Temptation of the North

Be welcomed at the airport by our Authentik Travel tour guide and transfer to your hotel in the city center.

Check in at your hotel (after 12:00 pm) or leave your luggage at the hotel and enjoy a walk in the Old Quarter. The city was built in the 10^th century by the villagers near the Red River Delta. You can see the special architecture in the houses with their narrow width and deep length. You will be able to discover some popular streets such as Ma May, Hang Ma, Hang Dong, Hang Bac, and Hang Gai, and for tourist sites stop at Dong Xuan market, the biggest market in northern Vietnam, Bach Ma temple (White horse temple) and the traditional ancient house at 87 Ma May Street.

Return to the city center and take a break before attending the water puppet show, a unique performance that originated in the 11th century. These shows depict the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people through puppets moving on water. The performance often includes traditional music as well.

Come back to the hotel. End of the day​.

Exploring the Temple of Literature or Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam, the outstanding Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, visiting the French Quarter, and discovering the Hanoi Old Quarter

9:00 AM: Get picked up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in the 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the names of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered the first national university of Vietnam.

The next stop is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments, and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

In the afternoon, visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum before continuing the day with a walking tour in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only a few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism in the 19th century. Your tour guide takes you to typical streets of Hanoi, such as Lan Ong Street, which sells traditional medicine, and Lo Ren Street, where metal items are produced. Stop to visit the Dong Xuan Central Market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien Street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of amazing local foods and drinks. Try to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

In the late afternoon, take a night train to Sapa.
Overnight on Train (Share 4 Berth AC cabin).

Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning, our local guide will pick you up at the railway station and transfer to Sapa town. 

Enjoy breakfast at local restaurant and start a full day of trekking from Cat Cat Village of the Black Hmong. Visit its beautiful waterfall then follow the path to Y Linh Ho village.
Arrive at Y Linh Ho bridge. Stop to relax a little bit then resume trekking along the buffalo path through the hills. You will have chance to enjoy the splendid view over the rice terrace valley considered one of the most fantastic of the world.
Lunch will be served on the way.
After lunch take a short break before trekking to the Lao Chai village of the black Hmong and Ta Van village of the Zay people.
At 16.00 meet our driver and transfer to Sapa
Overnight in Sapa.

After breakfast at your hotel, our guide will meet you for a visit to Silver Water fall. This is one of the highest and most beautiful falls in Sapa.

Transfer further 3 km to reach Tram Ton Pass – 2000m from the sea level. You will feel the drop of temperature but the views are so gorgeous.
It is time for you to relax and take photos before driving back to Sapa town for your own lunch, relax then checkout the hotel before exploring the Dragon Jaw Mountain. Walking up to the mountain is the way to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and alot of flowers on the way.

From the top of the Dragon Jaw Mountain, you will able to view all charming Sapa and the Peak of Fansipan from distance.
Dinner is on your own then transfer to Lao Cai railway station for night train to Hanoi.

Overnight on train ( Share 4 berth AC cabin).

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, check in hotel by the gate of railway station and relax.

8.30 am, pick up and transfer to Halong Bay
12h30 – 13h00          Embark Cruise followed by a short cruise briefing.
13h30 – 14h30          Savor a delectable lunch on cruises among the limestone islands.
15h00 – 16h00          Explore the amazing Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.
16h00 – 17h00          Cruising to Titov island. Go swimming and relaxing at the beach of Titov or climb up to the top of the island for a panorama view of Halong Bay.
17h00 – 17h30          Return to the main boat and continue cruising to the quiet area while enjoy beautiful seascape on the way.
17h30 – 19h00          Enjoy Sunset Party on sundeck and admire the best moments of the day when the sun starts to set.
19h00                        Dinner is served. Socialize with other guests, take part in board games, fish for squid, or just laze around.
Overnight on board.

06h30 – 07h00          Start your day with Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt.
07h00 – 07h30          Have breakfast on board and enjoy the peaceful morning of Halong Bay.
08h30 – 09h30          Kayak among the hidden areas of the bay, around the Drum Cave.
09h45 Return to the boat. Freshen up and check out of your cabin.
10h00 – 10h30          Continue your cruise exploring the Bay, passing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more.
10h30 – 11h30          While heading back to the harbor, watch the fruit carving demonstration and participate in the Cooking Class before enjoying a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11h45 – 12h00          Disembark the cruise
12h15 – 12h30          Transfer back to Hanoi.
Free on your own in the old city.
Hotel in Hanoi
Note: The Cruise’s activity schedule will be dependent on each cruise and tide. It is adjustable.

Free till meet our driver for a transfer to airport for your flight home.