Vital Vietnam

Arrive at the Noi Boi International airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. Established almost a 1000 years ago, this beautiful city of Hanoi, is the second largest city and also the capital city of Vietnam. Arrive and get transferred to Hanoi city. The morning is free for you to experience the city at your own leisure. In the late afternoon you will be transferred to the Hanoi train station where you will board the train for Sa Pa.

Arrive at the Lao Cai station early morning, and get transferred to Sa Pa by car. Check-in to your hotel, have breakfast and head for sightseeing tour of Sa Pa. Then proceed to have a scrumptious breakfast after which set off on a guided tour of Sa Pa. Head to Lao Chai, Ta Van and Giang Ta Chai Villages for a cultural exploration of these tribal bases. Also explore the diverse markets of Sa Pa. You will even get a chance to taste the local delicacies as you stop for lunch at a local restaurant. For dinner too you can explore local cuisine (at your own cost). Return to your hotel room to rest for the night.

Begin the day with a healthy breakfast. If travelling on a Saturday, Sunday or Tuesday then you will get the chance to visit the beautiful markets of the tribal people of flower Hmong ethnicity. On a Saturday, you get to visit the Can Cau market - a Mecca for local tribal people. On a Sunday, you will get to visit the Bac Ha market. Here you can shop and stroll through the markets without being accosted by hawkers. On a Tuesday, you will visit the Coc lymarket. Located amidst majestic mountains, this market offers everything from spices, handicrafts, farming tools to other local products..
On other days, you get a chance to drive down to the Ta Phin village, the home of the Red Dzao ethnic people. Return to Sa Pa and head to Lao Cai station to board your train to Hanoi.

Arrive at the Hanoi station early in the morning and proceed for breakfast. Post breakfast, head to Ha Long Bay,  A UNESCO World Heritage site made up of thousands of limestone and dolomite islands and islets. Embark on a cruise on a traditional junk boat and take in the picturesque scenery of the rocky mountains and the emerald water. The afternoon is free for you to relax and sun bathe or go kayaking or explore the caves of Ha Long at an additional cost. Spend overnight on board.

Wake up in the morning to an inspiring sunrise over the islets of the bays. Spend the day on board, manoeuvreing in and out of the islets, each deriving its name from their shape like Sail Island, Fisherman’s head rock, Butterfly rock and Turtle Islet. Return to Ha Long wharf and ride back to Hanoi. Arrive at the city by early evening. Return to your hotel room in Hanoi for a peaceful night.

Post breakfast, head for a city tour accompanied by an English speaking guide. Orient yourself with the most popular city landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House and St Joseph Cathedral. For a very local experience take a one hour cyclo tour of the old quarter. Watch the water puppet show, unique to Vietnam. Return to your hotel after an eventful day.

Begin the day with and check-out. You can explore the city of Hanoi till it's time for your flight back home. Proceed to the Noi Boi international airport and say goodbye to a wonderful vacation.