Investment
- Twinshare – $2895 AUD
- Single Room – $3835 AUD
Vibrant Vietnam Tour
Hanoi ~ Sapa ~ Ninh Binh ~ Halong Bay ~ Hanoi
- 22-30 April 2024
- 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Weather 15 - 22 C
- Fitness - Med - walk up to 5km a day
- Price Range - $$
Home to some of the world’s oldest cultures, fascinating architecture, beautiful natural landscapes, delicious foods and friendly locals; colourful Asia ticks all the right boxes for a top holiday destination.
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is known for its centuries-old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences. At its heart is the chaotic Old Quarter, where the narrow streets are roughly arranged by trade. There are many little temples and markets, selling household goods and street food. Just a few minutes walk to the lake you can see morning Tai Chi classes. Hanoi has a great vibe!
Explore – The Vietnamese Women’s Museum’s whose mission is to enhance public knowledge and understanding of the history and cultural heritage of Vietnamese women in historical and contemporary life; to build up the museum to become a centre for preservation and cultural exchange, thus contributing to promoting gender equality and the progress of women.
Ride – In a Rickshaw around Hanoi’s Old Quarter taking in all the sights and smells
Try – Egg coffee a Vietnamese nationally acclaimed specialty made of egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee. This is a very popular drink in Hanoi.
Halong Bay
Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest rise from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1994, Halong Bay’s scatter of islands, dotted with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of ethereal beauty and, unsurprisingly, northern Vietnam’s number one-tourism hub.
Watch – the sunset over Halong Bay
Kayak – take a quiet Kayak around the bay enjoy the serenity and natural beauty
Participate – in a dawn Tai Chi Class on the sundeck
Sapa
known as the “town of clouds” Sapa town stands at the head of a deep valley of magnificent rice terraces . You will find a selection of local villages which are the home of some of the ethnic minorities in Vietnam. Visit local, authentic markets, take a walk through nature, wander, explore, enjoy. Sapa is renowned for being picturesque, see for yourself.
View – the largest rice terrace in the Sapa area.
Markets and Textiles – Due to the ethnic diversity of Sapa, it’s a great place to shop for unique garments and fabrics. The different ethnic groups produce many different kinds of traditional clothing which serve as the perfect souvenir to take home with you. These markets also feel almost like festivals, serving as important cultural gatherings where people from different tribes and villages meet and socialize. This means that aside from a homestay, they’re probably the best cultural experiences to be found in the region.
Experience – The Village life of Black Dao. The Dao live along the Sino-Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Lao borders and worship their ancestors called Ban Ho.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is a playground for adventurers, and an oasis for nature lovers. Vietnam’s first capital was established here, and today the area is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of mossy pagodas, striking limestone karsts, and surreal landscapes. Picturesque and not too touristy (just yet) we have booked you gorgeous accommodation to enjoy a night here on your way to Halong Bay.
Visit – King Dinh temple built following the traditional architecture style. In the place of former main palace of royal citadel, there are majestic main gate, lotus pond, flower garden, three courthouses, incense burning house and harem.
Stay – At the Emerelda Ninh Binh and discover an oasis of calm in the most historic province in northern Vietnam. Nestled in the Van Long Nature Reserve- a primeval tropical forest- and surrounded by spectacular mountains, the Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh has been built and furnished in the style of traditional Tonkin Vietnamese villages, but with modern comforts and environmental commitment
Trip Highlights
- City Tour Hanoi - including Ethnological Museum, Women's museum and a walk down railway lane. A cute strip of cafes along the train tracks (or should I say on the train tracks!)
- Zoom around Hanoi's Old Quarter on a rickshaw tour
- Try Hanoi's famous - Egg Coffee
- Visit the house of a dedicated local artisan born from a family with traditions for a private solo water puppet show
- See the largest rice terrace in Sapa
- Visit local villages and communities
- Take a short walk to Silver Waterfalls
- Explore the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, visit the two temples: Temple of King Dinh and King Le, admire the unique architecture from ancient times.
- Kayak Trang An Grottoes, a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 caves and numerous flora
- Be isnpired by an overnight cruise on Halong Bay - Atmospheric and beautiful
Your Host - Renae Johnson
Book your Vietnam Tour
*FLIGHTS NOT INCLUDED (approx. $1000 AUD return)
This tour has a $500 deposit, the reminder is to be paid 75 days prior to departure.
Please note for twinshare rooms for one night on Halong Bay the cabin ensuite has just a roller blind for a bathroom door. There are other bathrooms available on the boat.
Inclusions
- All transfers to/from airport & hotel by a private vehicle on arrival 22nd April and departure day 30 April 2024
- 8 Nights Accommodation
- Breakfast and some lunches and dinners as per the itinerary
- Private vehicle transport throughout
- Cruise Halong Bay, to be shared with other guests onboard - 1 night - Full Board
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per above mentioned itinerary
- City Tours of Hanoi
- English-speaking tour guide during your tours.
- Meals as listed on the itinerary
What is not included
- International Airfare.
