Day 01: HANOI

• Arrive in Hanoi, where a complimentary airport transfer and fast-track arrival service are included.

• Transfer to your hotel before attending the important 06:00 p.m. welcome meeting.

• If arriving early, enjoy free time to explore Hanoi independently, including the Old Quarter or Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Highlight: Gather with your group for an included welcome dinner at Épices d'Indochine, featuring French and Vietnamese influences.

• Insurance details and next-of-kin information will be collected during the welcome meeting.

• Accommodation: The Ann Hanoi or similar | Meals: Dinner.

Day 02: HOANG SU PHI, NAM TI

• Travel by private vehicle into the mountainous landscapes of Hoang Su Phi, stopping for an included lunch along the way.

• Set out on a guided village walk through Nam Ti, known for its patchwork of green tea plantations.

• Continue through the surrounding mountain scenery before checking into your first Feature Stay.

• Attend an included traditional Flame Dance Ceremony and blessing ceremony in preparation for the trekking days ahead.

• Highlight: Spend the night at Panhou Retreat, an eco-resort surrounded by the landscapes of Hoang Su Phi.

• Walking: Approx. 6–7 km | Elevation gain: 80 m | Descent: 560 m.

• Accommodation: Panhou Retreat or similar – Feature Stay | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Travel: Approx. 5.5 hours.

Day 03: HOANG SU PHI

• Set out on a guided hike through Hoang Su Phi’s terraced rice fields, surrounded by green hills and traditional stilt houses.

• Trek through a region that remains relatively removed from Vietnam’s major tourist routes.

• Stop at Raspberry Hill Viewpoint for panoramic views across the layered rice terraces and surrounding highlands.

• Enjoy time to pause and photograph the distinctive patterns of the mountain landscape.

• Return to your eco-retreat with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

• Highlight: Experience one of northern Vietnam’s most striking terraced landscapes on foot.

• Walking: Approx. 11–12 km | Elevation gain: 760 m | Descent: 810 m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 04: SAPA

• Travel by private vehicle through the mountains to Sapa, situated at approximately 1,600 m above sea level.

• Set out on a guided walking tour through this mountain town, known for its diverse local cultures.

• If time permits, visit the Sapa Stone Church, reflecting French architectural influence from the early 20th century.

• Explore Sapa Market, where stalls display fresh produce, handmade crafts and local goods.

• Highlight: Experience the culture and architecture of one of northern Vietnam’s best-known mountain towns.

• Enjoy an included Vietnamese dinner prepared with local and seasonal produce.

• Accommodation: Sapa Jade Hill or similar | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Travel: Approx. 5 hours, potentially longer due to road conditions.

Day 05: NAM CANG, SAPA

• Drive from Sapa to the remote community of Nam Cang, primarily home to Red Dao people alongside a smaller Black Hmong community.

• Begin a circular guided hike through terraced rice fields, bamboo forests and mountain landscapes.

• Walk past traditional villages while learning about the history and cultures of northern Vietnam’s local communities.

• Follow the full-day hiking route through Nam Mat, Suoi Thau and Nam Cang.

• Return to Sapa after the hike and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

• Highlight: Trek deep into the rural landscapes surrounding Sapa and experience remote village life.

• Walking: Approx. 11–12 km | Elevation gain: 710 m | Descent: 910 m | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Travel: Approx. 2.5 hours.

Day 06: MU CANG CHAI

• Travel south by private vehicle towards Mu Cang Chai, passing through the mountainous landscapes of northern Vietnam.

• Pass O Quy Ho, recognised as one of Vietnam’s four great mountain passes.

• Arrive in Mu Cang Chai, situated at approximately 1,500 m above sea level and renowned for its terraced landscapes.

• There is no included hiking today, providing a break between the main trekking days.

• Highlight: Check into your second Feature Stay, Garrya Mu Cang Chai, surrounded by mountains and rice terraces.

• Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure at the eco-lodge.

• Accommodation: Garrya Mu Cang Chai or similar – Feature Stay | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Travel: Approx. 4 hours.

Day 07: MU CANG CHAI, DE XU PHINH

• Take a short drive before beginning a guided trek beneath the dramatic Dinosaur Spine of De Xu Phinh.

• Follow mountain footpaths lined with Hmong houses and extensive rice terraces.

• Walk through landscapes of patchwork fields surrounded by mountains and towering trees.

• Meet members of the local Hmong community and gain an insight into everyday village life.

• Highlight: Trek beneath one of Mu Cang Chai’s most distinctive mountain formations and across its famous terraced landscapes.

• Return to your Feature Stay after the hike for a relaxed afternoon.

• Walking: Approx. 8–9 km | Elevation gain: 540 m | Descent: 560 m | Meals: Breakfast | Travel: Approx. 20 minutes.

Note: The source narrative mentions a light picnic lunch of traditional foods during the hike; however, the formal Day 07 meal listing includes Breakfast only, and the overall trip total confirms five included lunches. I have therefore not counted the picnic lunch as a formal included meal.

Day 08: HANOI

• Leave the mountains and travel by private vehicle back towards Hanoi.

• Descend from northern Vietnam’s highlands towards the plains of the Red River.

• Stop for an included lunch during the journey before arriving in Hanoi in the afternoon.

• Enjoy free time to relax or explore the capital independently.

• Highlight: Celebrate the journey with an included farewell dinner at Ha Thanh Maison Restaurant, set within a restored historic mansion.

• Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes showcasing local flavours.

• Accommodation: The Ann Hanoi or similar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Travel: Approx. 5 hours.

Day 09: HANOI

• Enjoy breakfast before the organised journey comes to an end.

• There are no further scheduled activities today.

• Additional accommodation can be arranged separately if you wish to extend your stay.

• Optional extensions include exploring Ninh Binh or joining a Hanoi street-food experience.

• Highlight: Enjoy additional time in Hanoi or continue independently to another part of northern Vietnam.

• Meals: Breakfast.

IMPORTANT TRIP INFORMATION

• Group Size: 1 to 12 travellers.

• Minimum Age: 15 years.

• Fitness: This is an active walking and trekking itinerary requiring a good level of fitness. Hiking includes varied terrain, steep hills and numerous steps.

• Altitude: Hiking takes place at relatively moderate elevations, with the trip reaching approximately 1,600 m above sea level.

• Trekking Distances: The main hiking days range from approximately 6 km to 12 km, with substantial ascents and descents on several days.

• Trekking Poles: Use of trekking poles is included for six days.

• Seasonal Conditions: High temperatures can make exposed trails more demanding. In Hoang Su Phi, rice fields are normally flooded around late May or early June, which can make hiking more difficult; the main rice harvest usually takes place in October.

• Road Travel: Significant driving is required to access the best trekking areas, with all scheduled road journeys made by private vehicle.

• Arrival Transfer: Complimentary airport arrival transfer and fast-track service are included; flight details must be provided no later than 14 days before departure.

• Single Supplement: Available for travellers who prefer not to share a room, subject to availability. 

• Accommodation Changes: Similar-standard accommodation may be substituted if the preferred accommodation is unavailable.

• Early Check-In: Immediate room access cannot always be guaranteed; luggage storage or shared day rooms may be used until rooms become available.

• Travel Insurance: Insurance details must be provided at the Day 01 welcome meeting. Travel insurance is compulsory for international travellers, with at least medical expenses and emergency repatriation cover required; specific waiver provisions apply to travellers residing in the EU, Switzerland or USA.