From Sapa to Ha Long Bay: Unmissable route in Vietnam and Cambodia in 16 days

Arrival in Hanoi: From the Airport to the Heart of the City

Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, a Spanish-speaking guide will be waiting for you. During the transfer to the city (approximately 1 hour), the guide will provide you with essential information about the capital. You’ll have some free time until check-in at the hotel. Rooms are typically available from 2:00 PM, but if they are ready earlier, the staff will usually accommodate an early check-in.

Meals: No meals included.

Journey From Hanoi to Sapa: A Scenic Bus Ride

We depart from Hanoi early in the morning by bus. Enjoy the stunning mountain scenery and rice terraces along the way from Lao Cai to the town of Sapa. We’ll take a break in Lao Cai before arriving in Sapa by midday, where you’ll witness the colorful traditional attire of the local H’mong, Dzao, and Tay people. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the charming Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong. Enjoy a pleasant walk from the hotel to explore this village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Exploring Lao Chai and Ta Van: Cultural Insights and Scenic Walks

After breakfast, we’ll travel to Lao Chai village, about 8 km from Sapa. Here, you’ll discover the daily life of the locals and learn how they craft their traditional clothing and handicrafts. After lunch in a local home, we’ll walk to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay people. This village is rich in culture and features beautiful houses nestled among rice fields. You’ll visit a local family’s home to learn about their lifestyle and enjoy some green tea. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fansipan Peak Adventure: From Sapa to the Summit

After breakfast, check out of your room and head to the Sapa cable car station, where you’ll board a cable car to Fansipan Peak. At the summit, enjoy free time to take in the panoramic views. Afterwards, return to Sapa for lunch and some free time to explore the city at your leisure. At 3:00 PM, a bus will pick you up for your return journey to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Hoa Lu and Tam Coc: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Ancient Capital and Stunning Caves

After a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi, you’ll arrive in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, before King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long (Hanoi). The old capital still preserves centuries-old pagodas and temples, showcasing unique wooden carving architecture.

After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll head to Tam Coc, where you’ll board a small rowing boat to begin your journey. Discover spectacular landscapes featuring local villages and breathtaking caves. Return to your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Exploring Hanoi: A Day of Cultural and Historical Highlights

After breakfast, begin your tour of Hanoi, the current capital of Vietnam. It’s the only Asian city with tree-lined avenues, French colonial architecture, serene lakes, and Eastern temples.

The tour includes a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 and considered a symbol of Hanoi. Continue to the Museum of Ethnology, which focuses on the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, visit the exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from Ba Dinh Square, then proceed to the One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai Tong, who reigned from 1028 to 1054. This wooden structure stands on a single stone pillar, resembling a lotus flower. Next, visit the Ngoc Son Temple, located in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Finally, enjoy a scenic cyclo pousse ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 guild streets, where each street was traditionally named after the craft workshops once located there.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Halong Bay Adventure: A Scenic Cruise Through UNESCO World Heritage Waters

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Halong Bay, a journey that takes approximately two and a half hours.

Upon arrival, check in on board with a welcome drink. Enjoy a seafood lunch as you embark on a fantastic cruise through the limestone islets of the stunning Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Disembark to visit Surprise Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the bay.

Participate in organized excursions and activities offered by the cruise, or simply relax and enjoy your time on board. Regardless, you’ll be surrounded by the immense natural beauty of Halong Bay.

As the day comes to a close, the boat anchors for the night among the karst formations.

NOTES: The cruise itinerary is subject to change without prior notice if weather conditions require it.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning in Halong Bay: Tai Chi and Scenic Farewell

Start your day with a light breakfast on board (pastries, milk, coffee, tea…).

Rejuvenate with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck at 7:00 AM, connecting with the breathtaking natural surroundings.

Enjoy a few final excursions and activities, depending on the boat’s itinerary. A buffet brunch will be served before disembarking around 11:00 AM.

The boat will take you back to the Halong pier, where the crew will bid farewell. Your driver will then transfer you back to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An. Check in and enjoy some free time.

Meals: Breakfast

Después del desayuno, empieza la visita de la ciudad de Hoi An, un importante puerto comercial de Asia en los siglos XVII y XVIII, cuya arquitectura y estilo relajado de vida han cambiado poco en los últimos años, navega en barco por el río Thu Bon por las pequeñas aldeas que bordean el río.

