10 Nights / 11 Days – Vietnam with Sapa & Ninh Binh – Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Hoi An
A sample ten-night journey through the north and centre: Hanoi, two nights among Sapa's rice terraces, a full day in Ninh Binh, a night on Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An on the central coast.
Suggested itinerary. Suggested itineraries that can be customised. Availability, arrangements and prices are subject to confirmation in your personalised quote.
- Hanoi
- Sapa
- Hanoi
- Ha Long Bay
- Hanoi
- Hoi An
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive at Hanoi Noi Bai airport; private transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure in the Old Quarter.
Overnight Hanoi
- Day 2
Hanoi to Sapa
Drive to Sapa by the Noi Bai–Lao Cai expressway (about 5–6 hours with stops). Alternatively, take the overnight train to Lao Cai (about 7–9 hours) and continue about 1 hour by road.
Overnight Sapa
- Day 3
Sapa valleys
Guided walk through the Muong Hoa Valley terraces and villages, at a pace that suits you. Optional Fansipan cable car (tickets extra; operates subject to weather).
Overnight Sapa
- Day 4
Sapa to Hanoi
Morning in Sapa, then drive back to Hanoi (about 5–6 hours).
Overnight Hanoi
- Day 5
Ninh Binh full-day tour
Drive to Ninh Binh (about 2 hours each way). Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, take a sampan boat ride through the limestone caves at Trang An or Tam Coc (boats operate subject to water levels and weather), and climb Mua Cave viewpoint if you wish (about 500 steps). Lunch included where quoted. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Overnight Hanoi
- Day 6
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay cruise
Drive to Ha Long Bay (about 2.5–3 hours by expressway) and board your overnight cruise among the karsts.
Overnight Ha Long Bay (cruise)
- Day 7
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi, city tour
Morning on the bay, then drive back to Hanoi (about 2.5–3 hours). Afternoon at the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter.
Overnight Hanoi
- Day 8
Fly to Da Nang, on to Hoi An
Domestic flight Hanoi–Da Nang (about 1 hour 20 minutes) and drive to Hoi An (about 45 minutes).
Overnight Hoi An
- Day 9
Hoi An Ancient Town
Walking tour of the Ancient Town, then free time, a cooking class or a countryside cycle.
Overnight Hoi An
- Day 10
Da Nang or at leisure
Marble Mountains and My Khe beach, or a relaxed day by the sea.
Overnight Hoi An
- Day 11
Departure
Transfer to Da Nang airport for departure, or fly on to Phu Quoc to extend your journey.
Seasonal notes
- Sapa: September–November (rice harvest) and March–May are usually the most rewarding. December to February is cold, with night temperatures that can fall below 5°C, and occasional frost.
- Walking trails become slippery in the June–August rains; we adapt routes to conditions.
- Central coast: rainy and typhoon season roughly September to December; February to May is usually best.
- Ha Long Bay cruises can be rescheduled in bad weather.
Typically included
- Accommodation in hotels of your chosen category, meal plan as quoted
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise cabin with the meals and activities listed by the cruise, where shown
- Private transfers and the sightseeing listed, with an English-speaking local guide where quoted
- Domestic flights within Vietnam, if included in your quote
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Vietnam visa (e-visa) fees
- Entry fees, guides and activities not listed in your quote
- Travel insurance
- Meals not in your meal plan, drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Anything not listed as included
Price
Cancellation terms, including service/handling charges, are set out in our Terms & Conditions.
Shape this journey around you
Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we will send a personalised day-by-day plan.
Request a Personalised Quote