Day 1: Hanoi arrive (D)
Pick up at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel for check in. Then, visit the old quarter streets and Hoan Kiem Lake by cyclo to discover the local people life, and visit Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening you can enjoy a performance of the traditional Water Puppet show. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Day 2: Hanoi - Lao Cai (B)
Driving to visit West Lake, visit Tran Quoc pagoda. Continue to visit the Literature Temple and Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first University constructed in 1070. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past.. Proceed to visit Museum of Ethnology - the most interesting museum in Hanoi with many different things relating the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. Evening: Water puppets show, the unique Vietnam traditional art. This evening we take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa (B,L,D)
Upon arrival in Lao Cai we drive the 35kms to Sapa. The morning will be free to walk around this former French hill station town. Later we visit the market and walk up Ham Rong hill for some good panoramic views of Sapa town and the surrounding valleys.
Day 4: Sapa - first camp at 2,400 m (B,L,D)
We embark on the first part of the ascent as we trek through terraced rice paddies and valleys. En route we pass through the small H'mong village of Cat Cat nestled in the valley. We cross the Linh Ho river via a bamboo bridge and start our ascent. Once we reach an elevation of 2,400m we set up camp for the night.
Day 5: Trek to summit 3,143m and return to second camp at 2,700m (B,L,D)
After breakfast we set out for summit, which will take the best part of the day. As we continue on we pass through primary forest containing giant, centuries old pine trees and expanses of yellow bamboo. Our continuing trek will take us to the top of Fansipan at 3,143m as we arrive at the roof of Vietnam: Fansipan Peak. Once at the summit we will have time to savor the best panorama in Vietnam. Relaxing and coming down to second camp at 2,700m.
Day 6: Back to Sapa - Night train to Hanoi (B,L,D)
Today it's downhill just about all the way. Following breakfast we begin our descent and reach Sapa by around lunchtime. From here we will return by road to Lao Cai for the overnight return train journey to Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi - Halong (B,L,D)
Breakfast and departure to Halong bay, the World Natural Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. On arrival in at noon, boarding a wooden junk to enjoy an enchanting cruise ship for 2 days 1ngiht. During this cruise, you can discover the immense chaos of karst mountains, of caves, of lagoons with all these ghostly forms. It is so nice to feel totally lost every when you discover the new forms of rock. In addition, the play of light, clouds and mist create an atmosphere unexpected. Discover life on the bay with all its fishing boat and its families live either in floating houses or on simple board. In late afternoon, the boat anchored for the night in the bay. You can then take a bath or go kayaking under the feet of extraordinary rocks. You'll also have chance to enjoy a wonderful sunset. Lunch and dinner seafood aboard. Pass the night on junk. (Possibility on private junk)
Day 8: Halong - Hanoi (B,L)
Breakfast. Continuation of the cruise in Halong Bay. Landing around 11:30 and resumed the road to Hanoi, visiting the pagoda original 300 years old But Thap and Dong Ho Village Craft. Arrival in Hanoi, check in hotel.
Day 9: Hanoi - Departure (B)
Rest of time free for the last shopping until transfer to Hanoi airport for your departure flight.
