Northern Vietnam 5 Days, 3 Cities: Hanoi, Sapa, Halong

🌿🌿 Detailed Itinerary

✨️ Day 1: Hanoi (1 Day) and Overnight Journey to Sapa
* Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and take a taxi, Grab, or bus to downtown Hanoi.
* Late Morning: Explore the bustling Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
* Noon: Enjoy lunch with famous dishes like Phở or Bún Chả at a renowned restaurant in the Old Quarter.
* Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, or watch a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.
* Evening: Head to Hanoi Railway Station to board the sleeper train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa (approximately 8-9 hours).
* Night: Rest on the sleeper train.

✨️ Day 2: Sapa (3 Days) - Recommended to book a tour from Hanoi
* Early Morning: Arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station and take a shuttle or bus to Sapa (about 1 hour).
* Morning: Check into your accommodation in Sapa, relax briefly, and have breakfast.
* Late Morning: Visit Cat Cat Village, home to the Black Hmong ethnic group, explore their lifestyle, see waterfalls, and shop for souvenirs.
* Noon: Have lunch in Sapa town.
* Afternoon: Explore Lao Chai-Ta Van villages, home to the Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups, and admire the stunning terraced rice fields.
* Evening: Stroll around Sapa Lake or visit the Sapa Night Market.
* Night: Stay at a hotel in Sapa.

✨️ Day 3: Sapa (3 Days)
* Morning: Visit the Dragon Cloud Glass Bridge for thrilling views and breathtaking scenery.
* Noon: Have lunch in Sapa.
* Afternoon: Take the cable car to Fansipan Peak, known as the "Roof of Indochina," and enjoy panoramic views and temples atop the mountain.
* Evening: Relax or opt for other hiking trails like Ham Rong Mountain for a bird's-eye view of Sapa.
* Night: Stay at a hotel in Sapa.

✨️ Day 4: Sapa (3 Days) and Overnight Journey Back to Hanoi
* Morning: Shop for souvenirs or engage in activities of your choice.
* Noon: Have lunch in Sapa.
* Afternoon: Take a bus from Sapa to Lao Cai Railway Station to board the sleeper train back to Hanoi.
* Night: Rest on the sleeper train.

✨️ Day 5: Halong Bay (1 Day)
* Early Morning: Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station.
* Morning: Have breakfast near the station, then take a pre-booked bus or shuttle to Halong Bay (approximately 2-3 hours). Opt for a 1-day tour package from Hanoi.
* Late Morning: Embark on a Halong Bay cruise to marvel at the unique limestone islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
* Noon: Enjoy lunch onboard (included in the tour package).
* Afternoon: Visit caves like Sung Sot Cave or go kayaking.
* Evening: Return to Hanoi.
* Night: Head to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your flight back to Thailand.