8 Days in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa, Vietnam.
12:23:00 AM
Being the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is known for its two main neighbourhoods, namely the French Quarter and Old Quarter. Well both are packed with attractions, but are easily accessible on foot.
Most of the travelers will choose to stay in the Old Quarter whereby you can explore shopping streets, colonial buildings, ancient pagodas and unique museums.
Hanoi is also home to a multi-cultural community that's made up of Chinese, French and Russian influences which you may find a wide range of restaurants to match. However, it is still the best to explore on the local food.
Nightlife can be range from modern nightclubs and expat-owned bars, and not to missed out my favourite would be the weekend night markets.
Since we arrived early in the morning 8am, we took this opportunity to explore more on the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Visiting St. Joseph's Cathedral, Hoan Kien Lake, Maison Centrale also known as Hoa Lo Prison, and not to forget the local cafes that can be seen basically in anywhere.
Accommodation
Hanoi Old Quarter House – hanoioldquarterhouse.com
We are staying in Old Quarter of Hanoi, in this small little hostel with great hospitality. The host, Ms. Lily is so informative and help us to book everything that we need.
Although it's an old building with only staircase to the rooms, there is a friendly boy who helps us to carry our luggages.
Day 2 - Halong Bay Cruise Overnight
You know you never been to Hanoi if you haven't been to Halong Bay, so it is a must activity to do. I don't enjoy much on a cruise hence we choose to stay only 2 days 1 night. The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay took about 4 hours, that's the reason why we departed early at 7.30am by a minibus.
To stay overnight on a cruise or not?
Yes, definitely. One night is more than enough I would say. I really did enjoy a lot especially when the night fall and we're chilling on the roof top of the cruise in the middle of the sea. Enjoying Halong Bay Beer, I feel free from the world, from the bustling city life.
Rosa Boutique Cruise – rosaboutiquecruise.com
To stay overnight on a cruise or not?
Yes, definitely. One night is more than enough I would say. I really did enjoy a lot especially when the night fall and we're chilling on the roof top of the cruise in the middle of the sea. Enjoying Halong Bay Beer, I feel free from the world, from the bustling city life.
Rosa Boutique Cruise – rosaboutiquecruise.com
Day 3 - Halong Bay return to Hanoi City
After having lunch on the cruise, we return to the bay and continue our journey back to Old Quarter. We had a great dinner in a local restaurant which is famous for their specialty of grilled eel porridge.
Day 4 - Departure to Sapa
A 3 days 2 nights bus tour costs $100 which includes accommodation/meals at Golden Sapa Hotel.
Make sure you get enough rest the day before because on this day, it would be a long journey of almost 6 hours all the way to Sapa by the sleeper bus, not-that-comfortable as what I expected.
Arriving in Sapa around 1pm, we continue to Cat Cat Village tour right after our lunch in the hotel.
Make sure you get enough rest the day before because on this day, it would be a long journey of almost 6 hours all the way to Sapa by the sleeper bus, not-that-comfortable as what I expected.
Arriving in Sapa around 1pm, we continue to Cat Cat Village tour right after our lunch in the hotel.
Day 5 - Sapa to Lao Cai Village
Get ready to face the mud, today was the day that we walk and hike along the trail from Sapa to Lao Cai Village through unseen road and rice terraces. One of the most interesting part in our trip, I would rather call it the highlight of the trip. Indeed, with fun and excitement throughout the whole journey.
Day 6 - Ham Rong Mountain and Mount Fansipan
Before we get on the bus to Hanoi at 4pm, did a little hiking up to Ham Rong Mountain in the morning and successfully visited Mount Fansipan in the afternoon.
Day 7 - One day tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi
We didn't want to waste a day in Old Quarter therefore we book a day tour to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
1 day trip cost $35 per pax included transport, entrance ticket & buffet lunch. With this tour, we visited BaiDinh Pagoda and Trang An.
1 day trip cost $35 per pax included transport, entrance ticket & buffet lunch. With this tour, we visited BaiDinh Pagoda and Trang An.
And thanks to Go Travel Asia tour, we get to ride bicycle before the end of our trip. It's truly enjoyable to ride into the villages.
Day 8 - Hanoi back to Kuala Lumpur
Last but not least, don't forget to try out Egg Coffee and Banh Mi Bread!
0 comments