10-Nights Active Vietnam: Sapa to the Sea from $3,695

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Transfer: Hanoi Airportto Hanoi - The Old Quarter

Hotel: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi (4 Star Rating)

The Silk Path Hotel is located in the heart of the charming old quarter of Hanoi close to countless tourist attractions, government and diplomatic institutions as well as the business district of the city. The Silk Path Hotel, with its 106 well-appointed exclusively designed rooms and suites, makes the hotel the preferred choice of both the leisure and business traveller.

Day 2: Hanoi Highlights

Set off today with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a remarkable construction where Vietnamese people express their profound love and gratitude to the great leader (closed Monday & Friday weekly and all afternoons). Then stroll around the serene grounds while learning about Ho Chi Minh's life and legacy. There is an option to visit the nearby iconic One Pillar Pagoda, built-in 1049. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. It is known as the first national university in Vietnam and the symbol of Vietnamese architectural values. Cap off the excursion strolling through the labyrinthine alleyways of the Old Quarters. This oldest continuously developed area of Hanoi was once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street name of a particular guild. Stop at a roadside coffee shop, mingle with the locals and enjoy the daily life passing by.

Day 3: Ninh Binh Countryside by E-Bike

Discover the quieter side of Ninh Binh on an eco-tour that brings together scenic cycling, cultural encounters and authentic rural experiences. After a short briefing and introduction to the fat-tire e-bike, set off on a leisurely ride to Hang Mua, where a rewarding climb reveals breathtaking views across emerald rice paddies and dramatic limestone karsts. Continue through the peaceful villages of Dam Khe Ngoai and Goi Khe, passing traditional homes, working farmland and quiet country lanes that offer a glimpse into everyday Vietnamese life.

Next, enjoy a traditional wooden boat ride along the tranquil Hai Nham waterway, taking in the surrounding landscapes at a relaxed pace. The experience continues with lunch shared alongside a local family in Dam Khe Trong, followed by an afternoon on the farm. Discover local traditions through rice wine tastings and hands-on activities that offer insight into the rhythms of village life and the enduring practices of small-scale Vietnamese farming.

Day 4: Hanoi Hidden Neighborhoods by E-Bike & Evening Sundowner Sojourn

Discover a different side of Hanoi on an immersive e-bike journey through the city's hidden neighborhoods and everyday local life. Venture beyond the familiar landmarks and busy tourist streets to explore quiet courtyards, traditional homes, family shrines and bustling local markets that reveal the city's authentic character.

After a brief introduction and safety orientation, set off through Hanoi's network of narrow ngo (alleyways), passing old tube houses, colonial-era architecture and lively neighborhood streets. Along the way, discover independent boutiques, historic cafes, traditional markets and ancient pagodas, while your local guide shares stories of the city's rich cultural heritage.

The journey concludes with a visit to the home of a local family whose roots in the neighborhood span generations. Gain a glimpse into everyday Vietnamese life and family traditions before sitting down to enjoy a home-cooked lunch featuring northern Vietnamese specialties. More than a sightseeing experience, this is an opportunity to connect with the people, flavors and traditions that make Hanoi so distinctive.Transfer from your hotel to the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, which comes alive in the early evening as locals gather for exercise, leisurely walks and people watching. Join the evening stroll through the Old Quarter to a nearby rooftop bar, where you'll enjoy panoramic views across Hanoi as the sun sets and the city's lights begin to sparkle. Relax with a drink or cocktail and light nibbles while your guide points out the city's landmarks and surrounding neighbourhoods from this unique 360-degree vantage point.

Then head back down to street level, where Hanoi takes on a distinctly different energy after dark. Follow your guide through the bustling streets as locals gather for dinner and vendors make their final sales of the day. With your guide offering local insight and helping with the occasional haggle, dive into the lively atmosphere and sample authentic street food from the famous "blue stools" that line the sidewalks. Chat with your fellow diners, watch the constant flow of people and ask your guide about everyday life, local traditions and the history behind the city.

Round out the evening with a dinner of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, served in an inviting and elegantly cozy setting.

Day 5: Hanoi to Sapa by Vehicle

Transfer: Hanoi - The Old Quarter to Sapa - Outer District

Hotel: Topas Ecolodge (4 Star Rating)

Topas Ecolodge is a boutique lodge situated atop a beautiful hillside deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park, just 45 minutes outside Sapa in northern Vietnam. The 41 rustic mountain bungalows are designed out of local white granite in a minimalistic chalet-style, providing you with all comforts while letting the main attraction, the magnificent and raw natural beauty of Vietnam, take center stage.

