Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Northern Vietnam
Think of amazing hiking trails in Vietnam that go through mountain villages where H'mong and Dzay families invite hikers into their homes. There are paths that go through Hoang Lien State Park, with great views of the valley. Paths to Cat Cat village and Ta Van are easy and let you see how people live in the area. Stay in a mountain home to get a real feel for the terraced rice paddies and hill tribe traditions.
10 best hiking & trekking Northern Vietnam tours
Compiled by
MelissaNorthern Vietnam travel expert at TourRadar
- Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia
- To the Northern Vietnam In 12 Days
- Sapa Tour from Hanoi by Limousine/Sleeper travel bus
- Mountain Majesty: Vietnam's Most Breathtaking 10-Day Mountain Escape (Sapa, Ha Giang Loop, Ninh Binh Small Group tour)
- Sapa Fansipan Trekking Tour 4 Days 3 Nights
- Sapa Trekking 3 Days 2 Nights - Overnight At Homestay
- 13-Day Journey Through Northern Vietnam - Private Tour
- Pu luong Ninh Binh the escape 3 days
- Highlights of Northern Vietnam In 6 Days
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve Discovery In 8 Days - Luxury Private Tour
Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A well planned itinerary for this tour. So many highlights included. Excellent guide and driver.”
BERNARD, traveled in September
Cover 18km through Hoang Lien Son valley's terraced rice fields, connecting Giang Ta Phin village to Sapa. Pass through bamboo forests and mountain trails to remote Black Hmong settlements, with stunning views of Fansipan peak (3,143m) and stops at ethnic minority villages for cultural immersion.
Duration 13 days Destinations Hanoi, Mai Chau, Yen Bai, Sapa, Bac Ha, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Physical Rating Moderate Distance 593 mi Operator Realistic Asia From $5,236
55% Off- NZ$2,356+$603 local paymentsYou save $2,880
To the Northern Vietnam In 12 Days
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a wounderful trip around Northern Vietnam. All our accommodation was clean, comfortable and we were made very welcome.”
Bernard, traveled in December
Pass through Ta Van Chu's pristine farmlands, climb the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass in Dong Van, and visit Ba Be National Park's waterfalls. Stay in authentic homestays in Bac Ha and Ha Giang, plus browse ethnic minority markets like Cao Son and Can Cau. End with kayaking in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay and cycling through Ninh Binh's rice paddies.
Duration 12 days Destinations Hanoi, Bac Ha, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Ba Be National Park, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Physical Rating Easy Distance 655 mi Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $6,039
70% Off- NZ$1,812+$775 local paymentsYou save $4,227
Sapa Tour from Hanoi by Limousine/Sleeper travel bus
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience. Long hike but it was fun as the guide will follow your pace.”
Wbasri, traveled in December
This 2-day route encompasses Cat Cat village waterfall and Muong Hoa valley. The trail winds through Black H'mong communities in Lao Chai and Zay people in Ta Van, with overnight at My Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sapa, including traditional silversmith and weaving demonstrations.
Duration 2 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 315 mi Operator Swallow Travel From
70% Off- NZ$241
Duration 10 days Destinations Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 705 mi Operator Up Travel Vietnam From $2,395
50% Off- NZ$1,197You save $1,197
Sapa Fansipan Trekking Tour 4 Days 3 Nights
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I'd recommend this fantastic tour to anyone.”
Michael, traveled in January
Scale Northern Vietnam's premier trails through Hoang Lien National Park to Fansipan Peak. Take challenging paths from Y Linh Ho's terraces to 2,800m camping sites. Cross Giang Ta Chai Bridge and visit remote Dzay communities in Ta Van village.
Duration 4 days Destinations Sapa Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Old Quarter Travel From
50% Off- NZ$467
Sapa Trekking 3 Days 2 Nights - Overnight At Homestay
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was really fun. The only negative thing were many locals who tried to sell us stuff!”
Gostlin, traveled in March
Take a moderate 9km walk through Y Linh Ho's terraced rice fields and along Muong Hoa Stream to Lao Chai village. Cross bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai Bridge, covering 4km on day two. Visit Cat Cat Village at the foot of Fansipan Peak, featuring waterfalls and a historic power station.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa Age Range Ages 10+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 315 mi Operator Old Quarter Travel From
50% Off- NZ$212
13-Day Journey Through Northern Vietnam - Private Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trekking through Bac Ha and Ha Giang was breathtaking, and staying in local homestays offered a genuine glimpse into the lives of ethnic minorities.”
Sunil, traveled in October
Ha Giang's rugged landscape features the 15km Ma Pi Leng Pass with its desert peaks and unique canyons. Traditional markets in Bac Ha, the Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin, and Vietnam's final frontier await with 4-hour hikes across terraced rice paddies and bamboo forests. Ta Van Chu and Pac Ngoi villages provide authentic homestays.
Duration 13 days Destinations Hanoi, Bac Ha, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Ba Be National Park, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Physical Rating Moderate Distance 608 mi Operator Vietnam Tour Fun From $5,930
70% Off- NZ$1,779+$712 local paymentsYou save $4,151
Pu luong Ninh Binh the escape 3 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I highly recommend the locations and activities. This was a very active trip and definitely best if you're at least moderately active in your daily life.”
