Vietnam Long Distance Hiking Tour 12 Days

Product Description

Long Distance Hiking Vietnam – 12 Day Itinerary is one of longest trekking tours are arranged in Vietnam, taking you to Sapa hill tribe villages, and non-touristy Bac Ha villages. Most of nights are spent at local homestay, offering the chance to experience the local life. Accommodation facilities are simple, limited. But the landscapes and the ethnic culture are worth the journey.

Map

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Night 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai.

On the first day of this Long Distance Hiking Vietnam, we will take the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Departure at 20.30. Overnight on board train.

Day 1: Lao Cai – Sapa Trekking.

Arrive Lao Cai train station early this morning, at about 5AM. Picked up by our local driver and brought to Sapa. Sa Pa is a quiet mountain town and home to a great diversity of ethnic minority peoples. The geographical location of the area makes it a truly unique place for many interesting plants and animals, allowing it to support many inhabitants. Breakfast will be served in a local restaurant in town. At 9.00 am, transfer to Tram Ton Pass. Short top might be made on the way to see the Silver Waterfall. Start trekking from Heaven Gate, hike through the thick rain forest of the Hoang Lien Nature Reserve for about 2 hours. The trail is narrow, tough steep downhill from 1,847m to 1,541m. Lunch break here on the top of a hill named Sour & Acrid. After lunch, continue trekking downhill for nearly an hour to the stream crossing at 1,414m. The trail of this portion gets through corn fields and some terraced paddies including some tough but short descending. Once getting to other bank, the trail becomes wider and less tough. Hike along the upstream part of Muong Hoa river for about 2 hours towards Sin Chai village of the Black Hmong. Arrive at home stay at about 5.00 pm. Dinner and home stay in this village.

Day 2: Sapa Trekking Homestay.

On the 2nd day of this Long Distance Hiking Vietnam we’ll take an easy walk along Muong Hoa river for nearly an hour to Cat Cat waterfall, short break by this wonder of nature. Cross the river by suspension bridge to other sides, follow the steps uphill to the southern edge of Cat Cat village and from here the follow a good path for another hour softly downhill(1,212m to 1,188m). Cross the Vang stream to other bank and then lunch break. After lunch, the trail winds up steep hills to 1,227m for two hours through rice paddies, corn fields and later rain forest before gradually descending for another 2 hours to wards Y Linh Ho village(at 1,018m), another village of the Black Hmong with lot traces of slash and burn agriculture along the way. The rest hour of the afternoon is at leisure or for free walk to explore this charming village.

Day 3: Sapa Trekking Homestay.

Breakfast and leave Y Linh Ho at 09.00am, enjoy an easy trekking with just some soft descends and ascends for nearly an hour to Lao Chai San 2 village (1,058m), where the influence of other cultures and religion can be seen evidently. Then the trail gets narrower and tougher uphill for about another hour from to Lao Hang Chai 1 (1,146m). This portion of the trek includes a long and steep ascend but offers great view of Muong Hoa Valley. Paying visit to several local homes in Lao Hang Chai village before lunch break. Leave Lao Chai San 1 after lunch and trek along the narrow trail for half an hour between farm land and bamboo forest with not too much up and down before challenging the steep path for about 1,5 hour, through thick rain forest to 1,785m high. Taking a long break here for recovery and enjoying the marvelous panorama of Muong Hoa Valley. The last portion of the trek today takes about 1 hour gradually downhill to Seo Mi Ty village of the Hmong which sits near the bottom of a stunning valley(1,548m). The rest hours of the afternoon is for relaxing by the stream near the newly built hydraulic power station.

Day 4: Sapa Trekking Homestay.

Leave Seo Mi Ty at 09.00 after breakfast. Take an easy walk along a large path for 20 minutes downhill, passing through a small hamlet. And then the trek gets harder for 2 hours along a tougher which is a combination of lose rocks, steep dirt track and stream crossings, through re-grown forest to Den Thang village(from 1,548m to 1,294m). Walking to explore this isolated village for half an hour before lunch break. Afternoon trek is also downhill for most of the way about 2 hours from Den Thang to Ta Chung Ho suspension bridge (at 872m). The trail is tough plus two stream crossings which makes this part harder. Enjoy a short rest here before challenging 3 km uphill to home stay at a small Red Zao hamlet(at 984m).

Day 5: Sapa Trekking Homestay.

Breakfast and trekking from home stay at 08.30. Morning trek is a real challenge along a narrow dirt trail which sneaks on steep hill sides from the height of 950m up to nearly 1,632m. Lunch break at the top of the mountain in the thick rain forest. Continue trekking after lunch along the same trail downhill for 1,5 hour through the rain forest of Hoang Lien National Park to Nam Ngan Village of the Red Zao(952m). Enjoy an easy walk to explore this quiet and charming village. Then following a larger dirt path for nearly 1 hour downhill to Nam Sang Village of the Xa Pho peoples(a sub group of Phu La group), whose population is only about 6,500 individuals and well maintained their traditional way of living. The last portion of the trail getting across the fairly flat bottom of Nam Sai valley to Ban Sai village of the Tay ethnic peoples(at 570m). Dinner and home stay in this village.

