Package Vietnam Tour 8days 7night of Hanoi - Sapa - Ha Long Bay

Halong Tours Vietnam Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa

Halong Tours November 2025 We have travelled to quite a few Asian countries, but there is one that we have, so far, neglected – Vietnam! So, we began to explore options, and one that seemed to stand-out was Halong Tours, Vietnam. From their ads etc, it seemed that virtually everything was covered. Was this ‘Too good to be true’? Well, as it turned out, no, it wasn’t! From first contact we were given all the information and help promised. The tour was to Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Our consultant was Alice Nguyen, who was brilliant every step of the way! This included getting Visas for Vietnam, which we were able to print, and input the data at self-service check-in kiosks at Perth International Airport. We then used the self-service bag-drop to complete the process. The only thing left to us had been getting the flights to Hanoi, which were not included in the booking. We chose Singapore Airlines, which we use when Qantas are flights not available, and all went smoothly – as expected! The hotel in Hanoi, which owing to our itinerary, we used three times, was the Rex Hanoi Hotel, which was very good, brilliant staff and super location, right in the heart of the ‘Old Quarter’. We were met at Hanoi Airport by contracted personnel for taxi to our destination. And shortly after check-in at the hotel, Alice arrived to discuss the tour and to give us all the information we needed. The following morning, we boarded our coach for Ha Long Bay, a pleasant couple of hours trip. At Ha Long Bay we ferried out to our cruise vessel. On of many of similar style. Once on the boat a quick briefing and we began the cruise. Our room (cabin) was quite appropriate for a one-night stay. Compact with all facilities we needed. Small shower and a toilet included. It was basically a modest sized bedroom, quite appropriate as we spent most of the day either on tours or dining or simply on deck. The weather was overcast much of the time, with a touch of rain, but nothing spoiled our enjoyment. The food aboard was plentiful and of good quality. The staff super! Though the weather could have been better, Ha Long Bay was still a magnificent spectacle. We were ferried out to various islands and marvelled at the caves and scenery and wildlife (including monkeys at one of the islands!) At night the boats anchored in a spectacular, colourful group. Following dinner, music and dancing was the order of the night! One word re mobile phones. Signals may be low or simply not available in this area. There was no Wi-Fi connection on the boat. Next day more tours and then return to our Hanoi hotel. The following morning a very early, picked up for the trip to Sapa. This was the only disappointment! We had booked a ‘luxury transport’ to Sapa. Small 12-seater or so. We were ready early but some, from elsewhere, were 30 mins late! We were last pick-up and the only seats available were the elevated ones at the back right over the wheels and suspension and we felt every bump 10-fold! Not good, they were most uncomfortable seats. They had a so-called ‘massage’ function which was unneeded and made the seat bumpy hard! And, as we were elevated, the window was below my eye level, very uncomfortable to view. This was the only downside to the tour! I dreaded the return trip, but a full-size express bus had been ordered, which was much better, less claustrophobic and far more comfortable! Outbound, for those that could see, the scenery was fascinating as we steadily climbed the 5,000ft to Sapa. Our hotel was the ‘Azalea Sapa Hotel’, quite new, very nice, and lovely staff. Met with tour guide, then taken to another hotel for lunch. Back to meeting point and began the stroll to ‘Cat Cat’ village. (Nothing to do with felines, it comes from French re ‘Cataracts’. The trek down was long, down and down what seemed endless steps! On arrival the views of the cataracts where splendid, as was the musical performance of the locals. We were also treated to handicraft manufacture of various items, including weaving etc. The return trip, uphill, was mitigated by transport for those who preferred it. After return to the hotel, we had dinner (supper) and retired for the night. Lovely room very well appointed. The following day, after breakfast, we met our tour guide for the 25klm trek. It was still damp but not as bad as the previous day. Our guide had organized for us to change our footwear to wellington boots, as much of the trip was either through the boggy rice terraces, or simply wet puddled tracks. The local ladies accompanied us. At first there was some thoughts that they were just, ‘Hangers-on’ simply waiting for money. But that, to me was totally thrown out as we got to the rice terraces, where the track was across steeply inclined terracing, muddy and very slippery! A lady accompanying us, like others, helped me with a steady hand, despite the baby she had on her back in a pouch! The scenery was spectacular. After the rice terraces it was undulating gravel, mud or rough track. Again, the views and experiences of the local community we walked through was fascinating. At the end, we were treated to a great Vietnamese lunch. Then back to our hotel via transport. And yes, our shoes and boots were returned! We boarded our coach for the return trip, arriving back at Hanoi bus depot mid evening, from where the lovely Alice organized a taxi back to our hotel. Next day was our last day in Hanoi. We went to Train St, but missed the train! it had passed through this world-famous track minutes before…it was early! Tip. Check times of trains. There are a million cafes along that part of the track, and they will do anything to fool one to stay longer, including giving misleading information on train times. Back ‘home’, we rested and in the evening, we wandered the ‘food streets’ which was fascinating. Food was good and fair priced and the ‘people-watching’ most enjoyable, even the incessant motorcycles and cars driving at less the arm’s length from our table was fun! So, back to hotel, and next day flew home after a most enjoyable experience. Once again, thanks to Alice who was always at the end of her phone to assist us! Would we go back to Vietnam? Quite possibly!

via Tripadvisor

Fabulous!!!

We found Orchid Travel by accident on Google. They have assisted us whenever we have concerns. After a few days discussed we decided to book their package 8 days 7 nights. And it was fabulous. It's worth to go with this package as everything was beyond our expectations. Vietnam is a beautiful country and lovely people. We met friendly local people everywhere and they all smiled to welcome us. Thanks Mrs Pham since she has been together with us around the clock. She checked services all the time to make sure we felt happy with these. She's our best travel mate ever. Thanks to guide May Lin too, she's a really great guide too. We love Vietnam and love our trip. Definitely recommend Little Orchid Travel!

Response from the operator: Thank you for leaving us such a great review. It's our honor to welcome you to Vietnam and we felt happy as our services have met your expectation. We do hope to have chance welcoming you back Vietnam soon to see many other beautiful places with lovely locals. Thanks for recommending us to everyone. See you soon!

via Tripadvisor