Choose this 12 day active Vietnam tour and experience the best and the more hidden parts of Vietnam. Trek through the Red Zao and Hmong villages in Sapa and see first hand their way of life. Explore the enchanting cities of Hanoi and Hoi An, and spend two nights on a junk boat cruising around the emerald Ha Long Bay. Opt to cycle or rock climb on a choose your own adventure day, or swap out day excursions and add more adventure to your trip! Our best adventure trip in Vietnam.
Highlights
Trek to Black Hmong & Red Zao villages & learn about their way of life
Stay with a local family in Sin Chai B Village
Climb Titop Mountain for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay
Explore the historic sites of Hoi An, an old world trading port
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where a local representative greets you with a welcome sign and assists with visa procedures and luggage collection. After clearing customs, meet your guide at the exit and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Optional: Fast-track arrival services are available. Contact your Trip Planner for details.
Day 2: Explore Hanoi | Night Train to Lao Cai
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Meet your guide and driver this morning and head to Hoan Kiem Lake to witness Hanoi’s daily rhythm. Watch locals begin their day with tai chi and aerobics. Join in if you feel up for it. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake, then continue to a traditional café to try a glass of iced coffee known as cà phê sữa đá or opt for Hanoi’s famous egg coffee.
Walk through the streets to a local food stall and sample a freshly made bánh mì, a Vietnamese baguette filled with a mix of savory ingredients. Begin a walking tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, observing French colonial architecture, including the historic St. Joseph’s Cathedral built in 1886. Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, once used to hold Vietnamese, American, and French prisoners of war. Visit Huu Tiep Lake to see the remains of a US B-52 bomber resting in the water.
Return to the Old Quarter for a lunch of grilled pork and vermicelli noodles known as bún chả. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in 1076. Admire the architecture and peaceful courtyards that reflect centuries of academic tradition. Later, walk along Hanoi’s narrow train street where the tracks pass just steps from residential doorways. Capture unique photos of this iconic location.
End the day at a local bia hơi spot and enjoy a refreshing glass of draft beer among local patrons. After the tour, return to the hotel to freshen up before your evening transfer to the railway station.
Arrive early in Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa for a delicious breakfast at a local restaurant. Afterward, meet your guide and drive to Hau Thao village, where your trek begins. Hike uphill to the Black H’mong village of Hang Da, then descend on a scenic trail offering sweeping views of the Muong Hoa Valley. Continue through lush landscapes to Hau Chu Ngai village, where you’ll experience the unique culture of the Black H’mong people, Sapa’s second-largest ethnic group.
Drive deeper into the valley, crossing the Muong Bo River to reach Thanh Phu village. Here, you’ll observe the Tay minority group, known for their lighter silk clothing. After a walk through the village, head to My Son, a small village home to the Xa Pho people, one of Sapa’s smallest ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, arrive in the peaceful Red Dao village of Nam Cang. Explore the quiet, off-the-beaten-path roads, where you’ll encounter welcoming locals and stunning landscapes. Cross a private bridge to reach the Topas Riverside Lodge, where you’ll check into your room. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the river or exploring the serene surroundings of this remote village.
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles Duration: 2.5 hours walking, 2 hours driving, 1 hour for lunch, 1 hour village visit
Today, explore the vibrant culture of the Red Dao community in Nam Cang. Accompanied by your guide, visit local villages to learn about the traditional skills of the Red Dao people, including paper making, jewelry crafting, and embroidery. Engage directly with artisans and discover the methods passed down through generations.
For a different experience, opt for a hike to a jungle camp nestled in the cardamom fields. The trek takes you through lush terrain, allowing you to connect with the natural environment and its breathtaking beauty. If weather and water levels allow, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river.
In the afternoon, transfer to the hilltop Topas Ecolodge. Settle into your bungalow and enjoy panoramic views of the mountainous landscape that you’ve just explored, offering a peaceful end to an adventurous day.
Duration: Approximately 2-4 hours of walking Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Start the day with breakfast at the lodge before setting out on your 3-hour trek to the Red Dao ethnic minority village of Lech. As you walk through lush rice terraces, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the valley. Cross a stone bridge over a river and continue upwards to the village, where you can observe the local women as they skillfully embroider traditional designs in their doorways. After exploring, return to the lodge to rest or catch the scheduled shuttle to Sapa.
