Hiking in Northern Vietnam

Experience Overview

Trade tourist trails for secluded tracks, venturing deep into the remote reaches of northern Vietnam for a unique hiking adventure. Emerald rice terraces and surreal landscapes await, but this trip is so much more than a scenic hike. Meet Dao silversmiths and fire dancers, sleep in an authentic local homestay, and cruise among the limestone pinnacles of Lan Ha Bay. Our stay at an eco-retreat with soothing hot springs will be one to remember, while your local tour leader helps you experience northern Vietnam as only an insider can.
Profile
— Accommodation: 5 Superior nights (1 eco-retreat, 2 bungalow, 2 hotel), 6 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (homestay) — Travel by private air-conditioned bus — Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 5 Superior nights (1 eco-retreat, 2 bungalow, 2 hotel), 6 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (homestay) — Travel by private air-conditioned bus — Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us. Suitability: Hikes on the trip are relatively low altitude, but you need a good level of fitness. Route: The terrain is varied but is mostly on dirt paths, with some tarmac. Many of the hikes involve going up/down steep hills. It can be hot from September to November. We do not schedule the trip during the very hot summers. Travel: To explore remote landscapes, we need to drive along mountainous roads that can be windy/slower to drive on.
Group Description
We are guided by a Vietnamese hiking tour leader, plus most hikes are accompanied by local guides.
Eating Drinking
Thanks to the tropical climate, long coast and mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous culinary offerings and maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are pho (noodle soup). Also be sure to seek out the national drinks. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except at the homestay in northern Vietnam. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Transportation
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Day 11 includes a cruise on Lan Ha Bay and a short ferry ride on days 11 and 12 to/from Cat Ba island.
Joining Instructions
Key information Start hotel: Minasi Grand Hotel, 61 Hue Alley, Ngo Thi Nham, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi Phone: +84 24 3624 4488 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing at the start hotel around 6pm this evening. Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) Getting to the start hotel The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for everyone. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative. Catching your return flight We provide free departure transfers for everyone to the airport from the end hotel. Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
Due to its northern location, Sapa, Hoang Su Phi and Bac Ha are cooler than the rest of Vietnam. The driest months here are October to mid-April, but rain can still occur at this time. Mid-April to September is considered monsoon season. However, weather patterns have been less predictable in recent years. December to February are the coldest months, usually 13C-18C (55F-65F) with lows around 10C (50F). Mid-year usually experiences the warmest temperatures: 23C-25C (73F-77F). The highlands of northern Vietnam are well-known for their picturesque rice terraces, but they aren’t always bright green due to the climate. Generally, the best time to see the rice terraces are during their peak season, which is also the rainiest time of year. However, the landscapes and scenery are rewarding no matter what time of year you visit. Boat trips: The Lan Ha Bay cruise and ferry to/from Cat Ba island are subject to short-notice change if adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October-April). Boat trips are governed by local authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If your trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion for your group or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations.
Spending Money
You need about 3.9m-4.7m Vietnamese dong (US$150‐US$180) for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money to cover drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Tipping
Tipping is at your discretion but is customary in Vietnam. To remove the hassle, the tour leader will suggest you contribute approximately 1m dong (US$40) per person to a tipping kitty. This is used by the leader to tip drivers, accommodation and support staff etc, but it is not used at restaurants. If you do not wish to contribute, you are, of course, free to decline. In addition (entirely at your discretion), a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated if you are happy with the service you have received. As a guideline, we recommend a contribution of 100,000-185,000 dong (US$4-US$7) per person, per day for your tour leader.

Highlights

— Join a tour leader with unrivalled local knowledge to hike northern Vietnam’s remote trails — Meet silversmiths, fire dancers and more to learn about the lives of local ethnic minority people — Cruise and kayak among the towering limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay — Stay overnight at a hill village and hike through Sapa's terraced rice fields — Sink into muscle-soothing hot springs with a stay at the eco-minded Panhou Retreat — Start and end in magnetic Hanoi, where culture, history and street food await

Trip Details

Product Code: 39008

Tour Type: Small Group

Accommodation: Moderate

Transport: a island.

