Vietnam

At 5:30 PM, we embark on an evening food and walking tour. Wander through the bustling Old Quarter and lively markets, where hawkers sell everything from live seafood to fragrant spices, tropical fruits, and handcrafted souvenirs. Sample an array of authentic street foods — from savory bánh mì and fresh spring rolls to sweet desserts and refreshing drinks — while your guide introduces you to Hanoian culture and daily life. Return to your hotel around 9:00 PM, taking in the evening glow of the city streets.

Depart your hotel at 8:00 AM for a scenic two-hour drive to Ninh Binh (approx. 100 km). Arrive at Trang An, where you’ll board a traditional rowboat to glide along calm waterways, passing towering limestone karsts and small, mysterious caves. Listen to your guide share stories of local folklore and the region’s geology while absorbing the serene landscape.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh local ingredients. In the afternoon, explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 9th-century ancient capital, and learn about its historic temples and former kings. Conclude your day with a climb up 500 stone steps to Hang Mua (Mua Cave), where panoramic views of rice fields, rivers, and jagged limestone peaks await — a perfect photo opportunity. Return to Hanoi around 6:00 PM, reflecting on a day of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Driving duration: ~2 hours each way

Leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind and journey to the remote northern mountains of Ha Giang. The drive (6 hours / 290 km) gradually transitions from the flat, fertile Red River Delta to rolling hills, stilted villages, and dramatic limestone ridges. Stop for lunch in Tuyen Quang, sampling traditional Vietnamese dishes while taking a brief rest.

Continue deeper into the mountains, where rivers snake between cliffs, valleys widen, and cool, fresh mountain air invigorates you. Spot traditional stilt houses and meet local ethnic communities who have lived here for generations. Arrive at Pan Hou Retreat in the late afternoon, nestled in a peaceful forested valley, and unwind in your tranquil surroundings.

Trek: Pan Hou – Giang Ha – Pan Hou
After breakfast, begin your full-day trek into remote Red Dao villages. Pause to meet a local family, enjoy a cup of herbal tea, and witness traditional life, including the cultivation of medicinal plants used to treat aches, colds, or fatigue. Participate in meal preparation with the local guide if you wish.

The trek continues through lush rice terraces, gently rolling hills, and fragrant tea plantations, offering scenic viewpoints perfect for photography. Your support guide will provide assistance to clients and help facilitate interactions with local families, acting as an ambassador for TSA. Return to Pan Hou Retreat to relax in the peaceful surroundings of the mountains.

Walking duration: 4–5 hours (+400 m / –400 m)

Drive: 4 hours / 145 km
Travel to Bac Ha, famous for its Flower Hmong villages, highland scenery, and vibrant cultural life. Upon arrival, check in to your eco-lodge before heading out for an afternoon trek from Ta Van Chu to Na Kim.

Stroll through orchards, terraced fields, and quaint villages, enjoying sweeping views of the valleys and distant mountain ridges. Along the way, your guide will share stories of local traditions, crops, and village life. Arrive at Na Kim for sunset views, then return to your lodge to unwind, enjoying the fresh mountain air.

Walking duration: 5–6 hours (+400 m / –400 m)

Venture along narrow paths in Thai Giang Pho, where flowering orchards and terraced valleys create a spectacular spring landscape. Encounter local Flower Hmong and Phu La ethnic communities, gaining insight into daily routines, handicrafts, and cultural practices. The trail leads to the serene village of Na Lo, offering expansive views of layered hills and farmland.

Finish the day with dinner at your lodge and an optional tasting of traditional local corn or rice alcohol.

Duration: 3–5 hours (+300 m / –300 m)

Begin with a tranquil 1.5-hour boat ride along the Chay River, admiring peaceful river landscapes. Continue your journey to Sapa (3 hours / 100 km), a culturally rich town surrounded by misty valleys and rice terraces.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and explore at your leisure. Sapa’s streets are filled with boutique shops, colorful markets, and cafés. Later, indulge in a traditional Red Dao herbal bath, using local forest herbs to relax and rejuvenate after the journey. End the day with dinner and a visit to the lively night market.

Drive: 1 hour
Embark on a full-day trek through Muong Hoa Valley, passing rice terraces, Black Hmong villages, and fascinating rock carvings. Enjoy lunch in a local home, experiencing traditional hospitality. Continue through bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao village, with optional rest stops near waterfalls. Conclude the trek with a gentle climb to a road where your vehicle will return you to Sapa.

Walking duration: 5 hours (+300 m / –300 m)

Start with a visit to the Sapa Market, a vibrant gathering of ethnic minority communities. Take the cable car to Fansipan and explore temples at 2,800 meters before climbing the final 600 steps to the summit. Capture panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Mountains and the valleys below.

After lunch, visit Cat Cat Village, observe daily life, and trek to waterfalls and historic French hydropower ruins. Return to Sapa for a relaxing evening.

Walking duration: ~2 hours

Begin with a peaceful sunrise walk, savoring the calm and misty beauty of Sapa. Return to your hotel for breakfast before driving back to Hanoi (5–6 hours / 320 km). Spend your final evening at leisure, enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere or reflecting on your adventure.

After breakfast, enjoy a few final hours for shopping or sightseeing depending on your flight time. Transfer to the airport for your departure. Goodbye, and we hope to welcome you on another TSA adventure soon!