At 11:00 AM, check out and board the Topas Mountain Express for a comfortable journey back to Hanoi. Arriving in Hanoi by late afternoon, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours walking Difficulty: Easy
Begin your day with a transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking limestone karsts. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk, designed to mirror the ancient Vietnamese court vessels. Set sail through the bay, where you can participate in a variety of activities, weather permitting, and enjoy panoramic views of this natural wonder. Savor delicious meals prepared on board as you unwind in the serene surroundings.
*Note: This cruise operates on different ships, depending on the departure date. Contact us for more details.
Enjoy the morning view of the Bay’s landscape at breakfast in the fresh air. Cruising to Cong Dam to discover the geological values of Bai Tu Long Bay by kayaking through the hidden lagoons and geological park in Cong Dam, or go swimming in the crystal clear waters. Return to the ship for a little relaxing before arriving to Hon Co Island for a BBQ lunch on the beach! Continue your adventure with swimming and exploring the well-hidden Thien Canh Son cave. Eventually, you wilxl head back to the ship to enjoy dinner onboard.
Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s stunning landscapes, soaking in panoramic views of the bay and its islands. Relish a leisurely brunch as the vessel slowly returns to the harbor. Upon disembarkation, meet your guide and driver for the transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your flight to Hue.
Arriving in Hue, your guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace.
Today, cycle through Hue’s historic Thuy Bieu village, where the grandeur of the Imperial City blends seamlessly with the simplicity of rural life. Explore well-preserved communal houses, beautiful garden homes, and unique wooden architecture that reflect the village’s deep connection to the Nguyen dynasty’s rise and fall. Visit the Roman amphitheater, once the site of duels between tigers and elephants, the temple-cemetery dedicated to royal war elephants, and the traditional bronze casting village. Continue your journey with a cruise along the Perfume River to the famed Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by a visit to the magnificent Purple Forbidden City, built by Emperor Gia Long in the early 19th century. End the day with a transfer back to your Hue hotel.
After breakfast, check out and meet your guide and driver for a scenic journey to Hoi An. Along the way, cross the Hai Van Pass, Vietnam’s highest and longest mountain pass, offering panoramic views of Lang Co beach and the tranquil fishing villages below. Stop for photos to capture the stunning landscapes as you drive through this historic boundary between the ancient kingdoms of Đại Việt and Champa.
Arrive in Hoi An and check in to your hotel. Take some time to rest before setting off for an afternoon walking tour through the town’s enchanting streets. Explore hundreds of historic buildings, pagodas, and ancient homes that showcase Hoi An's rich multi-cultural heritage. Visit key landmarks, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda, and the lively local market.
Enjoy the evening at your leisure, allowing time to wander through Hoi An’s charming streets or relax at your hotel.
Enjoy a full day to relax and explore Hoi An at your own pace. Whether you choose to unwind or discover more of the town, the day is yours to enjoy.
Optional Tour: Hoi An Countryside by Bike
Meet at the hotel early in the morning for a transfer to the biking shop, where you’ll begin a leisurely ride through Vietnam’s scenic rural landscapes. Escape the city noise and traffic as you cycle across the peaceful Thu Bon River Delta, utilizing local ferries and floating bridges. Along the way, you’ll experience firsthand the art of traditional boat-building, witness the meticulous process of inlaying mother of pearl, and learn how local communities craft sleeping mats. You’ll also visit a basket boat maker, try your hand at riding a basket boat, and meet a family that creates rice wine. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the everyday life of rural Vietnam.
Day 12: Fly Ho Chi Minh | Return Home
1 Breakfast
Enjoy a free day until it is time to go to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Here connect with your international flight home or independently spend more time exploring this city and Vietnam.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 30% ($400 minimum) + Internal flight cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, and credit card. Final payment by credit card may be subject to surcharge and a $20,000 maximum charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
2 weeks ago
We really enjoyed the guides and itinerary. Everything went very smoothly.
John K
4 months ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
9 months ago
We have used All Adventure Life many times over the years and the team members have been amazing through all the planning processes! Jeff has been our planner for China last year and Vietnam next year, and he is very responsive and overall terrific!
Cindy Gordon
10 months ago
great service so far
Jennifer Szerb
10 months ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
Gregg Chamberlain
2 weeks ago
We really enjoyed the guides and itinerary. Everything went very smoothly.
John K
4 months ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
John K
9 months ago
We have used All Adventure Life many times over the years and the team members have been amazing through all the planning processes! Jeff has been our planner for China last year and Vietnam next year, and he is very responsive and overall terrific!
Cindy Gordon
10 months ago
great service so far
Jennifer Szerb
10 months ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
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