Trip Overview
Departures
Click for Dates + Prices
Duration
11 Days
Activities
Boating/Rafting
Cultural
Hiking
Wildlife Viewing
Physical Rating
Moderate–Challenging
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From Mountain Trails to Misty Bays
Step into the heart of Vietnam on a Vietnam Hiking Adventure that blends jaw-dropping landscapes, cultural immersion, and soul-stirring moments. Spend three days trekking through the wild beauty of Hoang Lien National Park, where bamboo pine, blue cypress, and highland savannah frame the country’s tallest peak, Fansipan, rising into the clouds. Along the way, you’ll visit the serene Red Dao villages of Sin Chai and Nham Niu, where ancient traditions and rituals are still alive.
This journey extends beyond the trail—into kitchens, bustling markets, and rural villages. Learn the art of Vietnamese cooking, and drift through the floating village of Vung Vieng, where life moves with the tides.
Vietnam Trails & Treks
From Sacred Pagodas to Sweeping Panoramas
From the mountain town of Sapa to the surreal karst landscapes of Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay, the contrasts are spellbinding. Spend two nights aboard a traditional junk boat, where legends of Mother Dragon and the Jade Emperor still echo, and three nights cocooned in Scandi-chic bungalows at Topas Ecolodge, perched above terraced rice fields with views that feel infinite.
This is Vietnam at its most unforgettable—wild, soulful, and alive with wonder.
Wanna go deeper and get the juicy details? Hit play on the webinar here—it’s all in there.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Hanoi
Your Vietnam Hiking Adventure Begins
All your senses come alive the moment you land at Hanoi International (Noi Bai) Airport. A short transfer brings us into the heart of Vietnam’s capital, where our luxury hotel awaits in the buzzing Old Quarter. Known as the “city of lakes,” Hanoi is a feast for the senses—tube houses and French Colonial facades, the hum of motorbikes, shimmering lakes, and even the world’s largest mosaic mural.
After a refresh at the hotel, we gather for an orientation and a welcome dinner at A Ban (Mountain Dew), a woman-owned restaurant with a hyperlocal menu. Over our first tastes of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, our guide shares details about the treks ahead in a setting where wood, textiles, and natural textures reflect the unity of culture and place.
Tonight, we settle into comfort at the elegant Apricot Hotel beside Hoan Kiem Lake—a place rich in legend, where royalty, Sea Gods, and a mythical turtle once shaped Vietnam’s folklore. French architecture and Vietnamese art surround us, blending past and present for a truly regal first night in Hanoi.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Apricot Hotel or similar
Travel
45 minutes (airport transfer)
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Day 2
Hanoi – Sapa
An Edible Journey
This morning, we step into the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi, opened in 1995 to honor the role of women in family, culture, and history. The exhibits are a moving celebration of resilience and creativity—marriage and birth customs, traditional costumes, and the evolution of Vietnamese women from wartime heroes to modern leaders.
From there, we head into the kitchen for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, where we prepare regional dishes and share them over lunch—a true taste of our own creations.
In the afternoon, we journey north to Sapa, the lively trekking hub of the Hoàng Liên Son mountains. The five-hour drive on our private bus winds through breathtaking landscapes and sets the stage for the hiking adventures ahead. Upon arrival, we check into our resort, refresh, and reunite for a dinner at Jade Hill’s onsite restaurant—woman-owned and renowned for showcasing the rich flavors of Northwest Vietnamese cuisine.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Jade Hill Sapa Resort or similar
Travel
6 hours with stops (bus)
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Day 3
Sapa
Trek from Lao Chai to Ta Van
Our journey begins at Jade Hill, where we set out on the classic Lao Chai–Ta Van trek (approximately 6–7 km). The trail winds into Lao Chai, a centuries-old Hmong village famed for its sweeping rice terraces, traditional wooden homes, and rich cultural traditions.
From there, we continue to Ta Van Village, home of the Giay people. Historically known for living along rivers and practicing bamboo fishing and open-fire cooking, today you’ll find the Giay tending rice fields against a backdrop of mountain beauty.
After exploring, transport will be waiting in Ta Van to take us to the serene Topas Ecolodge! Oh you’re gonna love it.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Topas Ecolodge
Travel
45 minutes (private transfer)
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Day 4
Sapa
Scenery and Serenity
This morning, we set out from Ban Ho village, trekking toward My Son, one of the most remote and least populated villages in Sapa. By midday, we’ll break for a picnic lunch with sweeping mountain views—an unforgettable reward for our morning’s effort.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at Topas Ecolodge. Treat yourself to the Rice Spa (optional), where the menu includes traditional Red Dao herbal baths, soothing wraps, and restorative facials—a decadent way to unwind after the trail.
