Walk Vietnam
Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Mai ChauFor 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.
At a glance
The most remote areas are unsuitable May – September due to heavy rain. At other times of year, the weather in Sapa can be unpredictable and much cooler than the lower altitudes. You will need to pack waterproofs, sweatshirts, sensible boots, t-shirts and sun cream as the weather can change swiftly without warning.
Sapa is the beautiful mountain town north of Hanoi, famous for its terraced rice paddy fields. Growing more and more popular each year, we recommend combining Sapa with the lesser known areas of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau for the best hiking trails and most authentic experience.
Ninh Binh is a province west of Hanoi with dramatic limestone scenery, a great alternative to going to Halong Bay.
Mai Chau is home to rolling hills and verdant rice paddies, so make sure to bring a camera!
Journey highlights
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The most remote areas are unsuitable May – September due to heavy rain. At other times of year, the weather in Sapa can be unpredictable and much cooler than the lower altitudes. You will need to pack waterproofs, sweatshirts, sensible boots, t-shirts and sun cream as the weather can change swiftly without warning.
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Sapa is the beautiful mountain town north of Hanoi, famous for its terraced rice paddy fields. Growing more and more popular each year, we recommend combining Sapa with the lesser known areas of Ninh Binh and Mai Chau for the best hiking trails and most authentic experience.
-
Ninh Binh is a province west of Hanoi with dramatic limestone scenery, a great alternative to going to Halong Bay.
-
Mai Chau is home to rolling hills and verdant rice paddies, so make sure to bring a camera!
- Walk itinerary:Get under the skin of a destination by hiking your way through it and kicking back each evening in some of the finest hotels around
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | $4,600 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| June | $4,600 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| July | $4,600 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| August | $4,300 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| September | $4,300 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| October | $4,800 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| November | $4,800 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| December | $4,800 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| January | $4,800 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| February | $4,800 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| March | $4,800 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| April | $4,600 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,600
Deposit from*$1,100
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,600
Deposit from*$1,100
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,600
Deposit from*$1,100
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,300
Deposit from*$1,100
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,300
Deposit from*$1,100
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,800
Deposit from*$1,200
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,800
Deposit from*$1,200
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,800
Deposit from*$1,200
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,800
Deposit from*$1,200
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,800
Deposit from*$1,200
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,800
Deposit from*$1,200
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,600
Deposit from*$1,100
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to Hanoi
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 )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 )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 )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 )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 )Fly home from Hanoi
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
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Ban Ho Village Tour and Trek
From Sapa, head approximately 1hr to Ban Ho village, with stunning views of the valley and terraced rice fields along the way. Enjoy 12km of trekking through the area, stopping at different minority groups along the way. A fascinating trek.
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Half Day City Tour of Hanoi
Start this fascinating historical tour at Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, an imposing monument lavishly built using marble and granite, and where the preserved body of 'Uncle Ho' resides. You will then visit Ho Chi Minh's House, where he lived and worked.
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Half Day Tour of Dinh & Le Dynasty Temples
Due to its mountainous scenery acting as a barrier against invaders, Ninh Binh was once the capital province of Vietnam. Whilst little remains of the ancient capital city of Hoa Lu, two small but intricate temples stand on the site.
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Hanoi Street Food Experience
Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Enjoy strolling the bustling alleys and streets and savour regional specialties in favourite local spots.
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Hill tribe Trek from Sapa, My Son Section
This wonderful journey by road and on foot is a fantastic option for those wanting to learn about the myriad of hill tribe communities in Vietnam including Black Hmong, Red Zao and Xa Pho, all of whom have their own distinct identities.
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Pu Luong Trekking from Mai Chau
From Mai Chau, head deeper into rural Vietnam and onto to Pu Luong. Known for its remote hill tribes, luminous paddy fields and traditional villages you'll trek 6km (3.7miles) through glorious scenery, stopping at villages along the way.
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Tam Coc Boat Trip
Tam Coc is an area within Ninh Binh Province, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on Land'. A local rower will take you on a leisurely two-hour boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, which winds its way between dramatic limestone karsts.
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The Quintessence of Tonkin
Vietnam's most spectacular cultural performance with more than 180 skillful performers presenting to you the culture and history of Northern Vietnam on the largest water stage of Vietnam.
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Water Puppet Show at Dao Thuc
Completely unique to Vietnam, water puppetry is a wonderful example of this country’s vibrant cultural heritage. During this exclusive experience, you will meet one of the country's best puppet artisans and enjoy a private 30-minute show.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind