Hanoi and Stunning Mountain Vietnam

8 Days
7 Nights

Hanoi | Ninh Binh | Lao Cai | Ha Long 

From $619
Per Person

Our Experts

This unforgettable Vietnam adventure is perfect for solo travelers, families, or friends seeking a mix of culture, nature, and adventure. The best time to visit is from September to April, when the weather is cool and ideal for exploration. Start your journey in Hanoi, where you’ll visit historic sites like the Temple of Literature and explore the lively Old Quarter before taking a war-time Jeep ride through the city. Next, head to Ninh Binh, home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the stunning limestone landscapes of Tam Coc. In Sapa, trek through the picturesque villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, admire the breathtaking views from Heaven Gate, and conquer Fansipan Peak, the highest mountain in Indochina. Conclude your trip with a luxurious cruise in Halong Bay, where you can kayak through hidden caves, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and enjoy fresh seafood. From cultural treasures to natural wonders, this journey offers an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s beauty.

Tran Quang Thang (Billy)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Tran Quang Thang (Billy)

Le Huyen (Helen)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Le Huyen (Helen)

Vo Duc Anh (Arthur)

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Vo Duc Anh (Arthur)

Ngoc Anh (Mieera)

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Ngoc Anh (Mieera)

Tran Ngoc Son (Harry)

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Tran Ngoc Son (Harry)

Pham Thi Nga (Amelia)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Pham Thi Nga (Amelia)

Ngo Thi Hong (Miyu)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Ngo Thi Hong (Miyu)

Hoang Thuong (Jade)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Hoang Thuong (Jade)

Map
Map

Trip Highlight

Top Destinations:

  • Hanoi - A vibrant capital where ancient traditions meet modern life. Explore the Old Quarter, visit historic temples, and enjoy authentic street food.
  • Lao Cai - Stunning mountain landscapes with terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages. Perfect for trekking and cultural experiences.
  • Ninh Binh - Known as "Halong Bay on land," featuring limestone karsts, ancient temples, and serene boat rides through Tam Coc.
  • Halong Bay - A UNESCO World Heritage Site with emerald waters, towering limestone islands, and exciting activities like kayaking and cave exploration.

Activities:

  • Discover Hanoi’s cultural treasures with visits to the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology, and Tran Quoc Pagoda.
  • Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and embark on a scenic boat ride through the breathtaking limestone caves of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh.
  • Trek through Sapa’s picturesque landscapes, passing through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van villages, where ethnic minorities preserve their traditional way of life.
  • Stand at the Heaven Gate and admire the majestic views of the Hoàng Liên Sơn mountain range before visiting the Silver Waterfall.
  • Conquer Fansipan Peak, the "Roof of Indochina," with a thrilling cable car ride and a rewarding summit hike.
  • Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, exploring hidden caves, kayaking through limestone karsts, and indulging in fresh seafood aboard a traditional boat.
  • Good food to try during your trip: Fresh seafood, Pho, Bun Cha, Goat Meat, Crispy Rice, Smoked Buffalo Meat, Lam Rice...


Design own trip

Itinerary

The estimated price includes what is described in the “price includes” section. The final price will depend on the number of participants, your departure dates, the level of services chosen and any arrangements you may wish to request from us. Please contact us for a personalized quote with the exact price for your trip.

DAY 01

Hanoi Arrival (-/-/-)

Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be greeted by driver and local English speaking guide. Transfer to hotel to check in.

Overnight in Hanoi.

NOTE: checkin time 14:00

DAY 02

Hanoi City Tour & Half-day Sightseeing by Legendary Russian Jeep GAZ69 Or USA Army Jeep (VBTJ1) (B/L/-)

Morning: You will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Then, you’ll explore the Museum of Ethnology, which showcases the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The last stop in the morning is Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi.

Afternoon: You will join an exciting Jeep tour to explore Hanoi and taste local cuisine. This open-air wartime Jeep experience is one of the best ways to discover the city's vibrant life and key landmarks.

Jeep Tour Highlights:

1. Backstreet Ride:
We will drive through a maze of alleyways known ONLY by locals, make contact with people, and learn about behind-the-scenes stories.
2. French & Old Quarter:
Hanoi is nicknamed "Little Paris," since, in the late 1800s, the French razed old Vietnamese buildings and replaced them with majestic French-style houses. Our jeep will take you through the green boulevards of Indochina's capital, where you can see the influence of French architecture. The embassy area, Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, and other Hanoi landmarks will be passed through. 
3. The Great Westlake: Getting to know the new parts of Hanoi
Westlake, Hanoi's largest lake, is known as the city's "air conditioner." Due to the lake's unique "Feng shui" location, dozens of spiritual sites have been created all around it. Our knowledgeable tour guide will explain everything and take you around the city.
+ Zipping around the West Lake, passing through the city's most peaceful areas, with ancient villages nestled around the West Lake, Truc Bach Lake.
+ A frantic Hanoi with thousands of skyscrapers in the city's new areas.
+ In Hanoi, I was able to experience different aspects of life as well as the contrast in harmony.

