Day 1London
Depart London late morning bound for vibrant Vietnam flying via Bangkok.
Change planes in Bangkok and travel onto Hanoi. You will be greeted at the airport by your driver and guide who will accompany you to your hotel. The rest of your morning is free for you to relax and freshen up before embarking on an afternoon cyclo tour of the Old Quarter escorted by your guide.
Continue your exploration of Hanoi by car this morning with your driver and guide. Visit Ho Chi Minh`s former home, the Temple of Literature (the first university in Hanoi) and perhaps the Fine Arts Museum which has a wonderful collection of art and sculpture.Your afternoon is free for you to further discover the city on your own.
Day 4Hanoi - Halong City
Depart Hanoi this morning for Halong Bay where you will board your traditional South China 'junk'. Your afternoon will be spent cruising around Halong Bay's thousands of limestone islets and caves. Enjoy the sun set over the calm waters before enjoying a wonderful dinner afloat.
Day 5Halong City - Hanoi
Rise early to view the sunrise over Halong Bay`s stunning limestone islets.Enjoy brunch as you cruise back to port and then return to Hanoi by car. You have use of a hotel room this afternoon and chance to explore any other sights before transferring to the train station for your overnight journey heading for the Tonkinese Alps.
Arrive into Lao Cai bright and early this morning. Your driver and guide will be waiting for you at the station and transfer you by car to Sapa. En route you will take a detour to the small but colourful market of Can Cau where you have a chance to see the local tribes in their traditional dress which makes for some fantastic photo opportunities. Your afternoon in Sapa is free for you to explore this colonial hill station at your own pace.
Today you have a full day trek planned which will take you through some of Sapa's most stunning scenery in the Thanh Kim valley. Visit some local villages and witness the incredible colours of northern Vietnam. Transfer by car to Lai Cai in plenty of time for your overnight train journey back to Hanoi.
Upon arrival into Hanoi train station you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to the airport for your homeward bound flight. In Bangkok change planes and fly onto London arriving early evening.