Day 6: Sapa Trekking Homestay.

In the morning of this Long Distance Hiking Vietnam we trek along a large & rocky path uphill to Nam Nhiu village of the Red Zao(870m) and then continue along a dirt path for 1,5 hour to Nam Than Village of the Red Zao and Black Hmong(865m). This portion of the trek offers stunning view of Nam Sai and Nam Cang Valleys as well as chances to understand life of tribal peoples in remotest region of Sapa. Leaving Nam Than for an hour through wild land dotting with terraced fields among mountain and rain forest…Lunch break. Continue trekking for 2, 5 hours in the afternoon along the same trail passing through the cultivated hilly land of Suoi Thau Commune to Sin Chai B Village of the Red Zao(733m). Check in home-stay, having a short rest and easy walk to explore this small and quiet village.

Day 7: Sapa – Lao Cai.

The trek today is long and hard including 2 descends and one long and steep ascend. Departure from home stay for a sharp descending in half an hour to the bottom of the valley( from 733m to 452m) and gradually uphill for nearly 2 hours to Nam Lang B(676m) and onto Nam Lang B(899m), the 2 village of the Red Zao. Paying visiting to some local homes before lunch break. Afternoon trek is much better along a large and rocky road on high elevation for ½ hour, slightly uphill to Ban Pho village of the Hmong, then gradually getting downhill to Nam Ket Village(532m) of the Red Zao and the Tay. From here the trek is much easier for nearly 2 hours to Ta Thang village. This portion offers wide view of the Red River valley which runs through the Bao Yen District. Trek ends at about 4.30pm at Ta Thang village, picked up and transfer by road nearly an hour to Lao Cai. Check into a local hotel.

Day 8: Lao Cai – Bac Ha.

Have early breakfast. Then depart for Bac Ha. The road is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai bridge. After crossing the bridge, you begin your journey uphill offering beautiful views over the valleys. Arrive to the market place at about 09.30am, right at the most crowded hours (today must be on Sunday). Spend two hours joining the local tribal peoples including Flower H’mong, Black Zao, Phu La and Tay for the market activities and festive atmosphere. All peoples in their best traditional costume gather every Sunday for shopping, but socializing is of great importance. The cattle and clothing sections are the most interesting until 11.00 and then comes the food section where peoples meet, talk, enjoy food and especially drink a kind of locally made corn-wine. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy an easy short walk to a H’mong village near Bac Ha town. The walk starts right from the town, and takes approximately three hours. Dinner and overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 9: Bac Ha Trekking Homestay.

After breakfast, you will leave Bac Ha town travelling by car to Lung Phin where you will begin your trek. Hike along a narrow trail on steep hillsides to Lu Suoi Tung village. Lunch will be provided in a local village (picnic). After lunch, continue trekking through the forest to the top of Ta Cu Ty mountain range (hard trek) and then downhill to a Red Dzao village. Dinner and overnight in a local stilt house (homestay).

Day 10: Bac Ha Trekking Homestay.

Leaving Ta Cu Ty village, you will spend the whole morning trekking along a large path that offers great view over a Nung village. You will make a stop en route for lunch, provided in a local hill tribe village (picnic). After lunch, you will follow a narrow footpath trekking for about 3 hours (hard trek). You hike up and downhill through the thick forest. Visit the rock-field with scripts carved by ancient peoples. Arrive in the village around late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in a local house (homestay).

Day 11: Bac Ha Trekking Homestay.

After breakfast, you will be transferred along a paved road to the southern side of the mountain. Then enjoy 3 hours easy trekking through Tay and Dzao villages along the narrow valley of the Nam Ty River. Lunch will be provided in a local house (picnic). After lunch, continue your trek crossing the river to the southern bank, then hike uphill, downhill to a Dzao village, set on the bank of Nam Ty river, endowed with a mineral hot spring. Dinner and overnight in a house on stilt.

Day 12:

Option 1: Bac Ha – Lao Cai – Hanoi (by train).

Continue hiking until you arrive the main road. Picked up again by your car and brought back to Lao Cai. Take the overnight train to get back to Hanoi. Long Distance Hiking Vietnam is completed.

Option 2: Bac Ha – Ha Giang – Hanoi (by car).

Continue trekking through local tribal hamlets towards Xin Man Ha Giang. Picked up by your car either in Xin Man or Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang and brought back to Hanoi. Long Distance Hiking Vietnam is completed.