We not only take you on an exciting journey through Hanoi traffic, but we also introduce you to traditional Hanoian cuisine. "SPARE US YOUR HUNGRY BELLY" please (vegan and vegetarian options are available).
Transfer to local restaurant for dinner.
Then, transfer back to the hotel and stay overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 03

Hanoi- Ninh Binh - Hanoi - Night train to Lao Cai (B/L/D)

We pick you up at your hotel in Old Quater, departure for Hoa Lu - Tam Coc, enjoying the beautiful sceneries of the rural areas on the way.

After arriving in Ninh Binh province, the guide takes you to visit Hoa Lu - the Ancient Royal capital of Viet Nam. We will visit Dinh king temple and Le king temple, in the 10th century, finding out the heroic histories of this two Kings in Chinese Wars. After that, we go to Tam Coc (10 km far from Hoa Lu).

Have lunch at local restaurant.

After lunch you will get on bamboo boat - rowed by the local people - in Hoang Long River to visit Tam Coc (three caves) on the way. You pass through three enormous caves that provide a brief respite from the intense summer sun. It takes approximately two hours to go up and down the river and along the way, you witness local fisherfolk, village life along the river and, of course, the striking limestone karst formations that Tam Coc is famous for.

We take the car come back Ha Noi.

We arrive Ha Noi.

Transfer to stain station depart to Lao Cai.

Overnight in Night train Hanoi – Lao Cai.

DAY 04

Lao Cai - Sapa - Heaven Gate - Silver Waterfall (B/-/-)

The train arrives in the early morning at Lao Cai railway station (around 5am) and transfer to Sapa. Sapa is well-known itself for stunning and spectacular landscape of rice terrace and Indochina highest peak as well as colourful ethnic minority culture. In the afternoon, you will transfer to visit the Heaven Gate where offers an enchanting experience for those seeking solace in nature's embrace and Silver Water Fall. Return to Sapa and Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 05

SaPa - Lao Chai - Ta Van Village (B/-/-)

After breakfast at your hotel, we'll head to Y Linh Ho for a hike. We'll start on a road but then turn onto a small path that takes us down to Y Linh Ho village near the Muong Hoa River. From there, we'll continue to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, walking through picturesque rice fields and reaching the Giay minority village of Ta Van. You'll enjoy beautiful landscapes, and terraced rice fields and discover the life of local people with different cultures. After that, you will be transferred back to the hotel in Sapa to stay overnight.

DAY 06

SaPa - Fansipan - Hanoi (B/-/-)

After have breakfast, visit Fansipan peak. Then spend 20 minutes with cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Reach the altitute of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. (Spend about 1,5 hours for hiking and taking photos). Come back to Cable Car Station and head to Sapa center.

Free at leisure until evening. In the evening, transfer to the Lao Cai railway station for the overnight train to Hanoi.

Overnight on train.

NOTE: Fansipan is an option – surcharge 39 USD/ Pax

DAY 07

Hanoi - Halong (B/L/D)

After breakfast, depart to Halong to visit Halong Bay by a Halong inday cruise, Limousin/Sharing car pick you up at hotel in Hanoi old quarter to depart to Halong

Upon arrival in Halong Marina, embark your boat and start cruising. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of almost 2,000 islands and jungle-clad limestone pillars. Passengers could join in activies as Kayak, swim or visit Cave in Halong bay

Cruise serves an excellent menu of fresh seafood.

Overnight on Halong Boat

DAY 08

Ha Long - Hanoi Departure

After breakfast, we continue the cruise passing the rock formations which tower out of the bay. Upon return to the boat to freshen up and finish packing. Having brunch served in dining room while heading back to Ha long City. Transfer back to Noi Bai airport for flight back home.

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Inclusions:

  • Accommodation
  • Transportation with air-condition
  • Buffet Breakfast
  • English speaking guide (for other languages supplements apply)
  • Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees for mentioned visits
  • Water during the itinerary (2 bottles/paxs/day)

Exclusions:

  • Drinks or meals not at above mentioned
  • Personal expenses and other services than mentioned
  • Flight ticket, visa & stamping fee
  • Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
  • Tips, Travel insurance
  • Supplement of room rate
  • Fansipan ticket

What Make Us Different?

Tailor-made experience

Tailor-made experience

We create personalized travel packages with meticulous attention to detail, tailored to your preferences and needs, ensuring authentic experiences while balancing your budget and safety.

Provide Local Expert

Provide Local Expert

Our local tour guides are passionate experts who ensure both the quality and safety of your journey, providing insightful and enthusiastic support throughout your trip.

