Hiking North Vietnam

Once you have arrived in Hanoi, make your way to the hotel. In the afternoon, around 4 PM, our guide will meet us at the hotel, and we will go on a walking tour to explore the capital of Vietnam, taking in its colonial-era architecture and the lively atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake, the cultural and social heart of the city. Legend has it that Emperor Le Thai To returned a magical sword to a divine tortoise in this lake, earning it the name “Lake of the Returned Sword”.

Hanoi - Sapa - Lao Cai. Today, we begin our guided exploration of Hanoi with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, inspired by Lenin’s Mausoleum in Moscow. Nearby, we see the traditional stilt house where he once lived and the historic One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure first built in the 11th century.

Next, we head to the Museum of Ethnology, founded in 1997, which offers an excellent overview of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through detailed displays and cultural artefacts.

In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Literature, the site of Vietnam’s first university, set within peaceful courtyards and featuring fine traditional architecture. We then stroll through the Old Quarter and the area around Hoan Kiem Lake before boarding the night train to Sapa.

Please note: There is no restaurant on the overnight train, so we recommend dining nearby before departure. Trains can be noisy and basic, with fixed air conditioning, so bringing a sleeping bag or travel blanket is advisable. Please also note that you will be in a shared 4-person cabin (where possible this will be with other members of the tour group, but it cannot be guaranteed). If you prefer, a private cabin upgrade is available.

Lao Cai - Ta Giang Phinh - Sapa. This morning, we will arrive at Lao Cai train station and meet our guide, who will take us to Muong Hum Market. Held every Sunday, this colourful and bustling market draws ethnic communities such as the H’mong, Ha Nhi and Red Dao. Locals from surrounding villages and even Sapa come to trade goods ranging from farm produce and clothing to household items, offering a lively insight into regional culture.

After exploring the market on foot, we continue to Ta Giang Phinh, a remote valley home to the H’mong people. Here, we enjoy a short hike between villages, passing terraced rice fields, traditional homes and quiet rural paths. This walk offers the chance to observe daily life, from farmers at work to neighbours chatting along the roadside.

We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Sapa, where the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Hiking distance & duration: 3.8 km / 1h 30min
Elevation: +60m / -180m
Terrain: Mostly downhill, paved roads and village paths

Sapa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van. After breakfast, we set off on a scenic hike into the Hoang Lien Mountains, surrounded by terraced rice fields and winding rivers that define this dramatic landscape. Our route takes us through Y Linh Ho, a quiet village where we can observe daily life and meet members of the local ethnic communities dressed in traditional attire.

We continue along rural paths with sweeping views across the Muong Hoa Valley, a region known for its layered hills and vibrant farmland. The walk leads us through Lao Chai village and concludes in Ta Van, where we’ll experience more of the area's cultural richness and spend the night at a local homestay.

The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the village, take in the peaceful surroundings, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Hiking distance & duration: 10 Km / 2 hours & 30 mins (5 hours with visits)
Elevation:+400m
Terrain: Flat, can be slippery after rain

Ta Van - Su Pan - Tay Village - Hanoi. This morning, we head to Su Pan, a quiet village surrounded by mountain scenery and home to the Black H’mong and Red Dao. From here, we set out on a gentle walk to a Tay community, where distinctive stilt houses and traditional crafts reflect a way of life shaped by generations.

After returning to Sapa, we stop for lunch and take some time to rest before beginning our journey back to Hanoi. We board a public bus in the afternoon, travelling through the northern countryside and arriving in the city by evening. A local guide will accompany us to the departure point in Sapa. Once in Hanoi, a shared vehicle will transfer us to our hotel.

Walking distance and duration: 3 Km / 1 hour

Hanoi - Van Long Nature Reserve - Hoa Lu - Ninh Binh. Today, we will make our way to the province of Ninh Binh, where we will visit the Van Long Nature Reserve by boat and bicycle, travelling through quiet waterways and rural paths surrounded by towering karst cliffs and open rice fields. Along the way, we stop in local villages to meet residents and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared in a family home.

In the afternoon, we explore the historic site of Hoa Lu, once the political centre of Vietnam during the 10th century. Surrounded by limestone outcrops and rural landscapes, this former capital is home to timeworn temples honouring the Dinh and Le rulers, reflecting the early foundations of Vietnamese statehood.

Cycling distance & duration: 10 Km / 1 hour

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay. Today, we leave Ninh Binh and travel east to the coast, reaching Halong by midday. Upon arrival, we board a traditional boat for an overnight cruise through Lan Ha Bay, a quieter extension of the renowned Halong Bay. As we sail through calm waters dotted with forested limestone islands, we take in the striking seascapes that have made this region one of Vietnam’s most celebrated natural wonders. Onboard, we will enjoy a seafood dinner featuring local specialities as the sun sets over the bay.

Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay - Hanoi. Today begins with sunrise over the bay, a peaceful start to the day as we continue our cruise through the quiet waters of Lan Ha. We pass more of the bay’s towering limestone formations before returning to shore in the late morning. From here, we will make our way to Hanoi once we have arrived, make your way to the Hanoi International airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!