North Vietnam Snapshot - 7 Days

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

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 🌏Impact Moment Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Physical Rating: Low/Medium

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. 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 Optional Extras: N/A Meals: Breakfast & Brunch Physical Rating: Low/Medium

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

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

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

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