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Vietnam Travel Guide
7 Days North Vietnam: The Highlights
7
Days
Duration
Private tour
Fully customizable
24/7 local support
via WhatsApp
From
$565per person
$565per person
Rated 4.9 out of 5
4.9/5 [from 230+ reviews on Tripadvisor]
Overview
Overview
This 1 Week Northern Vietnam tour combines natural wonders, local culture, and memorable activities in one well-paced journey. From street food in Hanoi to a peaceful cruise through Lan Ha Bay, cycling in a hidden island village, and trekking across Sapa’s terraced landscapes, each day offers a new perspective of the region. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a mix of comfort, adventure, and authentic experiences — with all logistics carefully arranged, including transfers, accommodations, and 24/7 local support.
Highlights
Highlights
- Explore the hidden corners of Hanoi on a street food and train street walking tour
- Cruise and kayak through the limestone landscapes of Lan Ha Bay
- Discover Viet Hai village by bicycle or electric car on a remote island
- Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and cruise through the caves of Trang An
- Trek through the scenic rice terraces and ethnic villages of Sapa
- Free Vietnamese SIM card and 24/7 support via WhatsApp throughout your trip
Watch & dream
Tour Video Preview
Watch a short preview of our “7 Days North Vietnam: The Highlights” tour to get a visual impression of the destinations and experiences.
The video offers an overall idea of the trip, though details may vary by season or your personalized itinerary.
Your journey
Route
- Day 1: Hanoi
- Day 2: Lan Ha Bay
- Day 3: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba
- Day 4: Cat Ba – Ninh Binh
- Day 5: Ninh Binh – Sapa
- Day 6: Sapa
- Day 7: Sapa – Hanoi
Plan your trip
Price & Availability
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— Local Vietnam Team
Customizable & Private
Your own itinerary, your own pace — a fully private package that you can customize completely based on your wishes.
Stress-Free, Fully Supported
Door-to-door travel, a free SIM for constant internet, and a dedicated Vietnam expert on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
Local Experts, Authentic Travel
Based in Vietnam with deep local knowledge, we deliver real experiences and handle everything quickly and directly.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 01 :
Arrival & Hanoi Street Food Tour
After landing at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, a private driver will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in the city center. In the evening, dive straight into Vietnam’s culinary culture with a guided street food tour through the Old Quarter. You’ll walk past bustling markets, hidden alleys, and lively corners of Train Street, tasting local favorites like bún chả, bánh cuốn, and egg coffee. It’s a flavorful introduction to life in northern Vietnam.
Dinner
Day 02 :
Cruise Through Lan Ha Bay
Leave the city behind and head towards the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known but equally stunning extension of Halong Bay. After boarding your boutique cruise, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as you pass limestone islands and floating villages. In the afternoon, explore the bay by kayak or relax on a secluded beach. End the day with a sunset view, a cooking demonstration, and dinner on board.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03 :
Viet Hai Village & Cat Ba Island
Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck and enjoy breakfast with views of the bay. Then, cruise towards the remote Viet Hai Village, where you’ll explore by bicycle or electric car. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful mountain scenery, this small village offers a glimpse into rural island life.
After returning to the boat and checking out, enjoy lunch onboard before disembarking. A short transfer brings you to your next stay on Cat Ba Island. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps take a walk along the beach or explore the relaxed island town.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 04 :
Discover Ninh Binh’s Natural Beauty
Enjoy a free morning on Cat Ba Island—perfect for some beach time or a relaxed stroll through local markets. In the early afternoon, you’ll board a comfortable bus to Ninh Binh, a scenic region known for its dramatic limestone landscapes and peaceful rural life. After checking in at your resort, the rest of the evening is free to relax.
Breakfast
Today you’ll explore the best of Ninh Binh on a guided group tour. Start with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and learn about the country’s early dynasties. Then, hop in a small boat for a peaceful ride through Trang An’s stunning cave systems—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was also featured in the film Kong: Skull Island.
After lunch, cycle through a quiet village surrounded by rice fields, then hike the 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of Tam Coc. In the evening, you’ll return to Hanoi to freshen up before boarding an overnight train to Lao Cai, heading deeper into the mountains.
