The Ultimate Guide to a 5D4N Trip to Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long
Planning a 5-day, 4-night trip to Northern Vietnam? We’ve got you covered with the perfect itinerary that takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the scenic mountains of Sapa, and finally, the breathtaking waters of Ha Long Bay. This Hanoi-Sapa-Ha Long itinerary is packed with local eats, cultural experiences, natural wonders, and even some unique overnight travel adventures!
Day 1: Explore Hanoi & Night Train to Sapa
Start your Northern Vietnam adventure in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital bursting with culture, history, and street vibes.
Begin with a café hopping tour — sip on a creamy egg coffee at Café Giang, stroll the iconic Train Street, and snap Instagram-worthy moments.
Dive into Hanoi’s history at Hoa Lo Prison (Maison Centrale) and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Both are fascinating glimpses into Vietnam’s past. Don’t worry about the language at Hoa Lo Prison — live translation headphones make it easy to follow the exhibits.
As the day winds down, board a sleeper train from Hanoi to Sapa. It’s a fun and unique way to travel overnight, letting you rest while waking up in the scenic mountains the next morning.
More Hanoi inspo:
Day 2: Fansipan Adventure in Sapa
Wake up to the morning views of Sapa, a mountain town famous for its terraced rice fields and local hill tribe villages.
Get ready for an epic adventure to Fansipan, the highest peak in Vietnam and the entire Indochina region, often called the “Roof of Indochina.”
Start your day with the Fansipan cable car, which holds a Guinness World Record for being one of the longest cable car rides in the world. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of terraced rice fields, misty mountains, and lush valleys stretching as far as the eye can see — it’s a perfect photo opportunity at every turn.
Once at the summit, explore the Fansipan Peak complex, a spiritual and cultural site dotted with Buddhist statues, stupas, and ornate pagodas. Climb the final 600 steps (or take a shortcut via elevator) to reach the summit, where you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
From here, the 360-degree views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range are absolutely breathtaking, especially during sunrise or when the morning mist begins to lift.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, spirituality, or just a photo op at the “top of Indochina,” Fansipan offers a full morning and afternoon of unforgettable experiences.
⏳ Time needed: 5–6 hours for cable car, summit exploration, and surrounding activities.
Klook Tip: Remember to bring along a jacket as it'll be pretty windy and cold at the summit!
Day 3: Sapa Nature & Culture + Sleeper Bus to Ha Long
Silver Waterfall & Dragon Skywalk
Kickstart your day with Silver Waterfall, a scenic cascade surrounded by lush greenery — a great spot for photos.
Klook Tip: We highly recommend visiting during the wet season for a more majestic and fuller view of the waterfall. But be careful if you're planning to climb to the top as it'll be pretty slippery!
Then, step onto the Dragon Skywalk, a glass bridge with jaw-dropping views over Sapa’s mountains. Don’t look down if you’re faint of heart, but do take lots of photos!
Best for: Thrill seekers!
Cat Cat Village
Visit Cat Cat Village, a traditional H’mong village, to see local artisans weaving, dyeing, and crafting. Learn about daily life and the rich hill tribe culture while exploring scenic paths, rice terraces, and small streams. It's honestly one of the places that look better in real life and definitely something you don't want to miss, especially if you're in the area.
P.S. there's actually no cats in the village so don't be disappointed if you don't see one 🤭
Klook Tip: Don’t miss the slide down to Cat Cat Village for an extra dose of adrenaline! It may look chill at first, but trust us — it’s way more thrilling than expected and had us screaming our lungs out 😨 Want to relive the moment? You can even snag a HD drone video of your ride for around SGD $5 — the perfect souvenir to keep those memories flying high. 🎥✨
Sleeper Bus to Ha Long
After a full day of adventures, hop on a sleeper bus to Ha Long Bay. It’s a convenient overnight journey, giving you energy for the next day’s cruising adventure.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Dolphin Day Cruise & Island Hopping
Ha Long Dolphin Day Cruise
Wake up to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and board the Dolphin Day Cruise. Sail past dramatic limestone karsts, hidden caves, and floating villages, a highlight of any Northern Vietnam trip.
Highlights to Visit:
- Sung Sot Cave: Explore impressive stalactites and stalagmites. And don't worry, you won't feel claustrophobic but do be prepared to climb a fair bit of stairs!
- Hang Luon: Admire towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters — perfect for photos. P.S. you can choose to relax in a boat or row your own kayak!
- Ti Top Island: Climb up for panoramic views of the bay or relax on the sandy beach.
Day 5: Hanoi – Old Quarter & Shopping
Old Quarter
Spend your last day wandering the Old Quarter’s shopping streets, picking up souvenirs, handicrafts, and snacks. Don’t miss local treats like egg coffee, banh mi, or pho for breakfast.
Which area to visit in Old Quarter:
- Hang Gai: Silks & tailoring
- Hang Bac: Jewellery
- Hang Non: Budget fashion
Hoan Kiem Lake
Soak in the vibe of Hoan Kiem Lake, stroll through French colonial streets, and grab any last-minute gifts before heading home.
Tips for Your 5D4N Hanoi-Sapa-Ha Long Trip
- Book transport & tickets early: Sleeper trains, buses, and cruises fill up fast.
- Book your Airport Fast-Track service: Clear immigration in 30 minutes and avoid the long queues (hearsay it's about 3hrs 😨)!
- Get a Klook eSIM: Get connected immediately once you land in Vietnam! No more changing of physical SIM cards (honestly, you don't even need to use another phone to scan the QR code! It's that seamless 😌)
- Buy travel insurance: Definitely a must for every trip even if you're not planning to try any thrilling/ adventurous activities! Better to be protected than not 🤗
- Pack smart: Northern Vietnam weather varies — Sapa can be chilly, Ha Long sunny.
- Bring cash: Small bills are handy for street food, local markets, and tips.
- Camera ready: Terraced fields, limestone cliffs, and Hanoi streets are extremely photogenic.
- Wear comfy shoes: Be prepared to walk and climb, especially in Sapa.
- Don’t be intimidated: The Vietnamese speaking tone might sound a little intense to us (especially when calling for a waiter 😅), but don’t worry — they’re not angry at all! It’s totally normal and just how the language sounds in everyday conversation.
Overall, this Hanoi – Sapa – Ha Long 5-day itinerary perfectly balances culture, adventure and nature experiences. Whether it’s sipping egg coffee in Hanoi, conquering Fansipan, strolling through Cat Cat Village, or cruising Ha Long Bay, Northern Vietnam delivers unforgettable memories at every turn.
Find more Vietnam inspo:
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