Northern Vietnam is a treasure trove of wonders, from the fantastic hills of Sapa to the mystical waters of Halong Bay.

Your Sapa to the Sea journey begins in the buzzing capital of Hanoi. Prepare for sensory overload as the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of Vietnam merge in to an exciting atmosphere. Explore the historical sites, winding streets, and serene lakes of the city.

An overnight train journey takes you to the far Northwest corner of Vietnam. Near to the Chinese border, the Sapa region is filled with ethnic minorities who maintain their own local culture, traditions, and dress. Spend three days trekking through the region, exploring the vast diversity whilst enjoying the fresh mountain air. Explore waterfalls, rice paddies, high mountain passes, and welcoming local villagers.

Return to the lowlands and travel east to the flatlands of the Red River Delta. A cable car ride takes you to the top of Yen Tu Mount with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, before trekking down to visit Giai Oan pagoda. Spend the night on Tuan Chan Island amidst the calming waters of the South China Sea.

Your hard work is rewarded with an overnight cruise on the magnificent Halong Bay. Relax and put your feet up as the traditional wooden junk boat winds its way through hundreds of limestone karsts. Feast on seafood, visit mystical caves, and swim in the turquoise waters of the Bay. For those with energy remaining, kayak through the calm waters for a different viewpoint of the towering karsts. Your journey comes to an end back in Hanoi where a farewell dinner is the perfect opportunity to reflect upon the adventures of the past week. Revel in the wonders of North Vietnam's people and places whilst savoring a delicious, and well deserved, Vietnamese feast!

Arrival Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is at your leisure to rest and relax or enjoy a brief walking with your guide to explore the incredible Old quarter and charming lakes of Hanoi. Meet up again in the evening for a scrumptious welcome dinner in one of Hanoi's best local restaurants.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the capital's sites. Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh & the Hochi Minh complex before enjoying a nice buffet lunch at Brother Café. This afternoon is free for you to visit historical sites by yourself or shop in the Old Quarter with its 36 winding streets.  Enjoy an early dinner at L'Indochine restaurant before boarding the train to Lao Cai.

Overnight onboard the train.

Arrive Lao Cai in the early morning and transfer along terraced hillsides to Sapa, home to some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic groups. After breakfast, commence with a short hike along a narrow trail through beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. Pass through the Black H'mong ethnic minority village of Ma Tra, and continue through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. Take a midday rest for lunch at a local ethnic school before continuing the afternoon trek to the Red Dao minority village of Ta Phin. Visit a workshop and a nearby cave before transferring by road back to Sapa. (Today's trek is approximately 20km)

Overnight in Sapa.

This morning, trek along the fringes of the rainforest skirting the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range. Ascend to the Red Dao village of Nam Toong where lunch will be prepared and served in a local school. Continue hiking to the beautiful village of Ban Ho, located next to a gorgeous turquoise river. A final haul uphill out of the Sapa valley will bring you to the large roadside village of Supan, from where the jeeps will transfer you to a wonderful Ecolodge where you'll enjoy a home cooked dinner. (Today involves approximately 5 hours of trekking)

Over night in an Ecolodge.

This morning travel to Silver Waterfall and 'Heaven Gate', the highest pass of roads in Vietnam. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina, before descending on a downhill trail through bamboo forest. After lunch by the river, continue the trek to Sin Chai village, where community-based tourism projects in Sapa takes place. Visit the village and interact with the local black Hmong minority, one of the largest group ethnic minorities in Sapa area. From here, journey back to Sapa and on to Lao Cai to catch the night train to Hanoi. (Today involves about 4 hours of walking)

Overnight onboard the train.

After an early arrival in Hanoi, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and a quick shower before heading out to Yen Tu Mount. Take a cable car up Hoa Hien Temple before hiking down Giai Oan pagoda. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant at the bottom of Yen Tu Mount before transferring on to Tuan Chau Island. (Approximately 5 hours of trekking today)

Overnight on Tuan Chau Island.  

This morning, a short transfer takes you to Halong Bay for an early cruise. Set sail through the bay and while enjoying lunch. Take in the scenery of thousands of sculpted limestone islands rising from the waves like dragons' teeth. After lunch, cruise to the inside of magical landscape of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, and Sung Sot Cave. Enjoy sunset from the top of the Titop Mountain or you can take a bamboo row boat to discover a water tunnels with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on board the boat, enjoy dinner as the sun sets.

Overnight onboard Halong Bay junk boat. 

Rise to the sound of the ocean coming to life for another lovely day. Before a very early breakfast, you will have an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay while cruising back to the Halong dock to drive back Hanoi. Upon arriving in Hanoi early this afternoon, the rest of the day is at your leisure before meeting for a farewell dinner.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast you will have the chance to wander around Hanoi for your last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

N.B. The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group and so on. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your expedition leader will have the final say.