Trustworthy

Trustworthy

We provide comprehensive pre-travel and post-travel support, handling challenges and accommodating special needs to ensure a smooth and personalized travel experience.

Value For Money

Value For Money

We aim to exceed expectations by leveraging strategic partnerships and negotiated rates to deliver high-quality trips with excellent value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time travel to Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region you plan to explore:

  • - In the North, including Hanoi, Ha Long, and Sa Pa, spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) offer ideal weather with sunny days perfect for sightseeing. For those who love SaPa and the Fansipan mountain, the months of October, November, February, and March are the best times to experience the breathtaking "cloud hunting" scenery.
  • - In Central Vietnam, including destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, the best time to visit is from February to August, with July and August being the sunniest months, ideal for beach vacations and exploring the region’s culinary and historical culture.
  • - In the South, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, the weather is warm year-round, but the dry season from December to May is particularly favorable for travel

Can you give me advice about the Weather and anything else that I need to taking care of?

Vietnam's rainy season typically falls between mid-July and the end of August, bringing storms and flooding to the central region, and creating challenging, even dangerous, conditions for mountain climbing in the northern areas. Therefore, it is crucial for travelers to regularly check weather forecasts during this period to ensure their safety.

What are the best places to visit in Vietnam?

The best place to visit in Vietnam:

  1. Hanoi ( Vietnam's Capital) : This is tops the list of the best place to visit in Vietnam. The city boasts many distinctive features, such as an iconic red brigde ( The Huc Bridge) that can not be found in any other place, makeing it a must - visit for travel enthusiasts. Even on the busy streets, you can feel Hanoi's charm and peacefulness.
  2. Halong Bay: Renowned for its green waters and towering limestone karsts covered in lush vegetation, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site.For many people, the highlight of their trip to Vietnam is an overnight ride aboard a traditional junk boat around Ha Long Bay. As you glide down the calm rivers, you'll see floating settlements like Cua Van, Vung Vieng, and Cong Dam and be treated to surreal sights. The best ways to see one of Vietnam's most stunning locations are to kayak through the stunning caverns and karsts or have a swim in the clean, quiet waters.
  3. Sapa: Known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority villages, Sapa is great for trekking and cultural experiences.
  4. Ninh Binh: Known as "Ha Long Bay on land," dazzles with its dramatic limestone karsts, serene waterways, and impressive caves. Highlights include scenic boat rides through Tam Cốc’s caves, exploring the historical Hoa Lư Ancient Capital, and marveling at the stunning landscapes and cave systems in Trang An.
  5. Danang: A vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, modern skyline, and rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the iconic Dragon Bridge, the Marble Mountains, and the scenic My Khe Beach. The city offers a blend of historical sites, vibrant street food, and a gateway to nearby cultural attractions like Hoi An and My Son.
  6. Hoi An: This is a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy wandering through its narrow alleys, exploring historic temples, and savoring delicious local cuisine, all while experiencing a unique blend of traditional and colonial influences.
  7. Mekong Delta: One of Vietnam's most picturesque areas is the Mekong Delta, sometimes referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam." Life in this land of meandering rivers, mangrove forests, floating marketplaces, and verdant rice fields is dictated by the ebb and flow of the most famous river in Southeast Asia.
  8. Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City serves as both the southern region's principal hub and Vietnam's economic center. The dynamic cityscape of HCMC, a free-spirited, multicultural metropolis, combines old and new Vietnam in the smallest possible area, symbolizing both the city's past and future. Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the War Museum are just a few of this city's well-known attractions.

Can the itinerary be customized to my preferences?

We are organize tailor tour so we can remote tour follow your request. Please let us know about it

How are the political and security conditions for travelers in Vietnam?

Intrepid takes every precaution to make sure that excursions are safe, exciting, and pleasurable for all participants because it takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously. Before departing, we advise all travelers to confirm the most recent information with their government or a national travel advisory organization

Are flights included in the trip? Could you quote package include flight ticket?

Tour price does not include international and domestic airfare. Airfares will be quoted and booked separately.

Is tipping customary in Vietnam

Although tipping is not required or customary in Vietnam, drivers, restaurants, and other service providers would appreciate a little tip—especially if the service has been really good—or spare change.

How can I book a tour?

All travel itineraries are fully customized to meet your specific needs. To book a tour, you can reach us via:

Our travel consultants will respond with the best options within 1-2 hours and await your confirmation.

If we booking confirm when will be the last day for transfer deposit?

If you wishes to book the trip, you will need to confirm your booking decision to us by specifying the ofer and quotation that suits your. Then we proceeds to the reservation of all the sevices provided in the offer and reseves the right to proposr equivalent alternatives in case of one or more planned services ( accomodation, dosmetic flights, train,etc..) Once all these reservation have been made, the final travel program will be sent to the traveler for final validation.

