Northern Vietnam trip with Singapore city break

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Hanoi
• 3 nights Sapa
• 1 night Hanoi
• 1 night Ninh Binh
• 1 night Halong Bay 
• 1 night Hanoi
• 3 nights Singapore

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flight

Day 2: Arrive Hanoi 

On arrival you will be greeted by your English speaking guide and escorted by private transfer to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3: Hanoi 

After breakfast your guide will pick you up from the hotel and take you on a guided tour of the historic side of Hanoi. Highlights include meeting the locals and seeing them go about their daily business as you walk down the narrow alleyways, you will also get to visit the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.

The afternoon is free at leisure before heading out this evening for a foodie walking tour, to experience Hanoi at its most atmospheric. Try a coffee beside the railway at Long Bien Station before exploring the iconic Long Bien Bridge at sunset. Wander through the historic Old Quarter and famous Train Street, learning about the area's rich history and sampling Hanoi's renowned cha ca fish dish and a traditional local dessert. Finish with a relaxing stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, soaking up the vibrant energy and charm of Hanoi after dark.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Travel to Sapa 

After breakfast, you'll leave Hanoi behind as you travel into the northern hills in a private vehicle, arriving in Sapa around 6 hours later. You'll be able to stop whenever you need to, and check in on arrival to Topas Ecolodge, perched high in the mountains above Sapa.

Topas Ecolodge is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular retreats, with breath-taking views across rolling valleys and rice terraces. Its remote location, cosy bungalows and commitment to sustainable tourism create a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, Topas Ecolodge

Days 5 - 6: Topas Ecolodge

On your first day here, you'll spend the morning and early afternoon hiking in Hoang Lien National Park - truly off the beaten track. Enjoy trekking through remote Red Dao villages and rice-terraced valleys, meeting local families and learning about their traditional way of life. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch in a local village home in Nam Cang, one of the communities that live in the Sapa region. Throughout the day, you'll gain insight into the Red Dao people's colourful culture, including their jewellery making and herbal medicine practices. 

The rest of your time here is yours to enjoy the beautiful ecolodge. Why not wake up early to watch the mist lift from the valleys and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lush views. Relax by the infinity pool, enjoy an organic facial at the spa and sip a sunset drink as the mountains glow in the evening light. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch (Day 5), touring, Topas Ecolodge

Day 7: Sapa to Hanoi 

After a final delicious breakfast, you'll head back to Hanoi, arriving back into the city by around 3pm. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Hanoi - why not head out for a bowl of pho? 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Leaving the city behind today, you'll head out after breakfast into the quiet countryside. After a couple of hours, you'll reach the Tam Coc Rivers, meaning Three Caves in Vietnamese. Here you'll board a private sampan to drift along the river, admiring the views of enormous limestone karsts and soaking up the lush landscape. Enjoy a delicious lunch of Vietnamese specialities before continuing onwards to Hoa Lu, the ruins of Vietnam's first capital. Gaze up at the ancient tombs and the once-imposing Citadel. If you're feeling fit, there's a half hour hike to a spectacular viewpoint over the hills before heading to your hotel to relax for the evening. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

The stunning Halong Bay awaits you today – you'll be driven over to the jetty before boarding your junk boat, where you’ll be sleeping tonight. Lunch and dinner are served on-board, and the afternoon will be spent cruising the bay amongst the karst formations in the iconic Halong Bay. 

Included: Breakfast, lunch & dinner, transfers and private cabin on Orchid cruise

Day 10: Halong Bay to Hanoi 

After breakfast on board the boat you will sail back and be met by your driver for your transfer back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is at leisure so relax at the hotel or head out into Hanoi to try some of the delicious local cuisine.

Included: Breakfast, transport & hotel

Day 11: Hanoi to Singapore

After breakfast you will be collected and taken to Hanoi airport by private transfer to connect with your flight to Singapore. On arrival into Singapore you will be met and escorted by private transfer to your hotel.

Included: Private transfers, international flight & hotel 

Days 12 - 13: Singapore

Spend a couple of days exploring this island city – strolling along the harbourfront, enjoying the lush Botanical Gardens and shopping in the designer boutiques of Orchard Road. We’ve included a short walking tour which will give you some insight into Singapore’s heritage – you’ll walk along the river to see a local fishing village and learn about the colonial buildings and bridges before sipping Singapore Slings in the iconic Raffles Long Bar.

Singapore is melting pot of culture and the best place to experience this is in its food – try dumplings from the hawker stalls of Chinatown, spicy curries in Little India or nutty satay in the Malay District. As the sun sets, make sure you take a walk-through Gardens by the Bay; the enormous illuminated “trees” are a spectacular sight at night.

Included: Breakfast, half day city tour & hotel  

Day 14: Depart Singapore

You will be collected after breakfast and taken to Singapore airport to connect with your flight home.

Included: Breakfast & International flight

Day 15: Arrive UK