- Visa fees done online prior for Vietnam ( according to the Nationality of the travellers)
- Personal spending, including lunches, drinks and dinners not included on the itinerary
- Other services are not mentioned in the program
- Airport transfers if arriving before the 22nd of April or after 30th April 2024. There is no reason to arrive early for this trip as there are no planned activities on the first day. It has been included just for you to arrive and settle in.
- Tip for our tour guide, drivers etc. We suggest $20AUD per day per person, and collect this in currency at the beginning of the tour = $180 AUD. This does not include tipping for spa treatments or meals not included in the itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 - 22 April 2024
Day 2 - 23 April 2024
Day 3 - 24 April 2024
Day 4 - 25 April 2024
Day 5 - 26 April 2024
Day 6 - 27 April 2024
Day 7 - 28 April 2024
Day 8 - 29 April 2024
Day 9 -30 April 2024
Day 1 - 22 April 2024
Arrival to Vietnam
We welcome you at the airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The rest of the day is at your leisure and yours to explore on your own pace. You may prefer to wander through the atmospheric street of the old quarter. Or enjoy a cup of coffee with an overview of night settings in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. From here you take panoramic pictures of nightlife around the lake.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Hanoi Pear Hotel
Address: Số 6 Ng. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Phone: +84 24 3938 0666
*There is no reason to arrive early for this trip as there are no planned activities on the first day. It has been included just for you to arrive and settle in.
Day 2 - 23 April 2024
Hanoi City Tour
Today, we enjoy a cultural tour of Hanoi tour starting with the Ethnological Museum, followed by the Vietnamese Women’s Museum where you will learn about the roles of Vietnamese women through the amazing and impressive exhibitions.
Have a lovely lunch overlooking the lake. *self-pay
In the afternoon, delve deep into the lively streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a rickshaw tour. You’ll be immersed in the unique atmosphere of the Vietnamese capital as you explore the city’s contrasts. Visit the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
To round off the day, the evening takes us to the old theatre for a 1-hour water puppet show, a unique Vietnam traditional art.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hanoi Pear Hotel
Day 3 - 24 April 2024
Hanoi – Transfer to Sapa
After breakfast we drive to Sapa (Around 5 hours). Upon arrival have lunch and then you have free time to explore the town.
Sapa is a remote town in northwestern Vietnam that’s known for its pristine rice terraces, cool mountain atmosphere, and community of ethnic minorities. It offers you picturesque hillsides and smaller ethnic villages.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aliana Boutique Hotel
Day 4 - 25 April 2024
Sapa – Lung Khau Nhin Ethnic Market
You will be met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver then transferred to Muong Khuong. You will enjoy beautiful scenery along the road. Upon arriving in Muong Khuong, we will take another road which goes up in mountains. Pine trees forests and villages surround the small market. Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Tay and Giay ethnic minorities come to buy and sell local products such as food and material for agriculture and fabric.
After exploring the market, we can have the opportunity to make a short walk to a Black Dao village. We then head back to Muong Khuong where your lunch will be provided in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you get on the car for journey back Sapa for your overnight.
Approx: 5 hours driving/ 0.5-hour walking/ 1-hour lunch
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Aliana Boutique Hotel
Note: Lung Khau Nhin is a small market that takes place only Thursday. The market is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and scenery. As it is a bit far from Lao Cai city center, there are few travelers coming here. The market still keeps its original aspect.
Day 5 - 26 April 2024
Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van Trekking Village
In the morning, you will commence your short journey by driving south toward Muong Hoa valley. You will then start your walk by descending into the valley, which is the largest rice paddy terraced among Sapa area. The guide can provide you interesting information about rice.
If you visit the valley sometime in between May and October, you will be able to observe and experience how the local do planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in the daily life. The walk takes you from Lao Chai village of Black Hmong minority to Ta Van village of Giay minority. Black H’mong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. They are proud of their culture and keep their traditions and way of living. They have their own language and wear traditional indigo blue clothing. Giay is a fairly small minority group of about 38.000 people who live mainly in the mountains in Northwest Vietnam.
The development has meant that some of their old customs have been lost but many women still wear traditional shirts with a purple, blue or green color. The Giay’s houses are built of wood and bamboo with a clay floor.
After visiting TaVan the car will return you to Sapa for your overnight.
We driver then transferred to Silver Waterfall where you will be able to take a short walk to the waterfall. Head back to Hanoi for your overnight.
Approx: 1 hours driving/ 2 hours walking (In Lao Chai- Ta Van)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hanoi Pear Hotel
Day 6 - 27 April 2024
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu- Trang An
8:00AM, pick up at your hotel and head out for Ninh Binh (2 hours driving). There is a beautiful roadside scenery on the way.
Arriving in Ninh Binh city, first pay a visit to Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, visit the two temples: Temple of King Dinh and King Le, admire the unique architecture from ancient times.
Lunch will be served at local restaurant.
We then take an amazing boat trip to visit the Trang An grottoes, which is a gathering of 31 valleys, 50 cross-water caves, and home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna surrounded by magnificent forested mountains upon which graze white goats. All these factors make Trang An become a fascinating and worth destination.
