OUR TRAVEL DIARY
Vietnam
Itinerary
8 Amazing Days
in Northern Vietnam
Hanoi • Sapa • Ha Long Bay • Ninh Binh
Mountain mornings, coffee discoveries, and boat rides through limestone scenery. Follow our actual eight-day Vietnam Itinerary.
Explore Our JourneyDAY ONE · THE JOURNEY BEGINS
From Hanoi Airport
Straight to Sapa
OUR FIRST EVENING IN VIETNAM
Dinner and cash
at Noi Bai Airport
Add your meal photograph
With cash sorted, we had our first meal in Vietnam: pork bánh mì, beef phở, coconut coffee, and salted cream coffee.
I had been especially excited about the coffee. I enjoy a strong black coffee, and I still remember a Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk that I tried years ago in Cebu.
The airport drinks were creamier and milder than I had hoped. They were fine, but I was still looking forward to trying coffee elsewhere.
We flew from Tokyo to Hanoi and arrived in the evening. Rather than stay in Hanoi first, we booked an overnight sleeper bus directly from the airport to Sapa.
Our pickup was scheduled for 11:30 PM. I deliberately left a buffer in case our flight was delayed, but we cleared immigration and collected our luggage quickly, leaving us with several hours to spare.
Our first stop was an ATM near the arrivals exit. Cash came in handy throughout the trip, especially for small purchases, tips, and toilet stops.
I used both my Wise card and my Philippine bank card during the trip. The amounts deducted varied between transactions, so I would check the ATM charge and my card provider’s fees rather than assume one bank would always be cheapest.
OUR OVERNIGHT RIDE
One cabin,
two different experiences
Add your cabin photograph
Before departure, we checked the pickup location sent by the operator on WhatsApp, then waited upstairs and charged our phones.
We booked a lower double cabin with HK Buslines. I thought sharing would be comfortable, but Yammy and I had very different experiences.
I could stretch out and sleep. He is taller, and with our shoes and smaller bags near our feet, he found the space cramped.
I slept well. He barely slept at all.
There were toilet and snack stops along the way. At the stop we used, the toilet fee was 3,000 VND per person, so small notes were useful.
A mountain-view morning in Sapa ♡
DAY TWO · OUR FIRST FULL DAY IN SAPA
Mountain Mornings
& Our First Sapa Adventures
BEFORE SUNRISE
Arriving before sunrise
We reached the HK Buslines center in Sapa at around 4 AM. Our booking included a transfer to our accommodation, La Do Homestay.
Our room was not available that early, so we left our luggage and started the day before checking in.
The driver offered a private sightseeing arrangement for 1,300,000 VND for the two of us, with an agreed window from 8 AM to 6 PM. We accepted because we wanted an easy way to visit several places.
He spoke English well, suggested stops, and even lent us a small camera for the alpine coaster. Having someone handle the transport made our first day much easier.
BREAKFAST WITH A VIEW
Breakfast with a view at Viettrekking
We had breakfast at nearby Viettrekking, paying 180,000 VND per person for the buffet.
The made-to-order phở was my favorite part of the meal. The other food did not particularly stand out to me, but the mountain view did.
Fansipan’s cable-car attraction was closed for maintenance during our visit, which changed our original plans. We also missed the familiar sight of the mountain train passing through the scenery.
Still, there was plenty to enjoy without it.
OUR FIRST SIGHTSEEING STOP
Cat Cat Village: an early start helped
Our driver suggested visiting Cat Cat Village first. Arriving shortly after 8 AM worked well for us because it was still relatively quiet.
Entry cost 150,000 VND per person. We went straight to the rainbow slide, where there was no queue at the time.
The slide cost 40,000 VND each, with a drone-video option offered separately.
We then walked downhill toward the main village, passing shops, rental outfits, and scenic viewpoints.
We rented outfits for 250,000 VND for two people and paid another 500,000 VND for a photographer. He guided us to photo spots, helped with poses, and lent us props.
