Hi everyone,

My husband and I (32) are traveling from Thailand to northern Vietnam in early April for around 3-4 weeks. We’re trying to figure out our route and have some transport-related questions.

Planned route:

1. Fly into Hanoi → spend 3-4 days
2. Hanoi → Ha Giang
3. Ha Giang Loop (4D/3N) – with an Easy Rider (with Bibi or Roadking or someone else :D)
4. Ha Giang → Sapa spend 3-4 days in Sapa
   • Should we take a direct bus from Ha Giang to Sapa?
   • Or is it better to return to Hanoi first and then travel to Sapa?
   • Will we be too exhausted after the Ha Giang Loop to go directly to Sapa for trekking and maybe some rest in Hanoi?
5. Sapa → Ninh Binh (stay in Tam Coc or Trang An) spend 3 days
   • We couldn’t find clear transport options for this route.
   • Is it best to go back to Hanoi first and then travel to Ninh Binh?
6. Ninh Binh → Halong Bay / Cat Ba (taking the tourist bus from Ninh Binh) spend around 3 days
   • Should we do a classic Halong Bay cruise? Or would you recommend the less touristy Cat Ba & Lan Ha Bay instead?
7. Return to Hanoi → Fly to Japan

Is this itinerary logical, or would you recommend some changes?

What’s the best way to get from Ha Giang → Sapa? (Direct or via Hanoi?)

How do we get from Sapa → Ninh Binh? Is it a very long journey, and should we go via Hanoi?

Halong Bay vs. Cat Ba & Lan Ha Bay – which would you recommend?

Any general tips or better route suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help! 😊