2027 VFTA–17: HANOI – SAPA – NINH BINH - HALONG

Pick you up at Noi Bai International Airport (Flight TBA). Transfer to Hanoi Downtown. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some of Asia’s most striking colonial architecture, many peaceful lakes, parks and oriental temples making for a relaxing atmosphere. 
O/N at hotel in Hanoi.

Depart for Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam late 10th century - early 11th century, which is called ‘the terrestrial Ha Long Bay’ as its towering limestone cliffs and mountains spring up from the green, lush paddy field instead of blue water. Visit two temples dedicated to Dinh and Le Rulers, climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mount for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. Take a boat trip on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape to Bich Dong and Tam Coc caves. 
Back to Hanoi.
Have dinner at a local restaurant. 
After dinner, transfer to Hanoi Railways Station for an overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight on board the train (4 persons share a soft-sleeper cabin).

Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning. After breakfast, you will travel by car to one of the famous markets here where you can meet many ethnic minorities such as Flower Hmong, Black Dao, Phu La, Tay, Nung ...These markets gather only one time per week and they offer its variety of local products, which could not be found in others areas (Bac Ha market & Muong Hum market on Sundays, Coc Ly market on Tuesdays, Lung Khau Nhin market on Thursdays & Can Cau markets on Saturdays only). 
After the visit to market, we will drive to Sapa for hotel’s check in.
Overnight in Sa Pa.

After breakfast, we drive down the valley to the Muong Hoa River to visit the Black H’mong village in Lao Chai, one of the biggest minority groups in Sa Pa area. They are proud of their culture and keep their own traditions and lifestyle. Continue to Ta Van village (1.2 km) to visit Zay hill tribe people, a fairly small minority group of about 38,000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam. Zay women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green colour. The Zay houses are built of wood and bamboo with a clay floor. Opportunity to interact with local people to understand more their daily life. Late afternoon, be transferred back to Lao Cai Railways Station for a soft sleeper night train to Hanoi. 
Overnight on train. (4 persons share a soft-sleeper cabin).

ABF at hotel.
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 and the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Then visit Tran Quoc (One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam) & Van Nien pagoda _the thousand-year-old pagoda is considered one of the most famous ones in the old capital of Thang Long, both pagodas are on the shores of West lake. This pagoda dates from the 11th century and is said to protect this region from outside invaders. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070, its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Here we will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance.
 After lunch at a local restaurant, we shall proceed to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s greatest natural wonders and recognized as World’s Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 2000. 
This evening, you will have a seafood dinner at one of the best local restaurants. Free go shopping at night market.
Overnight at hotel in Ha Long Bay.