Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak

11 Days | Discover a slice of Vietnamese paradise on this active adventure.

5 out of 5 based on 32 reviews submitted.
Multi-Active Adventures
From
USD $1,484
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The spectacular valleys and mountains of Vietnam were simply made for exploration. Put on your hiking shoes and get ready for this immersive journey that gets away from the bright lights of Hanoi and under the skin of Vietnam's bucolic countryside. In between trekking and cycling past lush landscapes, stop in at local villages and learn about traditional life with memorable homestay experiences. It’s not all mountains and trails either, with an opportunity to kayak across the majestic waters of Lan Ha Bay and spend a night in a waterside resort. Prepare to be led off the beaten track.

Trip overview

Map of Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Vietnam
Start
Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Theme
Multi-Active Adventures
Destinations
Vietnam
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
TVXA
This trip generates 80.62 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Gain a greater insight into life in northern Vietnam with an itinerary that explores not just Hanoi but also heads out into the countryside
  • Hike through the picturesque valleys surrounding Sapa and visit local communities
  • Cycle out to Mai Chau and on through the stunning karst landscapes to Ninh Binh
  • Kayak around karsts and explore the secluded lagoons and caves of Lan Ha Bay - the lesser visited but just as beautiful sister of Halong Bay
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip has a number of activities to get your pulse going. Whilst prior training for each activity is not necessary, a moderate level of fitness will help you to get the most out of the included activities
  • The hike in the hills of Sapa is approximately 10 kilometres (6.2miles) in total, on sometimes steep and uneven terrain
  • You will spend 2 days on your bike, riding to Mai Chau and Ninh Binh, with approximately 60-70 kilometres of cycling each day. The cycling in these areas is relatively flat and you will have time to get used to your bike in Hanoi before departing
  • There are 3 nights of homestay on this trip in Khau Pha, Sapa and Mai Chau. Accommodation will be multishare rooms, with simple bedding and shared bathroom facilities. While accommodation is simple, the warm welcome and home-cooked meals will be comforting after a day of exercise
  • Kayak around secluded islands in Lan Ha Bay to explore this world renowned scenery. While this bay is generally sheltered, this is sea kayaking so you will need to be confident on and in water for this activity

Itinerary

Map of Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak including Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private minibus, Bicycle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights), Homestay (3 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Activities
  • Traditional Thai Cloth making demonstration
  • Khau Pha Community Village Walk
  • Khau Pha Community Village Homestay
  • Sapa - Lao Chai to Ta Van trek & Homestay
  • Sapa - Ta Van to Su Pan trek
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • Hanoi - West Lake bike ride
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
  • Mai Chau - Pom Coong Village visit & traditional lunch
  • Mai Chau - Cycling
  • Mai Chau to Ninh Binh cycling
  • Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
Add on activities
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD35
  • Hanoi - Crowd-free Morning Highlights of the City - USD89

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Sapa homestay) and Day 6 (Mai Chau homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Bicycle hire is included in your trip price. Please advise your height at time of booking so as we can organise a suitable sized bike.
4. Helmets are compulsory and we do not allow anyone to ride without one. You can bring your own to ensure fit and quality, or purchase one that meets international safety standards on the ground. Your leader can assist with this.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 32 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Luke · Traveled November 2023
Really well organised tour, great guide. Get a good experience of rural Vietnam. The activities are well planned so plenty of refreshment breaks when cycling. I really enjoyed myself and would recommend this tour to anyone with a reasonable fitness level.
Review submitted 15 Nov 2023

Anneke · Traveled November 2023
If you ever consider a wonderful trip getting in touch with Vietnam and its culture and nature, this is the trip to book. We all had a wonderful trip and a highly qualified guide. Thanks Intrepid, making it possible .
Review submitted 15 Nov 2023

Carla · Traveled November 2023
Highly recommend this active adventure - it had diversity in the itinerary and gives an excellent snapshot into north Vietnam. The activities require good level of fitness and were challenging in the heat / rain but enjoyable.
Review submitted 18 Nov 2023

Madeleine · Traveled September 2023
The hike, bike & kayak trip in Northern Vietnam in September was excellent. Largely due to the incredible guide our group of 6 had. Son was the most positive, helpful, funny, kind and knowledgeable person- he stayed positive even on rainy days. We enjoyed the activities. The hiking was enjoyable over rough terrain that suits dry weather. The cycling was good though better suited us that it was cloudy. Loved the kayaking and swimming. My advice is take either a large rucksack or medium hard roller case with an overnight /day back pack. Sort out data before you come or just use wifi (everywhere has it). The bus journeys though long were very comfortable and air conditioned.
Review submitted 19 Sep 2023

Lisa · Traveled September 2023
Highly recommend this trip, activities were great and destinations were great giving a full experience from city life to rural life in Vietnam.
Review submitted 20 Sep 2023
Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak
From
USD $1,484