Barbeque street food in Sapa with fresh vegetables, flavourful chicken on skewers
Operated by Intrepid Travel

Premium Walking & Hiking in Vietnam

From
CAD 3,350
Duration
9 days
Countries
Vietnam
Activity
moderate
Group size
Max 12
Rating
4.8 · 13 reviewsvia Intrepid Travel

The adventure

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. Hike with a knowledgeable local leader through valleys, tea plantations, limestone peaks and verdant rice terraces in Nam Ti and Hoang Su Phi, and capture the panoramic views from Horse Shoe Viewpoint and Raspberry Hill. Spend the night at two Feature Stays, including the Garrya Mu Cang Chai Eco Lodge, surrounded by beautiful mountains and rice terraces, learn about northern Vietnam’s rural village culture in La Pan Tan and Tu Le, and enjoy Vietnam’s local cuisine with a traditional food and a stunning restaurant in Hanoi.

At a glance

Duration
9 days
Route
Hanoi → Hanoi
Countries
Vietnam
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Food & Drink, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Max 12
Ages
15+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Day by day

Aerial view of a Chinese town surrounded by lush landscapes and a river.
Your journey through

China

Day 1HanoiXin 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 Épices d'Indochine, a restaurant that serves a delicious array of blended French & Vietnamese cuisine, and take the time to get to know your leader and group.
Street vendor with a bicycle in the urban market of Hanoi, Vietnam.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 Épices d'Indochine, a restaurant that serves a delicious array of blended French & Vietnamese cuisine, and take the time to get to know your leader and group.
Map showing Hanoi
Side view of anonymous male fisher in oriental boat fishing in rippled lake against old construction and mountain
Your journey through

Vietnam

Day 2Hoang Su PhiToday 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.
A breathtaking view of the lush rice terraces in Hoàng Su Phì, Hà Giang, Vietnam, capturing the natural beauty and tranquility.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.
Map showing Hoang Su Phi
Day 3Hoang Su PhiThis 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.
Stunning aerial view of rice terraces in Hoàng Su Phì, Ha Giang, Vietnam.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.
Map showing Hoang Su Phi
Beautiful landscape of lush grasslands and mountain ranges in Xinjiang, under cloudy skies.
Your journey through

China

Day 4SapaAfter 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. If time permits you'll 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, return to the hotel and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese dinner made from local and seasonal produce.
A beautiful landscape of Sapa rice terraces with a village nestled amongst green hills under a bright sky.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. If time permits you'll 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, return to the hotel and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese dinner made from local and seasonal produce.
Map showing Sapa
Day 5SapaThis 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.
A cheerful girl in a white jacket enjoying a beautiful mountain landscape in Lào Cai, Vietnam.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.
Map showing Sapa
Serene landscape in Ninh Bình, Vietnam featuring grazing buffalo in lush rice fields.
Your journey through

Vietnam

Day 6Mu Cang ChaiAfter 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.
Spectacular scenery of rice paddy terraces ans small settlement located on mountain slope in VietnamMu 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.
Map showing Mu Cang Chai
Day 7Mu Cang ChaiStart 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.
Scenic landscape of terraced rice plantations on green mountain slope in Mu Cang Chai in VietnamMu 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.
Map showing Mu Cang Chai
Stunning view of a remote mountain range under dramatic cloudy sky, perfect for nature lovers.
Your journey through

China

Day 8HanoiToday, 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.
Street vendor with a bicycle in the urban market of Hanoi, Vietnam.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.
Map showing Hanoi
Day 9HanoiYour 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.
A scenic view of Turtle Tower on Hoan Kiem Lake surrounded by lush greenery in Hanoi, Vietnam.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.
Map showing Hanoi

Traveller reviews

4.8

Based on 13 reviews · via Intrepid Travel

Discover Vietnam

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Serene landscape in Ninh Bình, Vietnam featuring grazing buffalo in lush rice fields.
Stunning aerial shot of lush green terraced rice fields with mountains in the background.
Breathtaking landscape view of a city nestled between lush mountains and the coastline, captured in daylight.
Aerial view of karst mountains with villages and river in a rural landscape.
Picturesque scenery of green hills with wooden houses placed among rice plantations located in countryside in daytime

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
13 Sep 202621 Sep 2026CAD 3,475AvailableBook my trip
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