We did not share much of a spoken language, but gestures and plenty of “Okay!” got us through the session.
One honest detail: I was not comfortable with the smell of the outfits we rented. If you plan to rent one, check its condition before paying.
There were also plenty of steps. After roughly two and a half hours exploring, we were tired enough to pay 10,000 VND each for a golf-cart ride near the exit.
MOUNTAIN VIEWS & PHOTO STOPS
Mat Pet Farm and Moana Sapa
Our next stop was Mat Pet Farm, where entry cost 120,000 VND per person and included a drink or animal feed.
We spent about an hour seeing the animals and enjoying the mountain views. After the walking at Cat Cat Village, the slower pace was welcome.
Moana Sapa came next. Entry was 100,000 VND per person, including a drink.
For me, Moana was mainly a collection of photo spots. Some areas had queues, so we chose quieter corners and skipped the busiest setups.
We stayed less than an hour and had coconut coffee before leaving.
If your time is limited, I would choose between these stops according to your interests rather than feel you need to visit both.
A LITTLE ADRENALINE
Bản Mòng Alpine Coaster
The alpine coaster was one of the activities I was most excited about.
We paid 250,000 VND per person for one ride. A two-ride option was offered for 350,000 VND.
The first part was exciting, but we eventually caught up with a slower rider ahead and had to reduce our speed. That affected the experience more than I expected.
I wished we had another turn, although a second ride would not guarantee a clearer track.
We also bought a souvenir photograph for 100,000 VND.
TIME TO SLOW DOWN
A generous lunch and an early finish
For lunch, our driver recommended Nhà Hàng Ý Linh Hồ. We ordered black chicken cooked in pumpkin and pork roasted in bamboo.
The portions were generous—more than the two of us could finish—and the meal cost 985,000 VND. It was one of our most expensive meals, but we enjoyed trying something different.
By the afternoon, we were ready to slow down.
Instead of adding more attractions, we shopped for clothing, bags, coffee, and pasalubong, then returned to the homestay to check in.
I had booked our mountain-view room months ahead. After such a long day, finally being able to shower and lie down felt wonderful.
We planned to go out for dinner, but I woke from my nap with a migraine. We ordered pizza through Grab and stayed in.
Rice terraces, village walks & coconut coffee ♡
DAY THREE · A SLOWER SIDE OF SAPA
Through the Rice Terraces
& Back to Sapa Town
OUR HALF-DAY VILLAGE WALK
Walking through Lao Chai and Ta Van
With Fansipan unavailable during our visit, I looked for another experience that would help us see more of Sapa beyond the photo attractions.
We booked a half-day tour through Agoda that included Muong Hoa Valley, Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, a café stop, and a foot bath.
We met the group at Sapa Stone Church at 8 AM.
Our guide, May, made this one of my favorite activities of the trip. Along with the rice terraces and mountain scenery, we learned about local textile-making and daily life.
The walk was around two kilometers. Along the way, May explained the use of plant fibers and indigo in traditional clothing, showed us finished fabrics, and introduced us to a local household.
These explanations gave the landscape more meaning. We were seeing a place where people lived and worked, rather than simply stopping for photographs.
A WELL-EARNED PAUSE
A slower finish at Sapana Cafe & Bistro
The tour ended with a drink and foot bath at Sapana Cafe & Bistro.
After walking, sitting with a view across the valley felt like exactly what we needed. It was one of the places where I would have happily stayed longer.
Our van then brought us back to Sapa town.
AN AFTERNOON AROUND TOWN
Coconut coffee, the lake, and a simple lunch
We took photographs near Sapa Stone Church and walked around town.
At Cộng Cà Phê, I ordered coconut iced-blended coffee while Yammy chose coconut cocoa. The two drinks cost 128,000 VND.
We both loved them. They felt almost like dessert, and I enjoyed this coconut coffee much more than the one I had at the airport.
Afterward, we spent some time by Sapa Lake before finding lunch at a local restaurant called Thien Ly.
