7 days in Vietnam
 

My daughter and I have the opportunity to visit Vietnam for a week after a stop in Singapore at the end of June. There isn't much time to plan so I would love some guidance. I would like fly to Hanoi, spend 2-3 days and then do an overnight (or 2?) on Halong Bay. What else could we/should we add to this itinerary?

Due to your limitations of time, it's hard to suggest more though there are a lot of beauty spots in Vietnam. You can stay in Hanoi 2 nights, Halong bay 2 nights, then travel by train to Sapa and spend 2 nights there.

I did the 7 - day trip with Vietnam Exotic Tours last April. I had 3 days in Hanoi, 2 days in Sapa and 2 days for Ha Long Bay . My trip was great. Hanoi is beautiful, Ha Long Bay is a must see and I love Sapa with its amazing scenery and colourful cultures of the ethnic groups.

Love it all and hope to see the rest part of this country.

Cheers.

Sapa sounds wonderful - will look into it. Any suggestions on a reputable boat in Halong Bay?

I used the Dragon Pearl boat for our cruise in Ha Long Bay. It was very good junk.

Just remember travelling to Sapa will take you 2 day sleeping by train (overnight train)
So it should should be like this
2 nights in hanoi
3nights sapa
2 night halong bay

cheers
long - eternity

I myself would recommend you the itinerary as follows:
Day1: Fly to Saigon, then do the tour to Cuchi Tunnels, the rest of the day will be free at leisure.
Day2: Mekong Delta to see the Caibe Floating market, visit the village, have lunch in a local fruit garden, rowing small sampan along the small canals to see more local daily life, then back to Saigon.
Day3: Free at leisure in the morning, then fly to Hanoi.
Day4: City tour in Hanoi, explore the 36 old head quarters on a rickshaw, enjoying the water puppet show.
Day5: drive to Ha long bay, check in on the junk,lunch, then tour around on the junk and kayak (optional). overnight on the junk.
Day6: Breakfast in the morning, practising Taichi,...free till checking out. Drive back to Hanoi.
Day7: Flying back to Singapore.

I'm sorry to see that the only responses you have had are from people associated with tour operators in VN.

With a mere 7 days, you want to limit your destinations or you will spend all of your time in transit. I'd recommend staying in the north, perhaps just Hanoi and Halong Bay or Hanoi and Sapa. You don't have time for all three places due to the time it takes getting to/from Sapa. While two of the above agents have suggested you can do all three, note that your time for Sapa would be two nights on the train and one night in Sapa. Only you can decide if that is how you want to spend your time.

You can think of the South of Vietnam with Cuchi trip and Mekong Delta or whether you like beaches, sun, sea and sand...Nha Trang city will be highly recommend.

Add Sapa to your trip.
2-3 nights in Hanoi
1 night in Halong bay
3 nights for Sapa(including 2 nights on train)

It is a little bit tight but not tired
and especially worth seeing.

Enjoy your trip!

If I had a choice between Sapa & Halong Bay, I would take Sapa any time. Note that the weather will be cooler and more comfortable in the mountains. Do be aware though that this is the beginning of rainy season and you could get some rain in both Sapa and Halong Bay. If you do go to Sapa, it is best to arrange to be there over the weekend if possible, as that is the ideal time to see the various markets and colorful ethnic minorities. If you could leave Hanoi on Thursday evening and return Sunday evening, do be sure to get to the Ba Hac Market. If you can only be there one day during the weekend, try to get there on a Sunday morning and head directly to the Ba Hac Market before going to Sapa. It is well worth the time.

We absolutely loved Hanoi and spent 5 days there. I would personally split my time between Sapa and Hanoi. Getting to and from Halong Bay will cost you 1/2 day each way over a long and boring road.

If you feel that you really would like to get to Halong Bay,
be sure to get a junk that has air-conditioning inside the dining and common areas, not just in the cabins. Ours only had air-conditioning in the cabin and we suffered from the heat. We spent 2 night on Halong Bay and while we enjoyed it, I think 1 night would have been sufficient.

IMO the night train to Sapa was easier than the drive to Halong and wasted far less commuting time. Note that you really loose no time in commuting to Sapa as you leave Hanoi after a full day of touring, arriving in Sapa for an entire day. You then return from Sapa by train after a full day of touring and arrive back in Hanoi at the crack of dawn. If you go this route, try to get a 2 person air conditioned sleeping cabin to insure that you will sleep on the train.

Whatever you do will be wonderful. Have a great time.

Sorry - that would be the Bac Ha Market.