Hanoi
Boutique Hotel in Hanoi
Elegant property in the historic heart of the capital, steps from Hoan Kiem Lake.
12 days / 11 nights
Hiking Vietnam's Most Beautiful Rice Terraces — 12 Days
-Hiking Vietnam's Most Beautiful Rice Terraces — 12 Days
A supreme celebration of Asia's most spectacular human-shaped landscapes, this twelve-day odyssey connects the three premier rice terrace sanctuaries of Upper Tonkin: Mu Cang Chai, Sa Pa, and the secluded massif of Hoang Su Phi. From the dizzying steps of La Pan Tan to the dramatic valley slopes of Muong Hoa, rural ingenuity and natural majesty reveal themselves at every turn.
This active journey is designed for hikers passionate about walking and genuine cultural encounters, featuring a 3-day village-to-village trek through Hoang Su Phi with warm homestay nights in traditional wooden stilt houses among Thai, Tay, Long-Tunic Dao, and Nung communities. After rewarding mountain trails and a restorative stopover in Hanoi, a magical two-day cruise with an overnight stay aboard a traditional wooden junk in wild Bai Tu Long Bay brings this journey to a serene close on the water.
✦ You will love:
- Comprehensive discovery of Vietnam's finest terraced rice amphitheaters: Mu Cang Chai, Sa Pa, and Hoang Su Phi.
- An immersive 3-day village-to-village trek through the pristine Hoang Su Phi massif, a national natural heritage site.
- Authentic cultural immersion with traditional stilt house homestays hosted by Thai, Long-Tunic Dao, and Nung families.
- Complimentary traditional foot reflexology massage session in Hanoi to rejuvenate after mountain hiking stages.
- An intimate 2-day / 1-night cruise aboard a traditional wooden junk in the turquoise waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Itinerary MapYou can add an itinerary map in Strapi
Highlights
- •Personalized airport welcome and private transfer to your boutique hotel
- •Visiting the historic Temple of Literature and walking around Hoan Kiem Lake
- •Strolling through the lively trade streets of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter
Upon arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, you are warmly welcomed by your private French-speaking guide and transferred to your boutique hotel in the city center. Take time to settle in and refresh.
This bespoke itinerary weaves together breathtaking landscapes and meaningful human connections, creating an unforgettable experience close to the genuine spirit of Vietnam.
Your French-speaking guide ensures attentive care throughout your journey, sharing insider stories to ensure a harmonious, comfortable, and memorable journey.
Highlights
- •Crossing green northwestern hills along the Red River corridor
- •Stopping among hundred-year-old Shan Tuyet tea trees in Suoi Giang
- •Arriving in Muong Lo valley with an afternoon bicycle ride and Thai homestay dinner
Morning departure by private vehicle toward the northwestern foothills along the Red River valley. Stop on the mist-shrouded heights of Suoi Giang, celebrated for its ancient wild Shan Tuyet tea trees. Enjoy an artisanal tea tasting and meet local Hmong tea harvesters.
In the afternoon, reach the expansive Muong Lo basin in Nghia Lo, homeland of the Black Thai community. Settle into the village of Ban Deu with a Thai host family, followed by a pleasant bicycle ride along village tracks connecting hamlets and fishponds. In the evening, share a delicious home-cooked dinner with your hosts.
Driving time: approx. 4.5 hours (220 km). Traditional dinner and overnight homestay with a Thai family in Nghia Lo.
Highlights
- •Crossing the dizzying Khau Pha Pass with views over Tu Le valley
- •Hiking through the terraced rice amphitheaters of La Pan Tan
- •Discovering traditional Hmong villages of Che Cu Nha and De Xu Phinh
Travel along the spectacular mountain ridgeline road toward Mu Cang Chai. Your vehicle climbs legendary Khau Pha Pass (1,200 m altitude), opening magical panoramic views across the terraced rice amphitheater of Tu Le far below.
Around mountain passes, the bright smiles of children and ancestral traditions bring every stop to life. A profound and sincere human journey into the heart of Asia's most spectacular terraced landscapes.
Throughout this exceptional day, enjoy authentic moments of connection and contemplative pauses in preserved nature, revealing the generosity of the Vietnamese spirit.
Driving time: approx. 3 hours (100 km). Overnight at mountain hotel or lodge in Mu Cang Chai.
Highlights
- •Scenic mountain road along the mighty Hoang Lien Son range
- •Panoramic photo stop among the rolling tea hills of Than Uyen and Tan Uyen
- •Arrival in Sa Pa and walking exploration of Ma Tra and Ta Phin villages
The route continues toward Sa Pa along the foothills of majestic Mount Fansipan. Stop to admire the extensive tea carpets of Than Uyen and Tan Uyen before crossing the dramatic O Quy Ho Pass overlooking deep alpine valleys.
