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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Hike into the Heart of the Dragon
Spend three days trekking through the bamboo pine, blue cypress, scrub and savannah of Hoang Lien National Park. Here, the country’s tallest peak, Fansipan, looms in the bellies of the clouds. We visit the serene Red Dao villages of Sin Chai and Nham Niu to learn more about their deep traditions and rituals along the way. A cooking class, market visit and time at the Vietnam Women’s Museum provide an intimate introduction to the culture of the Black and Flower H’mong ethnic minority groups. We also visit remarkable places like the Ninh Van Stone Village and the colorful floating Vung Vieng fishing village where more than 50 households harmoniously exist and depend on the fish below.
Feel the Culture and contours
Paddies, Pagodas and Panoramas
This adventure begins and ends in Hanoi, the ‘city of lakes.’ This foodie hub is also known for its tube houses, French Colonial architecture, water puppetry and unreal stream of motorbike traffic. The scenery and soundtrack takes a dramatic shift from the mountain town of Sapa to the surreal limestone karst islets, caves and grottos of Ha Long and Bai Tu Long Bay. We spend two nights on a junk boat, where the sacred legends of Mother Dragon and the Jade Emperor come alive. We also spend three pampered nights in Scandi-inspired bungalows surrounded by a fringe of rice terraces and impossible views at the hilltop Topas Ecolodge.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Hanoi
The First Taste
All your senses will be ignited upon arrival at Hanoi International (Noi Bai) Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, Vietnam. It’s a 45-minute transfer (depending on traffic) from the airport to our luxury accommodation in the buzzing historic district of the capital city, Hanoi. This ‘city of lakes’ is a foodie hub and is also known for its tube houses, French Colonial architecture, water puppetry and unreal stream of motorbike traffic. The world’s largest mosaic mural is found here too!
After a refresh and reset at our hotel in the Old Quarter, we have an orientation meeting followed by a welcome dinner together. Our first bites of traditional Vietnamese fare is at A Ban (Mountain Dew), where our guide will provide finer details about our upcoming treks and what to expect in the cool atmosphere of a restaurant that is woman-owned and celebrates a hyperlocal menu, the unity of textures found in wood, wool, trees and textiles.
Tonight we ease into the comforts of our opulent lakeside hotel. The Hoan Kiem Lake is equally deep with legends involving royalty, Sea Gods and a brave turtle retrieving a sword. It’s a genuine royal sleep at the Apricot Hotel where the past and modern world collide with French architecture and classic Vietnamese art.
Included Meals
Dinner
Accommodations
Apricot Hotel or similar
Travel
45 minutes (airport transfer)
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Day 2
Hanoi – Sapa
An Edible Journey
Today we visit the Vietnam Women’s Museum which opened in 1995. The exhibits focus on the role of women in family, history and fashion with displays that share stories about marriage and birth customs, traditional costumes and the evolution of Vietnamese women from wartime to modern day.
After the museum visit, we join a cooking class at a local restaurant to learn about authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Lunch will be a taste test of our cooking class efforts!
In the afternoon, we make a beeline to Sapa, a lively trekking base in the Hoàng Liên Son mountains of northwest Vietnam. This journey will take approximately five hours on our private bus.
After checking into our resort, we will refresh and reunite to experience the flavors of Northwest Vietnamese cuisine at Jade Hill’s onsite restaurant which is owned by a Vietnamese woman.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Jade Hill Sapa Resort or similar
Travel
5 hours with stops (bus)
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Day 3
Sapa
Sin Chai Village
It’s time to begin our trekking adventure boldly led by our female Hmong guide who is employed by Sapa O’Chau Travel Social Enterprise. Wild Women Expeditions is proud to support Sapa O’Chau—they are the only tour operator in Vietnam that is officially registered as a social enterprise providing opportunities for Sapa and all ethnic minorities through guiding positions, tours, a hotel, café and the Hmong handicraft store.
From San Sa Ho Commune, we strike off to Love Waterfall which appears like a bridal veil as it cascades over the rocks. The trail from here winds and climbs to Mount Fansipan (the “Roof of Indochina”) in Hoang Lien National Park. We won’t be summiting Fansipan but we will have exceptional views of the distant range as we hike.
We step into a curious mix of velvety jungle, blooming flora and water buffalos! From the Love Waterfall, our local Sapa guide will lead us to Sin Chai, a serene village where the welcoming Red Dao reside. The tribe has distinct rituals and a religion that combines elements of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. We learn more about this tribe’s deep traditions from our local guide.
Our hike will slice us through the surprising natural world of northern Vietnam. We absorb our surroundings over a picnic lunch before reaching our destination around 3 p.m. In Sin Chai village we meet local residents who share the rhythms of their daily life with us.
We have a 45-minute private transfer to the beautiful Topas Ecolodge. Located on a hillside in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park, the Scandi-inspired mountain bungalows are designed out of local white granite in a minimalistic chalet-style. The tranquil infinity pools offer uninterrupted views of the rice terraces, raw peaks and valleys. Dinner will be super convenient—it’s at the hotel! The menu is designed by a Danish head chef with options that marry Vietnamese flavors with western classics and a knock-out view.
