Vietnam Sapa Trek and Ha Long Bay
Hanoi, Vietnam
5.0 (3 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Mountains of Vietnam
- Big Rivers & Beautiful Views
- Home-stay Lodging
- Amazing Vietnamese Cuisine
- Village Cultures of Vietnam
- Remote Villages & Rice Paddies
- Ha Long Bay Cruise
Description
“Xin Chao” from Vietnam! We start this epic Vietnam trekking adventure off in the ancient capital city, Hanoi, where we pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our hotel. We acclimatize in Hanoi and subsequently travel to Sapa, which lies on the Northwest border of Vietnam and China. Sapa sets our scene for the hiking portion of this trip as we trek through beautiful rice paddy terraces to remote ‘hill tribe’ villages. The trails we walk on connect village to village and are backdropped by rolling hills, pristine rivers and terraced mountainsides. We experience the lives of the Black H’mong, Red Dzao, Green Dzai and White Tay hill tribes by sleeping in comfortable home-stays, making personal connections and trekking from village to village. After the trekking portion of this trip, we head east to the South China Sea for a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay. The World renown limestone archipelago is a must for any travelers who visit Vietnam and no better place to end our adventure tour of Vietnam. The cultures, mountains, trekking, food and Ha-long bay make this trip one of the best trips in the world!
$725 Single Supplement
Single Supplement on this trip includes single rooms in all hotels/lodges and a single cabin on the overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay. We do not have single/private facilities available during the 2 nights we utilize Sapa home-stay accommodations along our trek. On both of these nights the group will be in a communal dorm type setting.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
Hiking Distances:
Up to 10 mi
Backpack Weight:
8-12 lbs
Terrain:
Moderately Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 1,680 feet
Heights Exposure:
Light
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-20 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on variable, uneven terrain
- River and creek crossings
- Hiking in very humid & hot weather conditions
- Hiking in mud and slippery terrain
SOLITUDE LEVEL 3
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Vietnam hiking tour a solitude 3. You can expect to have hours of solitude at a time while hiking.
Minimum of 2 Guests
We require a minimum of 2 guests to confirm this trip. If a trip date is not confirmed yet, you can register and will be notified when the trip is officially confirmed. We recommend not making final travel arrangements until your trip meets the minimum number of guests and is confirmed.
In most cases, if a trip does not reach the minimum number of guests, you may choose to transfer to another trip date or another trip, be refunded your payments in full, or you may have the choice to pay a supplemental fee to run the trip with fewer guests. We make the final determination for these trips 65-60 days before the departure date.
Private Trips
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group or family!
In many areas we can run trips with group sizes larger than our normal capacity of 12 guests. There’s no minimum number of guests on a private tour, and in many cases, we have flexibility around minimum age as well.
For all international trips outside the United States, we quote private trip requests on a case by case basis. Please complete the form below to inquiry about a private tour.
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ITINERARY
Day 1
Welcome to Vietnam and Southeast Asia! Get ready for new sounds, smells, and sights as we enter a unique, vibrant and colorful culture. Our team will pick you up from Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi, Vietnam and transfer you approximately 45 minutes to our elegant 4-star accommodations in the popular historic Old Quarter of Hanoi. After joining the group at an orientation meeting, you will enjoy dinner with your guide(s) and the rest of the group. Here we can further get to know one another and talk in more detail of our upcoming adventure together on this Vietnam trek.
Day 2
Today we explore the lively city of Hanoi. After breakfast, your guide will host you on a tour of the city where we will get to stretch our legs after our long travel and take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this city. Some of the highlights include the Vietnamese Ethnology Museum, where we’ll get to experience and learn about some of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam; the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House and One Pillar Pagoda; and the Temple of Literature, built at the end of the 11th century and showcases incredible architecture. We will enjoy lunch in the city and you’ll have some free time to explore the Old Quarter before dinner for more exploration or rest. Perhaps you’ll get to sample some famous Vietnamese egg coffee during the day!
Day 3
Today we begin our Sapa journey! After breakfast we will transfer by a private shuttle to the Sapa region which will take approximately 5-6 hours to reach our hotel in beautiful Sapa. We will have lunch along our drive. Before dinner you will have time to explore this amazing town. Sapa is known for its colorful markets, friendly people, and beautiful textiles. You will love and be intrigued by this amazing place!