How can I process the payment/Tour reservation process? Payment Method

You can deposit to us in 1 of 2 method

  1. Payment link: the money can arrival our account right after you paid. link charge 3,3% for online system fee (we don't take this fee)
  2. Bank transfer: I suggest you use this method more, if you pay in VND by DBS bank, it doesn't charge you transfer fee (my previous client used to pay by this method)

How much deposit is required?

Deposit: It may be requested to start working on a file and to secure reservations for services such as flight, cruise, hotel as well as for certain peal travel periods.The need for deposit and the amount and conditions applying to them ( refundable, non - refundable) will be mentioned by our specialist on a case at the time of trvel planning and quoting. After you confirm our tour bookings, we will proceed with the preparation of the services. After all kinds of service ready we will send you invoice start receiving 50% (of total tour) deposit the rest you can pay on the first day of foot booking to vietnam

How is about Cancel Policy?

Cancellation must be made in writing by email and be receive in time ( please keep in mind weekends, public holidays and different time zones on both ends).The charges below apply unless different terms have been mentioned at quotation/booking time. Individual traveler (1-8 people):

  • + 31 days and more before arrival: Non - refundable deposit or 10% of total tour cost
  • + From 30 days to 22 days prior arrival date: Non - Refundalble deposit or 10% of total tour cost
  • + From 21 days to 15 days' prior arrival date: on - Refundalble deposit or 25% of total tour cost
  • + From 14 days to 08 days' prior arrival date: 50% of total tour cost
  • + Between 7 days and 48 hours before arrival: 75% of total tour cost
  • + Less than 48 hours before arrival: 90% of total tour cost
  • + Shortening or cancellaton on site: 100% of total tour cost

Do I neeed a Travel Insurance before travelling in Vietnam

We encourage you to buy your own travel insurance according to your personal needs

How do authorities assist in emergency situations?

The safety of our travellers, leaders and operators is a major priority for Intrepid. With this in mind, we monitor world events very closely and Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice. We have enough useful address and emergency contact of embassy, police address and security in Vietnam

Do I need visa in Vietnam

Depend on the Nationality passport you holding, you will need or don’t need to apply visa to entry Vietnam

What types of cash and denominations are used when traveling in Vietnam?

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong, symbolised by ₫ or VND. Vietnamese notes are a mix of small paper bills (no coins are used), and larger polymer bills, in values from 10,000 VND to 500,000 VND. If you’re confused by all the zeros, mentally remove three zeros to get a simpler number. To quickly convert from VND to USD, just remove three zeros and divide by 24.Visitors to Vietnam can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, but these must be declared in detail on their customs forms

Is USD accepted in Vietnam?

US dollar is a widely accepted currency in Vietnam and most goods and services can be paid for in Dongs or Dollars. It is good to carry a combination of both at all times. It is also preferable if the dollar bills are in good condition as many businesses may refuse to accept worn out notes.

Are credit card accepted widely in Vietnam?

While cash is used for small purchases and street vendors in Vietnam, most establishments accept payments from major credit card providers such as Visa. Hotels, tour operators, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, and spas all generally accept international debit and credit cards. Conversion rates and swiping fees will be set by your card provider. With few exceptions, your larger travel expenses in Vietnam can be covered by card, on the spot or online in advance, reducing the need to carry and convert large sums of cash on the road

How common is English in Vietnam? What is the English proficiency level of tour guides?

English is not really a popular language in Vietnam. In the tourist area, you can find many people can speaking english but not for everyoneVietnamese ranked 58th in the world for global English proficiency. However, all of our company's tour guides are proficient in foreign languages and knowledgeable about Vietnam. They will be your companions and assist you in having a memorable trip

Kind of transportation we will be using in Vietnam

We believe that the journey to and within a new country is half the fun of exploring it! We opt for traditional and local transportation options whenever possible because they are usually more enjoyable, support small local businesses, and have a lower environmental impact. Depending on the destination, you can use buses, vans, or SUVs

Does you pick me up at airport? Will the car tranfer us to the airport after tour?

Yes, of cause. You will greeted by driver when you arrive to Vietnam and tranfered to the aiport after tour by car

Are there limits on the number of guests for the tour? Is it suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Tour not limit quality paxs. For different ages we have different suggestions to suit your group to ensure you have the best tour experience without limiting the number of guests

Are special dietary options available on the tour, such as weight loss menus, halal food, or gluten-free choices?

Tours typically do not include meals for small groups of fewer than 10 guests. If you would like to arrange for Halal meals or other special menus, please contact our consultant for specific advice and assistance

What If I book hotel myself

It no problem. We are partners of all hotels in Vietnam so we can provide the hotels you want or according to our suggestions if you are ok

Any pool side or water activities during the tour?

Points in tour can includes sightseeings, please let us know about your acitivities you want

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