Trekking circuit in Hoang Su Phi
Between terraced rice fields and Hmong villages, an authentic trek in the heart of the mountains of northern Vietnam.
Duration
11 days
From
€1,018/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, Couple, With friends
The spirit of travel
A trip to Vietnam focused on hiking, mountain landscapes and local immersion. You explore the northern mountains, among terraced rice fields, isolated valleys and traditional villages, sharing the daily life of families from different ethnic groups.
Nights with local families, exchanges on the trails and local markets offer a human approach to travel, at the pace of walking.
After these days of trekking and nature, the itinerary continues with a cruise in the legendary Halong Bay, in the heart of a landscape of limestone formations, then by the cultural discovery of Hanoi and its old quarters. This stay in Vietnam combines soft adventure, encounters and heritage
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Vietnam!
You land at Hanoi international airport, where your guide and driver welcome you before your transfer to your hotel (rooms available from 2 PM).
The rest of the day is free for you to rest after the journey or to get your bearings in the city at your own pace.
Full north towards Ban Luoc village
Hanoi → Ban Luoc
After breakfast, you head to the far north of Vietnam, near the Chinese border, towards the Ban Luoc village.
The journey crosses terraced rice fields, traditional villages and verdant hills. Along the way, you discover tea plantations.
You arrive late afternoon at Ban Luoc, a mountain village inhabited by the Black Dzao.
A short walk then takes you to your accommodation with a local family (with shower and hot water).
Approximately 1 hour of walking (which can be replaced by a motorcycle ride depending on conditions).
Day trek
Ban Luoc → Nam Ai
This morning marks the beginning of your trek through a landscape of terraced rice fields. The Tay Con Linh massif emerges on the horizon.
You cross passes, bamboo forests, rice fields, tea plantations and small villages.
The hike unfolds at a steady pace, in direct contact with the landscapes and inhabitants.
Arrival in late afternoon at Nam Ai, a village inhabited by the Black Dzao.
Dinner and night at a local home.
Day trek
Nam Ai → Nam Hong
You wake up in the coolness and calm of the mountains. You share a moment with your hosts during meal preparation and observe the village gradually coming to life.
This morning allows you to discover the local way of life and the daily rhythm of the inhabitants.
After breakfast, you say goodbye to your hosts and resume walking.
The trail crosses fields, rice paddies and small villages, offering opportunities to interact with the ethnic groups of the region, namely the Red Dzao, the Black Dzao, the Pa Then and the La Chi.
You arrive at the village of Nam Hong, where you settle in a stilt house.
Elevation gain: 400 m – Elevation loss: 650 m
3rd day of trekking
Nam Hong → Pan Hou
You start your last day of trekking through rice fields and forests heading towards the Thong Nguyen valley.
A picnic is planned along the way, in the heart of the landscapes you've crossed during these days of walking.
In the afternoon, a descent takes you down to the village of Pan Hou, where your driver is waiting for you.
Pan Hou → Quang Binh
You then continue by car to your day's stop: the village of Quang Binh, where you spend your last night with a local family.
Bac Ha, Land of the Colorful Hmong
Quang Binh → Bac Ha
This morning, you head towards Bac Ha, a region inhabited by the Colorful Hmong, known for the diversity of colors and patterns of their traditional clothing woven in hemp.
Once there, you take a walk through the surrounding countryside and discover in particular the hamlets of Ban Pho 1 and Ban Pho 2, as well as the castle of King Meo.
Approximately 2 hours of walking on easy paths
We meet this evening in the comfort of a hotel.
Bac Ha Market and Road to Hanoi
Bac Ha → Hanoi
This morning, you visit the Bac Ha Sunday market, where the ethnic groups of the region gather to exchange rice, fruit, vegetables, animals, corn alcohol and other everyday products.
An alternative activity is planned if the market does not take place that day.
You then head to Hanoi, where you settle into your hotel.
Halong Bay
After breakfast, you head towards the city of Halong, located on the coast, approximately 165 kilometers east of Hanoi. The first landscapes you pass through are marked by rice paddies that structure the surrounding countryside.
Upon arrival, you head directly to the port to board your traditional wooden junk, shared with other travelers.
A presentation of the cruise in Halong Bay is given before you settle into your cabin. Navigation begins around lunch served on board.
In the afternoon, you board small boats to discover, in a peaceful atmosphere, the Vung Vieng Village.
The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to rest and contemplation while the junk proceeds towards the Cong Do area, where anchor is cast for the night.
Evening and dinner on board, in the heart of the bay.
(The boat's itinerary in Halong Bay is indicative and may be modified without notice.)
End of the cruise and return to Hanoi
This morning, you observe the colors of dawn on the bay before visiting the Thien Canh Son cave.
Back on board, you enjoy a moment of relaxation, then brunch is served as the junk sails towards Halong port.
Upon arrival at the port, you head back towards Hanoi and check in at your hotel.
Day trip to Hanoi
The day is dedicated to discovering Hanoi. You start with several major sites, including the Hanoi Ethnographic Museum, dedicated to the art, craftsmanship and culture of the country's ethnic groups, the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, considered the oldest in the country, as well as the central lake Hoan Kiem, where the Temple of Ngoc Son is located.
To walk around a bit and soak up the atmosphere of the Old Town of Hanoi streets, you continue your visit on foot. This district allows you to observe Vietnamese local life, traditional trades still present and culinary specialties offered on the street.
Welcome back!
Free morning (rooms available until noon), which you can dedicate to rest or a quiet moment in the surroundings of your accommodation.
You are then transferred to the airport for your return flight, marking the end of your trip to Vietnam.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights and airport taxes
- Insurance
- Meals mentioned as free
- The drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- Everything not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- The accommodations mentioned (or similar according to availability) on the basis of 2 people per room
- The meals mentioned in the program
- A comfortable private vehicle with driver (except on free days)
- The services of experienced English-speaking local guides throughout the circuit (except free days)
- The boat excursion as mentioned in the program (shared junk with private cabin and bathroom)
- The entrance fees for the sites included in the program
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland and Canada traveling to Vietnam for tourism purposes. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Vietnam, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourism stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourism stays.
To date, this exemption permits a stay of up to 45 days upon entry into the territory, regardless of the nationality among eligible countries.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
accommodation booking confirmation for the first nights on site.
E-visa and electronic registration
For stays exceeding 45 days or for nationalities not eligible for visa exemption, it is possible to apply for a Vietnamese e-visa via the official portal of the Vietnamese authorities. This electronic visa is generally granted for a duration of 90 days, multiple entries.
Furthermore, Vietnamese authorities may require completion of an electronic arrival form before or upon entry into the territory. It is recommended to check for any digital procedures in place at the time of departure.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Vietnam from EEA countries, Switzerland or Canada. However, several vaccinations are recommended as a preventive measure:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
rabies (depending on planned activities),
update of routine vaccinations (tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis).
Risks of dengue and malaria exist in certain regions of the country. It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization for exit from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary according to nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for peace of mind during your trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specifically tailored to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for following the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their entire trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
An e-visa is required and must be obtained online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and have a blank page available. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days. Before booking, check the e-visa requirements and validity period with the consular authorities of your destination, as these vary depending on your nationality.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a customized quality trip, plan for between 140 and 220 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Vietnam is renowned for its excellent value for money.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, educational and engaging activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate stories and anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Mountainous North
Thoughtful Guide to Vietnam's Paths, based in Hanoi
A beautiful journey begins with calm and thoughtful preparation. My role is to listen, advise, and build an itinerary in which every traveler feels comfortable.
— Van Pham