Arrive in Sa Pa around noon. In the afternoon, take a walk through Ma Tra valley (Black Hmong), known for traditional hemp weaving, then continue to Ta Phin, a Red Dao village recognizable by the women's scarlet headdresses and ancestral herbal medicinal traditions. Settle into your hotel in Sa Pa.
Driving time: approx. 3 hours (120 km). Walking time: approx. 2.5 hours. Overnight at hotel in Sa Pa.
Highlights
- •Full-day panoramic hike through the depths of Muong Hoa Valley
- •Walking through traditional hamlets of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van
- •Sweeping vistas over terraced rice steps and encounters with local artisans
A full day of guided hiking through the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley. The trail descends along clear mountain streams and passes through Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai hamlets (Black Hmong) before reaching Ta Van village, home to the Giay community.
Around mountain passes, the bright smiles of children and ancestral traditions bring every stop to life. A profound and sincere human journey into the heart of Asia's most spectacular terraced landscapes.
Throughout this exceptional day, enjoy authentic moments of connection and contemplative pauses in preserved nature, revealing the generosity of the Vietnamese spirit.
Walking time: approx. 4 to 5 hours. Overnight at hotel in Sa Pa.
Highlights
- •Transfer to the mountain plateaus of Bac Ha
- •Settle in with a Tay family in a traditional wooden stilt house
- •Rural walk through the peaceful hamlets of Thai Giang Pho and Na Hoi
Morning departure for the highland town of Bac Ha, renowned for its peaceful rural charm and colorful ethnic markets.
Around mountain passes, the bright smiles of children and ancestral traditions bring every stop to life. A profound and sincere human journey into the heart of Asia's most spectacular terraced landscapes.
Throughout this exceptional day, enjoy authentic moments of connection and contemplative pauses in preserved nature, revealing the generosity of the Vietnamese spirit.
Your French-speaking guide ensures attentive care throughout your journey, sharing insider stories to ensure a harmonious, comfortable, and memorable journey.
Driving time: approx. 2.5 hours (90 km). Dinner and overnight homestay with a Tay family in Bac Ha.
Highlights
- •Visiting a vibrant weekly ethnic market according to schedule
- •Panoramic mountain crossing along the Xin Man ridge road
- •Arriving in Hoang Su Phi and check-in at a traditional mountain ecolodge
Depending on your travel day, the morning opens with a vibrant weekly market (Can Cau on Saturday, Bac Ha on Sunday, or Coc Ly on Tuesday), where Flower Hmong women showcase their most dazzling embroidered attire.
Afterward, travel along the spectacular border mountain road via Xin Man into the pristine valley of Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang province. Settle into a charming ecolodge in Thong Nguyen, built from wood and bamboo overlooking cascades and rice fields. Enjoy free time to relax with traditional Dao herbal medicinal baths.
Driving time: approx. 4.5 hours (140 km). Overnight at ecolodge in Hoang Su Phi.
Highlights
- •Beginning the multi-day trek across the heritage terraces of Hoang Su Phi
- •Panoramic trails winding from San Sa Ho toward Ban Luoc
- •Homestay welcome with a Long-Tunic Dao family and shared evening dinner
Begin your immersive multi-day trek starting from San Sa Ho. The trail winds along mountain slopes, commanding dizzying views over terraced rice amphitheaters designated as national natural heritage sites.
This bespoke itinerary weaves together breathtaking landscapes and meaningful human connections, creating an unforgettable experience close to the genuine spirit of Vietnam.
Your French-speaking guide ensures attentive care throughout your journey, sharing insider stories to ensure a harmonious, comfortable, and memorable journey.
Walking time: approx. 4 to 5 hours. Dinner and overnight homestay with a Long-Tunic Dao family in Ban Luoc.
Highlights
- •Second day of trekking through primary forests and cascading rice terraces
- •Scenic picnic lunch in the heart of monumental mountain scenery
- •Arrival in Ho Thau village and warm homestay overnight with a Nung family
Depart Ban Luoc for another day of hiking through the wild landscapes of Hoang Su Phi. The trail passes giant bamboo groves, ancient Shan Tuyet tea stands, and rushing mountain brooks.
This bespoke itinerary weaves together breathtaking landscapes and meaningful human connections, creating an unforgettable experience close to the genuine spirit of Vietnam.
Your French-speaking guide ensures attentive care throughout your journey, sharing insider stories to ensure a harmonious, comfortable, and memorable journey.
Walking time: approx. 4 to 5 hours. Dinner and overnight homestay with a Nung family in Ho Thau.
Highlights
- •Final morning walk through centenary Shan Tuyet tea plantations
- •Scenic return drive to the Red River Delta plain
- •Relaxing 60-minute foot reflexology session upon arrival in Hanoi
Final morning walk through wild Shan Tuyet tea hills and Red Dao hamlets to reach the main road where your private driver awaits.
