Hanoi & Sapa to Hoi An - 12 days

12 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 49 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Hanoi - Explore the Vietnamese capital by rickshaw and on foot, taking in the main highlights and sampling local street food

Sapa - Trek through picturesque countryside, passing rice paddies, water buffalo, mountains and rural villages

Halong Bay - Cruise on emerald green waters surrounded by limestone karsts and kayak through hidden caves to explore secluded coves

Ninh Binh - Cycle through picturesque rice paddies and take a local rowboat trip before climbing to Dragon Mountain Viewpoint for panoramic countryside views

Hoi An - Take a ride in a coconut boat, explore this ancient town and enjoy an included cooking class

Itinerary

Travel from Hanoi’s historic streets to the lantern-lit alleys of Hoi An on this 12-day tour, ideal for active explorers ages 18–49. Begin with the best of the Vietnamese capital on a city tour, then trek amidst Sapa’s lush mountains and ethnic villages. A magical cruise on Halong Bay’s green waters follows, before cycling, rowing, and hiking your way through Ninh Binh’s serene landscapes. Spend three nights in Hoi An, where coconut boat rides, cooking classes, and lantern-making workshops await. With moderate physical activity and a blend of guided and cultural experiences, this package is perfect for those who want to balance adventure with immersive local connections.

day 1 - Hanoi

We’ll greet you at the airport in Hanoi and transport you to your hotel. After your flight, you'll have ample time to rest before we get together with the group for a welcome dinner at around 19:00, so you can get to know everyone before our adventure begins tomorrow.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 25 - 35, and in most cases we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 49. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

OverNight:Hanoi

day 2 - Hanoi by Rickshaw

Uncover the unique charm of Vietnam's bustling capital with a walking and rickshaw tour of the city. Explore the lively streets, intriguing culture, and delectable street food, as well as city landmarks including the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and the Old Quarter. Afterwards, we'll enjoy dinner and delve into some of the best nightlife Hanoi has to offer!

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Hanoi

day 3 - Sapa Trekking

Hanoi - Sapa. This morning, we'll board a VIP limousine bus and leave Hanoi, travelling to the scenic hills of Sapa. Our local guide will educate us on how various ethnic groups coexist peacefully while preserving their unique traditions. We'll then embark on a trek into the heart of the Muong Hoa Valley. As we journey past rice paddies, breathtaking mountain views, and grazing water buffalo, we might get a bit muddy, but that adds to the adventure! Upon reaching our homestay, we'll enjoy a well-earned rest, exchanging stories over dinner and some rice wine. Ā Ā 

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Sapa

day 4 - Sapa Trekking

Today, we will continue exploring Sapa on foot. We hike through terraced hills and explore local villages, meeting the villagers and learning more about traditional life. In the afternoon, a short drive will return us to Sapa, where we will check in to our hotel set on the mountainside and enjoy the tranquility of the area.Ā 

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
OverNight:Sapa

day 5 - Sapa at Leisure & Back to Hanoi

Sapa - Hanoi. Discover Sapa town at your leisure, or opt for a cable car ride to Fan Si Pan peak, famously referred to as the roof of Indochina. This afternoon, we'll return to Hanoi in the VIP limousine bus. The evening is free for you to take in anything you may have missed first time around in the Vietnamese capital.

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Hanoi

day 6 - Hanoi to Halong Bay

Hanoi - Halong Bay. Leaving Hanoi, we head to Halong Bay this morning, where we will cruise through its emerald green waters, surrounded by towering limestone mountains adorned with lush rainforests. Enjoy kayaking through intriguing caves and savour drinks on board, as we spend a night aboard a traditional junk boat on the bay.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Halong Bay (boat)

day 7 - Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

Halong Bay - Ninh Binh. Today, we journey south to the stunning countryside of Ninh Binh, known for its vast rice fields and majestic limestone mountains. We'll check into a local homestay and enjoy a relaxing evening in our private riverside bungalows as we watch the sunset. Surrounded by lush forest and with the river gently lapping at our feet, it promises to be a peaceful night in this rural slice of north Vietnam.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
OverNight:Ninh Binh

day 8 - Ninh Binh Cycling & Hoi An

Ninh Binh - Hoi An. Today, we explore the enchanting region of Ninh Binh by bike, pedalling through the picturesque rice paddies. Next, we embark on a scenic rowboat journey along a network of rivers and caves. Our action-packed day ends with a climb to the summit of the famous Dragon Mountain Viewpoint, where we can enjoy panoramic views over Ninh Binh and the surrounding area. It's then time to head to the train station as we board the overnight train to Hoi An - remember to stock up on snacks and water!

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Overnight train

day 9 - Hoi An at Leisure

In the morning, we arrive in Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most beautiful and captivating towns. The rest of the day is at leisure - you could take a taxi to the beach, wander into town to explore the charming riverfront, or perhaps head to one of Hoi An's famous tailors to get yourself some custom-made garms. The afternoon is yours to relax before we head out this evening to appreciate Hoi An's riverside from a lantern boat.

OverNight:Hoi An

day 10 - Coconut Boats, Crab Fishing & Cooking Class

Today we have a jam-packed day of activities. Begin by climbing aboard one of Hoi An's famous circular coconut boats with local fishermen. You will be led through coconut groves and given the chance to try crab fishing. Afterwards, take part in a traditional cooking class to learn the secrets of preparing delicious Vietnamese food, and tuck into your creations.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
OverNight:Hoi An

day 11 - Lantern Making & Beach Time

This morning, we'll be learning how to make Vietnamese lanterns, using traditional methods. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a short bicycle ride to the beach, where we'll relax at a beach club for the day and enjoy lunch. We'll cap off our final day in Hoi An with dinner and drinks by the sea!

Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Hoi An

day 12 - Hoi An

Our tour comes to an end today. You can depart this morning, making your own way to the airport or your next destination. Although there is no departure transfer included, your tour leader will be available to help you plan your onward travel and is on hand to assist you. Safe travels!

Meals:1 Breakfast
Hanoi & Sapa to Hoi An  - 12 days

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What's Included

Accommodation
10 nights accommodation (If paying 'Shared' price: 3 nights twin/double room in 4-star hotel in Hanoi, 1 night twin/double room at a homestay in Sapa, 1 night twin/double room in a 5-star hotel in Sapa, 1 night twin/double/triple room aboard Halong Bay boat, 1 night twin/double room in simple Ninh Binh homestay & 3 nights twin/double room in 4-star hotel in Hoi An. If paying 'Double' or 'Single' price you will have your own room throughout the tour)
Meals
10 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners
Transport
All transportation in private and public vehicles, including taxi, minibus, bus & boatsAirport arrival transfer on day 1
Guide
Escorted by a tour leader, with local guides for included sightseeing
Others
1 overnight train from Ninh Binh - Hoi An1 economy class flight from Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh CityWalking & rickshaw tour of HanoiSapa trekking and homestayOvernight boat trip on Halong Bay with kayakingNinh Binh bicycle tour, row boat & viewpoint hikeCooking class in Hoi AnHoi An coconut boats & crab fishingHoi An lantern making classYour carbon emissions - offset! (Our partner accurately measures the CO2 emissions of your tour and 100% offset them through planting the required amount of trees)Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

What's Excluded

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