Dinner is independent tonight, with a variety of tempting options at the lodge. Whatever you choose, the evening is all about relaxation in one of the world’s most spectacular mountain settings.
Included Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Topas Ecolodge
The HIKE
5-6 km from Ban Po to My Son Village
Elevation gain: 1,237 feet (377 m)
Elevation loss: 2,398 feet (731 m)
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Day 5
Sapa
Villages & Views
The trek today starts from Sin Chai village (located inside Hoang Lien National Park) to Nam Cang village. Within the park, bamboo pine, cotton trees, blue cypress and azaleas are part of the marvel mix. If we are lucky, we may get to see Silver langurs, hooting black gibbon, red-crested pheasants and hornbills surprise encounters.
The trail we follow is truly off the beaten track and we will be spoiled with mountain views, ribbons of waterfalls and deep valleys on our trek to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu. Here we will meet the villagers, visit their houses and learn more about their daily life.
We take in endless emerald rice terraces and river views as we walk along a quiet road to Nam Cang village where we have lunch. There will be time to explore the village before heading back to the Ecolodge.
Tonight we swap travel stories and share laughs over a sumptuous BBQ-themed dinner at the hotel’s 360 Roundhouse.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Topas Ecolodge
The Trek
5.6 miles (9 km) from Sin Chai to Nam Cang
Elevation gain: 1,460 feet (445 m)
Elevation loss: 89 feet (27 m)
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Day 6
Bac Ha – Hanoi
Hoang A Tuong Palace
Hoang A Tuong Palace rises in Bac Ha as a rare blend of French colonial grandeur and traditional Asian design. Built between 1914 and 1921, it was once the fortified residence of Tay leader Hoang Yen Chao and his son. With its thick walls, multiple gates, and fortress-like scale, the palace was both a symbol of power and a place of protection.
Today, this national relic offers visitors a glimpse into the wealth and politics of the early 20th century, as well as the cultural crossroads that defined the region. A walk through its halls reveals stories of influence, resilience, and the layered history that shaped northern Vietnam.
Standing here, you can almost feel the echoes of a different era.
Included Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Apricot Hotel or similar
Travel
9.5 hours (3 hours Sapa to Bac Ha), 6.5 hours (Bac Ha to Hanoi).
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Day 7
Ha Long
Hello Ha Long Bay
We depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The supernatural view of thousands of wind and time-scraped limestone karsts and scattered islets of all sizes is unreal to take in.
We have three precious days (and two nights on the water) to absorb the sheer beauty of Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay in the northeast pocket. Boarding our boat at noon, we embark on an unforgettable floating journey through the rock formations of Cong Do and Cap La Island. Our hearts will be quickly anchored to this area where junk boats pepper the surface, verdant rainforest tops rocky outcrops and grottos and caves swallow up the jade waters.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Renea Cruise
*Please note that this boat is not 100% Wild Women exclusive and may include co-ed passengers and staff.Travel
4 hours from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
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Day 8
Bai Tu Long Bay
Emerald Waters and Legends
After a bright and healthy breakfast, we have time to embrace the calm of Bai Tu Long Bay (Ha Long’s quieter neighbor). We can paddle around the karst islets and impossibly green waters for one hour (optional). You can also choose to remain on the boat or follow the kayakers on the ship’s tender.
This particular bay is known for its diverse ecosystems—mangroves, schist islands, coral reefs and tropical forests merge here. We pass several floating fishing villages like Cap La and see the pristine Bai Tu Long Geology Park.
We visit the oyster and sea bass farms that surround Vung Vieng fishing village. Nearly 50 households harmoniously exist, wholly dependent on the fish and pearls below. We also learn more about the traditional Vietnamese culture and the legend of the powerful, sacred dragon, the Jade Emperor, Mother Dragon and her dear emeralds.
This beautifully suspended day ends with a sunset party on the boat followed by dinner.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Renea Cruise
*Please note that this boat is not 100% Wild Women exclusive and may include co-ed passengers and staff.
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Day 9
Ninh Binh
The Ninh Van Stone Village
After breakfast, we explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave and linger at a biscuit-white sandy beach on Hon Co Island. Our guide will share stories of Ha Long Bay and the significance of this particular cave.
We have lunch on the boat before disembarking for the UNESCO-protected area of Ninh Binh. Known as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ its winding river has carved its path between two towering limestone mountains.
We’ll visit Green Sun Embroidery Co. Ltd., which has kept Vietnam’s embroidery traditions alive through ethical craftsmanship and cultural preservation. A visit here isn’t just a stop on the itinerary—it’s a chance to witness artistry stitched with history, and to support a community where culture and social impact are beautifully intertwined.
