Hanoi, Vietnam 13-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter.

Settle in and prepare for your Vietnamese adventure.

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available from the airport. Confirm fare before starting your journey.

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Wander through narrow streets, observe daily life, and discover hidden gems.

Wear comfortable shoes. Be mindful of motorbikes and street vendors.

Street Food Dinner

Savor authentic Vietnamese street food.

Try local specialties like Pho, Bun Cha, or Banh Mi from a reputable street vendor or local eatery.

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy a morning stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a central point of Hanoi, and visit Ngoc Son Temple situated on an island in the lake.

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university.

The Khue Van Cac pavilion within the complex is a notable landmark. This site offers insights into Vietnam's scholarly past.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Visit the historical Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the 'Hanoi Hilton'.

This museum offers a sobering look at Vietnam's past.

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique art form depicting rural life and legends.

Book tickets in advance, especially for evening shows.

Transfer to Ha Long Bay

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via shuttle bus or private car, arriving at the cruise port.

Many cruise companies offer transfers directly from Hanoi hotels.

Cruise Check-in & Boarding

Complete check-in procedures and board your chosen luxury cruise ship for an unforgettable journey through Ha Long Bay.

Ensure you have your booking confirmation and passport ready.

Lunch on Board

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch as your cruise begins to navigate the stunning karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

Bay Exploration & Activities

Participate in cruise activities such as kayaking, swimming, or visiting a cave (e.

g., Surprise Cave).

Activities vary by cruise itinerary. Check with your cruise operator for specific details.

Sunset Dinner on Cruise

Savor a gourmet dinner while watching the sunset over Ha Long Bay.

Enjoy the serene evening atmosphere.

Evening Entertainment

Optional evening activities on board such as squid fishing, board games, or relaxing on the deck.

Tai Chi on Deck

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay.

Light Breakfast

Enjoy a light breakfast or brunch on board before continuing with morning activities.

Morning Cave Exploration

Visit another beautiful cave or grotto within Ha Long Bay, often involving a short hike or small boat ride.

Disembark & Transfer Back

Check out from your cabin, enjoy a farewell brunch on board, and disembark.

Transfer back to Hanoi.

Dinner in Hanoi

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant near your hotel in Hanoi after returning from the cruise.

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum

Discover Vietnamese art through the ages, from ancient artifacts to contemporary works.

Chùa Quán Sứ Pagoda

Visit Chùa Quán Sứ, an active and historically significant Buddhist pagoda in the heart of Hanoi.

Afternoon Shopping/Leisure

Enjoy some free time for souvenir shopping in the Old Quarter or relax at a local cafe.

Consider visiting Dong Xuan Market for a local experience.

Farewell Dinner

Indulge in a special dinner to conclude your time in Hanoi, perhaps trying a more upscale Vietnamese restaurant.

Explore Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia, featuring numerous temples, giant statues, and stunning architecture set amidst picturesque landscapes.

It's a vast complex, so allow ample time for exploration.

Consider renting an electric car within the complex to cover distances more efficiently. Dress modestly as it is a religious site. The site can be very large, wear comfortable walking shoes.

Local Lunch

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant.

Try the famous Ninh Binh goat meat dishes and 'com chay' (crispy rice crust).

Trang An Grottoes Boat Tour

Embark on a serene boat trip through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Marvel at the dramatic limestone karsts, navigate through mysterious caves, and pass by ancient temples.

This is a must-do experience. The boat is rowed by a local, sometimes with their feet! There are usually multiple routes; choose one that suits your interest and time.

Dinner in Tam Coc

Dine at a restaurant near your accommodation in the Tam Coc area, enjoying fresh local dishes and reflecting on the day's sights.

Hike Mua Caves Viewpoint

Climb to the top of Mua Caves (Hang Mua) for breathtaking panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley, rice fields, and the Ngo Dong River winding through limestone karsts. The ascent involves about 500 steps.

Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, especially since it's Labour Day (a public holiday). Wear comfortable shoes. There are two peaks to climb, both offering spectacular views.

Riverside Lunch

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant along the river in Tam Coc, savoring local specialties.

Cycle the Countryside

Rent bicycles and explore the peaceful rural paths around Tam Coc, passing by rice paddies, small villages, and stunning karst formations. It's a great way to experience local life.

Many hotels offer bicycle rentals, or you can find them easily in Tam Coc town.

Relax and Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps trying a different local restaurant, and prepare for your journey to Sapa tomorrow.

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and preparing for the journey north.

Transfer to Hanoi

Travel by pre-booked private car or local bus from Ninh Binh back to Hanoi to catch your overnight train to Lao Cai.

Lunch in Hanoi

Have lunch in Hanoi, perhaps near the train station or in the Old Quarter, before heading to the station.

Board Overnight Train

Arrive at Hanoi's Tran Quy Cap train station side to board your overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai.

Settle into your cabin for the journey.

Tourist sleeper trains usually depart from the Tran Quy Cap side of Hanoi Station. Ensure you have your tickets ready and arrive in good time.

Overnight Train to Lao Cai

Travel overnight by sleeper train from Hanoi to Lao Cai, the gateway city to Sapa.

Enjoy the experience of train travel through the Vietnamese countryside.

