| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, water puppets |
| 2 | Ba Dinh, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison |
| 3 | Ha Long Bay day cruise |
| 4 | Leave for Sapa, trek in the rice terraces |
| 5 | Sapa village, return to Hanoi |
Days 1 and 2: Hanoi
Follow Hanoi in 2 days: Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
Where to sleep for this itinerary. Stay in Hoan Kiem: it is the area that cuts the most travel time between the stops of this plan. Compare hotels with free cancellation in Hoan Kiem and see our where-to-stay guide (Hanoi) to pick the neighbourhood.
Day 3: Ha Long Bay
See the day cruise from Hanoi: transfer, meal and activities are included depending on the offer; real time on the water is four to five hours.
Days 4 and 5: Sapa
Two options: a 2-day tour with a homestay night, transport included, or the night train/bus then an independent trek. Read the Sapa trek from Hanoi and Hanoi to Sapa by bus or train to compare. Bring closed shoes and a jacket: it is clearly cooler than in Hanoi.
Variant without Sapa: Ninh Binh and a night in the bay
- Days 3 and 4: 2-day, 1-night cruise in Ha Long Bay.
- Day 5: Ninh Binh in one day.
Practical tips
- Where to sleep in Hanoi: where to stay in Hanoi; keep the room or use left luggage while you are in Sapa (luggage storage).
- Season: Sapa is misty in winter, clearer in autumn and spring; see the best time to visit Hanoi.
FAQ
Is five days enough for Hanoi and Sapa? Yes, but it is packed: one day less in the city is possible if you want more time in Sapa.
Which excursion if I only do one? Ha Long Bay for scenery, Ninh Binh for ease, Sapa for hiking.
Do I need a visa? See the Vietnam e-visa.