This bespoke itinerary weaves together breathtaking landscapes and meaningful human connections, creating an unforgettable experience close to the genuine spirit of Vietnam.
Your French-speaking guide ensures attentive care throughout your journey, sharing insider stories to ensure a harmonious, comfortable, and memorable journey.
Driving time: approx. 6 hours (280 km). Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Highlights
- •Boarding a traditional wooden junk in pristine Bai Tu Long Bay
- •Exploring Thien Canh Son Cave and sea kayaking at Cap La
- •Sunset on deck and gourmet seafood dinner at sea
Morning departure in a private vehicle toward the Gulf of Tonkin coast. At midday, step aboard a traditional wooden junk in beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay, the pristine northern sector of Halong Bay. A refined seafood lunch is served as the vessel navigates among weathered karst pinnacles.
In the afternoon, explore Thien Canh Son Cave and kayak in the peaceful coves of Cap La. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and sunset on the upper deck, followed by an elegant dinner and restful overnight in your private en-suite cabin.
Driving time: approx. 3.5 hours (160 km). Lunch, dinner, and overnight in private cabin aboard the junk.
Highlights
- •Morning tai chi session facing karst marine peaks
- •Full brunch served on board during the return cruise
- •Disembarkation around noon and direct private transfer to Hanoi Airport
Wake at dawn in the enchanting setting of the bay. Join a morning tai chi session on the upper deck as the junk glides between limestone towers rising from morning mist.
From the teak deck, the tranquil seascape provides a deep sense of peace. Savor a farewell brunch as the vessel returns to port. Disembark around noon and transfer by private vehicle directly to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.
Driving time: approx. 3.5 hours (160 km). Farewell brunch included on board. Direct private airport transfer.
Travel Log
Trails of Emerald and Gold
Selected moments to experience the landscapes, encounters, and rhythm of this itinerary.
Hang BUIco-fondatrice & créatrice de voyages
Originaire de Nam Dinh, berceau de traditions au cœur du delta du fleuve Rouge, j’ai grandi avec un amour viscéral pour le Vietnam : pour la poésie de ses paysages — des pitons karstiques du Nord aux méandres fertiles du Mékong —, mais surtout pour l’infinie bonté, le sourire et la résilience de son peuple.
Favorite picks:
- Partager un thé aux fleurs de lotus au lever du jour à Hanoï
- Naviguer en jonque traditionnelle dans les dédales secrets de Lan Hạ
- Contempler les rizières en terrasses sculptées de Hoàng Su Phì
- S'attarder au crépuscule sur les ponts illuminés de lanternes à Hội An
Du souffle majestueux des pitons calcaires du Tonkin à la douceur nonchalante des arroyos du Mékong, le Vietnam est une terre de contrastes poétiques. Mon bonheur est de vous ouvrir les portes de nos adresses confidentielles et de dessiner pour vous un itinéraire fluide, vivant et profondément humain.
Designing together
Your tailor-made journey
A simple and transparent process to design your dream journey together, step by step.
1
Step 1:
Fill out the form
By clicking "Request a quote", you will access a detailed form. Provide us with all the necessary details to design a tailor-made itinerary.
2
Step 2:
Receive the itinerary
Upon receiving your request, your local expert will carefully study your wishes and suggest an itinerary tailored to your preferences.
3
Step 3:
Refine it together
Even with an established program, you can make adjustments. Your travel designer will always be on hand to offer relevant advice.
4
Step 4:
Travel with peace of mind
Your advisor accompanies you from preparation until the end of your trip on site. They will remain fully available to assist you whenever needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most common questions
Find answers to common questions about this tour here.
Two major seasons showcase the rice terraces: May to June during the mirror watering season when fields reflect the sky, and late August to October during the golden season before harvest when valleys turn luminous yellow.
Your project
Free customized quote
Request a quote by filling out this form and sharing your wishes. We will tailor this tour to your measurements.
Price on request
You will love:
- Comprehensive discovery of Vietnam's finest terraced rice amphitheaters: Mu Cang Chai, Sa Pa, and Hoang Su Phi.
- An immersive 3-day village-to-village trek through the pristine Hoang Su Phi massif, a national natural heritage site.
- Authentic cultural immersion with traditional stilt house homestays hosted by Thai, Long-Tunic Dao, and Nung families.
- Complimentary traditional foot reflexology massage session in Hanoi to rejuvenate after mountain hiking stages.
- An intimate 2-day / 1-night cruise aboard a traditional wooden junk in the turquoise waters of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Or contact our travel specialists
Hang BUIco-fondatrice & créatrice de voyages+84 986 333 503
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