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halong bay

Sapa to Halong Bay Tour - 5D4N

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Trip length: 5 days | Trip code: HLVNT01

Trip Style: Comfort | Physical Rating: 3/5Trip Price: Upon request

Places visited: Ha Long Bay- Sapa

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 01: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise

Day 02: Ha Long - Hanoi - Night train to Sapa 

Day 03: Sapa explore

Day 04: Sapa trekking and local experience 

Day 05: Sapa  Departure 

TRIP MAP

map showing itineary of sapa to halong bay tour tour

TRIP DETAILS

Day 01: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise 

halong bay sampan experience
halong bay kayaking

Depart Hanoi at 8.00 AM for a drive of 3 ½ hours to Halong Bay through the lush country scenery of the Red River delta. Along the way you will have some opportunity to interact with, taking photos and learn about traditional life of local as they are working on farms, taking pigs and buffalos to the market on their motorbike and moving about for daily work. On arrival Halong, check in on board traditional style boat then enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch as the boat take you past strange shape islands and quaint floating villages.
Dubbed one of the most beautiful places on earth, Halong Bay is really a masterpiece of nature. Through millions of years, waves and winds have brought this place into an amazing natural painting that overwhelms even the toughest heart with its alluring beauty.
In the afternoon, you will spend some time to visit to one of amazing caves in Halong that filled with thousands of sparkling stalactites and stalagmites. The boat will then move to a serene place where you will enjoy your swimming in the emerald water and paddling kayak around to discover the islands in depth.
The remainder of the day is to relax. Just sit back with a glass of cocktail and enjoy the marvelous view of Halong as sun setting down behind the islanda and shimmering sea.
Dinner and overnight on board under romantic star live sky.

Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: Ha Long - Hanoi - Night train to Sapa 

halong bay luxury cruise
halong bay explore cave

Wake up early in the morning if you wish to catch the sunrise over the Bay. Have breakfast in the fresh air and then take a rowing boat tour around to visit a floating village where you will visit local houses, floating school and learn about the traditional life style of the locals. Later, you will cruise to visit another part of the bay and lunch will be served on your way back to the harbor. Disembark at noontime and get transfer back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is at your leisure for further explore Hanoi and perhaps to indulge with some fantastic shopping.

20h30:  Meet up again with your tour guide. You will get a transfer to Hanoi train station for the overnight train to Lao Cai. 

The train leave at 22h00 & will take around 9 hours to get to Lao Cai city.  

Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch

Day 03: Sapa explore 

sapa trekking
sapa cuisine

Upon arrival in the border town of Lao Cai in the early morning, you will get picked up and then take an hour's drive up hill through cloud and pristine, spectacular landscape to get to Sa Pa. Upon arrival in Sa Pa, freshen yourself up with wash and breakfast is ready in hotel’s restaurant.

After breakfast, get your luggage stored and take a light trek downhill to visit Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages of Black Hmong people located in a beautiful valley against the wall of Fansipan Mountain. The trek provides a great chance to see, meet, and talk with locals and to drop in to learn about their life and traditions. It is the chance for interesting local interaction and to fill up your album with beautiful photos. Overnight in a hotel in Sa Pa. 

Notes: If sleep at a homestay in Sapa, lunch and dinner will be included

Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast

Day 04: Sapa trekking and local experience  

sapa rice terraces
fansipan, sapa

Breakfast at the hotel and today you will enjoy a light trekking day to visit the stunning Muong Hoa valley and its hill tribe villages.
The trekking route today is said to be the best you can ever experience. This path provides great scenery of nature with mountains, forests, and terrace fields that carpet along hill slopes. On the trek, you will see minority people from some hill tribes with their typical appearance and colorful dress working and playing. It is the chance for interesting local interaction and filling up your album with beautiful photos. You can decide to take either the easy trek along the river or take a more challenging path up and downhill through bamboo forests and hidden villages.
A picnic lunch will be taken en route and this mid-afternoon you will reach the village of Dzay people in Ta Van. Check in homestay local house and spend sometimes to wandering around the village for sightseeing and local interaction.
Home dinner is served in a cozy atmosphere and enjoy a chat with your host to learn more about their life and tradition.
Our accommodation tonight is based on a multi-shared basis on the wooden floor of the house on stilts with personal mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided. There are also hot shower and modern toilet equipment for use at convenience.

Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: Sapa  Departure 

harvesting in sapa
visiting sapa

Have breakfast at homestay. 
After breakfast, say goodbye to the host, pick up your bag and set off for another trek along the dirt paths, terraces and bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dzao. Along the way you will have more chances to enjoy great view of the landscapes and meet more local peoples. 
Free time for lunch & explore the Sapa town on foot or just simply ease your sore muscles in one of the foot massage shops (own cost) 
Then our vehicle will transfer you back to Sapa for the journey back Hanoi.
Van depart Sapa at 15h30 – Arrival Hanoi at 21h30

Inclusions: Transportation, Private tour guide, Accommodation, Breakfast, Lunch

trip advisor page reviews
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Amy O

Jun 30, 2024

halong bay tour rating

Fantastic Travel Company

Dream trip that came true!!! Thomas helped me design a 24 day adventure thru Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand...

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Vickysv2024

Jun 21, 2024

halong bay tour rating

Great company to book with

We booked with travel authentic Asia for a couple ports during our celebrity cruise to Thailand and Vietnam...

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Silvester

May 25, 2024

halong bay tour rating

A well spent Vietnam holiday with Travel Authentic Asia

I decided to book a family tour in Vietnam with Travel Authentic Asia and were absolutely thrilled as it turned out to be an excellent decision...

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Halong Bay Travel FAQs

How Halong Bay was formed?

Halong Bay was formed over millions of years through geological processes, primarily due to the erosion of limestone karsts by the sea. The bay features thousands of limestone islands and islets, each sculpted by the natural forces of wind and water.

How many days in Hanoi and Halong Bay?

The ideal duration for exploring both Hanoi and Halong Bay can vary based on individual preferences and interests. Typically, travelers spend around 2-3 days in Hanoi to explore its rich history, culture, and cuisine. For Halong Bay, a cruise experience usually lasts for 1-2 nights, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery and activities offered in the bay.

Why is Halong Bay famous?

Halong Bay is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic destinations in Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors each year for its scenic cruises, kayaking opportunities, and serene atmosphere.

Which Halong Bay cruise to choose?

There are numerous cruise options available in Halong Bay, ranging from luxury to budget-friendly. The choice depends on individual preferences, budget, and desired level of comfort and amenities. Researching and reading reviews from other travelers can help in selecting a cruise that best suits your needs.

Is Halong Bay worth it?

Absolutely! Halong Bay is considered one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Its mesmerizing landscapes, serene waters, and unique limestone formations make it a must-visit destination in Vietnam. Whether you choose to explore it on a cruise, kayak through its caves, or simply admire its beauty from the shore, Halong Bay offers an unforgettable experience for travelers.

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