Tour overview

This 9-day walking holiday explores the rice terraces and hill-tribe villages of Vietnam's north in comfortable eco-lodges. A local leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than twelve, by private vehicle. You stay eight nights in premium hotels and lodges, with breakfast daily and most lunches and several dinners.

From Hanoi you travel to Hoang Su Phi for two nights at Panhou Retreat, hiking among terraced hills and minority villages.

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In Sapa you walk through valleys and visit local communities, then head to Mu Cang Chai, famous for its golden rice terraces, for two nights at Garrya eco lodge before returning to Hanoi.

The physical rating is medium. This holiday suits walkers who want remote landscapes with comfortable stays.

Trip highlights

  • Panhou Retreat (Days 2–3)
  • Hiking in Hoang Su Phi (Day 3)
  • Sapa valleys (Days 4–5)
  • Mu Cang Chai rice terraces (Days 6–7)
  • Garrya eco lodge (Days 6–7)

Your route

4 stops from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai

9-day route: Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi – Sapa – Mu Cang Chai – Hanoi
  1. Hanoi Days 1 & 8–9
  2. Hoang Su Phi Days 2–3
  3. Sapa Days 4–5
  4. Mu Cang Chai Days 6–7

Why choose this tour

Northern Vietnam's best walking. Two eco-lodge feature stays.

Best suited to

  • Walkers
  • Travellers who value comfort
  • Photographers
  • Solo travellers
Rice terraces and houses in Hoang Su Phi

Day-by-day itinerary

9 days from Hanoi, Vietnam to Hanoi, Vietnam

  1. Day 1 · Hanoi Hanoi

    A welcome dinner.

    Hotel
    The Ann Hanoi
    Meals
    Dinner
  2. Day 2 · Hoang Su Phi Hoang Su Phi

    To the mountains.

    Hotel
    Panhou Retreat
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3 · Hoang Su Phi Hoang Su Phi

    A terrace hike.

    Hotel
    Panhou Retreat
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  4. Day 4 · Sapa Sapa

    Into Sapa.

    Hotel
    Sapa Jade Hill
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  5. Day 5 · Nam Cang, Sapa Sapa

    A valley walk.

    Hotel
    Sapa Jade Hill
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  6. Day 6 · Mu Cang Chai Mu Cang Chai

    Golden terraces.

    Hotel
    Garrya Mu Cang Chai
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  7. Day 7 · Mu Cang Chai Mu Cang Chai

    A village hike.

    Hotel
    Garrya Mu Cang Chai
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  8. Day 8 · Hanoi Hanoi

    A farewell dinner.

    Hotel
    The Ann Hanoi
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Day 9 · Hanoi Hanoi

    The holiday ends.

    Meals
    Breakfast
A woman in traditional dress near Sapa

Where you stay

  • Hanoi (1 night) The Ann Hanoi
  • Hoang Su Phi (2 nights) Panhou Retreat
  • Sapa (2 nights) Sapa Jade Hill
  • Mu Cang Chai (2 nights) Garrya Mu Cang Chai
  • Hanoi (1 night) The Ann Hanoi

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 8 nights in premium hotels and eco-lodges
  • Meals 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Private vehicle and fast-track airport arrival
  • Guided hikes in Hoang Su Phi, Sapa and Mu Cang Chai
  • Village visits
  • Feature stays at Panhou and Garrya
  • Local leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights
  • Meals not included 1 lunch and 4 dinners
  • Optional activities
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
The rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You dislike long drives
  • You want a city break
  • You want a beach holiday
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–9 · Lunch: Days 2–3 and 5–8 · Dinner: Days 1–2, 4 and 8
A village in the rice terraces of Sapa

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £1,695 per person, twin share, tour only. 45 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

No, UK citizens can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.

How hard is the walking?

Moderate hikes of three to five hours on village trails, with some climbs.

When are the terraces at their best?

Green from May to August and golden in September and October.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast daily, most lunches and several dinners.

Can I have my own room?

A single supplement may be available; otherwise solo travellers share with someone of the same gender.

How many people travel together?

No more than twelve travellers, with a local leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary
From £1,695
See dates & prices