Overnight at the hotel in Ninh Binh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Emeralda Resort or Trang An Lamia Bungalows
Day 7 - 28 April 2024
Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
08:30 Private van picks you and transfer you to Ha Long Bay. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta on the way to Ha Long Bay.
11:30 Arriving Tuan Chau Marina, have check-in procedures at waiting lounge.
12:15 Transfer to our boat. Welcome aboard, we’ll have some welcome drinks and gather at the restaurant for a cruise briefing and some safety instructions.
13:00 Passenger will be taking lunch while we cruise and visit Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.
14:15 We progress to Trung Trang cave by our bus on Cat Ba Island which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Trung Trang cave located in Trung Trang Valley, which is 15km away from the northwest of Cat Ba town. The cave is 300m long through the mountain, possessing a mysterious beauty due to the geological tectonics in million years along with many historical vestiges. The cave has many stalactites with different shapes that stimulate human imagination and amaze visitors.
18:00 Onboard you may join a cooking demonstration, enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar while watching the view of the bay at sunset.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with our Cruise Manager directly.
19:15 Savour a dinner made with the freshest ingredients with traditional oriental touches.
21:00 It’s time to admire the beauty of the night on the bay, our bar on sundeck and in the restaurant welcome you. You may want to try your luck with squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant, we also have chess and cards for you.
23:00 Overnight on board
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Accommodation: Alisa Premier or Orchid Classic
Day 8 - 29 April 2024
Halong Bay -Hanoi
06:30 It is a perfect time to refresh and indulge yourself in a peaceful beauty of the bay with a tai chi session on sundeck. If you want to hunt for dawn, get up from 5:30 to 6:00 depending on the season, consult our sailors.
07:00 We will have breakfast at the restaurant while continuing the cruise.
08.00 Transfer by tender to Sung Sot Cave. It takes approximately 50 minutes for cave visiting, one of the most beautiful cave in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the boat by tender. Proper shoes are highly recommended.
10:00 Enjoy a delightful brunch at our restaurant while cruising back.
11:00 Check out and disembark.
Transfer by private vehicle for a 3-3,5-hour journey to Hanoi for your overnight.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Hanoi Pear Hotel
Day 9 -30 April 2024
Departure Day
Free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services. You can depart any time this day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A (check-out time from the hotel is at noon)
Requirements:
This tour has a lot of walking and requires a moderate level of fitness. There are steep stairs, uneven roads and getting on and off boats, rickshaws and buses. You need to be fairly fit to attend this tour.
Vibrant Women with a heart ♥
Please know that $25 of your booking goes towards supporting our chosen charity Heartprint.
Heartprint is an Australian Charity as well as a locally registered Cambodian NGO working in Cambodia, funding community projects to support families living in need, so THANK YOU!
4.5/5
The food, accommodation & experiences we’re out standing & have created memories that will last a life time. Thanks for an amazing experience Vibrant Women, looking forward to my next adventure with you
Linda
2023
5/5
The authenticity of the experiences. A concern with an organised tour is that it can be formulaic with a cookie cutter approach. Not so with this Vibrant Women’s tour. It was bespoke, flexible & really delivered on authentic & fascinating experiences.
Jennifer
Jewels of Asia 2023
Trip Notes
The Trip Notes on this link are always the most up to date version. When booking a tour in advance things can change.
Please find the most up to date Trip Notes for your tour HERE
FAQ's
Arrival is the 22 April 2024 to Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam. If you are flying via Ho Chi Min City this is your arrival city on your visa.
The hotel is a 1 hour drive from the airport. At the time of writing this there were no direct flights from Australia to Hanoi and usually require a stop in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Saigon or Bangkok on the way. Prices were around $1000 return to Australia.
Accommodation on Arrival: Hanoi Pearl – Address: Số 6 Ng. Báo Khánh, Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam Phone: +84 24 3938 0666
*There is no reason to arrive early for this trip as there are no planned activities on the first day. It has been included just for you to arrive and settle in.
Departure is also from Hanoi. You can depart any time on the 30 April 2024.
Our Travel Manager Kerstin can help with flights please see her details HERE
Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable non-transferrable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% of the final payment, this is in addition to the non refundable deposit will be forfeited. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
Visa and Entry Requirements
The New Vietnam E Visa system has now started and you can apply for an E Visa https://immigration.gov.vn/
Passport holders from the 40 countries (including Australia) that have been allowed to join the scheme will be able to apply online for a 30 Day Single Entry Visa, print it off, and bring it with them along with their passport.
*If you are flying via Ho Chi Min City this is your arrival city on your visa.
If you want to make the most of your Asian adventure you can add our “Taste of Malaysia Tour” before this trip.
If you book both Malaysia and Vietnam tours combined, you will get A$100 discount per tour = $200
International flights to join these two tours from KL to Hanoi are direct 3.5 hours, and approx. $200 AUD (see how the discount covers your flight ;))
