Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

Name: Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 5 (6 reviews)

6 reviews

Activity

Culture

Overview

Break away from the backpackers’ trail for an immersive adventure from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Get to know the real Vietnam on this 13-day journey through the landscapes and cultures most tourists whizz straight past. Starting in the absorbing capital Hanoi, we head out of the city to meet and stay with families in the hill village of Ta Phin and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the rural landscapes around Hoi An. We also trek through the rice fields of Sapa, cruise the secluded Lan Ha Bay – a less touristy (but no less beautiful) alternative to the ever-popular Ha Long Bay – and experience the spectacular caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. By the end, we will have experienced the full spectrum of life in Vietnam – a fascinating, rewarding adventure.

Key Information

Trip Code: AOS
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Vietnam
Carbon Footprint: 29.2kg CO2e per person per day

What's Included

11 breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers

Highlights

Stay overnight at a hill village and hike through Sapa's terraced rice fields
Stay at an ecolodge on Cat Ba Island
Kayak secluded Lan Ha Bay
Discover underground rivers and caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Visit the historic trading town of Hoi An and explore on a leisurely bike ride
Enjoy a cyclo adventure through the streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City

Itinerary

First Destination: Hanoi
Next Destination: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:None

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Hanoi
Next Destination: Ho Chi Minh City

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a city that offers a delicious first taste of Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re buying baguettes and inexpensive coffee from the grand doorways of a past era, drifting alongside Hoan Kiem Lake or roaming the animated streets, Hanoi will delight your senses. Even crossing the road is a memorable experience.

Around 6pm, say xin chào to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Want more time in Hanoi? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade to a premium room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Dinner

We depart Hanoi early this morning and drive north (approximately six hours) through scenic countryside and mountainous terrain to the remote town of Sapa in northwest Vietnam.

It overlooks a beautiful valley and is known for its cool mountain atmosphere, while the surrounding region of picturesque hills, terraced rice fields and villages are home to many different ethnic minority communities.

Upon arrival in the early afternoon, we have time to explore the town. We visit the lively market: a maze of stalls where local people buy and sell handicrafts and fresh produce. Make sure to sample the delicious street food.

Accommodation: Hotel De Sapa (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

After breakfast, we hike to the traditional hillside village of Ta Phin. Accompanied by a local guide, we follow a scenic route through lush forests and terraced rice fields, stopping for a picnic lunch. Depending on the route taken (which could be a paved flat route or a slightly more demanding scenic route), the hike takes between four and seven hours and will be adjusted by the local guide and tour leader to suit the group’s pace and fitness.

The hilly scenic route crosses rivers and riverbanks through a rocky, and sometimes muddy, terrain. The alternative route’s terrain is mainly flat and covers approximately 8mi (13km) with occasional uphill and downhill stretches. There are plenty of stops along the way to admire the views.

Accommodation: Homestay in Ta Phin village

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we bid farewell to our hosts and drive back to Hanoi (approximately six hours).

After checking into our hotel, we have the rest of the day free to explore Hanoi, the fascinating capital of Vietnam. You may wish to wander through the Old Quarter, where the 36 Streets are named after the product in which each specialises, such as Silk Street, Gold Street, Paper Street, and Tourist Souvenir Street. Or perhaps take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a favourite pastime for many Hanoi residents.

You may have the choice this evening to see a water puppet performance, which your leader can arrange (subject to availability).

Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade to a premium room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Breakfast

We rise early and transfer (2hr 30min) to the ferry pier in Ha Phong city, where we catch a 30-minute ferry to Cat Ba island. We then transfer to Beo Pier, where we board our boat and spend four hours in the afternoon cruising Lan Ha Bay, where incredible karst islands and limestone outcrops mirror those at the better-known Ha Long Bay. The tour includes kayaking for those who wish to participate, allowing us to get up close to the towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and tranquil beaches of the bay. We also enjoy an included lunch on the boat.

Following the trip, we transfer to Cat Ba Ecolodge, a sustainable eco-resort in the heart of Cat Ba Island. The resort offers beautiful mountain and forest views and is the perfect place to unwind following an afternoon of adventure. In the evening, we have a barbecue dinner at the resort featuring locally sourced ingredients allowing us to taste the unique flavours of Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.