Day 4
- Hiking Mileage: 9 miles (14.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1,355 feet (413 m)
- Elevation Loss: 2,775 feet (846 m)
- Trekking Duration: 6-7 hours
This morning after breakfast we will begin our trek! We will meet our local Black Hmong guide and begin our incredible trek through the mountains. Expect there to be many local women walking with the group, asking to sell us goods as we hike from Lao Chai village of the Black Hmong minority to Ta Van village of the Giay minority. Note that the trail is sometimes on wet, slippery mud, sometimes on dry concrete; it’s a bit of a mix of surfaces and terrain. We will have lunch along the way and continue trekking through beautiful, terraced rice fields, until we reach Ta Van Village. This village is nestled in the mountains and provides a great opportunity to be immersed in the local culture and daily routine of the Black Hmong and Red Dzao people. The majority of people in Ta Van are rice farmers and our local guide will be able to answer all of the questions we have. Upon arrival at our homestay, we will be welcomed by our ‘host mother’ who will be in charge of cooking dinner and breakfast for us. We may even have the option to help prepare spring rolls or appetizers! Getting to know the local people is one of our favorite things about this trek! Accommodations at the homestays are shared rooms and shared bathrooms. They are quite simple and really all we need for the night.
Day 5
- Hiking Mileage: 9.5 miles (15.3 km)
- Elevation Gain: 1,680 feet (512 m)
- Elevation Loss: 3,392 feet (1034 m)
- Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours
This morning after more amazing food and hospitality, we will pack our bags and begin walking to the village of Giang Tai Chai. The rolling hills and rice terraces of this area shape the local people’s culture and it is evident how the environment plays an impact on the people’s lives. Along the way, we will have lunch and then continue on to Ban Ho village where we will stay for the second night of our trek. Ban Ho is one of the most interesting and diverse villages in the Sapa area. Black Hmong, Red Dzao, White Tay and other minority hill tribes all live together here. Ban Ho is a lovely village surrounded by rice terraces, glistening streams and traditional stilted houses. We check into our accommodation at tonight’s homestay. We will have free time for showers, rest, or village exploration before our delicious traditional meal is served.
Day 6
- Hiking Mileage: 6 miles (9.7 km)
- Elevation Gain: appx 600 feet (183 m)
- Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
This morning after another filling breakfast, we pack our backpacks and set off for the village of Thanh Phu. Our trek today starts off by climbing roughly 600 ft until we level off near Nam Tong village. The terrain is sub-tropical, and the trails are used by local people to connect the villages. We will have lunch en route and continue trekking until we reach the village of Thanh Phu. Upon arrival at Thanh Phu, we will be picked up and transferred to our luxurious unique Ecolodge accommodation for the night! We will have free time for showers, village exploration, or rest until dinner is served. Our guides will provide the plan for the following day.
Day 7
- Hiking Mileage: 4.3 miles (6.9 km)
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 800 feet (244 m)
- Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
This morning we have a leisurely breakfast, pack our day packs and hike to Lech, a Red Dzao minority village. Upon arrival at Lech, we will visit with the Red Dzao people and learn about their culture and daily life in their village. After our visit with the Dzao, we will head back to our Ecolodge, have free time until lunch is served. We will then board our private mini-bus for our 5 ½ hour scenic ride back to Hanoi. It will be roughly 6:30pm when we arrive back to Hanoi, so we will have some snacks and drinks planned enroute during our drive. Once we arrive back to Hanoi, we’ll check into our hotel and all go to a late dinner together.
Day 8
This morning we will enjoy waking up in our elegant accommodations in Hanoi. After a satisfying breakfast buffet, we will transfer by private vehicle to the fascinating gem at the north of Vietnam – Ha Long Bay. From the harbor we will board our ship for a cruise among the limestone karst rising from the emerald waters. Along the way, we’ll visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in the Dark and Light Cave. It is absolutely stunning scenery! We will continue toward Lan Ha Bay for time to swim and enjoy a beautiful bamboo boat ride. We will then have dinner and you can enjoy the landscape of Ha Long Bay, while relaxing and soaking up all the views.
Note that you will only need an overnight bag for the cruise portion of this trip. Your other belongings will be kept at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day 9
This morning you can sleep in or rise early to witness Ha Long bay at sunrise! You may even choose to enjoy a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast of tea, coffee, and pastries, we will explore the Tra Bau area and local fishing culture as we paddle in our sea kayaks. After the optional morning of activities, we will return to the boat for a heartier brunch and then we will transfer to Gia Luan Port for a hike to Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba Island National Park. We will then meet our driver and begin the transfer back to Hanoi for our final celebratory dinner.
