Christmas & New Year Holiday in Northern Vietnam

Greetings in Vietnam! As you touch down in the vibrant capital, Hanoi, a private tour guide and driver await you at Noi Bai International Airport. They extend a warm welcome and accompany you to the city center for hotel check-in. (Note: Standard check-in time is 14:00; early check-in is subject to hotel availability and may incur a surcharge).

Optional: Depending on your arrival time, you have the flexibility to tailor the itinerary for a direct journey to Sapa or Halong from the airport. Feel free to reach out to us for personalized advice.

Begin your Christmas Day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exciting Hanoi city tour.

At 8:30 am, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel, and the first stop is the Hanoi Cathedral—a must-see destination during the festive Christmas and New Year period. Following this, you'll take a charming cyclo ride through Hanoi's old quarter, immersing yourself in the lively and warm Christmas and New Year Festival atmosphere on the historic streets.

Afterwards, visit the Temple of Literature, a significant historical site and one of Vietnam's earliest universities. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore more of Hanoi by strolling through its vibrant streets. Consider a visit to Hang Ma street, Tran Quoc pagoda, and other renowned areas. If you're interested, indulge in the unique Water Puppet Show (additional cost for tickets: USD 8/person).

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and relish the festive night in Hanoi, making your Christmas Day memorable.

Commence your journey at 6:30 am as you meet our driver for the shared limousine bus transfer to Sapa. The scenic route unfolds over 5.5 to 6 hours, culminating at your Sapa hotel.

Around 13:30, upon your arrival in Sapa town, you'll be greeted by our tour guide and treated to a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on a trekking adventure to the magnificent Muong Hoa Valley. A leisurely walk through the old village provides insight into the rich traditions of the Black H'mong people. Discover a stunning waterfall and the remnants of a hydroelectric power station, a French colonial-era construction in Vietnam. Follow a dirt trail weaving through the mountains, reveling in the breathtaking scenery. Trek alongside a narrow stream until you reach Y Linh Ho village, the home of the Black H'mong minority. Continue your journey towards Muong Hoa valley, descending into the region boasting the largest terraced rice fields in Sa Pa. This trek leads you from Lao Chai village of the Black H'mong minority to Ta Van village of the Giay minority.

Conclude the day's adventure by returning to Sapa via car for an overnight stay.

The following morning, after savoring breakfast at the hotel, your tour guide will guide you through the exploration of Cat Cat Village and Sapa Town.

Marvel at the panoramic views of the picturesque valley, extending towards Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina. Trek through the villages of the Black H'mong ethnic minority, gaining insights into their weaving and embroidering traditions. Continue your descent to relish the vibrant colors of rice paddy fields and the captivating waterfall. Trek back to Sa Pa.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the charm of Sa Pa town and its bustling market. Take the opportunity to visit Swing Sapa and unwind with some coffee or drinks at a cozy café.

At 17:00, our driver will transport you to Lao Cai Station for the night train journey back to Hanoi. Dinner can be enjoyed at Lao Cai Station.

Prepare for a comfortable overnight stay aboard the night train, reminiscing about the enchanting experiences in Sapa.

Upon arriving in Hanoi at 5:30 am, you can enjoy breakfast and await the bus to Halong, expected between 8:00 am to 8:40 am. Meeting points are either the Hanoi Opera House or your Hanoi accommodation.

Halong Bay Cruise Itinerary:

8:15 - 8:45 AM | Pick-up: Our Limousine bus will collect guests from hotels.

11:45 - 12:00 PM: Welcome to V’Spirit Cruises lounge at Tuan Chau International Harbour and complete check-in procedures.

12:00 - 12:30 PM: Transfer to V’Spirit Cruises by a tender boat. Embark on V’Spirit Cruises and enjoy a welcome drink while listening to cruise briefing and safety introductions.

1:00 PM: Have lunch at The Dawn Restaurant as V’Spirit Cruise takes you through some of the most breathtaking sceneries from Halong Bay to its secretive "neighbor" called Lan Ha Bay.

2:45 PM: Explore the Tra Bau area by kayaking, getting closer to the rocky islands, and admiring the stunning nature of the bay. You have the chance to kayak past a hidden temple of the fishing villagers if weather permits.

4:15 PM: Time for swimming and water activities, immersed in the green water of the Bay with floats.

5:00 PM: Join a cooking demonstration to get to know Vietnamese cuisine and create your own special flavors.

5:30 - 6:30 PM: Enjoy a Sunset party with complimentary drinks while waiting for twilight over limestone islands. Take advantage of HAPPY HOUR to have your favorite drinks.

7:00 PM: Dinner at the restaurant. Fine dining setting with a degustation experience will create your memorable moments.

9:00 PM: Enjoy evening views of the bay on the top deck, join a game show at the top deck bar to win some nice local gifts. Optionally, try your luck with squid fishing.

Accommodation: On Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Halong Bay Cruise - Day 2:

6:15 AM: Embrace a serene sunrise with Tai Chi session on the sundeck, offering tranquil moments to start your day.

7:00 AM: Savor a light breakfast on board.

7:30 - 8:45 AM: Embark on an exploration of Bright Cave aboard a traditional rowing bamboo boat, accompanied by locals.

9:00 AM: Return to the cruise and proceed with check-out.

9:30 AM: Delight in a luxury Set menu brunch at the restaurant while the cruise gracefully navigates back to Tuan Chau port.

11:00 AM: Disembark at Tuan Chau port. Board the Limousine Bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

Arrival in Hanoi: Anticipate arriving in Hanoi at around 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM.

Overnight Stay: Stay overnight in Hanoi, concluding your memorable Halong Bay cruise experience.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to explore Hanoi at your leisure. Take the opportunity to select delightful souvenirs for friends and family or meander through the city, capturing photos to immortalize the last moments of your stay. The hotel room remains at your disposal until 12:00 noon.

As your journey concludes, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

End of service!