DAY 1 - HANOI

On arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport friendly guide will welcome you and transfer by private car through the city to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 2 - HANOI - LAO CAI (B,L)
08:30 depart your hotel for the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.
The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 will be visited next. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969, his former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. 
Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) 700meters to the nearby  Quan Thanh temple which is dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities 
In the afternoon visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum, which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum (closed on Mondays). The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women.  Displays highlight Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role Vietnamese women play in Vietnamese society.  Learn historic and modern-day traditions centered around births, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more.
At the end of the afternoon visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. Take a walking tour through charming Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you.
Mid evening proceed to Hanoi Train Station for the night train to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.

DAY 3 - LAO CAI - SAPA (B,L)
On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai transfer to the former hill station of Sapa.
In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colors of its hill tribe population - flashes of shining silver jewellery from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad H'mong and the scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao can be seen. It is here you will find hands stained with color from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings. Take a morning walking tour of Sapa for a visit to the busy market where Red Dao, Black H’Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions. Following take a light trek to discover Sapa's quaint hill tribe villages set against the stunning Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and Indochina's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan, a picnic lunch will be had en-route. 
Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure. 
Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks in Sapa. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be diverted.
Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 4 - SAPA - LAO CAI - HANOI (B,L)
Have breakfast before driving to visit a local market (Ban Cam on Tuesday/ Cao Son on Wednesday/ Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday / Can Cau on Saturday/ Bac Ha on Sunday. Note: The market visit may be on your arrival day depending on the market day). Here you’ll see mostly Flower Hmong however Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung hill tribe groups also gather here. The market offers a variety of local products, which could not be found in others areas such as an interesting animal market where pot-bellied pigs, cows and buffalos can be seen.
Continue your tour to have a short walk a hill-tribe village. Here you’ll have the opportunity to visit some local homes to understand more on the daily life of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions. Following head back to Lao Cai.  
In the late afternoon transfer back to Lao Cai before the night train back to Hanoi. In Lao Cai you’ll have day use of a hotel room so you can freshen up before the overnight train trip.
Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.

DAY 5 - HANOI - HALONG BAY (B,L,D)
An early arrival in Hanoi followed by breakfast in a local restaurant before heading to Halong Bay by road.  Depart for the 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay. Journey there through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, observe everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on motorbikes and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive from Hanoi late morning and welcome at the pier of your boat.
Check-in and transfer to your boat for the overnight journey into the Bay. Lunch is served on board as you cruise into Halong Bay. Cruise by rock formations with such names as Sail, Dog and Dinh Huong (incense pot). Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night as the sun sets followed by dinner. 
Overnight on Halong Bay.

DAY 6 - HALONG BAY - HANOI (B)
On your return to Halong City enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi.
This afternoon your guide and driver will be at your disposal. Enjoy the many charms that this city has to offer from the many stunning tree lined boulevards to simply taking a coffee at one of the charming street side coffee shop and watching the world go by.
Tonight finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.
Overnight in Hanoi. 

DAY 7 - HANOI (B)
Free at leisure until your transfer by private car to Hanoi Airport for international flight or domestic extension.

PLEASE CONTACT TO VITOURS HANOI FOR MORE INFORMATION !