With Guide
Our Tip
Hanoi Heritage Discovery
Explore the thousand-year-old capital with its ancient temples, colonial architecture, and rich history.
5 days
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$749
Mountains, Rice Terraces, Open Bay — Northern Vietnam in Seven Days.
Trip duration: 7 days
7 Days Through Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh
Trip duration: 7 days
This is the itinerary we put together when guests ask us: "We have one week — what should we do?"
Seven days is exactly enough time to do northern Vietnam properly without rushing any of it. You'll eat your way through Hanoi's old quarter on day one, board a night train to Sapa in a private deluxe cabin, trek two full days through the Muong Hoa Valley with overnight homestays, cruise Ha Long Bay on the Aspira — one of the most comfortable vessels we work with in the bay — and finish with a full day in Ninh Binh, a landscape that consistently surprises guests who thought Ha Long Bay would be the highlight.
We've run each section of this route many times and know what makes it work: the right pacing, the right guide in each location, and enough breathing room between destinations that it never feels like a race. If you're spending a week in northern Vietnam, this is how we'd spend it.
Guided tour north
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Trip Itinerary
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First impressions | Old quarter streets | Deluxe sleeper cabin
08:30 — Pick-up from hotel; begin Hanoi city tour
Morning — Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple; Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex; Temple of Literature
12:00 — Lunch (own expense) in the old quarter
Afternoon — Hanoi Train Street; free time to explore the old quarter
15:00 — Food tour begins: Phở Gà, Bún Chả, Bánh Cuốn, Crispy Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef, Egg Coffee, Sugarcane Juice
20:30 — Transfer to Hanoi railway station
21:00–22:00 — Board night train to Lào Cai in Deluxe Cabin
Accommodation
Deluxe Cabin of Champa Express or Similar
Highlights
Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son TempleHo Chi Minh MausoleumTemple of LiteratureHanoi local Food tourNight train to Sapa
What's included
All essential services for a comfortable and memorable trip.
- Hanoi city and food tour with English-speaking guide (Day 1)
- Night train Hanoi–Lào Cai, Deluxe Cabin (Day 1)
- All Sapa trekking with English-speaking guide (Days 2–3)
- 1 night Tả Van homestay with dinner and breakfast
- 1 night 3-star hotel in Sapa
- Aspira Cruise 2D1N: cabin, all meals on board, kayaking, cooking class, Jacuzzi access, entrance fees
- All transfers between destinations
- Ninh Binh full day tour: guide, sampan, cycling, all entrance fees
- 1 night hotel in Hanoi (Day 4) and 1 night hotel in Ninh Binh (Day 6)
Not included
Items and services that are not part of the package price.
- Fansipan cable car (Day 4, optional)
- Drinks and beverages beyond those included
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Any services not listed above
This itinerary is carefully paced but weather-dependent in sections, particularly the Ha Long Bay cruise and Sapa trekking days. We'll advise on any necessary adjustments before departure. Fansipan cable car on Day 4 is optional and charged separately.
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Why travel with Banh Mi Escape Travel
Trips with English-speaking guide
Our experienced guides speak fluent English and know Vietnam inside out. They share local insights and ensure you have an authentic experience.
Group or individual travel
Choose between small group tours with like-minded travelers or customize a private journey just for you and your companions.
Exotic specialists for 20+ years
With over two decades of experience in Southeast Asia, we've built trusted relationships and deep local knowledge.
We've tried everything ourselves
Every hotel, restaurant, and activity we recommend has been personally tested by our team. We only offer what we love.
We plan your ideal trip A to Z
From the moment you land to your departure, every detail is arranged. Just relax and enjoy the journey.
Guaranteed customer satisfaction
Our 4.9 rating speaks for itself. We go above and beyond to ensure every traveler returns home with amazing memories.
Weather
Best months to visit this destination
Best
Good
Off-season
Current weather in Hanoi for selected month
Active month: May
Vietnam can be visited year-round. The north is cooler in winter (January, February), sometimes with snow in the mountains. Autumn (September, October) in central Vietnam can be rainy. The south is warm year-round, with minimal rainfall from March to the end of September except for some islands. Best time to visit: February-June and September-December.
Air temperature
33 °C
Water temperature
29 °C
Frequently asked questions about this trip
Our groups are typically 2-12 travelers. Small groups ensure personal attention and authentic experiences.
Yes! We offer premium upgrades including business class flights, luxury hotel upgrades, and private transfers. Ask our specialists for details.
This trip is rated as medium. It's suitable for most travelers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Absolutely! Many of our travelers come solo and leave with new friends. Our small group format creates a welcoming environment for everyone.
Non-binding inquiry
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