Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
Hidden hilltribes of Vietnam
Preferred
Overview
Short Description
From the French-colonial architecture of Hanoi and the karst scenery of Halong Bay to the mercantile history of Hoi An, our Vietnam specialists will use their personal experience of the country to plan your holiday to Vietnam in detail. That might include arranging for you to view fast-paced Saigon from the back of a Vespa, or spend languid days cruising the Mekong Delta or by the beach in Ninh Van Bay.
Travel in Vietnam is often based around a journey between Hanoi and Saigon, taking in the highlights of the central region between the two. Our Vietnam specialists can also suggest the country’s often overlooked, lesser-known sights and experiences, such as discovering brightly dressed hill-tribe communities in the Tonkinese Alps or the remote markets of Ha Giang — places and people we’ve come to know over 20 years of research and return visits.
Destinations
VietnamAttractions & Cities Visited
HanoiActivities & Interests
Culture Historic sightseeing Homestays & Cultural Immersion Mountaineering NatureItinerary
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.
Day 2 : Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Day 3 : Hanoi
Take a half day tour of the city's sights with your private guide and driver as well as a journey by cyclo! After taking a look at the Temple of Literature, cross the street to Craftlink, a non-profit organisation who seek to assist small Vietnamese producers from the poorer hill tribe minorities to develop their businesses and find market opportunities. If you are here around lunchtime, head to Cafe Koto for a great choice of international and local dishes. Koto means "Know One, Teach One" and is a non-profit organisation which helps street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. Two ideal places to shop for souvenirs and grab a bite to eat whilst helping support the local community.
Day 4 : Ha Giang City
Journey from Hanoi to Ha Giang by road today, the journey will take approximately eight hours. Watch the scenery change from urban city life to rice terraced mountains.
Day 5 : Ha Giang City
A morning of exploration by bicycle gives you chance to immerse yourself in daily village life. After lunch explore further afield on foot, enjoy a two hour walk through the paddy-fields and forest to visit minority people at Phuong Do village, the oldest Tay community in Ha Giang.
Day 6 : Hoang Su Phi
Travel between Ha Gian City and Hoang Su Phi today which takes you over the high mountain passes and through twisting valleys.
Day 7 : Hoang Su Phi
A full day trek today will reward you with a visit to a Red Dzao village. Spend some time at the village and have a relaxed lunch before trekking back to Pan Ou.
Day 8 : Bac Ha
Make the journey from Hoang Su Phi to Bac Ha today. It takes approximately six hours and it's quite a bumpy road, however, the views you will have make it worth while.
Day 9 : Sapa
Early this morning visit Sin Cheng Market en route to Sapa. This is one of the best markets to visit as it is still relatively unknown and untouched by modern life. This small but colourful market is attended by many local tribes in their traditional dress which makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Day 10 : Sapa
Your guide and driver will be at your disposal today and you can discuss with them where you like to explore. If you are looking to buy some traditional souvenirs, head to the Indigo store in the town centre. This shop provides a retail outlet for the textiles and embroidery of local ethnic minority people from the area. They order their stock directly from the villagers who are paid fairly for their work and encourage the conveyance of the traditional skill to the next generation. Overnight at the Topas Ecolodge.
Day 11 : Sapa
Today you have a full day trek planned which will take you through some of Sapa's most stunning scenery in the Thanh Kim valley. Visit some local villages and witness the incredible colours of northern Vietnam. As today is a school day you may also like to visit one of the village schools to meet the children.
Day 12 : Lao Cai
A much earned day at leisure today. You may wish to just enjoy relaxing at the Ecolodge taking in the wonderful views, or perhaps you may decide to have an amble around Sapa where you may like to head to the Baguette & Chocolat Cafe for morning tea. The Cafe runs a training scheme which supports disadvantaged teenagers and trains them in the catering and hospitality industry. Later today drive to Lao Cai ready to board the overnight train bound for Hanoi.
Day 13 : Mai Chau
Your guide will meet you as you disembark the train and you will leave the city and drive out to the pretty town of Mai Chau, located at the foothills of the Tonkinese Alps. On arrival you shall be taken on a short walking tour before having some time to explore on your own or enjoy relaxing back at the lodge.
Day 14 : Mai Chau
A more adventurous day today where you can enjoy a full day bike tour of the area. Venture into the countryside with your guide visiting some of the more remote villages that cannot be reached by car.
Day 15 : Hanoi
The morning is free for you to relax before travelling back to Hanoi for your last night.
Day 16 : International return flight
Return to Hanoi Airport in time for your international flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click
"Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for
the final trip price.
3,563 Audley Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings
Hidden hilltribes of Vietnam
Company Reviews
Travels in South East Asia
We were very impressed with the professionalism of the company, their knowledge of the area and the proposed travel plan. The resulting holiday proved to be very successful, extremely well organised and managed at a country level by very experienced and competent guides and drivers.
An amazing holiday to South Africa
It was very helpful to catch up with Robyn when we got back so we could feedback and make some small suggestions for things we might have tweaked. Would 100% recommend using Audley, worth every penny and we will definitely be using them in future.
Our Indian Adventure
The choice of accommodation was so well planned. We stayed in 8 different locations. Each one was superb and offered something different to the ones before.
The tours were well thought out and offered more than just sightseeing. They also gave us a taste of the culture of India.
Excellent.
Had a wonderful trip to Vietnam
A fabulous two week trip to Thailand…
Very poor customer service
Details
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Small Group - 24 max
Trip ID#:
audley-travel-40045
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By clicking «Send my questions» you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. An account will be created for you to track your submission and a temporary password will be emailed to you.
×
You can access members-only savings of up to $700 on over 6,000 Travelstride Select trips.
Sign in to see trip eligibility
With your FREE membership you get to:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
You could save $ 600 per person on this trip!