Vietnam private guided tours

Lotussia Travel is a Hanoi tour operator offering a wide selection of multi-activity holidays in Vietnam. Options include countryside cycle, biking, road cycling, jungle trek, trekking homestay, mountain hiking, peaks climbs, motorbike, scouter touring, camping, caving expeditions, kayaking, boat trips, cruise, street food, sightseeing, culture tours. Most of our trips are private customized, and specially designed for small group tours, family vacations. The itinerary above – Long Distance Hiking Vietnam is only a sample that can be further customized to fit your requirements better. Just follow it or contact us for designing your perfect adventure in Vietnam.

Additional Information

Availability	Saturday
Adventure level	Challenging
Depart from	Hanoi
End at	Hanoi
Primary activity	Trekking
Trip duration	12 days
Travel destination	Bac Ha, Ha Giang, Hoang Su Phi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Vietnam, Xin Man
Minimum age	16
Other activities	Beautiful Landscape, Ethnic Culture, Homestay Experience

Itinerary disclaimer

Occasionally our tour itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers’ comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the service proposal. It’s very important that you print and review a final copy of your itinerary a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. If you have any queries, please contact us. We are here to help you!

Please note that while we operate successful trips in Vietnam throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary from time to time.

Inclusions

Depending on the proposed option (semi-guide tour or all-inclusive package tour), the price may include the following services. Please bear in mind Lotussia Travel is specialized in tailor-made trips. Trip cost vary depending on group size and other details.

Car transfers.
Local tour guide. The English-Speaking guide is provided by default. Other language may be available upon request (with extra charge).
Meals.
Entrance fees.

Exclusions

Unless required most of the following services are usually not included in our tour price.

Visa
Flight/Train tickets.
Accommodation.
Tour leader.
Local porter(s).
International travel insurance.
Drinks.
Tips.
Personal expenses.

Tour guide

Our tour guides speak English or French. They hold a university degree in tourism and national license as a guide. If you wish to send a tour leader along with any group, he or she can fully rely on the knowledge and experience of our local guides.

Remote treks are always accompanied by a local representative to deal with permits and authorities and manage the porter team. They speak the local dialects, know the cultural traditions and give tips on suggested behavior in fragile ecological areas and tribal communities. For some itineraries, the role of tour leader and representative is combined.

Driver

Our drivers don’t speak English. It’s possible that a few of them might know some basic words, such as telling time, stop, and lunch. If you’re looking for effective communication throughout the journey, we highly recommend booking a tour guide.

Trip routes

Principally, Lotussia Travel requires all the trip associates to know the destinations well by any means of traveling or enquiry to the local suppliers to figure out all the relative details of any trip. For adventure tours such as jungle trekking, mountain hiking, sea kayaking, river rafting or biking, cycling tours, Lotussia Travel will never add any new routes into available schedule until survey or pre-view it.

Accommodation

Lotussia Travel carefully choose all the hotels, guest-houses or home-stays based on service quality, location, and characteristics, doing best to make the accommodations in the remote small places as comfortable as possible. Please bear in mind that hotels in Vietnam might not be in the same standard in other country. Generally hotels in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city, Hoian, Hue…are much better than hotels and guest-houses in mountainous areas.

Meals

Lotussia Travel take dinning as an indispensable experience to clients since it is an important part in Vietnamese culture. Therefore, Lotussia Travel will not intend take clients to the most expensive restaurants but non-touristy local ones which offer delicious, local food, with nice or interesting atmosphere. The restaurants might be simple in the country but LOTUSSIA Travel guarantee is sanitary and cleanliness. Or even on our trek, we encourage our cook offer client food with new tastes from day to day. During adventure itineraries to mountainous or remote areas, there is sometimes no choice for hotel and restaurants. We will try our best to bring you the best taste of local food.

Drinks

As the tap water in Vietnam is undrinkable, Lotussia Travel recommend clients to drink bottled water throughout your trip, or boiled water on treks. Lotussia Travel offers bottle water all the day, and soft drinks like Cola, Sprite or Vietnamese Tea or if possible juice in restaurants (if mentionned in itinerary). This is not automatically included in the packages. In simple restaurant or on camping, Lotussia Travel offers boiled water, instant coffee or juice, wrapped milk (Details are confirmed in bottom of your itinerary).

Transportation

In most destinations of Vietnam, all the roads are well paved though the traffic is quite messed up like in Hanoi, Hai Phong… We use proper vehicles, car, minibus or coach in good condition based on the size of the groups. We use 4WD only on the rough road where the other vehicles could not pass through or based on clients requirement on overland journeys or treks. For cycling itineraries, we usually use our support minibus or minibus with support truck. For sea kayaking, river rafting trips, diving packages we use standard boat as support. Detailed information is provided on our service proposal.

We use drivers who are native or local of each travel destination and maintain good safety records for all trips. Most of our drivers can speak English but a little bit. This is just enough to understand basic words such as “time of departure”, “stop”, “restaurants”, “hotels”…If you want to learn more about Vietnamese culture and information about sightseeing sites, booking a tour guide is highly recommended.

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