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
- Amazing Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay 5 Days 4 Nights
- Charming Vietnam 12 Days - Sapa / Halong Bay / Mekong Delta
- North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
- 7-Day Discover Hanoi with Sapa Trekking & Cruising on Halong Bay
- Highlight Ha Noi 7 Days 6 nights (Hanoi - Sapa - Halong - Ninh Binh )
- 7-Day Trekking Northest Vietnam: Ba Be Lake - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ha Giang Loop
- Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia
- Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 3 Days 2 Nights
- Majesty Of Untouched North Of Vietnam Tour 6 Days - Private Tour
- Northern Viet Nam 5 Days 4 Nights (Hanoi, Sapa and Halong)
Amazing Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay 5 Days 4 Nights
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“the food was good and the crew made the stay good.”
Timothy, traveled in December
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Phan Xi Pang, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Distance 472 mi Operator Asia Focus Travel From $600
20% Off- US$480You save $120
Charming Vietnam 12 Days - Sapa / Halong Bay / Mekong Delta
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fabulous adventure seeing multiple parts of Vietnam. The trips all gave us a well thought through experience of culture and natural world.”
Roger, traveled in February
Move 12km through Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages, visiting traditional H'mong settlements. Pass 8km through bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan, featuring waterfall views and rattan bridge crossings. Rest in authentic Dzay homestay in Ta Van village.
Duration 12 days Destinations Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Sapa, Ta Van, Su Pan, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, My ThoSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Russian Physical Rating Easy Distance 1592 mi Operator PrestiGo Asia From $1,269
5% Off- US$1,206You save $63
North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Halong Bay cruise was better than we'd hoped for that budget. Great value and service.”
Wayne, traveled in June
Northern Vietnam's scenic beauty unfolds across 9km from Y Linh Ho to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Cat Cat Village's French colonial hydroelectric station stands along the path to Sin Chai at Fansipan Mountain's base. Local Hmong guides share Sapa's treasures.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Linh Ho, Ta Van, Cat Cat Village, Sin Chai, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 708 mi Operator BestPrice Travel From
5% Off- US$355
7-Day Discover Hanoi with Sapa Trekking & Cruising on Halong Bay
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My trip started at the airport and ended at the airport. The team is very professional and made sure that every thing goes smoothly.”
Rachelle, traveled in September
Duration 7 days Destinations Hanoi, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van, Tuan Chau, Halong Bay, Titov Island, Luon Cave and Lake Age Range Ages 1-60 Physical Rating Easy Distance 664 mi Operator Vietnam Adventure Tours From
5% Off- US$590
Highlight Ha Noi 7 Days 6 nights (Hanoi - Sapa - Halong - Ninh Binh )
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Her tours are unbeatable in price and unmatched in value or customer service.”
Vinh, traveled in April
Duration 7 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Linh Ho, Ta Van, Tuan Chau, Halong Bay, Titov Island, Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh Pagoda Age Range All Ages Welcome Distance 767 mi Operator Asia Pacific Travel From $700
20% Off- US$560You save $140
7-Day Trekking Northest Vietnam: Ba Be Lake - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ha Giang Loop
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This 7 day trip in north Vietnam was mesmerizing, people from homestays were very friendly.”
Maelle, traveled in August
Hike 14km through Ba Be National Park's pristine forests and paddle its three-bay lake system. Climb Ma Pi Leng pass for views of Nho Que river, visit Puong Cave's massive tunnel, and walk through remote Dao villages.
Duration 7 days Destinations Hanoi, Ba Be National Park, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao Cave, Meo Vac, Dong Van, Quan Ba, Ha Giang Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 459 mi Operator Old Quarter Travel From
20% Off- US$1,067
Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Majestic nature, unique cuisine, friendly, hospitable people and a diverse culture.”
Zain, 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, Ba Vi National Park, Xã Mai Hịch, Mai Chau, Nghia Lo, Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, Than Uyen, Sapa, Bac HaSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch, Russian Physical Rating Moderate Distance 734 mi Operator Realistic Asia From $1,439
32% Off- US$979+$350 local paymentsYou save $460
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay Age Range Ages 6+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 216 mi Operator Old Quarter Travel From
32% Off- US$256
Majesty Of Untouched North Of Vietnam Tour 6 Days - Private Tour
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We had a well-arranged 6-day tour to Ha Giang, Ban Gioc Waterfall and Ba Be Lake and all we had to do was be happy and enjoy the best experiences.”
Michelle, traveled in September
Duration 6 days Destinations Hanoi, Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao Cave, Quang Uyen, Ba Be National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese Physical Rating Easy Distance 462 mi Operator Conical Travel From
32% Off- US$795
Northern Viet Nam 5 Days 4 Nights (Hanoi, Sapa and Halong)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We saw Incredible rock formations, mountains and caves. We had fun on a speed boat trip and on a row boat.”
Lolimdjun, traveled in May
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Lao Cai, Ta Van, Halong Bay Age Range Ages 18+ Distance 532 mi Operator Asia Pacific Travel From $450
20% Off- US$360You save $90
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Northern Vietnam
- Charming Vietnam 12 Days - Sapa / Halong Bay / Mekong Delta
When searching for potential options for Vietnam travel, I chose Halong Bay because it's famous and came to mind. among the results, I was impressed with this tour because Sapa villages were interesting to discover. Hoi An was also a must-see destination. I am happy to choose this option. But more than that, it's a great choice to travel with Prestigo Asia. The team was professional. They knew what to do with running tour. hotels and services were excellent. Our main guide, Dat, cared about all the details we discussed and was responsive whenever needed. And the level of trekking was moderate. We felt comfortable during the 12 days. Highly recommend them!
- North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
The tour was very good. Our guide Li in Sapa was excellent. She was extremely knowledgeable and was from one of the local villages in the area. Fabulous couple of days. Swan cruises on Halong Bay was also very good. The staff were excellent and we went to a quiet part of the Bay. Best price Tour staff were very responsive and we would recommend their company.
- 7-Day Discover Hanoi with Sapa Trekking & Cruising on Halong Bay
Great itinerary and activities. Tour guides were infomative and had great sense of humor. Highly recommend.
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."