Walk Vietnam

For nature lovers and keen hikers, this 10-day itinerary is the perfect way to stretch your legs on some of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful hiking routes. From the terraced rice paddies of Sapa, to the verdant fields of Mai Chau, and the dramatic mountain scenery of Ninh Binh, this is a wonderful introduction to rural Vietnam.

1. Fly to Hanoi

2. Days 1-3: Hanoi

   Your adventure starts in Hanoi, the picturesque capital of Vietnam. Two nights here can be happily spent exploring the city. Your guide will stay with you for the duration of your trip, and you will spend your first day together exploring key landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, emerging from its lake like a lotus flower. In your spare time, take a walk into the intriguing Old Quarter, home to crumbling old coffee houses, colourful markets and narrow lanes along which food vendors and gemstone dealers alike jostle for space.

   Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel (2 nights)

3. Days 3-5: Sapa, Vietnam

   An early start for the picturesque 5-hour drive north into the mountains, or alternatively you could take the overnight train. Arriving in Sapa, you will be able to embark on a series of exciting treks, passing through villages belonging to hilltribes such as the Red Dzao, Black Hmong and Xa Pho. Two nights will be enough to enjoy the panoramic views and famous terraced rice paddies, before heading on to pastures new.

   Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge (2 nights)

4. Days 5-6: Hanoi, Vietnam

   A brief stop back in Hanoi will be well needed after a long drive back from the hills. We suggest enjoying a water puppet show on your way back into the centre, a traditional village pastime. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch the wonderful Hanoi weekend market that runs nightly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here people flock to the central Hoan Kiem lake to sing, dance, shop, and generally see and be seen. You can usually pick up some fascinating souvenirs and delicious street food here.

   Accommodation: The Apricot (1 night)

5. Days 6-8: Ninh Binh

   A shorter two-hour drive takes you west, to the craggy province of Ninh Binh, dominated by its spectacular limestone karsts. Often described as the ‘Halong Bay on land’, we invite you to take a boat trip around the flooded landscape of Tam Coc, trying to spot endangered langur monkeys living on the precipitous ledges above your head. You can also visit the abandoned capital where the intricately decorated Dinh and Le Dynasty temples still remain. A 6km (4 miles) walk in the Cuc Phuong National Park is the perfect way to experience the unique scenery, and you can also visit a tree that is over 1000 years old.

   Accommodation: Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh (2 nights)

6. Days 8-10: Mai Chau & Pu Luong

   From Ninh Binh you travel by road to Mai Chau, home to luminous rice paddies and broad valleys. Stay in one of the excellent eco-lodges in the area, perhaps taking one of the complimentary bicycles out in the evening to explore the local area. Your last trek of your trip is from Pu Long, a truly untouched area of Vietnam. The mostly downhill route will be greatly appreciated after your time trekking in the mountains, and you will finish up at Kho Muong village where you’ll find an interesting bat cave.

   Accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge (2 nights)

7. Days 10-11: Hanoi

   Your final day in Vietnam is spent back in Hanoi, after a four-hour drive back into the city from Mai Chau. We definitely recommend taking it easy today, perhaps treat yourself to a well earned massage at your hotel spa, or toast your last night with a celebratory cocktail at one of Hanoi’s fabulous rooftop bars.

   Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel (1 night)

8. Fly home from Hanoi

Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau