North Vietnam Snapshot 7 Days
7 Days Starting and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Sa Pa, Ta Van
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NVS7D
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
3 - 22
Age range:
18-45
Special diets catered:
Meat, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
One Life Adventures is a premium youth operator, specialising in trips for travellers aged 18-45 years inclusive (at the time of travel). 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Twin/Double Rooms - Lenid Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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 together for the past week.
Day 2 : Ha Long & Bai Tu Long Bay
Location: Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation Name: Twin/Double Rooms - Renea Cruise (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you're trading city buzz for bay views. You'll hop aboard a traditional boat and sail into the famous Ha Long Bay. Your Ha Long Bay cruise takes you north to the less crowded Bai Tu Long area, where untouched wonders await. Grab a paddle and kayak around the stunning scenery of Cap La Island. Fancy a dip? There's an optional visit to a secret beach on Cong Do Island. As the day winds down, you'll toast to new friends with sunset drinks and a delicious dinner on deck.
Day 3 : Thien Cave & Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Twin/Double Rooms - Lenid Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise and shine with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck, or simply soak in the morning views of the bay. Next up, you're set to explore Thien Canh Son, the most famous cave system in Ha Long Bay, known for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. On the journey back, you'll have the unique opportunity to try your hand at Vietnamese fruit carving and spring roll making, learning about the intricate techniques and culinary traditions of the region.
Once back in Hanoi, you can stretch your legs on an optional walking tour, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and history of the city. Tonight we have a night of celebration with some of your travel crew who finish up their Vietnam Classic tour tomorrow.
Day 4 : Journey To Sa Pa
Location: Sa Pa
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Multi-share Dorm Rooms - Ta Van Homestay (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Your adventure continues today as you board a comfortable limousine at 7 AM for a scenic 6-hour journey to Sa Pa. Upon arrival, you'll meet your local guide and head straight to Ta Van Trek Point. Get ready to explore the lush rice fields of Muong Hoa Valley, where Ta Van village offers a glimpse into the authentic rural life of local tribes. You'll experience the slow pace, savour delicious food, and interact with curious, friendly locals. As night falls, you'll enjoy dinner with your local host and spend the night in an authentic homestay, soaking in the atmosphere of Sa Pa.
Day 5 : Ta Van To Giang Ta Chai
Location: Ta Van
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Twin/Double Rooms - The Gate Boutique (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 6 : Sa Pa & Chasing Waterfalls
Location: Sa Pa
Accommodation Name: Overnight sleeper train - 6 Berth Cabin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 7 : Farewell To Vietnam
Location: Sa Pa
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!)
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights of accommodation *Note for Single Upgrades: Night 4 will be a multishare dorm and 6 will be a multishare overnight train.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport Transfer only on day 1 of the tour
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Fully Guided
Your tour guide, drivers & local guides
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Meals
4 x breakfast - 4 x lunches - 3 x dinner
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
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International Fligths
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Some Meals
Mode of Transport
All transport Day 1 to 7. From airport pickups to limousine transfers, night trains, boats and more
Accommodation
6 nights of accommodation
*Note for Single Upgrades: Night 4 will be a multishare dorm and 6 will be a multishare overnight train.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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Should I bring my hiking shoes?Should I bring my hiking shoes?
Yes, we would recommend bringing hiking shoes for your Sa Pa treks.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I am applying for my visa and I need a reference and address?
Your first night’s stay will be: Lenid Hotel Address: 54 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam Please see the government website for whether you will need a visa to enter Vietnam. This topic is continually changing, so we recommend you do relevant research on the government websites.
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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.
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What is the age range of the tour?
We have an age range of 18 – 45 years old for our tours. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old, though this range varies to slightly older with certain destinations, and are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of all different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded conscious fellow travellers.
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How big are your group sizes?
Our groups are capped at 22 people maximum.
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Do I have to have travel insurance to come on a tour?
Travel insurance on all One Life Adventures trips is compulsory and we will check for it on tour, if you do not have travel insurance when you arrive on your tour you will not be able to continue without purchasing it.
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What's the general age range on your tours?
We have an age range of 18 – 45 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, we do. We cannot guarantee single sex rooming arrangements in multi-share accommodation (e.g. shared dormitory hostels), but twin share rooms will always be single sex.
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Free Date Changes
One Life Adventures allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
One Life Adventures allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform one life adventures, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
One Life Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 200 AUD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of one life adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.