Halong Bay and Nam Cang Retreat 8 days

Morning

When you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, BestPrice Travel's tour guide will be there to welcome you and take you to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in.

After a long flight, you can take some time to relax or explore the city on your own. To make the most of your time in Hanoi, we suggest joining our optional tours: 

NOTE: The check-in time is at 14:00, but you can check in earlier for an extra fee. Please contact your travel consultant to arrange this service.

Morning

Start your day in Hanoi by waking up early and savoring a delicious breakfast at your hotel. At approximately 08:00, your tour guide will be ready to pick you up for a half-day city tour of Hanoi. 

Our first stop is the Temple of Literature, a historic site constructed in 1070 and known as Vietnam's first national university. The temple is where students come to pray for good luck before their exams. 

Moving on to the One Pillar Pagoda, with its unique and graceful structure, is a must-see attraction. You will have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating story behind its creation. 

After that, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the revered leader, who played a pivotal role in achieving Vietnam's independence, rests in peace.

NOTE: The mausoleum is temporarily closed on Mon and Fri every week & from Jun - Aug every year.

Then, explore the Tran Quoc Pagoda, located near the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which offers a picturesque view of the West Lake. The Tran Quoc Pagoda, built 1500 years ago, is one of Vietnam's most significant Buddhist constructions and boasts a prime location on the West Lake.

After the half-day Hanoi exploration, enjoy an authentic lunch at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant.

Afternoon

You can spend this free time relaxing, exploring the city on your own, or joining our exciting Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour (optional).

17:30: Assemble and meet your guide in front of Shinhan Bank, located at 14 Le Thai To Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District.

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, and hear fascinating stories about this place.

Taste a variety of delicious local dishes, from famous ones to lesser-known ones. Try Egg Coffee - a unique and delicious local beverage that you simply must taste.

Morning

From 06:30 - 07:00, you will commence from your Hanoi hotel with Topas Mountain Express for a 5-hour transfer to Topas Ecolodge. After checking in your bungalow, you will enjoy the beautiful and peaceful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys from your private balcony.

Afternoon

The walk in the afternoon starts from Topas Ecolodge on a quiet road with a great view of the rice terrace below.

You then take a slight ascent to Lech village. You will now visit a wooden local house, meet the friendly Red Dao hosts, and experience their daily way of life. The Red Dao women, like their ancestors, have hair and eyebrows shaved and wear very colorful customs. 

On the way back to Topas Ecolodge, you will walk on small trails passing rice terraces and cross a suspension bridge, where you can take some great pictures of the natural landscape. Your guide will explain the interesting cultivating culture of the local farmers.

NOTE: Approx: Grade: Easy/ 2.5 hours walking

Morning

Enjoy a great breakfast and prepare for today´s walk. At 08:30, you will commence the excursion with a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park to the trek starting point near Sin Chai village. 

The trails will soon lead you to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu, here you will meet the villagers, visit their houses, and learn about their daily way of life. 

Leaving the village behind, you will turn into a small dirt trail and soon be inspired by the marvelous view of the rice valley dotted with bamboo huts, which are used by local farmers as overnight lodges on harvesting days. 

Passing the rice terraces and a river you will walk on a quiet road for a while before arriving at Nam Cang village. Your lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Nam Cang village is located in the most remote area of Sapa. The Red Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Herbal baths, local medicine, and embroidery are some of the things that the Red Dao are very skilled at. Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the village and learn how the local villagers make writing paper, jewelry, and embroidery.

At 14:15, you will have a transfer back to Topas Ecolodge. Here you may want to book a traditional Red Dao herbal bath at the lodge’s spa (on your own account).

NOTE: Approx: Grade: Moderate/ 3-3.5 hours walking

Morning

The morning is at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge. You can either relax or borrow free of charge high-quality mountain bikes from the lodge for exploration of the surrounding areas. 

You also take a scheduled shuttle bus to Sapa to visit the town or book a ticket to explore the highest peak of Indochina, Mt. Fansipan by cable car.

Topas Mountain Express departs from Sapa at 13:15; and from Topas Ecolodge at 14:30 and returns you to your hotel in Hanoi.

Morning

Following your breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay.

After about 2.5 hours of road transfer, meet the crew staff, who will welcome you and assist you with checking in.

12:00: Start the cruise tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a luxury seafood lunch on board while taking in the stunning natural scenery of the bay. 

Afternoon & Evening

After lunch, have a quick nap or take a rest and get ready for the exciting activities in the bay. Depending on the itinerary for the day, the trip may include a cave tour, kayaking, or swimming on the pristine beaches.

19:00 - 19:30: Return to the cruise and enjoy the tasty dinner on board. 

After dinner, you can engage in various nightlife activities such as squid fishing, playing board games, watching movies, and visiting night bars. Stay overnight on board. 

NOTE: The specific activities you will join will depend on each cruise's itinerary.

Morning

Get up early and have a healthy morning by taking in a Taichi class or simply immersing in the glory of the dawn above Halong Bay's karst formations.

07:00: Have a light breakfast before continuing to explore the stunning bay with nearby caves and kayaking.

Return to the boat and check out. Enjoy your last meal while the boat cruises back to the dock. Farewell and say goodbye to the boat crew. 

Afternoon & Night

When you get off the boat, our driver will be there to take you to the hotel in Hanoi for check-in. The rest of the day is your free time to relax, or freely discover the city on your own.

Our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for the flight. 

Our journey ends here. We are happy to serve you and pleased to meet you on your next trip!