Accommodation: Cat Ba Ecolodge

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We leave Cat Ba Island after breakfast, arriving at the ferry pier at 8.30am. We then take the 30-minute ferry back to Hai Phong city and return to our hotel for around midday. There is a bit of free time in the afternoon and early evening in the capital. You might like to join the local people by pulling up a plastic stool and sampling one of the many street food offerings; the bun cha (barbecued pork with rice noodles and fresh herbs) is particularly delicious. In the evening, we transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to Dong Hoi, 310mi (500km) south of Hanoi.

Accommodation: Overnight train

Meals included:Breakfast

Arriving early in Dong Hoi, we stretch our legs and stop for breakfast in town before we take a transfer (approximately one hour) to Phong Nha where we spend the next two nights at an eco-resort. Phong Nha is located in the Quang Binh province, a true beauty and relatively undiscovered by mainstream tourism. It’s home to a wide range of natural wonders, including the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to remarkable caves and rivers.

Our accommodation by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake is the perfect place to recharge after the overnight train ride. The day is free for you to kayak on the lake, swim or soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehouse (or similar)

Following a relaxed breakfast, we start our day of adventure with a short transfer to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2003, the national park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia. Home to hundreds of cave systems and spectacular underground rivers, this is an area very new to tourism but sure to impress.

We begin at Thien Duong Cave, also known as Paradise Cave, which was only discovered in 2005. It is known for having intricate and unique rock formations, while the colours and patterns within the cave are truly awe-inspiring.

Our next stop is a boat trip to the Phong Nha Cave. This journey takes us along the Son River, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs; an excellent opportunity to take in the serene beauty of park.

Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehouse (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

Departing after breakfast, we transfer south to Hoi An. Our drive (6hr 30min-7hr, excluding lunch break and depending on traffic conditions) passes a wide range of scenery along the way. The route between Phong Nha and Hoi An is among the most scenic in Vietnam, encompassing majestic mountains, verdant forests and serene waterways.

After checking into our hotel, we embrace the sleepy ambience of Hoi An on an orientation walk around the old town: the original European trading port in Vietnam dating to the mid-16th century. It is now a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples displaying Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European architectural influences.

It is also a marvelous place to wander around, dipping into the thriving riverside market and shopping for silk clothing.

Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade to a balcony pool view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Breakfast

Following breakfast, we have a leisurely half-day bike trip through the Hoi An countryside including a stop at Can Kim Island.

Upon arrival at Cam Kim Island, we receive a warm welcome into a local family’s home and learn the secrets behind my quang. This traditional rice noodle dish is one of the most popular meals in the region and often served on special occasions, including at parties, anniversaries and during Tết (Vietnamese New Year). During the demonstration, we learn about the ingredients and cooking techniques used and then roll up our sleeves to make the dish ourselves under the expert tutelage of the family.

We then return to Hoi An, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy a town that has become a favourite for so many travellers to Vietnam.

Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Upgrade to a balcony pool view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Meals included:Breakfast

This morning, we transfer to Da Nang Airport for the flight (approximately 1hr 25min) to Ho Chi Minh City (formally Saigon). This is an exciting, absorbing metropolis where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, it is now a bustling free-market city where anything goes. The Saigon River and Ben Thanh market are within walking distance and are highly recommended.

After arrival, we take a short, leisurely orientation walk passing sites such as Bach Dang Wharf, Bitexco Tower, Ton That Dam old market and Ben Thanh market.

Accommodation: Bong Sen Saigon Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

After breakfast, we jump into a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle-taxi) for a two-hour tour, a unique, immersive experience through the markets and streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Our first stop will be the energetic Hoa Ho Thi Ky market, where we stroll around and get a feel for the bustling atmosphere. We then hop back on our cyclo and make our way to Nhật Tảo market, a paradise for tech enthusiasts. Next, we visit Thiếc market, which specialises in fresh vegetables, fruits, and some types of jewellery. Finally, we visit Thien Hau Pagoda, a spiritual landmark dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. The colourful interior and intricate decorations of the pagoda provide a peaceful respite from the electric city.

The remainder of the day is free for your own independent exploration. You may wish to visit the War Remnants Museum, which has an extensive photographic record of the Vietnam-American War. Please be aware that some images at the museum are very graphic. Alternatively, other popular sites to visit are the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Reunification Palace.

