12-Day Vietnam Adventure: Halong Bay, Sapa & Phong Nha
Explore Vietnam in 12 days! Cruise Halong Bay, trek Sapa’s rice terraces, visit Ninh Binh, and discover Phong Nha’s caves. Plan your adventure now!
ASIAADVENTUREMIDDLE
About
On this 11-day trip to Vietnam, travelers will immerse themselves in the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, from the emerald waters of Halong Bay to the terraced rice fields in Sapa. The adventure starts in Hanoi, where the vibrant streets and Old Quarter pulse with energy. The journey continues with a cruise in Halong Bay, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s limestone karsts. In Ninh Binh, visitors can admire dramatic landscapes of karst mountains, caves, and rivers. The northern region brings trekking through remote hill-tribe villages and rice terraces in Sapa. The trip then takes travelers to Phong Nha, known for its impressive caves and national parks, before enjoying two days of further exploration in Dong Hoi. This extended itinerary offers more opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure, and cultural immersion in Vietnam’s natural wonders.
Trip Summary
PICKY
DAY 1 - Flight & Arrival
Arrive in Hanoi, explore the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake.
DAY 2 - Hanoi to Halong Bay
Cruise Halong Bay, visit caves and enjoy the tranquil landscape.
DAY 3 - Halong Bay to Ninh Binh
Travel to Ninh Binh, visit Tam Coc, and explore local villages.
DAY 4 - Ninh Binh Adventures
Visit Trang An, hike to Mua Cave, and explore local farms.
DAY 5 - Hanoi to Sapa
Travel to Sapa, visit local markets, and enjoy scenic views.
DAY 6 - Sapa to Phong Nha
Trek through terraced rice fields, visit ethnic minority villages.
DAY 7 - Sapa to Phong Nha
Travel to Phong Nha, enjoy nature walks in national parks.
DAY 8 - Phong Nha Caves
Explore the caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.
DAY 9 - Phong Nha to Dong Hoi
Travel to Dong Hoi, explore the local area and beaches.
DAY 10 - Dong Hoi Nature Exploration
Visit nearby caves, beaches, and national parks like Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng.
DAY 11 - Departure from Dong Hoi
Return directly from Dong Hoi and depart for home.
DAY 12 - Flight
Based on your schedule, Enjoy (...) your flight back home
$550
$825
More Fancy
Budget Buddies
Price Summary
Per person, based on a 2 persons' trip - flights excluded
Accomodation
Around $15-25 per night
Food
Depending on your stomach
Transfers
private drivers, taxi, ferries/flights
Experiences
Parks, Tours, and other attractions
$165-275
$110-165
$110-220
$165-275
How are prices calculated?
GALLERY
When To Go
March to May
The weather is mild, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This is the ideal time to visit for trekking in the northern regions and exploring Halong Bay. Rainfall is light, and the landscapes are lush and green.
June to August
This period marks the summer months, with high temperatures around 30°C to 35°C. The weather can be humid, especially in the north. However, it’s a great time to visit the beaches in central and southern Vietnam, and the rain is often brief in the north, making trekking still possible.
September to November
This is another excellent period to visit. The rainy season starts to ease, and temperatures become more pleasant. Northern Vietnam remains cool, while central Vietnam is at its best for exploring rural areas and national parks. The landscapes are often at their most beautiful, with clear skies and vibrant foliage.
December to February
Cooler temperatures in the north make it perfect for trekking, while the south remains warm. It’s the dry season for most of Vietnam, though northern Vietnam can experience a bit of mist, which adds a magical atmosphere, especially around Sapa and Halong Bay.
Summary Recommendations
Best Overall Period: March to May
The mild weather and lush scenery are perfect for outdoor activities like trekking in Sapa, boat cruises in Halong Bay, and rural explorations in Ninh Binh.
Alternative: September to November
The post-rain season offers excellent conditions for cave exploration and hiking, while the countryside is still verdant and the weather remains pleasant.
Avoid if Possible: June to August
While summer can be good for the beach, the northern regions will be hot and humid, making trekking and outdoor activities less comfortable.
Our Proposal
DAY 1
Arrive at Noi Bai Airport and make your way to the Old Quarter, Hanoi’s vibrant heart. This lively area is full of narrow streets and alleys packed with local food stalls, shops, and cafés. After checking in to your budget-friendly guesthouse, head out to explore the famous Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful spot in the center of the city, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on a small island in the middle of the lake. In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional Vietnamese meal—try pho (noodle soup) or bun cha (grilled pork with noodles). You can also enjoy a unique experience by watching a traditional water puppet show, a cultural performance that dates back to the 11th century.
FLIGHT & ARRIVAL
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options just outside Hanoi, in a guesthouse where the host an pick you up and organize transfers for you. alternatively you can stay in the city centre and enjoy some nightlife, carefully
DAY 2
After breakfast, take a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most iconic natural wonders. Upon arrival, board a boat for a day cruise through the bay's emerald waters, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts rising dramatically from the water. As you cruise, stop to explore caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), which features large, intricate chambers with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll also have the opportunity to swim or kayak in the calm waters. In the evening, enjoy dinner onboard as you witness the bay’s serene beauty at sunset. Spend the night on the boat for an immersive experience in the heart of Halong Bay.