Day 10
After breakfast, your Wildland guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for your transfer back to Noi Bai International Airport. We will ensure that you arrive in time for your flight back home, or you can continue your adventure in Vietnam. We hope you have had an amazing time and thank you for choosing Wildland Trekking!
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however occasionally trips are subject to itinerary changes based on a variety of circumstances, including but not limited to: lodging/campground availability, extreme weather, political or bureaucratic obstacles, earthquakes, fires, flooding and more. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- A detailed trip packet that takes the guesswork out of your travel, training, packing, and preparing for the trip
- Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
- Transportation for the duration of the tour starting on Day 1 and ending on Day 10
- Lodging for the duration of the tour
- Use of a day pack and trekking poles
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and emergency communication device
- Gratuities for support staff (drivers, luggage porters, etc.). Note that the optional tip for guide is not included (see “What’s Not Included”).
What's Not Included
- Transportation to Hanoi
- Trip insurance that includes medical coverage and at least $200,000 in evacuation and repatriation coverage (required in Vietnam)
- Bar bills, drink bills, extra snacks, telephone bills, wifi bills and other personal expenses (shopping/ laundry)
- All expenses due to unavoidable events e.g. flight cancellation, personal illness, strikes, etc. (we recommend trip insurance coverage for these variables)
- Clothes, rain gear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Gratuity for guide(s) is optional but always appreciated; (The industry average for this trip type is 5-10% of total trip cost. Local currency is preferred or USD is acceptable.)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
This Vietnam hiking tour features a combination of in-town meals and meals prepared by your guide. For the most part we’ll be enjoying in-town meals for dinner and some breakfasts and carefully-selected restaurants and lodges, and lunches are prepared on the trail by your guides.
We can often accommodate vegan, vegetarian, kosher and non-gluten diets and make adjustments for food allergies. These and other special dietary requests may require an additional fee, and in some countries may be more difficult to accommodate than others. Please inquire with us for more information about the specific trip you’re interested in.
*Common trail snack brands and items found easily in the US are not readily available in this destination. (i.e. protein bars, trail bars, beef jerky, etc…) We recommend guests that prefer these types of trail snacks to bring a few of their own choice items from home.
Trail Conditions: What to Expect
On this trek expect to see steep inclines, muddy conditions, and humid weather conditions. Comfortable hiking boots and breathable, quick-dry hiking clothing are essential to success on this hiking trek. Please see our “Guest Packing List” for aid in preparing for this trip.
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Backpacks
- Trekking poles
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled the most frequently asked questions that Wildland Trekking guests have about visiting and trekking in Vietnam. Learn the answers to these commonly asked questions about traveling in Vietnam by using the link below!
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
We will meet you at Noi Bai International Airport (in Hanoi) on Day 1. Once you arrive, make your way to the exterior of the terminal to meet your driver, as there are instances where they may not be permitted to enter. Your driver will be holding a signboard with your name and the Wildland Trekking logo.
You will then be driven to the first night’s hotel (included), where we’ll conduct an orientation meeting the first evening (your flight needs to arrive before 3 PM). Our Vietnam communications team will be in contact approximately 45 days before your trip to coordinate your rendezvous and answer any last-minute questions you have.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Hanoi
BOOKING FLIGHTS
For this Vietnam trek you will need to fly into Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Day 1, no later than 3 P.M. We will pick you up at the airport. An orientation meeting, dinner and accommodations are included on Day 1. Your return flight may be scheduled for any time that day (please note that hotel check-out is at 12 pm).
Flights to and from Hanoi are the guest’s responsibility. Multiple airlines operate flights into Hanoi from many international airports including those in Hong Kong; Seoul, South Korea; Beijing, China; Guangzhou, China; Taipei, Taiwan and others. Flights to Vietnam from the USA and Europe are often quite affordable.
Pre and Post-trip On Request Lodging
We secure limited amounts of pre and post trip lodging in Hanoi, Vietnam as an optional add-on for guests of this trip. This lodging is on request, and is available on a first come, first serve basis. If interested, please reach out directly to our team to check availability.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
In the interest of your safety, it’s important to refer to the Center for Disease Control website for up-to-date recommendations on immunizations before your trip.
Essential Eligibility Criteria
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guides
Our approach to international travel is to combine the best of two worlds: the dialed-in details, professionalism and consistency Wildland trips are known for; and the cultural immersion and intimate regional knowledge that only locals can provide. To excel with this approach, we vet and hire the best local guides, welcome them into the Wildland family and train them to meet our standard of excellence with every aspect of a trip. But along with managing logistics and safety, your guides will teach you about the area’s history and culture, and provide a level of familiarity and intimate detail only locals can.