We ordered bún chả and fried rice for 100,000 VND altogether. After the previous day’s large restaurant meal, this simple lunch was a welcome change.
DINNER WITH A STREET VIEW
Dinner at Le Petit Gecko
After resting at the homestay, we went to Le Petit Gecko for dinner and sat on the balcony overlooking the street.
We ordered chicken spring rolls, caramelized pork, bamboo sticky rice, drinks, and passion fruit mousse.
The chicken spring rolls were my favorite—even though I had originally wanted the seafood version.
My egg coffee came with a surprise. After noticing an unfamiliar taste, we checked with the staff using Google Translate and learned that the version I had ordered contained alcohol.
There had been a misunderstanding when ordering.
If you prefer an alcohol-free drink, ask clearly about the ingredients rather than assume.
Our dinner cost 532,000 VND.
A coffee workshop & our last hours in Sapa ♡
DAY FOUR · OUR LAST HOURS IN SAPA
One More Mountain Morning
& Coffee to Remember
A SLOW START
A relaxed morning at La Do Homestay
On our final morning in Sapa, we stayed in bed a little longer and enjoyed the mountain view before breakfast.
We checked out at around 11:30 AM and left our luggage at reception. Our return sleeper bus was not leaving until 10:30 PM, so we still had most of the day.
We walked to Sun Plaza, took photographs, and browsed a few more shops.
I found the walk manageable, but Sapa’s slopes and the weather can make even a short distance feel tiring. Choose transport according to how you feel.
LUNCH IN SAPA
Lunch at Cozy Restaurant
We chose Cozy Restaurant for lunch and ordered several dishes, including seafood spring rolls and a beef dish.
The spring rolls were my favorite part of the meal. The staff were attentive and brought us complimentary fruit.
Our bill came to 609,000 VND.
ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SAPA EXPERIENCES
Learning to make Vietnamese coffee
That afternoon, we joined a coffee-making workshop booked through Klook.
Finding the venue took some effort because the map location was confusing. If you book the same experience, ask the organizer for current arrival instructions beforehand.
Once we were inside, the workshop became one of the highlights of our Sapa stay.
There were six participants, including us. I had originally booked a shorter selection but paid extra to join the full session.
We prepared six styles: black, egg, salt, brown, white, and coconut coffee.
Our instructor explained each step clearly, and we received the recipes afterward.
I bought a phin filter for 150,000 VND. It has become one of my most-used souvenirs: back in Japan, I still use it to make black coffee at home.
I enjoyed the workshop even though I generally prefer less-sweet drinks. Learning how the different coffees were made was the part I valued most.
BETWEEN CHECKOUT & DEPARTURE
The long wait before our night bus
After the workshop, we still had several hours before departure.
We walked around the lake, checked the market while stalls were being set up, bought a few more snacks, and eventually had dinner at Lotteria.
By then, familiar food sounded good.
Looking back, this was an awkward gap in our itinerary. We had checked out before noon but could not board our bus until late at night.
BACK ON THE ROAD
Separate cabins for the journey to Hanoi
After the cramped outward journey, we asked HK Buslines about changing our double cabin to two separate cabins.
The original booking was 730,000 VND, and we paid an additional 370,000 VND, bringing the total to 1,100,000 VND for two cabins.
Yammy slept much better with his own space.
I appreciated the extra room too, although I noticed the movement of the bus more when I was sleeping alone.
A bigger cabin improved the trip for him, but it did not make every part of the journey equally comfortable for both of us.
Hello, Hanoi — and a change of plans ♡
DAY FIVE · HELLO, HANOI
A New City
& A Change of Plans
AN UNEXPECTED HOTEL EXPENSE
Arriving at 4 AM
We reached Hanoi around 4 AM and went to Rex Hanoi Hotel.
Our booked check-in was not until the afternoon. We asked about paying for early access, but at that hour the hotel required us to purchase an additional night.
We also upgraded our room after learning that the category we had booked had no window.