Breakfast, Lunch
Arriving early in Lao Cai, a driver will bring you to Sapa town for breakfast and to prepare for a full day of trekking. Your journey takes you through Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van—each village home to different ethnic minority groups like the Hmong and Giay.
Walk across suspension bridges, through bamboo forests, and along some of Vietnam’s most beautiful rice terraces in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Enjoy lunch with a local family and learn about traditional customs and daily life. After the trek, return to Sapa for a well-earned rest.
Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the cool mountain air. You might take a walk to Sapa’s local market or enjoy coffee with a view of the misty mountains. In the afternoon or morning (your choice), board a luxury limousine bus back to Hanoi, a comfortable 6.5-hour journey with short rest stops. This marks the end of your unforgettable 1 week Northern Vietnam tour.
Breakfast
Make it your own
Customize this tour
Use this itinerary as a template — more or less days, add or remove destinations, adjust activities, or change hotels to match your travel style.
Your trip, your way.
Good to know
Included / Excluded
We want to be as transparent as possible about what is included in your tour, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
What's included
All the essentials for a smooth journey.
- Accommodation in carefully selected hotels, cruise, and homestay
- All transfers and transportation as described, including bus, train, and boat
- Guided street food tour in Hanoi
- 2-day cruise in Lan Ha Bay with activities (kayaking, cooking class, Tai Chi)
- Day tour to Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave
- Guided trekking tour in Sapa with local guide
- Entrance fees and tickets for all included activities
- Night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (shared 4-berth cabin)
- Limousine bus from Sapa to Hanoi
- Meals as listed: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
- Free Vietnamese SIM card with data and 24/7 support via WhatsApp from our Vietnam expert team
What's not included
A few things to keep in mind for your budget.
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Vietnam visa
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Good to know
We're happy to advise on flights, visas and travel insurance, and can help you arrange optional activities.
Clear details.
Happier travels.
Happier travels.
Good to know
Tour information
Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip. If you have any other questions, our team is always happy to help!
Small details.
A smoother journey.
A smoother journey.
Your investment
Price Overview
The prices shown below are estimated and may vary depending on the season, availability, and changes from our local partners. Final pricing can also be influenced by any customizations you request for this tour.
Estimated Price Per Person (USD)
Prices shown are per person, based on the number of people in your group.
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person$929per person | 2 people$660per person | 3 people$636per person | 4 people$624per person | 5 people$610per person | 6 people$579per person | 7 people$570per person | 8 people$565per person |
Exact pricing depends on travel dates, accommodation choices and any customizations.
Great value
for unforgettable
experiences.
for unforgettable
experiences.
FAQ
When is the best time for this 7-day North Vietnam itinerary?
The best overall period is February–April and September–early November. These months offer pleasant temperatures, clearer skies, and comfortable conditions for both Lan Ha Bay and trekking in Sapa.
May–August is possible but expect hotter days around Lan Ha Bay and more rain in the mountains. December–January is cooler in the North—still fine for sightseeing, but trekking can feel chilly and misty.
How difficult is the trekking in Sapa?
The trekking is moderate. Daily distances are manageable, but the terrain includes uneven paths, rice terraces, and some ups and downs. Most travelers with a basic level of fitness can do it, though trails can be slippery during the rainy months. If you have concerns, just let us know—we can adjust the route to easier paths.
Is this trip private, or will I join group activities?
The full itinerary is arranged as a private trip, including transfers, hotels, and overall planning. Some individual activities—such as the Ninh Binh day tour—may be in a small group unless you request fully private. Lan Ha Bay cruise is always a shared cruise unless you book a private charter.
Can I upgrade to a private cabin on the night train?
Yes. We can book a private 2-berth or 4-berth cabin depending on your budget and availability. It offers more comfort and privacy compared to sharing the cabin with other travelers.
Can I switch to a different cruise in Lan Ha Bay?
Absolutely. The cruise shown in the itinerary is our recommended option based on years of guest feedback, but we can upgrade or switch to another cruise if you prefer a different style, price range, or level of luxury.
Is this itinerary suitable for seniors or families with children?
Yes, but it depends on comfort level. The mix of travel, a night train, and trekking makes it better suited for active travelers or families with teens. With young children or travelers who prefer a slower pace, we can adjust the trekking routes or replace certain activities to make it more comfortable.
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