Trekking Tours

Sapa Mountain Retreat
Sapa is a remote and very isolated town. Their customs have changed little even with the influx of tourists. The women wear exquisite head dresses in the tradition of their individual tribes. The Hmong young men are dashing in their embroidered caps and sashes with large, bone-handled knives in the waistband. The children are likewise stunning in their miniature versions of the traditional outfits.

Sapa Valley trek
At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Sapa is a delightful former French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnam’s northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minority groups, each wearing their traditional and colorful attire. This trip includes a 5day trek through the hills and valleys in the Sapa region where we encounter several different minorities and are the guests of the charming and hospitable Red Dao and Tay peoples. Five nights are spent in these minority villages so be warned you will have to do without some creature comforts on this one. Often there is no electricity or running water and in some cases bedding can be a layer of straw covered with a mat. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer.

Ethnic Extra – Mai Chau six day trek
This trip to the northwest highlands of Mai Chau offers a balance of cultural interest and physical activity set amongst some of northern Vietnam’s most stunning scenery. We spend 5 nights in ethnic minority villages, walking an average of 5 hours a day. We trek for four days through villages in the Mai Chau area and overnight in White Thai and H’mong villages where we have the opportunity to observe the lives of the minority peoples. From the mountainous region of Mai Chau, we travel back to the capital, Hanoi. Travelers who prefer to get off the beaten track often prefer Mai Chau to Sapa.

Mai Chau two Day walking tour
This trip to the north west highlands of Mai Chau offers a balance of cultural sightseeing and physical activity set amongst some northern Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. We spend the night within walking distance of Mai Chau and overnight in a White Thai village where we have the opportunity to observe the way of life of the minority people. From the mountainous region of Mai Chau, we travel back to the capital, Hanoi.

Mai Chau three Days walking tour
This small village is not marked on many maps, but if you are heading from Hoa Binh to Moc Chau it is impossible to miss. Mai Chau is set about 2.5 hours North of Hoa Binh and is approached as you go down the side of a very steep valley. From Hoa Binh to Mai Chau you will pass by Man Duc crossroad, which is an hour driving from Hoa Binh and backed by karst peaks, with an interesting market. Another hour from Man Duc is the stop for a spectacular view over Mai Chau valley to the south. The village, nestled between two steep cliffs and surrounded by emerald green paddies, is enchanting to look at as you wind down the mountainside.

Fansipan Trek – Catcat village route
The summit of Fansipan is accessible all year round, but the best time to make the ascent is from mid-October to mid-November, and again in March. Foreigners like best to book Fansipan tours between October and December, as this period is more often than not free from the heavy rains that obstruct the jaunt. But the Vietnamese prefer their tours to the peak of the mountain from February to April, as it is not so cold then. However, the best time for the trek to the mountain is from the end of February to the start of March, when the flowers all flourish and the climbers may behold the carpets of brilliant blossoms, violets and orchids, rhododendrons and aglaias.

Fansipan Trek – Sin Chai village route
At 3,143 metres Mt. Fansipan is Vietnam’s highest mountain. Although only 9 km from Sapa town, it takes at least three days to get to the peak and back. The top is accessible year-round to anybody, so long as they are in good shape. As there are no mountain huts on the way, we will be camping. Our porters carry the equipment and food. No ropes or technical climbing skills are needed, just endurance and plenty of energy. The terrain is rugged, wet and often cold.