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North Vietnam Snapshot

7 Day Tour

Home » Tours » Vietnam » North Vietnam Snapshot – 7 Day Tour

Classic 12 DaysClassic 15 Days

Route

Hanoi > Hanoi

Days

7

From

?
AU $1445

Currency

$995 (US) , £745 , €895

Days

7

Route

Hanoi > Hanoi

Trip Rating

From

AU $1445
?

Currency

$995 (US) , £745 , €895

Trip Overview

One Life Adventures' Tour style 'Snapshot' icon
Please note: This Snapshot-style tour runs alongside our Vietnam Classic 12 & Classic 15 Day Tours, which begin a week earlier in Ho Chi Minh City. Some fellow travellers will already be on the Classic journey when you join them. Curious? Click through above to learn more about these tours.
Please note: This Snapshot-style tour runs alongside our Vietnam Classic 12 & Classic 15 Day Tours, which begin a week earlier in Ho Chi Minh City. Some fellow travellers will already be on the Classic journey when you join them. Curious? Click through above to learn more about these tours.
Get ready for an epic 7-day tour through North Vietnam. You will taste mouth-watering street food in Hanoi, cruise and kayak through Ha Long Bay, and trek through stunning rice terraces in Sa Pa.
North Vietnam Snapshot - 7 Day Tour Itinerary Map One Life Adventures

Deposit AU$200

Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour

Group

Maximum group size 22 people*

Health & Safety

Standards & Protocols

Deposit AU$200

Secure your spot with a deposit 60+ days before your tour

Route

Hanoi > Hanoi

Stays

6 nights of accommodation

Meals

4x Breakfasts, 4x Lunches, 3x Dinners

Transport

All transport included

Activities

9 included over 3 locations

Crew

Your OLA tour guide, your drivers & your local guides

Route

Hanoi > Hanoi

Stays

6 nights of accommodation

Meals

4x Breakfasts, 4x Lunches, 3x Dinners

Transport

All transport included

Activities

9 included over 3 locations

Crew

Your OLA tour guide, your drivers & your local guides
Set off on an exciting 7-day Vietnam group tour through North Vietnam’s must-see destinations. Starting and ending in Hanoi, you’ll experience the capital’s bustling streets, the serene waters of Ha Long Bay, and the stunning rice terraces of Sa Pa. Enjoy authentic local cuisine, uncover hidden treasures, and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich culture alongside fellow travellers. This 6-night adventure showcases the region’s best attractions.

Itinerary

North Vietnam Snapshot - 7 Day Tour Itinerary Map One Life Adventures

Day 1 – Arrive in Hanoi, Street Food Tour

Welcome to Vietnam! Touch down in Hanoi where a friendly face will greet you at the airport and whisk you off to your city centre accommodation. As night falls, you’ll meet your group for a stroll through the lively streets before diving into a feast of local flavours on a mouthwatering Hanoi food tour. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

*As our Snapshot tours are modular, please note that you will be joining guests who have been travelling on our Vietnam Classic Tour for the past week.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Hoa Binh Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Street Food Tour
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

Day 2 – Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay

Today, you’ll leave the city behind and journey to the breathtaking Bai Tu Long Bay, a World Heritage-listed wonder that’s every bit as magical as its reputation. From the harbour, board your boat and cruise between towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. You’ll also make a stop en route to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. Grab a paddle and kayak around the stunning scenery of Cap La Island. Fancy a dip? As the day winds down, you’ll toast to new friends with sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on deck.

Please note: We recommend bringing a small overnight bag with only the essentials, as storage space on board is limited. Don’t worry about the rest of your luggage, it will be securely stored at your hotel in Hanoi, ready for you when you return after your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Renea Cruise (or similar)
Activities: Ha Long Bay Cruise, Kayaking & Bai Tu Long Bay
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

Day 3 – Tai Chi & Hanoi

Start your morning with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, accompanied by tea, coffee, and light pastries as the bay drifts by. Spend the rest of the morning soaking up the scenery or simply relaxing on deck before enjoying brunch on board and a visit to Thein Canh Son Cave.

Around 11.30am, you’ll return to Hanoi and have some time to refresh at Hanoi Sky Hotel before being trasferred to Hanoi Railway to take the overnight train to Lao Cai tonight.

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train – Sharing Cabin
Activities: Tai Chi, Thein Canh Son Cave
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Brunch
Physical Rating: Low/Medium

Day 4 – Arrive in Sa Pa

Arriving in Sapa in the early morning, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel to drop off your main luggage, bringing only a small overnight bag for your homestay. From there, meet your local guide and head straight to Ta Van Trek Point. Trek through the lush rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley and discover Ta Van village, where rural life moves at a slower pace, and friendly locals welcome you with warm smiles. After checking in at your homestay, enjoy some free time before sharing a delicious dinner with your hosts and experiencing an authentic night in the heart of Sapa.