Accommodation: Bong Sen Saigon Hotel (or similar)

Meals included:Breakfast

You’ve explored the underground rivers and caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang, stayed in a hill village and kayaked Lan Ha Bay; but today, the adventure comes to an end and we begin our return journeys home.

However, if you’re not ready for the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about joining our add-on tour to Angkor in Cambodia, the standout archaeological site in Southeast Asia. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Call us on 1 844 260 1517

Book Your Flights With Us

Window or aisle? Premium seat with extra legroom? Adding a stopover en route? We’ll sort the flights that fit your plans. With access to thousands of routes - major airlines and regional gems alike, we’ll help you fly from your preferred airport, at times that suit you. Secure your flights and trip together and enjoy peace of mind knowing everything's organized with one team here to help if plans change.

View Details

Accommodation

Hotels, homestay, resort, lodge and sleeper train

The accommodation on this trip provides an adventurous variety of places to stay. We spend seven nights in hotels, two nights at a lake resort, one night at a lodge on Cat Ba Island. We also spend one night in a homestay in the hillside village of Ta Phin near Sapa. Finally, we have one night on the Reunification Express, a sleeper train that takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi. The normal accommodations used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are some of the notable places we stay.

Upgrades are available on this itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Ta Phin: Homestay (night 3)

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

During our time in the village of Ta Phin, we are looked after by local ethnic communities. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts and being able to experience an authentic home-cooked dinner made from local produce.

Cat Ba island: Cat Ba Ecolodge (night 5)

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

We overnight at the Cat Ba Ecolodge, ideally situated in the heart of Cat Ba island. Surrounded by nature, it sits in a secluded setting featuring lush gardens, a swimming pool, and a restaurant offering a variety of locally grown Vietnamese meals.

Reunification Express: (night 6)
Our sleeper train takes us from Hanoi to Dong Hoi – a classic journey in this part of the world. It’s an essential part of the tour, linking two special destinations without resorting to flying or a lengthy coach trip. However, trains in Vietnam are not luxurious and it’s best to come prepared to maximise your experience – we’ve found extra warm layers to combat the air conditioning and ear plugs can provide a little more comfort! On the sleeper train, you may be sharing a compartment with members of the public depending on how the seats are allocated. The trains here are safe but, as with any trip, we recommend you keep valuables with you. Snacks are normally offered on board and most trains have Western-style facilities, but some are equipped with squat toilets.

Phong Nha: Phong Nha Lakehouse (nights 7-8)

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

This resort is located by the tranquil Dong Suon Lake and only a 10-minute drive from Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park. The Lakehouse is a multi-functional resort with facilities catering for relaxation and fun, including an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, and the option to kayak on the lake. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and mosquito nets.

Worth knowing

Single supplements are available (on request) but only for 10 nights of the trip (hotel nights). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
Private bathroom facilities are not available at the homestay in Ta Phin village or the overnight sleeper train.
The accommodation listed in each location on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.

Extend Your Trip

Exclusive Add-ons

Mekong Delta Add-on Tour

Venture deep into the Mekong Delta, where traditional life is still shaped by the ebb and flow of the waters. This immersive adventure takes you straight to the soul of the Delta: drift along the canals on a sampan fishing boat, meet skilled silk weavers, scale the sacred Sam Mountain for sunset views, and witness traditional life in action at Long Xuyên floating market. Along the way, and with the help of your expert tour leader, you’ll also share meaningful interactions with the local people, encounters no guidebook could arrange.

The detailed itinerary is here, or speak to your sales representative for more details.

Post-trip Extensions

Exclusive Add-ons

Angkor Wat Add-on Tour (from Ho Chi Minh City)

Rediscovered enmeshed in the Cambodian jungle in 1860, Angkor, the ancient capital of the powerful Khmer empire, is one of the finest archaeological sites in the world. Built between the ninth and 13th centuries, the wonderfully preserved sprawling complex of temples and palaces is on a par with any world monument, with magnificent towers, sculptures and bas‐reliefs.

The detailed itinerary is here, or speak to your sales representative for more details.

Essential Information

This trip has been rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

This is an adventure-packed trip with activities including hiking, kayaking and leisurely cycling, so a good level of fitness is required. The weather can be hot and humid, particularly in the south when cycling, yet cold in the winter in the north around Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. Some days can be fairly long with early starts. We visit both remote locations and cities. Travel time is kept to a minimum, although there are a few longer drives with time for sightseeing. Please note, some accommodation will be basic but clean.