After visiting the village, we check into our riverside resort to relax for the evening.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Tam Coc Emeralda Resort or similar
Travel
4 hours from Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh
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Day 10
Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Pagodas and Paddy Fields
This morning begins with a short transfer to Hang Mua, a twin-pinnacle paradise in Ninh Binh and the site of our final heart-pounding climb. To reach the sweeping panorama of rice fields, rivers, and mountains, we tackle 486 stone steps up Ngoa Long Mountain—aptly nicknamed the Majestic Crouching Dragon. The reward? A breathtaking view of Tam Coc’s emerald fields and winding waterways that makes every step worth it. For those who prefer to stay grounded, coffee shops at the base and a tranquil boardwalk lined with lotus and lily ponds offer a peaceful alternative.
Next, we continue to another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Trang An Landscape Complex, just 15 minutes away. Here, limestone karst peaks rise like towers from the water and valleys give way to near-vertical cliffs. We board a traditional sampan (wooden boat) for a cave tour through this spectacular landscape—an area where archaeological finds trace continuous human history back more than 30,000 years.
After lunch, we return by bus to Hanoi (approximately three hours) for a relaxed afternoon at leisure. In the evening, we reunite for a memorable farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant, a social enterprise with a powerful mission. KOTO—short for Know One, Teach One—trains at-risk youth in hospitality, empowering them with skills and opportunity. It’s the perfect place to celebrate our journey together, closing with a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Apricot Hotel or similar
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Day 11
Hanoi
Soul Satisfied: Farewell to Vietnam
After breakfast, transfers to the airport are available at any time. With Vietnam’s vibrancy etched in our hearts, we part ways—for now. What a soul-enriching journey it’s been, filled with adventure, connection, and unforgettable moments shared together!
Looking to travel more in the same area of the world? Consider our Northern Cambodia Explorer!
Included Meals
Breakfast
What’s Included
- Accommodations: twin-share rooms at a hotel for eight nights and two nights on a traditional boat
- Meals as outlined in the trip itinerary
- Air-conditioned private vehicle transfers throughout the itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers (*group transfer, without guide)
- One awesome English-speaking guide
- Applicable entrance/admission fees to museums, national park
- Activities as outlined in the trip itinerary
- Hiking Poles
- Kayaking gear and PFDs
Please Note:
All applicable taxes are included in the trip price.
Optional single private upgrade, subject to availability.
Itineraries may be subject to change without notice due to weather and other environmental conditions. Please review our Booking Terms.
Trip Details
The Finer Details
Once you’ve booked your Wild Women Expedition, you’ll receive a link to comprehensive trip details to help you prepare. If you need additional information that’s not on the website, reach out to the Wild Women Expeditions office anytime!
Arrivals and Departures
This trip starts in Hanoi, Vietnam (airport code: HAN) and finishes in Hanoi, Vietnam (airport code: HAN).
Renea Cruise Boats
There’s a single-use plastic ban on the Renea Cruise boats but glass bottles of water and a refill station are provided during your stay. There is no wi-fi on the boat!
Women can use VND, US dollars or credit cards on the ship (for beer, wine, cocktails)
Traditional Junk Boat
You will be spending two nights on a traditional junk boat. If you are prone to sea sickness, be prepared with your own sea sickness medication. For more information, please consult with your travel doctor. These boats are also co-ed, and we will be sharing the communal space with non-Wild Women.
Day 10 Hike
The stairs to the top of Hang Mua are steep and unsafe to climb after rain, so this walk will be dependent on the weather and determined by our guide.
Important Booking Information
Take a peek at our Booking Terms and Travel Insurance requirements before booking. We’ve got some great advice and requirements listed here so you can have your bases covered and adventure with peace of mind.
The Wild Women Way
How do we roll? Together. The Wild Women Way is our approach, our values, and our foundation. Learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big Vietnam Hiking Adventure? We’re in it together. On this trip, we see and do so much, and you’re never alone. If you would like to experience the best of a country and dive deep into culture, nature and beauty, then this trip is for you!
Like all our trips, this trip can be scaled to suit different abilities and comfort levels. If you have concerns or reservations about your ability to complete or enjoy this trip due to any physical or medical reasons, please contact us and let’s talk about it.
What the Trip Entails
You should be comfortable or open to the following:
- Waking up very early on a few mornings
- Days that are jammed with activity and days that are laid-back
- Walking at a medium pace on uneven, unpredictable terrain for an average of 5.6–9 miles (9–15 km) in humid conditions
- Spending two nights on a traditional junk boat
- Hot and humid temperatures
- Being in a vehicle for up to 7.5 hours a day
- A menu of unfamiliar foods
- Physical Rating: Moderate – Challenging (Be prepared for active physical activity. Trips average 5 to 8 hours of physical activity most days, and depending on the shape you are in, they typically require activity specific training ahead of the trip.)
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Rating Details:
– Hiking in Sapa will be challenging due to the heat and humidity.
– The rest of the itinerary is more moderate.