This was a significant unplanned expense.
We had chosen an overnight bus partly to save on accommodation, then ended up paying for a room because we needed sleep.
STARTING AGAIN AFTER SOME SLEEP
A slower start in Hanoi
After sleeping, we woke in time for breakfast.
The hotel’s breakfast became one of my favorite parts of staying there. There were Vietnamese dishes, fruit, international options, and made-to-order eggs and phở.
The location also worked well for us because we could walk to many places around the Old Quarter.
Our original sightseeing list was ambitious. Once we were actually there, we chose a much shorter version.
OUR FIRST LOOK AROUND HANOI
Hoan Kiem Lake and a sightseeing bus
We walked toward Hoan Kiem Lake and took a sightseeing-bus loop for 150,000 VND per person.
It was a convenient introduction to the city, but taking an open-top bus at around 11 AM was not our best decision. We felt the heat.
I would choose a cooler part of the day next time.
After the ride, we explored a little around the lake before lunch.
LUNCH & AN AFTERNOON REST
Pizza 4P’s and an afternoon rest
At Pizza 4P’s, we ordered a half-and-half pizza, a mushroom-topped tomato pasta, and drinks.
Our meal cost 666,360 VND.
I had accidentally reserved for the wrong day, but the staff were able to find us a table.
After lunch, we returned to the hotel to rest. We had planned to visit Mega Grand World later, but neither of us felt like making the longer journey.
We stayed closer to the Old Quarter instead.
FOLLOWING OUR OWN PACE
Familiar food and an evening walk
One thing I wanted to do in Vietnam was eat at Jollibee.
For many Filipinos living abroad, familiar food is part of the excitement of traveling somewhere that has it. I also wanted to compare the menu.
After dinner and some shopping, we continued exploring Hanoi in the evening.
During our trip, we also visited the Train Street area. The experience was memorable, but I would not treat it as a guaranteed stop for a future itinerary. Follow current access restrictions and railway staff instructions, and do not enter closed areas or approach the tracks for photographs.
THE LITTLE MOMENTS WE REMEMBER
Ending the night above the Old Quarter
Back at the hotel, we checked out the recreation area and rooftop bar.
Over drinks, we met other travelers and exchanged stories about where we had been and where we were going next.
Those conversations became an unexpectedly lovely part of the trip.
We spent plenty of time visiting attractions, but some of my favorite memories came from simply sitting somewhere and talking to people.
Off to Ha Long Bay — a day on the water ♡
DAY SIX · A DAY TRIP FROM HANOI
A Day on Ha Long Bay
Limestone Views & Open Water
THE JOURNEY TO THE BAY
Traveling to the cruise port
We booked a Diamond cruise day trip through Klook.
The organizer sent our meeting instructions the night before. Our pickup point was a short walk from the hotel.
The bus was comfortable and provided bottled water. With a rest stop along the way, the journey to the port took more than three hours.
We boarded around 11:45 AM.
LUNCH WITH A CHANGING VIEW
Lunch with a changing view
Buffet lunch was included in our package.
The food was fine rather than exceptional for me, but I was happy to find seafood among the choices.
The view was the real highlight. As we ate, limestone formations appeared outside the windows, and I kept looking away from my plate to watch the scenery.
After lunch, we explored the ship and went to the upper deck.
Drinks cost extra on our booking, so check the inclusions carefully when comparing cruises.
OUR FIRST EXCURSION
Sung Sot Cave
Our first excursion was Sung Sot Cave.
I had not expected the steps leading to its entrance, but the climb was worth it once we reached the viewpoints and walked inside.
We spent roughly 50 minutes exploring the cave and its rock formations before returning to the ship.
Bring comfortable shoes and carry your valuables with you during excursions.
TWO DIFFERENT WAYS TO ENJOY THE WATER
A speedboat ride and bamboo boat
At the Luon Cave area, we paid an additional 300,000 VND per person for an optional speedboat ride.