E-cigarettes and vapes: These are banned in Vietnam with strict penalties, including large fines and imprisonment – we strongly recommend you do not bring these with you.

Key information

Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing at the start hotel around 6pm this evening.
Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.

Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.

Vietnam

UK passport holders normally do not need a visa to enter Vietnam for visits up to 45 days, while those with a US or Irish passport normally do need a visa to enter. Visa requirements for EU citizens vary by country.

Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/vietnam
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/vietnam
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Vietnam.html

Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and the gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with numerous varieties of culinary offerings and consequently maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch.

Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices; lemongrass, ginger, basil and lime all play an important role in the cuisine. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country, where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are pho (noodle soup).

Also be sure to seek out the national drinks. Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.

Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except at the homestay in northern Vietnam.

Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

With the exception of Sapa, the weather will be hot and humid with daytime temperatures usually 28C-34C (82F-93F). It is only a little cooler at night.

There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant any time of year. However, it is unlikely the weather will be perfect for the entire duration of the trip due to the shape of the country.

There is quite a range of seasons between the north and south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December and April, then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with a drizzly rain).

Due to its northern location, Sapa is much cooler and the weather different to the other locations on this trip. Traditionally, the driest months in Sapa are October to mid-April, but rain can still occur at this time. Mid-April to September is considered monsoon season. However, weather patterns have been less predictable in recent years. December to February are the coldest months, usually 13C-18C (55F- 65F) with lows around 10C (50F). Mid-year usually experiences the warmest temperatures: 23C-25C (73F-77F). Sapa is well-known for its picturesque rice terraces, but they aren’t always bright green due to the climate. Generally, the best time to see the rice terraces are during their peak season, which is also the rainiest time of year. However, the landscapes and scenery are rewarding no matter what time of year you visit.

Please note, the Lan Ha Bay boat trip and ferry access to Cat Ba Island can be subject to short-notice change if adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October-April). Boat trips are governed by local authorities who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If your trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion for your group or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.

If you go to Cambodia for the Angkor Wat extension after this trip finishes, the weather is hot and humid year-round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between May and October; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season has hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella or buy a cheap local poncho.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Stay in traditional community houses near Sapa in Ta Phin village, supporting Red Dao and Hmong families through community-hosted tourism.
Visit Reaching Out in Hoi An, where purchases support artisans with disabilities to develop skills, income, and independence.

In addition, we support primate conservation in Vietnam through our Foundation’s Primate Survival Project.

Reviews

Add new review

Amy Sedgwick

Added December 2025

An adventure to treasure forever!

From sunrise mist in the Sapa hills to sunset sails across the limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay, the AOS Vietnam trip is pure, soul‑stirring adventure. Each day brought a fresh burst of wonder.Kayaking quiet coves, cycling through Hoi An’s lantern‑lit countryside, and wandering heritage streets that felt like living...

Most Inspirational Moment

What stays with me most are the human moments: sharing a meal in a welcoming hill‑community near Sapa, listening to stories that deepened our connection to the land and its people, and laughing with new friends who quickly felt like family. It wasn’t just a trip it was a collection of memories I’ll carry for life, stitched together by AOS’s thoughtful design and spirit of discovery.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Thuong was truly exceptional! She was thoughtful, passionate, and inspired us every step of the way with tenacity and deep knowledge of Vietnam.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For those planning this adventure, prepare for all weather conditions, pack insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes, and keep your luggage light since most hotels offer laundry services. If you are planing to do some shopping, keep some space in your luggage! A small sleeping bag can add extra warmth and comfort on the overnight train and homestay.

Willicia Jacobs

Added November 2024

Full packed adventure

Exciting busy itinerary that cater for the more mixed activities experience. Offering incredible natural scenery and breath-taking landscapes, colourful history, unique diverse culture. Vibrant colours, amazing food and friendly locals. Just go go go!

Most Inspirational Moment

On day 3: Trekking 13km among the lush forest and terraced rice fields to Ta Phin Village – up and down hills the whole time. Relaxed in a herbal bath in wooden barrels afterwards. Kayaking in the lagoon in Ha Long Bay, absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Hoi An City in overall – colourful well-preserved city with lantern-lit streets with original old wooden buildings and temples, some dating back to the 17th century.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Nhung Bui was incredible. Full of knowledge and excitement, always available and made everyone feel right at home. An amazing leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack proper hiking boots for trek on day 3, pack light for there is laundry service available everywhere as well as ATM's.