Sleeping compartments typically have 4 or 6 berths. It's a comfortable way to cover the distance and save on a night's accommodation. Pack some snacks and drinks.

Arrive at Lao Cai Station

Your overnight train will arrive at Lao Cai train station.

You will be met by a pre-arranged transfer or find local transport to Sapa.

It's common for hotels or tour operators in Sapa to arrange transfers from Lao Cai. The journey to Sapa town is about 1 hour by mini-van or bus.

Transfer to Sapa Town

Take a scenic transfer from Lao Cai to Sapa town, enjoying the first glimpses of the mountainous landscape.

Hotel Check-in & Breakfast

Check into your hotel in Sapa.

Leave your luggage and enjoy a well-deserved breakfast.

Trek to Cat Cat Village

Embark on a gentle trek down to Cat Cat Village, a traditional village of the H'mong ethnic minority.

Observe their daily life, traditional crafts, and enjoy the stunning waterfall.

The path can be steep and slippery in places, so wear appropriate footwear. This village is relatively close to Sapa town and easily accessible.

Lunch in Sapa Town

Return to Sapa town for lunch, trying local Sapa cuisine such as 'thang co' (horse hotpot) or fresh grilled items.

Sapa Market & Town Exploration

Explore the vibrant Sapa market, where ethnic minority groups trade goods, and wander through Sapa town, enjoying the atmosphere and views.

The market is a great place for souvenirs and to observe local life. Be prepared for vendors approaching you.

Dinner in Sapa

Enjoy dinner at one of Sapa's many restaurants, perhaps with views overlooking the valley if the weather is clear.

Trekking to Lao Chai & Ta Van Villages

Embark on a longer, more immersive trek through picturesque rice terraces and valleys to visit the Black H'mong village of Lao Chai and the Dzay village of Ta Van. This offers a deeper insight into ethnic minority cultures.

Consider hiring a local H'mong guide for this trek; they offer valuable insights and support the local community. The terrain can be challenging, especially after rain, so wear sturdy hiking boots.

Local Village Lunch

Enjoy a simple yet delicious lunch, often prepared in a local home or guesthouse in Ta Van village, a unique cultural experience.

Ham Rong Mountain

Visit Ham Rong (Dragon's Jaw) Mountain, a landscaped park offering beautiful flower gardens, rock formations, and several viewpoints with stunning panoramic vistas of Sapa town, Muong Hoa Valley, and Mount Fansipan.

Sapa Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a final dinner in Sapa, perhaps trying a hotpot or barbecue, savoring the cool mountain air.

Trek to Cat Cat Village

Embark on a guided trek through terraced rice fields to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic minority.

Observe traditional weaving, intricate handicrafts, and local life.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. A local guide can provide deeper insights into Hmong culture.

Local Lunch in Sapa Town

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant in Sapa town, savoring regional specialties.

Explore Sapa Market

Wander through the bustling Sapa Market, where ethnic minority groups gather to trade goods.

Find unique souvenirs, local produce, and traditional textiles.

Bargaining is common for souvenirs. Be respectful when taking photos of locals.

Dinner & Foot Massage

Enjoy a relaxing dinner in Sapa town, followed by a well-deserved traditional Vietnamese foot massage after your trekking.

Summit Fansipan by Cable Car

Take the scenic cable car ride to the summit of Fansipan, the 'Roof of Indochina'.

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range and surrounding valleys.

Dress in layers as temperatures can be significantly colder at the summit. The cable car ride itself offers incredible photo opportunities.

Farewell Lunch in Sapa

Enjoy a final lunch in Sapa town, perhaps trying a different local dish or revisiting a favorite spot.

Leisure & Souvenir Shopping

Spend your last afternoon in Sapa at leisure, perhaps enjoying a coffee with a view or picking up some final souvenirs.

Transfer to Lao Cai Station

Take a bus or taxi from Sapa to Lao Cai train station, preparing for your overnight journey back to Hanoi.

Buses and shared taxis are readily available from Sapa town center to Lao Cai. Book tickets in advance during peak season.

Overnight Train to Hanoi

Board an overnight sleeper train from Lao Cai to Hanoi, a classic Vietnamese travel experience.

Rest in a comfortable cabin.

Aim to book a soft-sleeper cabin for maximum comfort. Trains usually depart around 8-10 PM and arrive in Hanoi early morning.

Arrive in Hanoi

Arrive at Hanoi Train Station (Ga Hanoi) in the early morning after your overnight journey from Lao Cai.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are available outside the station.

Hanoi Breakfast & Refresh

Enjoy a final Vietnamese breakfast in Hanoi, perhaps a bowl of phở or bún chả.

You can also find a café to relax and freshen up.

Last Minute Souvenir Hunt

Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping in Hanoi's Old Quarter or a revisit to a favorite spot before heading to the airport.

Consider picking up some Vietnamese coffee, silk items, or handicrafts.

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport

Travel from Hanoi city center to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your departure.

Book a taxi, Grab car, or airport shuttle in advance to ensure a smooth transfer. Allow ample time for traffic.

Depart from Vietnam

Check-in for your international flight and depart from Noi Bai International Airport, concluding your 13-day adventure in Vietnam.