Guide Language: English

Tour Operator: Exodus Travel

Supplier Code: TOV

Starts: Hanoi, Hanoi

Finishes: Hanoi, Hanoi

Duration: 13 days

Departures: Not Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Average

Includes

— All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 5 dinners — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Arrival and departure transfers

Accommodation

Hotels, eco-retreat, bungalow and homestay
We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines. You can find the normal accommodations used on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the standout places we stay. Hoang Su Phi: Hoang Su Phi Bungalow (nights 7-8) The cinematic beauty of northern Vietnam is on full display at Hoang Su Phi Bungalow, where we stay in comfortable thatched bungalows among tiered rice fields. The views are glorious, offering a chance to unwind in a peaceful, scenic landscape. Make good use of the infinity pool, sauna and garden; on one night, you may want to treat yourself to a soothing bath infused with herbs. Hoang Su Phi: Panhou Retreat (night 9) Solely employing local villagers, Panhou is dedicated to providing a unique experience and giving back to the community. It’s a celebration of local culture, with a museum in the garden displaying traditional costumes and architecture inspired by Dao culture. It’s also a wonderful place to simply relax, with soothing hot springs, a cosy bar, and restaurant serving a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisines. Worth knowing Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book. Single supplement is only valid for nine nights of the tour (not on days 3, 7 and 8)Homestay: Our homestay in Nam Cang village provides a wonderful insight into the local culture, but the rooms are basic twin-shares and there are shared bathroom facilities.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3610 ($278 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Adventure starts in Hanoi

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a delicious first taste of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re buying baguettes and inexpensive coffee from the grand doorways of a past era, drifting alongside Hoan Kiem Lake or roaming the animated streets, the capital will delight your senses. Around 6pm, say xin chào to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Vietnamese welcome by arranging dinner at a nearby restaurant. Accommodation: Minasi Grand Hotel (or similar) Want more time in Hanoi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

2

Day 2: To Sapa • Optional gentle trek in the afternoon

This morning we take a transfer (five to six hours) through scenic country and mountainous terrain towards Sapa, stopping at a restaurant en route for lunch. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely trek around the rice terraces or relax with some free time. If you opt for the latter, you may wish to visit the bustling Sapa market, where local people buy and sell fresh produce, handicrafts and souvenirs. Wander through the maze of stalls and stop to sample delicious street food. Accommodation: Hotel De Sapa (or similar)

3

Day 3: Trek the most remote region in Sapa • Sleep in a homestay

Leave the town of Sapa this morning and transfer (one hour) to the start of today’s trek, Suoi Thau village. Our trail takes us through the most remote region in the Sapa district, mostly along dirt trails, providing us with a fascinating insight into an area rarely explored by tourists. It ends in Nam Cang, a village of around 1,500 people from the Red Dao and Black Hmong ethnic groups. This evening, we enjoy a special experience, sleeping in a homestay, a chance for us to dive deeper into the local customs and cultures, learning firsthand from the people who live here. Accommodation: Nam Cang homestay or Ta May homestay

4

Day 4: Hike from Nam Cang • Meet a family of Dao silversmiths

Waking in our homestay, we start our hike directly from Nam Cang after breakfast. Along the way, we visit a family of silversmiths to observe their craft and learn about the role silver jewellery plays in the spiritual life of the Dao people. Today’s hike finishes near Thanh Phu village, where we take a transfer (around one hour) back to our hotel. Accommodation: Hotel De Sapa (or similar)

5

Day 5: To Bac Ha • Meet families creating corn wine and palm-leaf hats

Bid farewell to Sapa this morning, as we transfer (3hr 30min) to the rural Bac Ha district in the Lao Cai Province. After lunch at a restaurant en route, we visit a family to learn about the local corn wine-making process and to sample their produce. We also visit another household, who specialise in making palm-leaf hats with the chance to make your own. Accommodation: Binh Minh Bac Ha Motel (or similar)

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Day 6: Hike to the Hoang Thu Pho viewpoint