Sara Dauncey

Added April 2024

What a trip, fabulous day after day.

We had such a good time in Vietnam. The guide V was superb, so professional, really interesting and telling us about the historical and cultural aspects as well as what we were doing. His enthusiasm and pride in Vietnam was contagious. We went to so many different places and experiences....

Most Inspirational Moment

Hard to chose between the trek with the lovely hill tribe women helping us, the hot tubs in the homestay, feeling so off the beaten track. Cat Ba and kayaking in Halong bay, magical. The caves were enormous and extraordinary, really beautiful. We went to the water puppets in Hanoi and the AO show in HCMC. Both amazing.

Thoughts on Group Leader

See above, such a lovely person, so helpful in every regard to make the trip perfect for us all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go!! Take good walking boots for the hike. Not much time to chill but good to do everything.

mary roser

Added April 2024

This trip is worth 7 stars!!!!

Wow, what an adventure! AMAZING GUIDE, AMAZING GROUP, AMAZING COUNTRY AND DELICIOUS FOOD!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

From the moment we landed, it was an adventure that kept on giving - every day was magical in its own unique way. I'm sure each person in our group pinched ourselves to say 'is this really real' and guess what, it was!! The whole trip exceeded our expectations from start to finish!

Thoughts on Group Leader

There aren't enough superlatives to describe 'V' - what a gentleman - well read, knowledgeable, funny, kind and sincere. What a lovely man - we were blessed to have him as our guide and his presence was the icing on our cake - Surely a top candidate for 'Leader of the Year' award!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate, you will love every second of it! Oh and be prepared for the most most delicious food ever!

Suggestions

Thank you V and our wonderful Group for perfect holiday - memories made that i will always fondly look back on xxx

Emily Rogers

Added April 2024

Brilliant trip

This is a superb trip, experiencing Vietnam at its best. As always we travelled with likeminded people who added to the experience. The trip is full on and some people added an extension, which would have been great to chill after the trip. The walking, canoeing and cycling were great....

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk across the countryside with our local guide, the balancing on the rice terraces, scrambling up the hills, the welcome ,unique hot tub Bath,food at the home stay.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Vuong was an excellent leader, always available, great fun and of course knowledgable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Slim down your packing, the trip is relaxed and laundry is available on the 2 night stays. Strong shoes for the walk.

Suggestions

We queried the stay at Sa Pa before travelling and were told we needed to carry overnight bags on the walk. You actually need a bag fit for waterproofs, water, bug spray and suncream. This was annoying as we could have taken smaller packs which would have been more suitable for the rest of the trip. Recommend that trip notes are reviewed with ground handler.

Philip Harborne

Added April 2024

An adventure with great variety

Remote rice terraces, train ride, boat trip, bustling cities, cool caves, it’s all here.

Most Inspirational Moment

Ascending the slippery slopes of rice terraces

Thoughts on Group Leader

Can’t praise the group leader too much! He was continuously attentive, enthusiastic about his homeland and open about his life and family history.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for a range of climates and activities.

Suggestions

The trip notes mislead about the day pack. Most of the group wrongly believed we were expected to carry overnight items on the trek.

Read all reviews

Let's talk

Make an enquiry

Click here to view and download the full trip notes.

Hidden Vietnam: Sapa & Beyond

Activity Level

Comfort Level

Activity

Overview

Break away from the backpackers’ trail for an immersive adventure from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Key Information

What's Included

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, dates that suit you, 24-hour support, loyalty discounts, and peace of mind for delays or disruption.

Book Your Flights With Us

Accommodation

Hotels, homestay, resort, lodge and sleeper train

Extend Your Trip

Mekong Delta Add-on Tour

Post-trip Extensions

Angkor Wat Add-on Tour (from Ho Chi Minh City)

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Vietnam

Reviews

An adventure to treasure forever!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Full packed adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

What a trip, fabulous day after day.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

This trip is worth 7 stars!!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

Brilliant trip

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

An adventure with great variety

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Suggestions

You may also like

Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

Trails of Vietnam

Highlights of Northern Thailand

The Adventure Begins Here