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 barbecue in Sapa and a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hanoi.
- 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.
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
- 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.
Special information: Your walking distance today will be approximately 6 km.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
- 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.
Special information: Your hiking distance today will be approximately 11 km.
- 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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
- 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.
Special information: Your hiking distance will be approximately 10 km.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
- 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.
Special information: No included hiking today
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
- 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.
Special information: Your hiking distance today will be approximately 8kms.
Your travel time today will be approximately 20 mins.
- 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.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
- 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.
0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