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Topas Ecolodge
The Hike
9 miles (15 km) from Love Waterfall to Sin Chai Village
Elevation gain: 568 feet (173m)
Elevation loss: 981 feet (299m)Travel
45 minutes (private transfer)
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Day 4
Sapa
Scenery and Serenity
Our trek this morning will begin from Ban Po village and snake over to My Son village, one of the least populated and most remote villages in Sapa. We should finish our legwork by noon, in time for a picnic lunch with a serious view.
This afternoon is at your leisure! There are no activities planned but you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the on-site Rice Spa (not included). The decadent Topas Ecolodge spa menu includes traditional Red Dzao herbal baths, wraps and facials.
Dinner is independent tonight but there are several tempting options at Topas from the sky-high Restaurant 360° steakhouse to the seasonal, organic hotpot offerings of The Stilt House. Or, you can enjoy finger foods and steamed stuffed bao buns at the Infinity Pool Bar, check out the Danish Hygge-influenced offerings at the Inn Bar, outdoor Pavilion restaurant or room service, of course!
Included Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Topas Ecolodge
The HIKE
6 miles (10 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 and Views
The trek today starts from Sin Chai village (located inside Hong 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 private BBQ dinner at Topas Ecolodge.
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
Markets and Meandering
We leave Sapa with the early birds at 7:30 a.m. to reach Bac Ha (it’s a 2.5 hour journey). We have the opportunity to visit a local market, one of the largest in the northwestern highlands. A market experience is always a lesson in unfamiliar fruit and lively negotiations. This is the largest market in all of northern Vietnam where ethnic groups such as the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay and Nung minorities gather to trade.
After poking around the vibrant woven cotton handicrafts and peculiar vegetables, we visit the Hoang A Tuong Palace, a heritage site that blends Western, French and Asian architecture. Construction of the palace began in 1914 and took seven years to complete.
Lunch will be in Ban Pho village in Bac Ha town. We learn more about the Black Hmong and Flower Hmong people of this region and their reliance on animal husbandry and corn wine production.
After lunch, a private shuttle will take us back to our hotel in Hanoi where we have an independent dinner and evening to spend as we wish. Sit back and sop up the scenery as it’s a five hour drive to the city!
Included Meals
Breakfast and lunch
Accommodations
Apricot Hotel or similar
Travel
7.5 hours total: 2.5 hours (Sapa to Bac Ha) and 5 hours (Bac Ha to Hanoi)
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Day 7
Ha Long
Limestone Isles and Grottos
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.
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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 (Halong’s quieter neighbor). We can play in kayaks at Cong Dam, swim in the impossibly green waters or simply relax on the boat deck.
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 Vung Vieng fishing village where nearly 50 households harmoniously exist, wholly dependent on the fish 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.
Upon arrival in Ninh Van Stone Village we will have the opportunity to see women creating impossible artworks from natural stone. These generational skills are transferred to Buddha and lion statues, pillars, tombs and carved dragon stone reliefs. The 500-year-old Ninh Van stone-carving village employs countless Vietnamese who produce stone products for both domestic use and abroad.
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
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Day 10
Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Pagodas and Paddy Fields
Our day starts a short transfer to Hang Mua, a twin pinnacle paradise in Ninh Binh where we face our last heart-pounding climb of this adventure. To gulp in the panorama of rice fields and river below, we tackle the challenging 486 stone steps to the tip-top of the mountain. For those who are not enthused about the natural Stairmaster, there are a few coffee shops at the base to linger at instead.
Next, we knock off another UNESCO World Heritage Site: Trang An Landscape Complex. This area is a 15-minute drive from Hang Mua and is renowned for its boat cave tours. Here, limestone karst peaks poke the sky, valleys are submerged and surrounded by near-vertical cliffs. Exploration of these caves has revealed tell-tale traces of human activity over a continuous period of more than 30,000 years.
After lunch, we travel by bus back to Hanoi (around 3 hours depending on traffic) where we have a free-range afternoon. We gather later for a memorable farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant. KOTO’s vocational training program was created to empower at-risk young Vietnamese and equip them with skills for successful careers in the hospitality industry. KOTO stands for “know one, teach one.”
Included Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodations
Apricot Hotel or similar
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Day 11
Hanoi
Soul Satisfied
After breakfast, you can transfer to the airport at any time. Sigh. With Vietnam’s vibrancy firmly etched on our hearts, we have to determine where to travel together next. Hug your fellow Wild Women goodbye, for now, at least. What a soul-enriching time it’s been.
Looking to travel more in the same area of the world? Consider our Northern Cambodia Explorer!
Included Meals
Breakfast
Take a Deeper Dive
Want all the details in one handy package? Download the full itinerary here.
What’s Included
- Accommodations: twin-share rooms at a hotel for eight nights and two nights on a traditional boat
- 10 breakfasts, nine lunches and eight dinners
- 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
- Interactive cooking class
- 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
Know Before You Go
Click HERE for all of the logistical details you’ll need to know prior to departure—including the packing list, arrival and departure details and suggested tipping information.
This trip starts in Hanoi, Vietnam (airport code: HAN) and finishes in Hanoi, Vietnam (airport code: HAN).
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 not safe to climb in or after rain so this walk will be dependent on the weather and determined by our guide.
The Wild Women Way
If you’re wondering how we roll, it’s together. The Wild Women Way is our modus operandi, our mantra and our rock solid foundation. You can learn more about our Wild Ways HERE.
How We Support You
Ready for a big 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.
