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
- 5-day Exploring Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa Highlights
- North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
- Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia
- Off The Beaten Tracks Northern Vietnam Itinerary 12 Days/11Nights
- North Vietnam Snapshot 7 Day - One Life Adventures
- Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights Trekking Tour From Hanoi (2 Nights in Hotel)
- Northern Vietnam 5-Day Tour – Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long Bay
- Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights Trekking Tour From Hanoi (1 Night In Ta Van Village, 1 Night In Hotel)
- Sapa Trekking 3 Days 2 Nights - Overnight At Homestay
- 8-Day Off The Beaten Path In North Vietnam
5-day Exploring Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa Highlights
“We've seen a lot of interesting landscapes and history of the country. I strongly recommend this agency!”
Traveler, traveled in January
Dramatic paths lead from Cat Cat Village to Muong Hoa Valley. Uphill climbs reach Y Linh Ho village, crossing suspension bridges and Hmong settlements. Scenic trails wind through Ta Van's rice terraces and mountain paths.
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van, Halong Bay, Titov Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 540 mi Operator Crossing Vietnam Tour From
- US$398
North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
“Accommodations in Sapa & Halong boat exceeded expectations. Meals were delicious & plentiful.”
Thomas, traveled in April
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
- US$355
Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia
“We visited local villages, and the market in the mountains, met many interesting people. Personally I was blown away with the views in Mu Cang Chai, it is probably one of the most beautiful places I ever visited.”
Belva, traveled in December
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 payments
Off The Beaten Tracks Northern Vietnam Itinerary 12 Days/11Nights
“Every destination was breathtaking, from peaceful mountain villages to stunning rice terraces.”
Christina, traveled in May
Duration 12 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, Ba Be National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Distance 556 mi Operator Bee Gng International Joint Stock Company From $2,180
10% Off- US$1,962
North Vietnam Snapshot 7 Day - One Life Adventures
“The tours are really good really safe and it's a nice way to explore.”
Mina, traveled in May
Duration 7 days Destinations Hanoi, Halong Bay, Lao Cai, Sapa, Ta Van Age Range Ages 18-59 Physical Rating Moderate Distance 624 mi Operator One Life Adventures From $995
10% Off- US$896
Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights Trekking Tour From Hanoi (2 Nights in Hotel)
“Perfectly coordinated transfers and day trips. Completely professional and friendly, it was the most perfect get away.”
Cover Northern Vietnam's highlands with 11.5km total trails through H'mong villages. Visit Cat Cat's waterfall, Y Linh Ho's terraced fields, and Ta Van community. Rest at The View Sapa Hotel near Sa Pa Lake.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Lao Cai Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 324 mi Operator Vietnam Travel Top From
10% Off- US$149
Northern Vietnam 5-Day Tour – Hanoi, Sapa & Ha Long Bay
“The guides, the planning, and the communication were all great.”
Sue, traveled in January
Duration 5 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Ta Van, Tuan Chau, Halong Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Relaxing Distance 615 mi Operator Open Asia Travel From
10% Off- US$395
Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights Trekking Tour From Hanoi (1 Night In Ta Van Village, 1 Night In Hotel)
“It was a very good tour through the country side of Vietnam as a first time visitor. She also catered very well to what we wanted to get out of this extremely positive trip.”
Bente, traveled in July
Move 12km through bamboo forests and rice paddies from Y Linh Ho to Lao Chai village. Follow the scenic path along Muong Hoa Stream and visit Giang Ta Chai village's Red Dzao community. Reach viewpoints overlooking Hoang Lien Son peaks with experienced local guides sharing cultural insights.
Duration 3 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 375 mi Operator Vietnam Travel Top From
10% Off- US$139
Sapa Trekking 3 Days 2 Nights - Overnight At Homestay
“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
10% Off- US$123
8-Day Off The Beaten Path In North Vietnam
“The service was really good! Also he takes care about the tour not only just broker.”
JessicaCho, traveled in February
Duration 8 days Destinations Hanoi, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao CaveSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 702 mi Operator Old Quarter Travel From
10% Off- US$1,344
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in Northern Vietnam
- 5-day Exploring Ha Noi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa Highlights
I had a wonderful time on a bespoke tour with Crossing Vietnam Tour. The driver and guide were very knowledgeable, friendly and warm. I enjoyed learning a lot about the culture of the ethnic minorities and trekking through beautiful and diverse landscapes. The cruise to Halong Bay was a delight as well.
- North Vietnam At A Glance: Halong Bay & Sapa 5 days
We have a great time in our 3 day cruise in Ha Long bay. The crew was really nice, great food and good amenities in the Nostalgia cruise. Mÿ Uyên, our travel agent, was very helpful and supportive.
- Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia
Very good tour if you want to be in remote Vietnam, away from tourists. Halong Bay and SA Pa were the only places we saw other tourists. Highlight was the overnight cruise in Halong Bay. Any issues we had along the way were easily dealt with by Realistic Asia via whatsap. Good accommodation, value for money and would definitely use the tour company again.
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."