Accommodation: Multi-share Dorm Rooms – Ta Van Homestay (or similar)
Activities: Lao Chai & Ta Van trekking
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium / High

Day 5 – Ta Van to Giang Ta Chai

Wake up to a delicious breakfast at your homestay. Around 9:00 AM, you’ll set out on a trek to Giang Ta Chai Village. Hike uphill to discover a beautiful waterfall and soak in breathtaking views. Giang Ta Chai is home to the Red Dao people, known for their distinctive black attire with embroidered details. You’ll enjoy lunch in the village before a steep descent. Back in Sa Pa town, you’ll check into tonights accommodation. The afternoon is yours to explore Sa Pa Town and browse the local market, immersing yourself in the local culture.

*Please note, that we advise guests to wear hiking shoes rather than trainers on this walk.

Accommodation: Twin/Double Rooms – Cat Cat View Hotel (or similar)
Activities: Trek to Giang Ta Chai Village
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium / High

Day 6 – Sa Pa & Chasing Waterfalls

Today’s your final day in Sa Pa. After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head out with your guide and car to an altitude of 1700m to visit the mesmerizing Silver Waterfall, where the Muong Hoa stream begins. Snap some stunning photos before continuing your journey through a wild forest road for about 3 km, reaching a red dirt path that winds through lush green bamboo forests. At the end of the bamboo forest, you’ll follow the stream to the breathtaking Love Waterfall. The waterfall resembles a hat from a distance, creating a picturesque scene in the vast space of mountains and forests. After soaking in the beauty of Love Waterfall, you’ll return to your car and head back to Sa Pa town to enjoy your final lunch in town.

We’ve arranged a late check-out of your accommodation today, so after lunch, you’ll have time to return to your room, freshen up and get your belongings together before your overnight train.

As the evening approaches, transfer to Lao Cai Train Station for your overnight journey to Hanoi. Grab some snacks for the night train and enjoy sharing a cabin with your travel mates.

Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train – 6 Berth Cabin
Activities: Silver & Love Waterfalls
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium

Day 7 – Farewell to Vietnam

Your Vietnamese adventure comes to an end as you arrive in Hanoi around 5-5:30 AM. As you say goodbye at Hanoi Train Station, you’ll be filled with unforgettable memories of your journey. If you’re not ready for the adventure to end, don’t hesitate to ask about extending your stay – we’re always happy to help you explore more of Vietnam!

Tam biet va Hen Gap Lai! (Goodbye and See You Again!)

Accommodation: N/A
Activities: N/A
Optional Extras: N/A
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Low

North Vietnam Snapshot - 7 Day Tour Itinerary Map One Life Adventures

Inclusions

Our crew comprises of award winning tour guides who will make your trip unforgettable. Expertly trained and prepared for every circumstance – they’ll be your new best mate and a fountain of knowledge all wrapped up in one, and will stop at nothing to make your trip life changing.

We’ve packed a full itinerary so you can see the best in your time. Not only that, we’ve personally tried and tested all of the accommodation, transport and meals included on this trip to be sure you’re receiving a quality experience.

Stays

6 nights of accommodation

*Note for Single Upgrades: Night 4 will be a multishare homestay and 3 & 6 will be a multishare overnight train.

Jump to more details

Transport

All transport included
 From airport pickups to night trains, boats,  and more.

Meals

4x Breakfasts, 4x Lunches, 3x Dinners
Included meal on Vietnam tour including springrolls, a stirfry, a vegetable medley and a salad

Crew

Your OLA tour guide, your drivers & your local guides
Vietnam Tour guide giving thumbs up on cruise boat in Halong Bay

Learn About Our Guides

Activities

  • Hanoi Local Foodie Street Food Tour
  • Bai Tu Long Bay
  • Ha Long Cruise
  • Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
  • Tai Chi
  • Thein Canh Son Cave
  • Lao Chai & Ta Van trekking
  • Trek to Giang Ta Chai Village
  • Visit Silver & Love Waterfalls

Health & Safety

The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are our top priority. Here at One Life Adventures, we ensure:

  • All guides are trained in First Aid, CPR, and key safety protocols.

  • Guides complete ongoing Health & Safety training to uphold top safety standards.

  • An on-the-ground and office support for emergencies and guest health is maintained.

  • Guides carry local clinic contacts and know the medical network along each route.

  • Practical advice to help you stay safe while travelling is provided.

