Premium Walking & Hiking in Vietnam

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience both the bustle of Hanoi and the gentle lifestyle of northern Vietnam’s hill tribe communities on this nine-day Premium hiking adventure through Vietnam.

Highlights

Explore Sapa – a mountain town known for its rich hill-tribe culture. Visit the Sapas Stone Church, learn about the French influence on the area’s architecture and wander the local market.
Hike through valleys surrounded by towering limestone peaks, bamboo groves and rice terraces in Nam Ti and Tu Le.
Visit the National Heritage Site of Hoang Su Phi and stroll through its renowned rice fields.
Indulge in Vietnam’s local cuisine with a traditional barbeque in Sapa and Michelin Star restaurant in Hanoi.
Learn about northern Vietnam’s rural culture through meaningful local interactions – meet welcoming families in Lim Thai Village in Tu Le and hear about the village's history and way of life.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private Transport,on foot

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Finishes

Hanoi, Vietnam

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi. When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and taken to your comfortable hotel, where your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do in Vietnam's storied capital. You could book the Hanoi Street Food Experience with Urban Adventures to sample local street eats from markets and food carts, take a stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake or explore the Old Quarter lined with shops, imperial temples and French architecture. This evening, head out to dinner with the group at Tam Vi, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its authentic ‘mother’s cooking’ style dishes and take the time to get to know your leader and group.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Welcome dinner at Tam Vi Restaurant
Hanoi - Fast Track Airport Service on Arrival
Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Women's Museum (30000 VND)
Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex (80003 VND)
Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)

Accommodation:

The Ann Hanoi or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Hoang Su Phi

Today you’ll travel by private vehicle to Hoang Su Phi – a mountain village known for its stunning terraced rice fields. Today is a bit of a long but definitely worthwhile travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts or watch the scenery pass you by. Stopping for lunch along the way, you’ll soon arrive in Hoang Su Phi, a mountainous region on Vietnam’s northern border and far from the usual tourist trail. When you arrive, set off on a village walk to Nam Ti – known for its stunning patchwork of sprawling vibrant green tea plantations. After walking through this amazing scenery check into your first feature stay eco-lodge, voted one of Vietnam’s Leading Green Resorts for 2025. Perhaps enjoy a post hike relax in the hot springs before dinner, then attend a cultural Flame Dance Ceremony and a traditional blessing ceremony to prepare for your upcoming trekking adventures.

Included Activities:

Hoang Su Phi - Traditional Flame Dance Ceremony
Hoang Su Phi - Na Namem Ti Guided Village Walk

Accommodation:

Panhou Retreat or Similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Hoang Su Phi

This morning, set off on an incredibly scenic hike through Hoang Su Phi’s rice terraces. This region – that remains largely untouched by mass tourism – is known for its verdant green hillsides and traditional stilt houses. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Raspberry Viewpoint where vivid red hues contrast with lush greenery to create a stunning natural mosaic. With panoramic views of the layered rice fields and surrounding highland landscape, this is the perfect spot to pause your hike and snap a few photos. This afternoon is free for you to spend how you like. Maybe head back to your comfortable eco-lodge to relax or unwind in a rejuvenating herbal bath.

Included Activities:

Hoang Su Phi - Raspberry Hill Viewpoint walk
Hoang Su Phi - Rice Terraces Guided hike

Accommodation:

Panhou Retreat or Similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Sapa

After breakfast transfer by private vehicle though the mountainous scenery to the bustling town of Sapa (1600m), nestled in the shadow of the highest peak in the region, Mount Fansipan (3143m). After checking in, set out on a guided walk through the town, renowned for its colourful hill-tribe cultures. Visit the iconic Sapa Stone Church, a testament to the French influence in Vietnam’s architecture in the 1920s, then, explore the town’s local market filled with fresh produce and handmade crafts. Later, enjoy a traditional Sapa-style barbeque and learn about the area's culinary culture. This specialty is grilled over open flames and served street-style with local meats and vegetables.

Included Activities:

Sapa - Sapa Market
Sapa - Walking tour of Sapa
Sapa - BBQ street food meal
Sapa - Sapa Church

Accommodation:

Sapa Jade Hill or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Sapa

This morning you’ll drive from Sapa to Nam Cang – a remote community primarily home to the colourful Red Dao people, with a small population of Black Hmong residents. From here, set off on a circular hike through terraced rice fields, dense bamboo forests and misty hills. As you hike past traditional hill tribe villages, your guide will introduce you to the region’s history and the rich culture of northern Vietnam's local communities. On arrival back into Sapa you have some free time to explore before retiring to your comfortable hotel bed for the evening.

Included Activities:

Sapa - Full - day Guided Hiking: Nam Mat - Suoi Thau - Nam Cang

Accommodation:

Sapa Jade Hill or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Mu Cang Chai

After breakfast you’ll drive south through the misty grey mountain peaks, passing O Quy Ho, one of the 'Four Greatest Passes of Vietnam' to Mu Cang Chai, a stunning region at 1500m above sea level, which the temperature is ideal for hiking with breathtaking landscapes views. This afternoon, take a break from hiking and settle into your second Feature Stay at the Garrya Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge. Surrounded by mountains, and terraced rice fields this is a haven of relaxation. Enjoy some ‘you time’ with a spa treatment or massage to soothe your trekking muscles.

Accommodation:

Garrya Mu Cang Chai or Similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Mu Cang Chai

Start your morning with a short drive then discover the traditional culture and one of the most stunning landscapes of Vietnam on a trek below the majestic 'Dinosaur Spine of De Xu Phinh'. Set out on the hike along footpaths lined with Hmong houses and rice terraces, as the village's daily life unfolds around you. These paths look out over Vietnam’s well-known landscape of patchwork green and brown rice fields, surrounded by mountains and towering trees. Stop to enjoy the views with a light picnic lunch of traditional foods and take the time to meet the local Hmong community to enjoy the warm hospitality the region is known for. After the hike take the short drive back to your Feature Stay eco-lodge and relax in its comfortable surroundings.

Included Activities:

'Dinosaur Spine of De Xu Phinh' Guided Hike

Accommodation:

Garrya Mu Cang Chai or Similar (Feature Stay) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Hanoi

Today, travel by private vehicle down the scenic route back to Hanoi, as you drop from the mountainous north to the coastal plains of the Red River. Stopping for lunch on the way, you’ll arrive back in to the bustling city in the afternoon. The rest of today is free for you to spend how you like. Tonight, head out for a traditional Vietnamese dinner with your group at the Ha Thanh Maison Restaurant. Located within a beautifully restored historic mansion, tonight’s restaurant offers a charming dining experience with meticulously crafted dishes that celebrate local flavours – the best way to celebrate the end of your trip.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Farewell Dinner at Ha Thanh Maison Restaurant

Accommodation:

The Ann Hanoi or Similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Hanoi

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) (355 USD)
Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,695

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Experience both the bustle of Hanoi and the gentle lifestyle of northern Vietnam’s hill tribe communities on this nine-day Premium hiking adventure through Vietnam.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Apr 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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