HANOI TO ALONG BAY
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options along the bay so you can enjoy a quick access to it, or even better on a boat
DAY 3
After breakfast on the boat, return to the mainland and travel to Ninh Binh, a region known for its stunning natural landscapes (around 4 hours by car). Upon arrival, take a boat trip along the Tam Coc river, where you’ll drift past towering limestone peaks that rise from lush rice fields. This area, often called "Halong Bay on land," is equally breathtaking with its peaceful setting. In the afternoon, take a walk around the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which was the political center of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. You can visit the ancient temples dedicated to the early dynasties and enjoy the quiet, rural surroundings.
HALONG BAY TO NINH BINH
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options along the river if you want to be inside nature, or in the ancient cit of Hoa Lu if you seek more culture and life
DAY 4
Today, explore more of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty by visiting Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking landscape of limestone mountains, caves, and waterways. You’ll take a peaceful boat ride through caves and past temples, surrounded by lush greenery. Afterward, take a short hike up to Mua Cave, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields and river. For the rest of the day, enjoy cycling through the countryside, passing by local farms and traditional villages. This area is perfect for a slower-paced exploration, immersing you in the natural beauty and rural life of Vietnam.
NINH BINH ADVENTURES
DAY 5
Return to Hanoi and take an overnight train or bus to Sapa, a mountain town in northern Vietnam known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture. Upon arrival in the morning, check into your guesthouse, where you’ll rest and refresh before heading out to explore. Spend the day wandering through the bustling local markets, where you can find handmade textiles, handicrafts, and fresh produce. In the afternoon, take in the beauty of the surrounding terraced rice fields, which stretch across the mountainside. Sapa’s picturesque setting makes it the perfect place to experience the fusion of nature and culture.
HANOI TO SAPA
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in a good guesthouse, where you can have a local experience
DAY 6
Embark on a full-day trekking adventure through Sapa’s ethnic minority villages. The trek will take you through lush valleys, terraced rice fields, and dense forests, offering views of some of Vietnam’s most dramatic landscapes. As you pass through villages like Cat Cat and Ta Van, you’ll meet local Hmong, Tay, and Red Dzao people, who maintain traditional ways of life. Stop to visit their homes and learn about their culture, customs, and handicrafts. The trek will allow you to connect deeply with the natural beauty of the region while learning about the diverse ethnic groups that call these mountains home.
SAPA TREKKING
DAY 7
After your trek, return to Hanoi by bus or train (OVERNIGHT) and take a flight to Dong Hoi. From there, travel to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the most spectacular caves in the world. The journey from Dong Hoi to the park takes about an hour by car. Upon arrival, check into your eco-lodge nestled in nature, where you can unwind and relax. In the afternoon, explore the park’s trails, take a nature walk, or enjoy a boat ride along the Son River. The peaceful surroundings of Phong Nha will help you connect with the natural world.
SAPA TO PHONG NA
Check out some Public Transport Ticket
We recommend an overnight train to avoid losing vacation time
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in a good guesthouse, where you can have a local experience
DAY 8
Today is all about exploring the incredible caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. You can visit some of the park’s most famous caves, such as Paradise Cave, a 31-km-long cavern with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, or Son Doong Cave, the world’s largest cave. You’ll hike through the jungle to reach the cave entrances, where you’ll be awestruck by the sheer size and beauty of the underground chambers. These caves are surrounded by lush forests and rivers, offering the perfect blend of adventure and nature. If you’re interested in more gentle exploration, the park also offers easy trails that lead to caves, grottoes, and picturesque viewpoints.
PHONG NHA CAVES
DAY 9
Today, you’ll travel to Dong Hoi, the coastal city near Phong Nha (about 1 hour by car), for a more relaxed day. Explore the local attractions, such as the Quang Binh Museum, which provides insight into the history and culture of the region. You can also stroll through Dong Hoi’s vibrant markets, where locals sell everything from fresh seafood to handcrafted goods. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the beach, watch the sunset, and enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local eateries, offering freshly caught fish, prawns, and other specialties.
PHONG NHA TO DONG HOI
Check out some places to stay
We recommend some options in a good guesthouse, in front of the sea
DAY 10
For your last full day in Vietnam, head back to Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park to explore more of its natural wonders. You can visit lesser-known caves or take a guided walk through the park’s diverse ecosystems, where you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife and plant species. If you prefer a more relaxing experience, head to Da Nhay Beach, a quieter and less-crowded spot where you can unwind and enjoy the pristine coastal environment. Spend the afternoon here, or enjoy a peaceful walk through the lush countryside before heading back to Dong Hoi.
DONG HOI NATURE EXPLORATION
DAY 11
After breakfast, make your way to Dong Hoi Airport for your departure flight. If time allows, you can explore the town a little more before catching your flight home, reflecting on your unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and immersive nature experiences.
DEPARTURE FROM DONG HOI
DAY 12
Based on your schedule, enjoy (...) your flight back