip. Bring motion sickness medication if you get carsick, as the road to Sapa has winding mountain sections.

  • Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in city hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for Sapa markets, street stalls, and guide tips.

  • Etiquette: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas or historical sights. Always ask permission before taking photos of ethnic minority villagers in Sapa.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 9-day package adds a dedicated free day in Hanoi near the end of your trip. This gives you time to rest after your Sapa trek and Halong Bay cruise, explore places on your own, or do some shopping without feeling rushed.

Daily breakfast at your hotels and on the cruise ship is included. Specific lunches and dinners during guided tours are covered as noted in the itinerary.

The physical level is moderate. The Sapa village walk involves 3 to 4 hours of walking on unpaved village paths, and Mua Cave in Ninh Binh requires climbing 500 stone steps. If you prefer a lighter walking schedule, we can adjust village transfers by vehicle.

Yes, all of our packages are flexible. You can upgrade hotel classes, add extra activities to your free day in Hanoi, or make guided tours private.

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