It was one of the most exciting parts of the day.
We then chose the bamboo boat instead of kayaking. Having someone paddle meant we could relax, look around, and enjoy the limestone scenery without worrying about steering.
The ride lasted about 30 minutes. We also spotted monkeys along the rocks.
SEEING THE BAY FROM ABOVE
Ti Top Island
At Ti Top Island, we could stay near the beach or climb to the viewpoint.
We chose the climb.
The beach was crowded during our visit, and I was more interested in seeing the bay from above. We only had a short time at the top, but I was glad we made the effort.
THE JOURNEY BACK
Sunset on the way back
Back on the ship, afternoon snacks and tea were served as we returned toward the port.
The sky gradually turned orange, and we spent the final part of the cruise enjoying the view.
We arrived back in Hanoi at around 8:30 PM.
It was a long day, but one I was very glad we kept in the itinerary.
Ninh Binh — viewpoints, village cycling & Trang An ♡
DAY SEVEN · A DAY TRIP TO NINH BINH
Views, Villages & Waterways
The Day I Nearly Skipped
I nearly skipped Ninh Binh.
Earlier in the trip, I canceled our tour because I was worried about coping with another hot day while dealing with migraines.
After enjoying Ha Long Bay, I decided to book again through Agoda.
I am glad I did.
KNOWING WHEN TO STOP
Mua viewpoint: knowing when to stop
Our first stop was Mua Cave, although the viewpoint above it was what we had come to see.
The climb became steep and crowded in places. We went partway up rather than continuing to the highest dragon-ridge section.
Even without reaching the top, we had a beautiful view across the surrounding landscape.
I was happy with the decision to stop where we felt comfortable.
We explored the pond area afterward, then bought drinks before returning to the bus.
A RIDE THROUGH THE SURROUNDING AREA
Cycling and lunch near Hoa Lu
The next part of the tour included cycling through the surrounding area.
Those who did not want to cycle could wait at the restaurant. We joined the ride and spent around 30 minutes following the guide.
This was one of the activities I had been looking forward to. It offered a different way to see the area between the larger sightseeing stops.
Buffet lunch followed and was included in our package.
A LITTLE HISTORY ALONG THE WAY
Hoa Lu temples
We also visited the temples at Hoa Lu.
Our guide had advised us about appropriate clothing before the tour. I wore shorts for cycling and borrowed a cover-up at the entrance.
For future visits, I would bring something lightweight that covers my knees and shoulders so I would not need to rely on a loan item being available.
A GENTLE FINISH IN TRANG AN
A boat ride through Trang An
Our final stop was Trang An.
The boat ride on our tour lasted around an hour and a half. I had expected something longer after reading about other routes, so it is worth checking exactly which route your package includes.
We traveled between limestone formations and through caves, with time to sit quietly and take in the scenery.
Having the boat ride toward the end of the day suited me. It felt like a gentle finish after the climb and cycling.
Our guide, Golden Goat, also deserves a mention. His energy and explanations helped make the whole excursion enjoyable.
OUR FINAL NIGHT IN HANOI
Our final evening in Hanoi
We returned to Hanoi around 7 PM and went back to the hotel to change before dinner.
Following our guide’s recommendation, we tried chả cá: turmeric-seasoned fish served with noodles, herbs, peanuts, and shrimp paste.
The shrimp paste reminded me of my grandfather’s homemade ginamos back home.
After dinner, we stopped for something sweet and explored the nearby night market.
We ended our last evening at the hotel’s rooftop bar, looking across the Old Quarter before returning to pack.
A slow final day in Hanoi & the journey home ♡
DAY EIGHT · OUR FINAL DAY IN VIETNAM
One Last Day in Hanoi
Before We Head Home
A LITTLE TIME FOR OURSELVES
Spa before departure
We kept our final morning relaxed.
After breakfast, we checked out at 11 AM and left our luggage with reception.
Our airport pickup was booked for 3 PM, leaving time for a spa visit nearby.
