Grand North-west Vietnam Discovery

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by Asia Life Travel tour guide and driver. Transfer for around 45 minutes to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) for check in hotel and recover from jet lag.

Meet tour guide after breakfast for a full-day exploration of Hanoi. First visit the renowned Temple of Literature and the Quoc Tu Giam—Vietnam's first university, was founded within the temple to educate the royal family, mandarins, and elite members for an impressive 800 years.

Afterward, you can choose between museum options (to be decided on the tour day):

Option 1:Vietnam Women’s Museum. This highly regarded museum showcases the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam and highlights the vital role women play in society.

Option 2:Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). A must-visit for those interested in Vietnam's cultural diversity, this museum features a vast array of interactive exhibits representing the 54 ethnic groups of the country.

Option 3: Hoa Lo Museum - The "POWS" Known as the "Hanoi Hilton", this historic site was built by the French and served during both the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. It offers documentaries of Vietnamese history in 20-21 centuaries. 

Have a break for lunch. 

Once refreshed, head to Ho Chi Minh complex ( Ho Chi Minh Mousoleum, Presidental Palace, House on stilts and One Pillar pagoda). This fascinating site involves considerable walking, so be prepared (note that the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as every afternoon and annually from June 12th to August 14th).

Then enjoy some coffee at Train Street. The century-old train tracks that run through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Town have recently transformed into an intriguing attraction known as Hanoi Train Street, especially popular among travelers and foreigners. Sitting at a café adjacent to the railway and observing the daily lives of local residents can be somewhat risky, yet it continues to draw many curious visitors eager for the experience.
In the mid to late afternoon, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on the cyclo. This labyrinth of alleyways is filled with hidden gems, offering a glimpse into local life in the ‘36 guilds’ as you navigate the bustling streets.

To wrap up the day, travel back to the 11th century with an enchanting performance of the ancient art of water puppetry at the famous Water Puppet Theater.

After this captivating introduction to Hanoi’s highlights, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, set off northwest from Hanoi to Mai Chau. The journey takes you through a variety of landscapes from bustling urban city to lush countryside and breath-taking mountain landscapes. Have a break at Thung Khe Pass to capture memorable photos.

Upon arrive in Pa Co, indulge in the local cuisine at H'mong hosts. 
In the afternoon, take a solf trek to the towering viewpoint at Hang Kia. On a lucky day, you might even see a beautiful sea of clouds.

Return to village, stroll around and learn about the culture of the H'mong community that has called Vietnam home for over 600 years

Stay overnight at homestay

After breakfast, bid farewell to your host and head toward the Moc Chau Plateau, Vietnam's largest tea-growing region. (on Sunday, you'll have the chance to explore the vibrant Pa Co market).

Your tour guide will explain the process of planting, harvesting, and processing tea while  savor a cup of hot tea. Continue take a gentle climb to the summit for breathtaking views of the lush, verlapping tea hills.

Have lunch in the town before hop on your car to relax during the scenic drive through the hills. Upon arriving in Son La, known for its fruit plantations in northern Vietnam, check in to your hotel and take some time to explore this charming mountain town on your own.

In the morning, we drive to Dien Bien Phu, a historic site renowned for its decisive victory that echoed around the world, marking the end of French colonial rule in Vietnam.

Follow the trails alongside the stream and venture deep into the forest, we’ll visit the Muong Phang base, the command center of the Viet Minh during the Dien Bien Phu campaign, led by General Vo Nguyen Giap.

Upon arriving in the city, take a climb to the victory monument for a panoramic view of the city nestled in the high mountain valley.

We will also visit the Dien Bien Phu Cemetery, the final resting place of thousands of soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence.

Afterwards, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest.

In the morning, visit A1 Hill, renowned for its pivotal role in the decisive battle within the enemy’s stronghold. Next, explore the Victory Museum, which offers a comprehensive view of the war and recreates its epic battles.

After that, visit De Castries' command bunker  the last checkpoint that witnessed the unconditional surrender of the French colonialists. After that boarding the bus to Sapa. Enjoy the stunning scenery of mountains, tea hills, coffee plantations, and rice fields with villages of local comunities along the way as you traverse O Quy Ho Pass - heaven gate at over 2000 meter. Stop for a visit of Silver Water-fall on the way you come to Sapa town. 

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to rest.

Depart from Sapa at 8:30 for the best chance of clear weather for stunning photos and views. Begin your full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village. Follow the downhill path, we have the chance to interact with friendly H’mong women and children living in the valley. Take a moment to relax on the cable bridge, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

For those seeking adventure, consider the uphill trek along the buffalo path, which offers breathtaking views and less tourists. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, enjoy a stroll along the Muong Hoa River down to the Lao Chai Bridge.

Upon arriving at Lao Chai village, cross the rice fields to a small hamlet for a special visit with a Hmong craftsman, who uses beeswax for decoration to create unique Hmong indigo clothing. A great way to learn about their daily life and culture.

Continue to visit Ta Van village, home to the Dzay people, located on a hillside with stunning views of the Muong Hoa River, rice terraces, and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then stroll around the village to meet the locals.

You can choose to stay at a homestay, join in a cooking class and enjoy dinner with your host, or return to your hotel in Sapa for a comfortable stay.

After breakfast, Your tour guide will escort you to Fansipan Sun World for the experience the beauty of Sapa in the most luxurious fashion.

Conquer the peak of Indochina by taking the world’s longest non-stop three-rope cable car, spanning 6,292.5 meters. This is a lifetime opportunity to gaze upon the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and Muong Hoa Valley while enjoying breathtaking natural landscapes. The stunning views will create unforgettable memories for all who witness them.

Take a break to visit the Buddhist complex before choosing to either take a mountain train or hike 500 steps uphill to leave your mark on the Peak of Indochina, standing at 4,143 meters high. On your way back, you may want a hot drink at a café located 3,000 meters above sea level.

Meet your driver again then travel back to Hanoi. Arrrival to your hotel in the late afternoon. 

8:30 AM: Leave Hanoi by 2hour drive to start your Lan Ha Bay cruise escape. 

Upon arrival, be warmly welcomed to a romantic journey to explore one of the 20 most beautiful bay in the world - Lan Ha Bay.  A fantastic option for escaping the crowded tourist spots and fully immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty of nature. 

Get a short transfer by speed boat/tender from habbor to check in your comfortable private carbin before enjoying a delightful lunch with sea food choices.
Take some leisure time to admire the breathtaking scenery before setting off afternoon excursions. You can enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat rowed by fishman or try hands on kayaking to visit Bright Cave.
If the weather permit, it is an idealy of swimming in the emerald green water among thousands of limestone islands.  
As the sun sets, participate in a cooking class while the bar's Happy Hour is opened, the perfect view of Tonkin Bay.

The fine dining experience for dinner, featuring a delectable tasting menu, promises to create unforgettable moments.

Afterward, relax with your favorite drinks or you can also try your luck at squid fishing.

Start your day early with a Tai Chi session on sun deck, breathing in the fresh air, and witness the sunrise over the bay.

Enjoy a light breakfast complemented by a good cup of coffee or tea, preparing for a new-day adventure exploring the bay's rocky islands and natural beauty.

Afterward, return to the cruise to complete the check-out process. Savor a delightful brunch at the restaurant while cruising back to the harbor. 

Your private vehicle transfers you back to Hanoi or the airport to continue your holiday (up on request).