Hanoi Sapa and Ha Long Bay 5-Star Cruise 4D3N

Pick up at Somerset West Point, Hanoi. Depart by private vehicle toward Sapa, the town the French once called the summer capital of Tonkin, along Vietnam's longest highway spanning 250 km. The drive takes approximately seven hours. On the way, stop at Milestone 102 at the Lao Cai International Border Gate for a visit and photos.

Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, conquer O Quy Ho Pass, one of the Four Great Mountain Passes of Northern Vietnam. Stop at the summit and Heaven Gate for memorable photos. Then visit the Rong May Glass Bridge, where you can experience the thrilling sensation of standing on a transparent bridge high above the valley, with a breathtaking panoramic view of one of Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Check in to your hotel in Sapa. Free time to explore the town.

Breakfast at the hotel. Head to Sun World Fansipan Legend for a full Fansipan experience. Board the Muong Hoa luxury train, the most modern of its kind in Vietnam, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Muong Hoa Valley with its terraced rice fields through panoramic windows (train ticket included). At Hoang Lien Station, transfer to the Fansipan cable car, which holds two Guinness World Records (cable car ticket included).

Continue to the summit aboard the Do Quyen mountain train, which winds through a tunnel at the Great Buddha statue (mountain train ticket included). Hike to Thanh Van Dac Lo and Bich Van Zen Temple, then reach the summit of Fansipan to visit Tam Thanh Mau Temple and the Lower Pagoda, and take photos at the Fansipan flagpole.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Begin the journey back to Hanoi by private vehicle.

Check in to your hotel in Hanoi. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast and check-out. Transfer to Ha Long Bay, approximately 160 km away and a 3.5-hour drive. Along the way, pass through the rural Red River Delta with chances to photograph Vietnamese farmers working in the paddy fields. Arrive in Ha Long City at around 11:30 AM and board the Essence Grand Cruise 5-star (or similar standard).

Welcome drinks are served as you are introduced to the itinerary and safety procedures. Enjoy lunch at the Dining By The Bay restaurant. The transfer boat then takes you to Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, first discovered by French explorers in 1901.

Guests who prefer to stay on board can enjoy the spa and massage, the four-season pool, the cigar and wine lounge, the kid's club, and other amenities. As the sun sets between the dramatic limestone peaks, join the Sunset and Happy Hour at the Sky Bar with canapés and your choice of drinks.

Dinner in the on-board restaurant, featuring a selection of Western and Vietnamese cuisine. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in your suite, enjoying the spa, trying squid fishing from the back of the boat, or spending time with fellow travellers at the cigar and wine lounge, karaoke club, Sky Bar, or pool bar.

Rise early to experience an amazing sunrise across Heritage Bay. Join meditation or fitness exercises on the sundeck to start the day with fresh energy. A light breakfast is served in the restaurant. Board a speedboat to Luon Cave on the north-eastern part of Bo Hon Island, the finest spot in Ha Long Bay for exploring by bamboo rowing boat. Return to the cruise, check out at the reception desk, and enjoy the brunch buffet on board as the ship makes its way back to port.

Disembark at the Essence Grand Cruise port and transfer back to Hanoi. Enjoy a city tour taking in the Temple of Literature, the French Quarter, Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake (reached via the iconic red Huc Bridge), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and Gardens, the House on Stilts, and One Pillar Pagoda. Explore the Old Quarter, a bustling hub of narrow streets filled with vibrant markets, traditional shops, and street food. Free time for shopping at Trang Tien Plaza, the Old Quarter, and Dong Xuan Market before being transferred home.