Yammy and I both had a one-hour head spa with neck and shoulder massage. I also tried brow lamination and a lash lift.
The treatments took about two and a half hours altogether, and we paid 1,600,000 VND in total.
ONE LAST VIETNAMESE MEAL
One last Vietnamese lunch
For lunch, we chose MẸT Vietnamese Restaurant near the hotel.
We ordered a selection of spring rolls, bún chả, and bánh xèo.
Eating nearby made things easier because we could return quickly to collect our luggage.
Our driver arrived earlier than the booked pickup time, so we confirmed that we were still finishing lunch and would be ready at the arranged time.
THE JOURNEY BACK TO JAPAN
Coffee before flying home
The journey to the airport took around 30 minutes that day.
After dropping our bags, we finally tried Highlands Coffee. I ordered an Almond PhinDi, and Yammy had an iced coffee with condensed milk. We shared banana cake.
There was just enough time to buy more coffee and snacks before leaving Vietnam.
Our flight home included a layover in Hong Kong, and we reached Tokyo the following morning.
From Sapa’s mountains to Hanoi’s streets — memories to take home ♡
THE PRACTICAL PART OF OUR TRAVEL DIARY
What We Paid
& What We Learned
Selected Costs from Our Trip
These are examples from our own spending, rather than a complete trip budget.
| Item | What we paid | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Private Sapa sightseeing driver | 1,300,000 VND | For two travelers |
| Viettrekking breakfast | 180,000 VND | Per person |
| Cat Cat Village entrance | 150,000 VND | Per person |
| Cat Cat rainbow slide | 40,000 VND | Per person |
| Outfit rental | 250,000 VND | For two |
| Cat Cat photographer | 500,000 VND | Our session |
| Mat Pet Farm entrance | 120,000 VND | Per person |
| Moana Sapa entrance | 100,000 VND | Per person |
| Alpine coaster, one ride | 250,000 VND | Per person |
| In-room massage | 350,000 VND | Per person, one hour |
| Return sleeper bus after cabin change | 1,100,000 VND | Two separate cabins |
| Hanoi sightseeing-bus loop | 150,000 VND | Per person |
| Optional Ha Long Bay speedboat | 300,000 VND | Per person |
| Final-day spa and beauty treatments | 1,600,000 VND | Combined bill |
Prices reflect our own trip. Check current rates and inclusions before booking.
LOOKING BACK
What We Would Change in our Vietnam Itinerary
Arrange early room access before an overnight bus
Our 4 AM Hanoi arrival led to an additional hotel-night charge. I would confirm the arrival arrangement before booking the transport.
Make the first Sapa day lighter
We enjoyed the places we visited, but several sightseeing stops after an overnight journey were tiring.
I would choose fewer attractions and leave more time to enjoy the accommodation.
Plan the gap between checkout and departure
On our last day in Sapa, we had many hours between checkout and our late-night bus.
A day-use room, late checkout, or earlier departure would have made that day more comfortable.
Keep room for changes
We skipped places we had intended to visit, including Mega Grand World and several Sapa attractions.
I do not regret adjusting the schedule. We enjoyed the trip more when we stopped treating the original plan as something we had to finish.
OUR FINAL THOUGHTS
Was Eight Days Enough
for Northern Vietnam?
Eight days gave us time to experience Sapa, explore parts of Hanoi, and take day trips to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh.
It was enough for this route, but it was not entirely relaxed. The overnight journeys and two full-day excursions made some days tiring.
For a slower trip, I would add time or remove a destination rather than fit in more attractions.
The places I remember most clearly are the rice terraces around Sapa, the limestone scenery of Ha Long Bay and Trang An, and the coffee workshop that followed me home through a little phin filter.
But I also remember the less polished moments: ordering familiar food when we were tired, changing plans after a nap, and meeting other travelers above the streets of Hanoi.
Those moments belong in the story too.
We did not complete every plan we made, but we came home with plenty of reasons to return.
