Take the flight from Beijing or Shanghai to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to the hotel and relax.
Overnight in Hanoi
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Our "soft adventure" Vietnam package is perfect for vacationers who like to be happily active, but at a relaxed pace. One full day features discovering some of Hanoi's key historical and cultural highlights. Then take a comfortable overnight train to Sapa region's ethnic villages and roam the streets and countryside. The beauty of clothing and crafts, patterns of the terraced paddy fields, the traditional tribal lifestyles and friendliness of these mountain people will combine to give you indelible memories.
Take the flight from Beijing or Shanghai to Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, transfer to the hotel and relax.
Overnight in Hanoi
Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, Hanoi still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shops invite exploration by cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces, lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments, give the city an air of elegance and harmony, unique among Asian capitals.
Begin your day by visiting the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university.
Continue to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. (The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration).
Continue through the park to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows.
Afterwards head to Hoan Kiem Lake, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny Tortoise Pagoda. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent Opera House (may be seen from the outside only) and St. Joseph's Cathedral.
From the lake, begin exploring the Old Quarter by 'cyclo' This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop-houses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts and medicines to tombstones. It is a handicraft-lover's paradise and an endlessly interesting place to explore local life. The 'cyclo' ride lasts approximately one hour.
In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the History Museum of the Museum of Ethnology. Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the History Museum (Bao Tang Lich) is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, and includes exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history, from prehistory to proto-Vietnamese civilizations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. The Museum of Ethnology brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.
Transfer to the train station and board the train to Lao Cai.
Overnight in the train
Transfer to Sapa.
Breakfast at a local restaurant.
Travel down a winding road to the Black Hmong village of Cat Cat, past beautiful mountain scenery. Wander through the village, visiting the traditional houses and observing the rural way of life.
Afterwards, continue to the handicraft village of Ta Phin, inhabited by the Red Dzao, known for their distinctive red headscarves.
Overnight in Sapa
Visit the colorful market at Bac Ha, where ethnic minorities from around the region gather to trade water buffalo, livestock and handicrafts. The people inhabiting the area are mainly Flower Hmong, but there are also Dzao, Nung, Xa Fang, Phu La, Thai and many more ethnicities as well.
Overnight in Sapa
Take a walk around the town of Sa Pa, a former colonial mountain retreat. Stroll through parks and squares, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery all around. On clear days, it is possible to see the summit of Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia Travel on mountain roads to Black Hmong village of Lao Chai, where the local ethnic minority population still wear the distinctive traditional deep blue indigo clothing.
Continue walking along relatively flat footpaths past beautiful terraced fields to Tavan, a town of the Zay ethnic group.
Visit Ham Rong Mountain and San May (Cloud Yard).
Transfer to Lao Cai train station for your journey to Hanoi.
Overnight in the train
Transfer from train station.
Breakfast at a local restaurant.
All day at leisure to relax or do your own exploring.
Overnight in Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Hotel Information:
The Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa Hotel 4*
The four star Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, the only luxury hotel in North-Western Vietnam, was built as a traditional mountain chalet with accented wooden décor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace, the resort overlooks the village, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. The hotel features 77 stylishly designed rooms, each with private terrace, wood flooring and a warm touch of local decoration. Guests will feel at ease in the “mountain chalet” atmosphere. All guest rooms offer views over Sapa village, the resort’s lush gardens or Mount Fansipan.
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