Epic Northern Vietnam Hiking Tour

Begin your Northern Vietnam adventure with an afternoon immersed in Hanoi’s rich heritage. Meet your guide at the hotel and explore landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the elegant One Pillar Pagoda, and the historic Temple of Literature, a tribute to Vietnam’s scholarly past.

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple, and wander through the vibrant Old Quarter, alive with culture and charm.

Wrap up the day with a welcome dinner, savoring local flavors as the city’s energy surrounds you.

Start your day with a scenic drive from Hanoi to the tranquil Mai Chau Valley, a 3.5 to 4-hour journey through northern Vietnam’s stunning mountain landscapes. Pause at Thung Khe Pass, also called White Rock Pass, to soak in breathtaking panoramic views of karst formations and lush green valleys. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, step into a peaceful world of rice fields, traditional stilt houses, and rolling hills as you hike through charming White Thai villages. Wander along countryside paths, passing Nhot and Na Phon villages, and experience the rhythms of local life up close. Conclude your day at your accommodation, surrounded by the serene beauty and calm of Mai Chau’s picturesque landscapes

Drive time - 3.5 to 4 hours

After breakfast, enjoy a short transfer to Mai Ha Village, where your hike begins. You have the option of a shorter or longer trek through Mai Hich and Tau Na villages. The trail winds along peaceful streams and scenic paths through rice paddies framed by towering mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes at every turn. As you pass through several White Thai villages, observe local crops including corn, sugarcane, cassava, and rice, and experience the vibrant culture of the community. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to interact with friendly locals and witness traditional customs in their daily lives. The hike concludes at the main road, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation for the night.

Start your day with a scenic drive of just over an hour from Mai Chau to Pu Luong, a tranquil region home to the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities. Travel through peaceful villages, lush rice fields, and stretches of untouched forest backed by rugged mountains, and catch a rare glimpse of northern Vietnam still largely untouched by tourism.

Upon arrival, embark on a 2.5-hour hike from Ban Don Village, winding through serene valleys, terraced rice fields. Reach a stunning natural amphitheater of rice terraces, perfect for photos and a quiet moment of reflection. Continue through traditional Thai stilt houses, immersing yourself in authentic village life before returning to Ban Don for lunch.

In the afternoon, hike to Kho Muong Village and explore the impressive Kho Muong (Doi) Cave, surrounded by rich greenery and perhaps even spotting bats in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is between 3–4 p.m., when shafts of sunlight filter through the cave’s entrance, creating a magical and almost surreal atmosphere. Experience it firsthand and feel the enchantment of Pu Luong’s hidden treasures.

Drive time: 2 hours

Pu Luong, tucked away in northern Vietnam, is a land of golden rice terraces, hidden valleys, and age-old traditions. Its untouched beauty makes it a paradise for both hikers and culture seekers.

Our trail leads through the picturesque villages of Don, Lan, and Hieu, before arriving at the enchanting Hieu Waterfall. Early in the day, we descend into a lush valley where terraced rice fields spill down the hillsides in vibrant shades of green. Along shaded pathways, we pass through Uoi and Lan Trong–Lan Ngoai, where the Black Thai people welcome us with glimpses of their weaving and daily life. The landscape shifts between farmland, forests, and gentle streams, offering moments of pure tranquility. If the hike falls on a Thursday or Sunday, we pause at the lively Pho Doan Market, where ethnic communities gather to trade fresh produce, handmade crafts, and colorful spices. The day ends at Hieu Waterfall, a sparkling jewel of Pu Luong, where the cool mist and rushing waters provide the perfect finale before we return for the night.

The day begins with a short transfer to the primary school of Ban Cong Commune, where your adventure starts with a 4.5 km walk. Cross a charming wooden bridge and enter one of Pu Luong’s most scenic villages, where the largest stream flows through the heart of the community. Continue along a picturesque path beside the Cham River, taking in stunning landscapes, lush rice fields, and glimpses of daily village life. Pause to admire the unique water wheels, ingeniously crafted by the Thai people for farming and everyday activities—one of the most remarkable creations of Vietnam’s mountainous ethnic minorities. After soaking in the serene beauty and cultural richness of the region, your driver will pick you up for a comfortable transfer to Ninh Bình.

After breakfast, embark on a tranquil sampan ride through Thung Nang, drifting past lush greenery, limestone cliffs, and caverns glittering with stalactites—an enchanting introduction to Ninh Bình’s natural wonders. Continue with a hike from Thai Vy Temple to Mua Cave, where nearly 500 stone steps lead to sweeping views over Tam Coc’s rice fields and the Ninh Bình skyline. Next, explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 10th-century capital, with its ancient citadel, palaces, and temples, including the beautifully preserved Dinh Tien Hoang Temple. The day ends with a van transfer back to your hotel, after a journey rich in nature and history.

This morning, depart from Ninh Bình for a scenic three-hour drive, followed by a relaxing ferry ride through breathtaking limestone landscapes en route to Cát Bà Island. In the afternoon, visit the historic Military Hospital Cave, a fascinating site filled with stories and secrets from the American War.

Next, head to Cát Bà National Park for a rewarding hike to Ngu Lam Peak. The trail winds through dense forest, past ancient and endangered Kim Giao trees, and up hundreds of stone steps. As you ascend, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the forest, a natural symphony of birdsong, rustling leaves, and the occasional call of native wildlife such as squirrels, monkeys, and mink. At the summit, Ngu Lam Peak offers panoramic views over the lush island landscape, a perfect reward for the climb. After this adventure, return by car to your hotel for an overnight stay on the island.

Drive time: 3 hours Hike time: 2-3 hours

Cát Bà Island is one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural destinations, offering a perfect blend of lush national parks, unspoiled beaches, and rich local culture. This morning, board a boat to explore the remote and secluded corners of Lan Ha Bay, where tranquil waters and hidden coves await. Switch to a kayak to glide through peaceful lagoons, visit floating fishing villages, and paddle beneath towering limestone peaks.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board as you cruise through this stunning seascape. In the afternoon, begin the journey back to Hanoi, concluding an unforgettable adventure through Northern Vietnam’s mountains, valleys, rivers, and islands