5-Day North Vietnam: Hanoi- Halong Bay - Ninh Binh -Sapa & Beyond

I recently enjoyed a 6-day trip to Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay, and it was an overall fantastic experience. The stay and food were excellent, with a delightful mix of local dishes and a seafood buffet on the first night that set a great tone for the journey. The highlight was undoubtedly the private cruise on Halong Bay, which included a visit to a small island with a beautiful cave—absolutely breathtaking scenery. The trip to Sapa, while promising, was slightly disappointing due to the foggy conditions, which obscured much of the scenery. However, the experience was still enjoyable, thanks to a knowledgeable local guide and a comfortable chartered bus. The trek through the Sapa highlands was a bit challenging, but it added a sense of adventure to the trip. Despite the minor hiccups, the trip offered a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation, and I'd highly recommend it.

5 days tour was well arranged by Daisy and Sam from BC family. They help us to book with local operators for different tours. We chose the 4 star option as a group of two females. 1. Ninh Binh tour: The one day tour was conducted by Cozy Bay Cruise. Tour guide was a little late in picking us up from hotel lobby and tour bus left Hanoi for Ninh Binh later than expected as guide wanted to get everyone that signed up to be on the bus, even those who were late for the bus. This has been feedback by other tourists in the same tour group to the tour guide. Nonetheless, we had a fun time cycling to the temple, decent lunch buffet and had nice time on the Tam Coc boat ride. 2. 2D1N Sapa Tour: We had a fun time trekking with local guide on the first day and she was engaging when we ask questions about the local culture. Trekking was not easy as it was on uneven or slanted terrain, but local guide was also patient with us and hiking shoes are highly recommended. BC Family arranged us to stay at a nice hotel room at Eden Boutique Hotel and service was great there. We could request to change from trekking to visit Fansipan on 2nd day as well. The disappointing part of this 2D1N tour were the drivers that drove us to and from Hanoi. The drivers were late in picking us up (shared transfer limousine), didn’t know the right address for drop off and wanted us to drop us off at the wrong hotel until I showed them the right hotel on Google Maps. 3.2D1N Halong Bay tour: We had a blast and fun time on the tour operated by Signature (Athena Group). The cruise staff or car drivers that were with us throughout the trip were on time, friendly and professional. We had a great time kayaking, visiting cave/beach, making spring roll and eating luxury dinner course meal. Twin beds room on cruise was nice too with big room and bathroom even if we were assigned on first floor deck. The tour guide said that we went to Bai Tu Long Bay instead of Halong Bay as Halong Bay had too many tourists. Great decision by Signature staff as we had a fun time doing similar activities at Bai Tu long bay and glad that BC family arranged us to be on this tour. Overall, great tour experience arranged by BC Family. We only were disappointed by the local drivers during Sapa trip, but other than that, the tour activities were fun and memorable experience.

The combination of the Halong Bay cruise, Ninh Binh, Trang An, Hoa Lu, and Sapa created an extraordinary journey marked by comfort, luxury, and warm hospitality. The staff's friendliness and excellent support elevated the experience. Surrounded by UNESCO heritage sites, this adventure seamlessly blended natural wonders and cultural treasures, offering a truly remarkable and unforgettable exploration. Highly recommended for those seeking a perfect synthesis of comfort, luxury, and cultural richness.