Sapa & Halong Bay Combo Tour in 6 Days

Overview

This 6-day Sapa and Halong Bay tour combines Vietnam’s northern mountains and coast into one seamless journey. You’ll trek through terraced rice fields and stay in ethnic minority villages around Sapa, then relax on a traditional wooden cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay, a quieter part of Halong Bay. With a mix of nature, culture, and comfort, this tour is ideal if you want both active adventure and peaceful downtime without worrying about logistics.

Highlights

  • Overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, a classic Vietnam travel experience
  • Trek through rice terraces and minority villages in Sapa’s Muong Hoa Valley
  • Stay overnight in a family-run homestay for cultural immersion
  • Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay with kayaking, caves, and sunset views
  • Stress-free travel with all transfers, meals, and accommodations arranged
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BOOKING SUMMARY

Sapa & Halong Bay Combo Tour in 6 Days

Starting Date: Apr 18, 2025

Package:

TRAVELLERS

Total: $0

Questions or Special Requests?
Not sure about something, or want to customize this tour? We’re happy to help—just reach out!

Vietnamese Travel Agency

Book directly with a local Vietnamese travel agency

Secure payment

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Local Support

Local team in Vietnam for questions and on-site assistance

Highly rated

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Itinerary

Between 20:30 and 21:00, a guide or operator will meet you at your hotel and take you to Hanoi Railway Station. Here you’ll receive your tickets and board the Dream Train Express to Lao Cai.

Settle into your 4-berth cabin with air-conditioning and bedding provided. The ride is a little bumpy but it’s a fun and classic Vietnam travel experience. If you’re tall (over 1.85m), expect to bend your legs slightly in the berth. The train departs Hanoi at 22:00 and arrives in Lao Cai around 05:55.

Arrive early in Lao Cai and transfer by car to Sapa. You’ll drop your luggage at the office and enjoy breakfast before starting the day.

Breakfast

Your guide takes you by car to Love Waterfall. From there, walk about 1 km along the Golden River to see this scenic spot tucked away in the forest.

Continue to the 200-meter-high Silver Waterfall, the source of the Muong Hoa Stream. After exploring the area, return by car to Sapa town.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch and have the afternoon to yourself for a relaxed wander through Sapa town or simply rest.

After breakfast, begin the trek with a descent along Cat Cat’s road and cross the Muong Hoa River on a hanging bridge. Continue through a bamboo forest and into the mountains, with sweeping views of the rice terraces.

Breakfast

Arrive in Y Linh Ho village, home to Hmong families, and stop for a simple lunch at a local-run restaurant.

Lunch

Walk on to Lao Chai, one of the oldest Hmong settlements, before reaching Ta Van village, home to Giay and Hmong minorities. Depending on the season, you may see rice planting or harvesting in progress.

Morning :
Relax in Sapa

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to explore Sapa at your own pace.

Breakfast

Check out at 12:00 and prepare for the journey back.

At 14:30, board a luxury limousine bus back to Hanoi. The trip takes about 6.5 hours with two short rest stops along the way.

Between 07:45 and 08:30, a luxury shuttle or limousine bus picks you up in Hanoi. After a rest stop, arrive at Ha Long International Port around 12:30.

Breakfast

Enjoy a welcome drink, check in to your cabin, and sit down to a Vietnamese lunch while sailing deeper into Bai Tu Long Bay.

Lunch

Paddle through limestone karsts and relax in the emerald waters around Cap La.

Return to the boat for sunset drinks, followed by a set dinner. Afterward, join squid fishing, puzzle games, or simply relax on deck.

Dinner

Start the day with Tai Chi on the sundeck or sip morning coffee with bay views. Breakfast is served in Western style.

Breakfast

Transfer to a day boat and cruise past floating hamlets before arriving at Vung Vieng. Meet local fishermen and learn about life on the water.

Return to the boat for a hot lunch.

Lunch

Spend the afternoon kayaking and swimming in Cong Dam, a remote area of Bai Tu Long Bay. Weather permitting, visit Thay Cave before heading back.

Join the sunset party, then enjoy another set dinner and evening activities such as squid fishing or board games.

Dinner
Cruise

After breakfast, visit Thien Canh Son Cave and the nearby Hon Co Island beach. Your guide will share stories about Halong Bay’s history and geology.

Breakfast

Pack your bags, then watch a Vietnamese cooking class on board before enjoying your last lunch on the boat.

Lunch

At 12:00, disembark at Ha Long International Port. Around 15:00, you’ll arrive back in Hanoi, where the trip ends.

  • Sleeper train Hanoi – Lao Cai (shared 4-berth cabin, Dream Train Express)
  • Transfers by car, limousine bus, and shuttle as mentioned in the program
  • English-speaking local guide in Sapa and on the cruise
  • Accommodation:
  • • 1 night at Sapa Hills Hotel (Sapa)
  • • 1 night in a local homestay in Ta Van
  • • 1 night at Hanoi Esplendor Hotel & Spa
  • • 2 nights on Renea Boutique Cruise (Deluxe cabin)
  • All entrance fees and permits
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Drinking water on tours and 1 soft drink on kayaking excursions
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary (trekking, kayaking, Tai Chi, cooking class, cave visits, etc.)
  • Beverages, personal expenses, and tips (optional)
  • Travel insurance
  • Services not listed in the program
  • Easy to moderate. The trek in Sapa involves some uphill and downhill walking but is manageable for most travelers. If you have concerns about the distance, let us know—we can adjust the pace to your needs.
  • This tour is enjoyable year-round, but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for trekking and cruising.
  • Wear light, breathable clothing for trekking and bring a warm layer for cooler evenings in the mountains or on the cruise. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are recommended. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and a swimsuit for Halong Bay.
  • Wifi is available at hotels and on most cruise boats, but connections may be slow or limited in rural Sapa and on the bay. A Vietnamese SIM card is recommended for reliable access during the tour.
  • You can bring a medium-sized suitcase or backpack. For trekking, pack a small day bag with essentials. Large luggage can be stored safely at your accommodation in Hanoi or Sapa during the trek.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific meals can be arranged—just let us know your preferences in advance. Homestays and cruises are happy to accommodate most requests with notice.
  • You’ll stay in a well-rated hotel in Hanoi, a local homestay in Ta Van Village, and a traditional wooden cabin on a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise. We select accommodation based on comfort, atmosphere, and feedback. Custom upgrades are available on request.
  • This tour departs daily and is available year-round. We recommend booking early, especially during holiday periods and peak seasons (March–April and October–November).
  • Child prices apply to children from 5 to 8 years old. Participants older that 8 years old are charged the adult rate
  • This tour covers a mix of short transfers, a scenic overnight train ride, and a full-day trek of around 15 km in Sapa. Distances are moderate and balanced with rest time.

FAQ

What is the difference between Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay?

Bai Tu Long Bay is part of the greater Halong Bay area but sees fewer tourists. It offers a more peaceful cruising experience with similar limestone scenery and hidden caves.

Can the itinerary be customized or upgraded?

Yes, we can arrange private transfers, upgrade accommodations, or adapt the itinerary if you need more comfort or flexibility. Just contact us with your preferences.

What happens if it rains during the trip?

The tour runs in all weather. Trekking may get muddy in the rainy season, and some cruise activities could be adjusted for safety, but your guide will make sure the experience stays enjoyable.

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