7 days in northern Vietnam: Ninh Binh, a bay cruise and Sapa's rice terraces

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

Hanoi

• Old Quarter street-food walk · 3 h. Go after 6pm; bun cha, banh cuon and egg coffee are the classics.
• Train Street café stop · 1 h. Watch from a café — walking on the tracks is restricted.

Local tip: Go after 6pm; bun cha, banh cuon and egg coffee are the classics.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Hanoi → Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh · Hanoi to Ninh Binh, Private van ~2h

• Tam Coc rowing boat · 2 h. Late May–June the rice is golden.
• Mua Cave viewpoint climb · 1.5 h. ~500 steps; go for sunset.

Local tip: Late May–June the rice is golden.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay · Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, Private transfer ~3h

• Ha Long / Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise · Full day. Lan Ha routes are quieter; pick free cancellation in Aug–Oct typhoon season.
• Kayaking & Sung Sot cave · 2 h. Usually included on cruises — confirm before paying extra.

Local tip: Lan Ha routes are quieter; pick free cancellation in Aug–Oct typhoon season.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Ha Long Bay → Sapa

Sapa · Ha Long Bay to Sapa, Via Hanoi ~8h

• Cat Cat village walk · 2 h

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Explore Sapa

Sapa

• Fansipan cable car to the 'Roof of Indochina' · 4 h. Check the summit webcam — cloud often clears after 10am.
• Sapa town & night market · 1.5 h

Local tip: Check the summit webcam — cloud often clears after 10am.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Guided rice-terrace trek (Lao Chai–Ta Van)

Sapa

• Guided rice-terrace trek (Lao Chai–Ta Van) · 5 h. Best terraces Sep (harvest) and May–June (water-filled).

Local tip: Best terraces Sep (harvest) and May–June (water-filled).

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Depart from Sapa

Sapa

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.