Check out our Meet Our Team page for staff bios.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time…etc. In addition, as part of the 8 hours off they must sleep/rest or be in their tents/rooms uninterrupted for a minimum of 5 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Trip Insurance
Field evacuation, repatriation and medical coverage insurance (at least $200,000) is required on all Vietnam trips as a condition of partnership terms with our Vietnam vendors. Additional travel coverage is strongly recommended.
If you wish to purchase trip insurance, we recommend IMG/iTravelinsured. They are one of the world’s leading providers of travel insurance.
For information on recommended IMG/iTravelinsured policies please click here.
For even greater information, or if you simply prefer communicating with a real, live person, feel free to contact our exclusive agent Michael Bennett. Michael will help you identify the best product for your needs, and there is no cost associated with his assistance. You may contact him at:
Email: [email protected]
US by Phone: 877-305-9083
Direct/International by Phone: 702-448-3664
If you already have insurance or wish to purchase from anyone other than IMG/iTravelinsured, we recommend careful consultation with the provider to ensure appropriate coverage. This is because many providers have a number of policy exclusions.
Weather in Northern Vietnam
The weather in the mountains of Northern Vietnam is often rainy with moderate to hot temperatures and relatively high humidity. The Valley temperatures can be much hotter than the mountain averages shown here below.
| Month | Hi | Low | Precip |
| March | 64° F | 52° F | 5 in |
| April | 70° F | 55° F | 7 in |
| May | 75° F | 64° F | 15 in |
| August | 75° F | 64° F | 18 in |
| September | 73° F | 61° F | 12 in |
| October | 68° F | 55° F | 8 in |
Accommodations
May de Ville Luxury Hotel
4 NIGHTS
This exceptional hotel is located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake. Nestled in the vibrant, exciting “Old Quarter” historic district, this hotel puts us right where we want to be to begin exploring Vietnam.
ALIANA BOUTIQUE SAPA HOTEL & SPA
1 NIGHT
Nestled at the base of a lush mountain slope and just far enough away from Sapa’s busy downtown center, this luxury hotel provides a peaceful but modern experience. We will soak up the comfort and tranquility here before we begin our trek.
SAPA HOMESTAYS
2 NIGHTS
Homestay accommodations offer a unique opportunity to learn about and be intimately part of the locals’ daily lives, by sharing their home and table. Expect these stays to be fun but also rustic and basic. The outstanding hospitality, food and this overall cultural experience is often one of the main highlights of the trip for our guests. In these family-run businesses there will be a mix of bungalows/rooms and dormitory set ups (beds/mattresses with fresh linens, hot showers and clean shared bathrooms).
SAPA JADE HILL RESORT & SPA
1 NIGHT
This mountainside ecolodge resort & spa has stunning views of the Muong Hoa Valley mixed with an extremely hospitable staff. With amazing private mountain bungalows, a pool with a view, delicious cuisine and local indigenous culture, this is one hotel you’ll never forget!
SENA CRUISES
1 Night
Sena Cruises offers authentic traditional, boutique experiences. With premier service, wonderful meals, luxurious rooms and stunning scenery, Sena Cruises offers a top-notch experience. Our time cruising Ha Long Bay is definitely a top highlight for many of our guests during this extraordinary journey through Vietnam.
* These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used.
Trip Reviews
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- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Katherine F
Very Knowledgeable and Helpful
The guides were extremely patient answering all our questions and met everyone’s needs
Ally Young
Best trip of my life
I chose Wildland because I was looking for a trip with a guide. Our guide, Thuy, was phenominal. He was kind, compassionate, thorough, and attentive. He answered every question we had with great responses that sparked conversation, and we had a lot of questions! He ordered fantastic food for us at each meal. He communicated with other staff at the accommodations and in restaurants to ensure we had everything we needed. Our local hiking guide was joyful and helpful. He worked hard to make sure we had what we needed on hikes and made every step of the way exciting and fun. I cannot say enough good things about these guides. Myriam was present as a Wildland staff member and she was also a wonderful resource on the trip. When one of our travelers got sick, she was prepared with medication, advice, and a caring demeanor. The Wildland staff made this trip all the more special of an experience and I am very grateful. The trip would not have been nearly as great without them.
Suzanne K
Wonderful Cultural Experience
It was a wonderful cultural experience mixed with physical activity. We loved the opportunity to meet so many Vietnamese people, as guides, in villages and
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