See our Health & Safety processes and considerations

 

Night Stays

We like to mix up the fancier places with some nights in a remote homestay where you will eat, sleep, and live like the locals for that truly authentic experience. With multishare and twin rooms throughout, all our accommodation options have been selected by us to ensure you get the best of what Vietnam has, without breaking the bank. Clean, comfortable, and perfect to recharge after a big day of adventure. This tour includes two overnight train journeys to and from Sapa where you will stay in a four berth cabin (occasionally 6 berth) with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks.
Z

Multishare & Twin/Double Rooms

Z

Authentic Homestay

Z

Overnight Cruise

Halong Bay cruise boat accommodation with a view, Vietnam

Customer Reviews

North Vietnam Snapshot – 7 Days with One Life Adventures

From AU$1445

Check your dates and additional booking information

FAQs

Let’s go through the basics before you meet us on your Snapshot tour in Vietnam. You are about to set off into one of the most spectacular places on the planet and we want to make sure you’re all ready! If you still have further questions after reading through these FAQs, please get in touch with one of the friendly OLA team who are here to answer all your questions.

How does this Snapshot tour relate to your other Vietnam tours?

Our North Vietnam Snapshot Tour is a 7-day itinerary that showcases some of Vietnam’s iconic destinations including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa. It is designed as the final section of our 12 and 15-day Vietnam tours. This means that during the North Vietnam Snapshot Tour, you’ll explore alongside guests who have been travelling together from the South of Vietnam, for about a week before your tour starts. The modular structure allows for a seamless and cohesive travel experience, whether you’re with us for just 7 days or the entire journey.

Where should I fly into? /Where does the tour end?

You will start and end your tour in Hanoi you’ll want to fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). You will be greeted at the airport if you arrive on Day 1 of your tour.

Can I get picked up from the airport if I arrive before day 1?

We don’t offer this option at this time, however, what we can suggest is downloading online taxi applications called Grab or GoJek. They are similar to the famous Uber app and should make this transfer an easy process for you.

Does it matter what time I arrive on day 1 in order to be picked up from the airport?

We recommend you arrive before 3 pm, this way you should have enough time to make it to the first accommodation and go on the Hanoi Food Tour. Arrivals after this could well risk you missing it. However, no matter the time or airport you are landing at, pickup is included and a driver will be waiting for your arrival with a One Life Adventures sign.

Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

Yes, although we cannot guarantee every dietary requirement can be catered to along the way, our guide will do their utmost best to help you with alternative options and what you can eat otherwise.

I am applying for my visa and I need a reference and address?

Your first night’s stay will be:
Hoa Binh Hotel
Address: 27 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi – Vietnam
Phone: +84 24 3825 3315

Please see the government website if you will be required to apply for a visa to enter Vietnam.This topic is continually changing, so we recommend you do relevant research on the government websites.

Is there WiFi throughout the trip?

Wifi is available on the tour in all mainland accommodations, Ha Long Bay cruise ships and trains do not.

Your guide can help you purchase a local sim card if you want to have connection while outside too.

How much spending money do you recommend for this tour?

You can expect to spend around $20/$30 USD per day. Budgeting can be done if you are open to eating at more local vendors and don’t drink alcoholic drinks.

What is the multi-share situation? Do we still have privacy on the Multi-share nights?

On your first night in Sa Pa you will stay in a unique multi-share homestay. The homestay has curtains separating the dorm rooms, and multiple bathrooms. The overnight train will be multi-share rooms. In any accomodations that are multi-share, we will do our best to keep it to the same genders, however occasionally, it may be mixed.

I have never kayaked before. Will someone help me, and do we get our own kayaks?

We have 2 people kayaks, and we will try to allocate guests together depending on their experience to have a fun and successful time.

Should I bring my hiking shoes?

Yes, we would recommend bringing hiking shoes for your Sa Pa treks.

I'm not the biggest fan of hiking, is this tour right for me?

If you’re not the biggest fan of hiking, this tour might not be the best fit for you since it involves a full day hike. Instead, we recommend our Vietnam 12-day Classic Tour. It offers a diverse range of activities and sightseeing options across Vietnam, without the hiking.

Backpack vs Suitcases, what's better?

Kindly be aware that there are nights scheduled for overnight train travel during your Vietnam Snapshot tour. To enhance your comfort and convenience, we highly recommend bringing a backpack or carrier for this portion of the journey.

What time can I fly out on the last day?

On the final day, we recommend booking departure flights no earlier than 11:00 AM. Please allow 1 – 1,5 hours to get to the airport.

Visas & General FAQs

For more information about your visa requirements as well as the answers to more general frequently asked questions, visit Visas & General FAQs

*Group Size Disclaimer: Our standard maximum group size is 22 people for an optimal tour experience. However, on very rare occasions, we may accept up to 24 people due to logistical considerations.

Secure your place now and pay later

Deposit AU$200

Reserve your spot with a deposit when booking 60+ days out from your departure date.

Not quite ready to book yet?

Request via Whatsapp to secure your spot on the tour for the next 48 hours while you finalise plans, check flights, or chat with friends.

We’ve Got You

Not sure where to start? Our team’s always here to help plan your trip and answer any questions along the way. Book a free call with a travel specialist. Just part of what we do - no commitments required.

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