Northern Vietnam Trek 6D5N: Sapa Villages, Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh

No climbing is needed. The round-trip cable car is included in this package. From the top cable car station it is roughly 600 steps to the 3,143 m summit marker, or you can ride the mountain train up to the summit. The mountain train ticket is optional and is sold before you board the cable car, so we recommend deciding before your Fansipan day. We can buy the e-ticket for you. The summit is often 10 to 15°C colder than Sapa town and can be windy, so bring a warm layer even in summer.

It is an easy to moderate walk on village paths and small trails between rice terraces, suitable for most travellers who can walk for 2 to 3 hours. Paths can be slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. Your guide sets the pace for the group.

It is a day cruise. The shuttle bus from Hanoi to the cruise pier takes about 2.5 hours each way, and you spend around 4 to 5 hours on the bay with lunch on board and a cave or kayak stop, depending on the cruise route. Expect to be back in Hanoi in the evening.

Cruises can be stopped by the local port authority during storms, mostly between July and October. If that happens, you will receive a refund for the cruise or we will arrange another activity.

The climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint is about 500 stone steps and takes 20 to 30 minutes at an easy pace. The view over Tam Coc from the top is the highlight, so it is worth it if you can manage stairs. You can also wait at the foot of the hill.

Local rowers take you along the river in small sampan boats, through limestone caves and past rice fields. The ride takes about 2 hours. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and wear the life jacket provided.

Northern Vietnam (Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh) is best from September to May. Winter (December to February) is cool, around 10 to 20°C in Hanoi and colder in Sapa. September and early October bring golden rice terraces in Sapa. Summer is hot and humid with some storms on the coast.

The package price includes a private vehicle for groups of 8 or more travellers. Smaller groups can ask for a private tour and private vehicle at a separate price. Some legs on this route use shared transport, such as the transfer between Hanoi and Sapa (often a sleeper cabin bus or limousine), the shuttle between Hanoi and the Ha Long Bay cruise pier and the shuttle between Hanoi and Ninh Binh. Your booking confirmation lists the transport for each day.

No. This is a land package, so international and domestic flights are not included. The tour starts at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, where it also ends. Send us your flight times after booking so we can arrange your airport pick-up. If you need help booking flights, please contact us and our team will support you.

Malaysian and Singaporean passport holders can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 30 days. Travellers from the United States, Canada and most other countries need an e-visa, which you apply for online on the official Vietnam e-visa portal before you travel. Entry rules can change, so check the latest rules for your passport.

Children aged 5 to 11 and 3 to 4 have lower prices when they travel with 2 or more adults. Choose the child option on this page to see the price. Infants aged 0 to 2 travel free. Children from 12 years pay the adult price.

Cancellation is free 35 days or more before arrival, except payment fees and paid deposits for issuing flight tickets. The fee is 25% from 35 to 20 days before arrival, 50% from 20 to 10 days, and 100% less than 10 days before arrival. See our terms of service for the full policy.

We never take guests to commission shops. When the itinerary has free time for shopping, we suggest reputable places such as local markets and shopping malls. Tips are optional for groups of fewer than 10 travellers.

Yes. Halal meals can be arranged on request for private tours. Please tell us when you book.