Today’s hike starts from the Na Hoi commune, near Bac Ha town centre. Along the way, we pass through Ban Pho village, where we can observe the daily life of the resident Black Hmong people. Our hike takes us to the Hoang Thu Pho viewpoint, where we can enjoy vistas over a valley of rice terraces. The terrain is a mix of dirt trails, a short stretch of tarmac and concrete village roads. The hike finishes back in Bac Ha, where we spend our second night. Accommodation: Binh Minh Bac Ha Motel (or similar)

7

Day 7: Explore the authentic Lung Phinh Market • To Hoang Su Phi • Fire dancing ceremony

After breakfast, we visit Lung Phin Market; here, Giay, Phu La and Mong Hoa ethnic groups meet and exchange goods, including the indispensable nua tubers – a specialty the local people used instead of meat in delicious, creative dishes. We then transfer (four hours) to Hoang Su Phi in the Ha Giang province. This mountainous region, which is largely untouched by tourism, sits near the Chinese border and is home to breathtaking terraced rice fields and untouched nature. Enjoy a short hike from Thong Nguyen commune this afternoon, walking uphill to Hoang Su Phi Bungalow, where we stay for the next two nights, enjoying stunning views over terraced rice fields. Before dinner, we witness a fire dancing ceremony, a custom of the Red Dao people, which demonstrates their strength and desire to conquer nature and master life. Accommodation: Hoang Su Phi Bungalow (or similar)

8

Day 8: Round-trip hike through rice terraces and tea hills • Lunch near Raspberry Hill viewpoint

Our hike today starts and ends at our accommodation, with wonderful views of rice terraces and tea hills, and passing small streams and villages. We stop for lunch at a homestay near Raspberry Hill viewpoint, one of the most beautiful spots in northern Vietnam with panoramic views of the tiered rice terraces and highland-mountainous landscapes. This evening, you may wish to enjoy a traditional herbal bath (optional extra, pay locally) before dinner to soak away any aches from a full day’s hike. Accommodation: Hoang Su Phi Bungalow (or similar)

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Day 9: Pick and sip tea with a farmer • Hike to Panhou Retreat

Head out early this morning to participate in the tea-picking process with a farmer, before returning to a local household to observe the drying process before tasting freshly made tea. After, we hike from our accommodation to our next accommodation, Panhou Retreat, arriving around mid-afternoon. Use the rest of the day to unwind in this standout resort, which solely employs people from nearby villages and offers a peaceful escape in the mountains, with a bar, restaurant and soothing hot springs. Accommodation: Panhou Retreat (or similar)

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Day 10: To Hanoi • Free evening

Enjoy a relaxed morning, making good use of the hot springs and other facilities before departing the retreat around 10am. We have a 6hr 30min transfer back to Hanoi today. This evening is free for you to enjoy the capital or explore as you wish. Accommodation: Minasi Grand Hotel (or similar)

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Day 11: To Cat Ba island • Cruise among the limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay

The group departs early this morning and transfers (2hr 30min) to the pier in Ha Phong city, where we catch a 30-minute ferry to Cat Ba island. We then transfer to Beo Pier, where we board our boat and spend four hours cruising Lan Ha Bay, where incredible karst islands and limestone outcrops mirror those at the better-known Ha Long Bay. The tour includes kayaking for those who wish to participate, allowing us to get up close to the towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and tranquil beaches of the bay. We also enjoy lunch on the boat. This afternoon, we check into our comfortable accommodation for the evening. Accommodation: Cat Ba Paradise Hotel (or similar)

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Day 12: Short hike to Ngu Lam Peak • To Hanoi

After breakfast, we head to Trung Trang Cave, which was used as a hospital cave during the Vietnam War. From here, we hike to Ngu Lam Peak, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole island. After, we transfer back to Hanoi (arriving mid to late afternoon) with free time before we head out for a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Minasi Grand Hotel (or similar)

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Day 13: Adventure ends in Hanoi

You’ve hiked through emerald rice terraces, immersed yourself in the culture of ethnic minority groups, and cruised among the limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay; but today, the adventure comes to an end, and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

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