Elizabeth, traveled in January
A 6km path winds through Pu Luong Nature Reserve, connecting remote Thai villages and the massive Doi Cave system. The trail includes hanging bridges over terraced rice fields, bamboo rafting on Cham Stream, and ancient temples in Hoa Lu.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu Age Range Ages 7+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 174 mi Operator Eco Travel Go Green Vietnam From
70% Off- NZ$443
Highlights of Northern Vietnam In 6 Days
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great package to see Hanoi, Sapa, and Halong Bay. He was very responsive whenever I had questions.”
Darin, traveled in September
Walk 12km through Hoang Lien Son Mountain's trails, visiting Black H'mong villages and Muong Hoa Stream. Pass through Sapa's iconic rice terraces from Y Linh Ho to Ta Van village, home to Dzay people. Easy-rated hikes include Cat Cat village's French colonial vestiges and Fansipan Mountain views.
Duration 6 days Destinations Hanoi, Mai Chau, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Physical Rating Easy Distance 266 mi Operator Realistic Asia From $2,414
55% Off- NZ$1,086You save $1,328
Pu Luong Nature Reserve Discovery In 8 Days - Luxury Private Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The perfect combination of city and rural landscapes, remote villages and tourist hotspots.”
Dalemari, traveled in April
Walk through Northern Vietnam's hidden gems, from Ba Vi's tea plantations to Pu Luong's remote valleys. Visit 300-year-old Kho Muong village, home to White Thai people, and pass through rice terraces with panoramic mountain views. Includes private transport and stays at Pu Luong Retreat.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park, Thanh Hoa, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Dutch Physical Rating Moderate Distance 362 mi Operator Realistic Asia From $4,423
55% Off- NZ$1,990+$310 local paymentsYou save $2,433
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Northern Vietnam
Long Pham and Realistic Asia provided the most attentive service before and throughout our 6-day tour of northern Vietnam. The tour was expertly orchestrated, with door to door service and amazing guides along the way. The hotel staff at the scheduled stops were delightful. Service was top notch! I had trouble securing visas prior to the departure for our wedding in Thailand, but Long Pham was able to connect with the necessary folks to get our visa letters in time. I cannot thank you enough for making our honeymoon seamless and full of fun experiences.
Highlights of Northern Vietnam In 6 Days
- North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
My husband and I had a great experience doing the 8 day tour of northern Vietnam. All of the locations we went to were beautiful and amazing. After the pandemic I hope we have the chance to do the longer tour of all of South East Asia.
- Charming Vietnam 12 Days - Sapa / Halong Bay / Mekong Delta
I booked this tour last minute but everything was arranged so reasonably. Lyn contact me immediately right after this tour was confirmed. She provided us with a lot of things to do and what to pack. The weather in Hanoi is very hot but it's one of my interesting places. Hotels look good and the receptionist is very helpful. All guides and drivers were on time and lovely. Overall, I recommend you should book this tour.
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in Northern Vietnam
When is the best time of year for hiking in Northern Vietnam?
Northern Vietnam's prime hiking seasons run from September to November and March to May. These periods bring comfortable temperatures between 15-20°C with minimal rain creating clear conditions for outdoor activities. The Sapa region offers excellent visibility of the terraced rice fields while Ha Giang comes alive during autumn when buckwheat flowers cover the landscape. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We had perfect trekking weather in October - cool mornings warm afternoons and stunning clear views of the Hoang Lien mountains."
What kind of accommodation can I expect on multi-day treks?
Lodging options range from simple homestays to modern hotels depending on your location. Travelers staying in Ta Van village sleep in traditional stilt houses with local families while those in Sapa town can book rooms at places like the Amazing Sapa Hotel. The Panhou Retreat in Ha Giang combines local architecture with modern comforts. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The homestay family were very nice dinner was modest and breakfast was pancakes - it was a great authentic experience!"
How much does a typical Northern Vietnam trekking tour cost?
Tour prices span a broad range. Basic 3-day treks through Pu Luong begin at 165 USD while upscale 8-day journeys including Hanoi and Halong Bay can cost up to 2700 USD. Most travelers opt for 4-5 day mid-range trips between 400-800 USD which cover lodging meals and guide services. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The 5-day Ha Giang trek at 646 USD offered excellent value with quality homestays and an experienced guide."
What are the best hiking trails in Northern Vietnam for different skill levels?
The region's trails accommodate all abilities. Beginners can enjoy the gentle 3.5km Cat Cat Village path while intermediate hikers often choose the Ma Pi Leng Pass route with 4-6 hours of moderate walking. More experienced trekkers take on the demanding 15-17km trails in Hoang Su Phi known for UNESCO-listed rice terraces. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The trek was very beautiful with breathtaking views. Our guide Sue was excellent and the homestay was simple but clean."
What cultural experiences can I expect during Northern Vietnam treks?
Trekking routes weave through communities of H'mong Red Dao and Tay people. The Sunday markets in Bac Ha display traditional clothing and handmade goods. Village stays in places like Ta Van let visitors share meals with families and experience local traditions. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The local market is so colorful which was our favorite part. We learned so much about the area's culture from our guide."
What wildlife might I encounter while hiking in Northern Vietnam?
Protected areas like Pu Luong Nature Reserve house 200 bird species and 350 butterfly types. Ba Be National Park offers sightings of langur monkeys and diverse birdlife while Hoang Lien National Park near Sapa features rare orchids and mountain species. One TourRadar traveler noted: "The biodiversity in Pu Luong was amazing - our guide pointed out countless butterflies and birds we'd never have noticed otherwise."