Baja del barco para volver al barrio antiguo, donde pasea a pie por el casco antigua. Visita la casa antigua de Phung Hung, el puente cubierto japonés con más de 400 años de antigüedad, la sala de reunión de Phuc Kien, la casa antigua Tan Ky, el taller de seda y el museo de la cultura «Sa Huynh».

Almuerza en restaurante local. Tarde libre para disfrutar la playa, pasear por el colorido mercado o ir de compras.

Comidas: Desayuno, Almuerzo

Discover Da Nang and Hue: Scenic Views and Cultural Highlights

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Da Nang for a panoramic city tour. Visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, which offers stunning views of the city and the charming coastline of the Son Tra Peninsula. Continue by road to Hue, the ancient imperial city of Vietnam, traveling over the Hai Van Pass (Ocean of Clouds) and passing the picturesque Lang Co Beach.

Upon arrival in Hue, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s best-preserved religious monuments and a symbol of the city. Finish your day with a visit to the vibrant Dong Ba Market.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

xplore Hue’s Imperial Legacy and Journey to Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, visit the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993. Despite wartime bombings, well-preserved and meticulously restored sections still showcase its grandeur.

Next, explore the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, followed by a visit to the serene Tomb of Minh Mang, designed according to feng-shui principles. Proceed to a small craft village renowned for its incense production before heading to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy some free time to explore Saigon at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

u Chi Tunnels Exploration and Saigon City Highlights

In the morning, your guide will pick you up at the hotel for a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Upon arrival at Cu Chi, discover one of the most sophisticated man-made tunnel systems and learn about the extraordinary wartime legends through the following activities:

Watch a documentary about the tunnels during the war.
Walk through the jungle to explore traps, secret entrances, bunkers, and underground hideouts.
Experience shooting with an AK rifle at a local shooting range (optional extra).
Observe the traditional making of rice paper and rice wine at a craft workshop.
Enter a section of the underground tunnels and experience what it was like for a soldier.
Enjoy a break with jasmine tea and pieces of cassava, a humble wartime meal.
On the return to Saigon, have lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, visit Saigon’s historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace – the former seat of government during the Vietnam War (exterior visit).

End the day with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Vietnam War.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Mekong Delta Exploration and Transfer to Siem Reap

After breakfast, head to the spectacular Mekong Delta, a two-hour drive through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon reaching My Tho/Ben Tre, embark on a boat ride (1.5 hours) through the narrow canals, surrounded by lush vegetation, to the heart of the Delta and experience a completely different world along the river.

During your visit, sample local delicacies, including exotic fruits from Delta orchards and coconut candies made in traditional craft factories.

Return to the shore by carriage and then transfer to a rowing boat, navigating through the dense vegetation of the canals.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back to Ho Chi Minh City with a stop at the Cao Dai Temple, a unique religious site that blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, and Confucianism.

At the designated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a Spanish-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Explore Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat: A Journey Through Cambodia’s Ancient Temples

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing by Tuk-Tuk (a traditional Cambodian motorized tricycle) to the South Gate. From this entrance, marvel at the impressive statues depicting the ocean’s movement and explore the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). Visit Bayon Temple, renowned for its 54 towers adorned with 200 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara, as well as Phimeanakas, the Leper King Terrace, the Elephant Terrace, and the Royal Palaces.

Next, visit Ta Prohm, one of the most spectacular temples in the area, famously preserved since its discovery and still retaining its mysterious allure. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the renowned Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Covering 81 hectares, it is comparable in size to Beijing’s Imperial Palace. Explore the iconic five towers that feature on the Cambodian flag, representing the five peaks of Mount Meru, the surrounding mountains, and valleys, and the ocean. This 12th-century masterpiece is recognized by historians as a prime example of classical Khmer architecture and art.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Cultural Immersion and Temple Visits in Siem Reap

After breakfast at the hotel, participate in a Buddhist ceremony with monks at a local pagoda. Gain insight into the religion and its impact on Cambodian culture. The ceremony concludes with a blessing from the monks for the attendees.

Next, visit the temples of Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre, both dedicated to Shiva.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

On the return to the city, visit D’Angkor, a center dedicated to assisting young Cambodian artisans.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Departure from Siem Reap

Enjoy some free time. At the designated time, transfer to the airport for your international flight home.

Meals: Breakfast