Northern Vietnam Grand Escape 5 Days: Hanoi, Sapa Fansipan Peak & Ninh Binh
A breathtaking circuit of northern highlights: uncover Hanoi’s heritage, conquer the 3,143m Roof of Indochina in Sapa, and glide through UNESCO-listed Trang An waterways.
Hanoi → Sapa → Ninh Binh → Hanoi
Overview
This six-day private route through northern Vietnam begins in Hanoi's Old Quarter, climbs into the highlands around Sapa, then drops south to the limestone rivers of Ninh Binh before returning to the capital. The pace shifts between city walking, a light village trek and a day of boats, stairs and bicycles.
How the six days move between city, highlands and river
Timeless Nostalgia in Hanoi Old Quarter & Temple of Literature
Wander shaded capital boulevards, visit Vietnam's oldest royal academy, and savor rich egg coffee along Hoan Kiem Lake.
Touching the Roof of Indochina Atop Windswept Mount Fansipan
Soar over Muong Hoa Valley aboard state-of-the-art cable cars to reach Fansipan Peak (3,143m) amid sweeping oceans of clouds.
Gliding Through Majestic Karst Archways in Trang An
Drift on wooden sampans through natural subterranean caverns in UNESCO-listed Trang An, surrounded by tranquil emerald waters.
Road time, market day and what is not included
The itinerary includes long private-car transfers between Hanoi, Sapa and Ninh Binh, so plan for time on the road. The Fansipan cable car, the Hanoi cooking class, the ethnic music performance in Sapa and the photography support tour are optional and priced separately.
Airport transfers at Noi Bai are not included unless they are stated in your booking, and neither are travel insurance, tips for the guide and driver, personal drinks and laundry, or the single room supplement. The Sapa market visit depends on whether your day in town falls on a market day.
Highlights
Six days and five nights, with one night in Hanoi, two in Sapa and two in Ninh Binh.
Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full Hanoi – Sapa – Ninh Binh – Hanoi route.
English-speaking guide on the sightseeing days.
Entrance fees covered for the Temple of Literature, Trang An, Hang Mua, Tam Coc and Cat Cat village.
Trang An boat trip, cycling in Ninh Binh and the Sapa trek are part of the program.
From 596 USD per person.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi – Old Quarter exploration
- Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
- Visit Ngoc Son Temple
- See The Huc Bridge
- Explore Old Quarter food: beef pho, bun cha, fried spring rolls and egg coffee
Day 2
Hanoi – City sightseeing – Transfer to Sapa
- Visit the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam
- Visit St Joseph's Cathedral
- Private car transfer to Sapa
- Scenic mountain rest stop
- Free time in Sapa town
Day 3
Sapa – Villages and rice terraces
- Light trek to Cat Cat village
- Rice terraces and waterfall at Cat Cat village
- Visit Ta Van village
- Visit Sapa market if it is a market day
- Free time in Sapa town
Day 4
Sapa – Ninh Binh
- Check out in Sapa
- Transfer to Ninh Binh
- Rest stops on the way
- Check in at a hotel or resort in Ninh Binh
- Free time around the Trang An and Tam Coc area
Day 5
Ninh Binh – Trang An – Hang Mua – Tam Coc
- Visit Trang An
- Boat trip through caves and waterways
- Climb Hang Mua
- Views over Tam Coc and the Ngo Dong river
- Cycle through the rice fields and villages of Ninh Binh
Day 6
Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Departure
- Free time for shopping
- Coffee
- Optional extra sightseeing depending on flight time
- Hotel check-out
Included / Not Included
Included
- Five nights of accommodation: one night in Hanoi, two nights in Sapa, two nights in Ninh Binh
- Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the route: Hanoi – Sapa – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
- English-speaking guide on the sightseeing days
- Meals as per the program: breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner according to the schedule
- Entrance fees: Temple of Literature, Trang An, Hang Mua, Tam Coc, Cat Cat village
- Trang An boat trip, cycling in Ninh Binh, trekking in Sapa
- Bottled water on the vehicle and operational support throughout the program
Not included
- International and domestic flights, visa and immigration documents
- Noi Bai airport pick-up and drop-off unless specified
- Fansipan cable car and other optional services
- Personal drinks, drinks from the room minibar, laundry and personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Single room supplement, room upgrades and holiday or Tet surcharges
- Personal travel insurance