Day 6: Rice Terraces, Black Hmong & Giay Village Trek

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Sapa on a scenic trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley. Follow winding trails through lush rice terraces, traditional villages and mountain scenery while experiencing the daily life and traditions of the local Black Hmong and Giay communities.

The journey begins in Y Linh Ho, a peaceful Black Hmong village surrounded by rolling hills and terraced fields. Continue through Lao Chai before reaching Ta Van, a traditional Giay village nestled among the mountains. Along the way, enjoy spectacular valley views, explore local village life and gain a deeper appreciation of the region's unique culture and traditions.

Covering approximately 10 km, the trek takes around five hours and offers a rewarding combination of natural beauty, cultural discovery, and authentic local experiences. The day concludes with a return to Sapa by vehicle.

Day 7: Lech Village Trek

Begin your walk from Topas Ecolodge on a quiet road with a great view of the rice terrace below. You will slightly ascend to Lech village to visit a local house, meet the friendly Red Dao hosts and experience their daily way of life. The Red Dao women have their hair and eyes brows shaved by tradition and wear very colorful clothing. They are known for making beautiful handmade embroidery and basket weaving. Later, you may visit the school in the village to learn about the school system in the Northern Mountains. On the way back to Topas Ecolodge, walk on small trails passing rice terraces and cross a suspension bridge. Your guide will explain the cultivating culture of the local farmers.

Day 8: Return to Hanoi by Vehicle

Transfer: Sapa - Outer District to Hanoi - The Old Quarter

Hotel: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi (4 Star Rating)

The Silk Path Hotel is located in the heart of the charming old quarter of Hanoi close to countless tourist attractions, government and diplomatic institutions as well as the business district of the city. The Silk Path Hotel, with its 106 well-appointed exclusively designed rooms and suites, makes the hotel the preferred choice of both the leisure and business traveller.

Day 9: Halong Bay Cruise: Kayak & Cooking Class

This morning, transfer from your Hanoi hotel to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Island, transfer to the Paradise Elegance. You will be greeted by the Paradise crew who will aim to provide you with the highest standards of service throughout the journey. Halong Bay is blessed with numerous grottoes, hidden pools and mystical islands and this afternoon, there will be the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore the region further. Off-boat excursions are usually by ship's tender although often there is the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of the bay by bamboo rowing boat. Today's cruising program includes a visit to Titov Island and Luon cave. At sunset, Paradise Elegance will anchor overnight. It is the perfect time to enjoy Happy Hour and a cooking class demonstration while being serenaded by a live music performance at L'Odyssee Sundeck or Piano Lounge before sitting down to delicious dinner.

Hotel: Paradise Elegance (5 Star Rating)

A sleek, modern vessel that fuses contemporary styling with Vietnamese design concepts, the Paradise Elegance is a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Halong Bay. Boasting a piano bar, day spa and wellness centre, butler service and the full range of dining options, the Elegance is a work of art, the experience exquisite, the journey flawless.

Meal(s): Dinner, Lunch

Day 10: Halong Bay Cruise: Tai Chi, Cave & Fishing Village

Rise early and start the day with a Tai Chi session on the Sundeck or simply relax on board and take in the magnificent surroundings. After breakfast board smaller tender boats and set off to discover more remote areas of the bay such as Ho Dong Tien cave, Trong cave, Trinh Nu cave, Hang Dau islet, Hand Than islet and other spots. Visit Tien Ong cave and a fishing village where generations have and continue to make their livelihoods from the sea. Return to your vessel later this afternoon and enjoy some time to relax before experiencing another cooking demonstration and a scrumptious dinner.

Hotel: Paradise Elegance (5 Star Rating)

A sleek, modern vessel that fuses contemporary styling with Vietnamese design concepts, the Paradise Elegance is a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Halong Bay. Boasting a piano bar, day spa and wellness centre, butler service and the full range of dining options, the Elegance is a work of art, the experience exquisite, the journey flawless.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 11: Depart from Hanoi

Rise early and start the day with a Tai Chi session at L'Odyssee Sundeck before enjoying a light continental breakfast at Le Marin Restaurant. This morning you will visit Sung Sot cave, the most beautiful and largest cave in Halong Bay. Back on the ship, enjoy a full breakfast while cruising past Thien Cung and Dau Go Cave and the Fighting Cock Islet. Paradise Elegance returns to Tuan Chau Marina and you will get transferred to your Hanoi Hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast