Trek Vietnam
itinerary
10 days
ITINERARY
6 days
TREKKING
95KM
DISTANCE
£1,995
PRICE FROM
Embark on a journey across this picturesque beauty in south-east asia
On this 10-day adventure, live your life to the fullest as you explore and discover the beauty of Vietnam on foot. You’ll be embarking on an adventure that perfectly combines the thrill of navigating across a wide range of terrains, whilst also admiring the tranquil scenery. Alongside expert guides and a full support team, this trip covers a large proportion of Vietnam including rivers, hills, and quaint villages, making it an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Day 1 DEPART UK
- Inflight
- Dinner inflight
We will meet our group and Action Challenge staff at the airport and check in together before boarding our overnight flight to Hanoi in northeast Vietnam.
Day 2 - ARRIVE HANOI
- Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On arrival in Vietnam, we will transfer to our hotel in the centre of Hanoi. Once checked in, we will have a guided walk through the old quarter followed by a welcome meal and briefing by our guides who will be with us during our challenge. We will then get an early night before our trek begins tomorrow.
Day 3 - MAI CHAU
- Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 13.5km
Today we transfer to Hoa Binh Province, a picturesque region southeast of Hanoi, known for its limestone karst scenery and diverse ethnic communities, including Thai, Hmong, Muong, and Dao people. The drive to this mountainous area takes approximately four hours, culminating in a descent along a steep mountain road into the breathtaking valley of Mai Chau.
Upon arrival, explore Poom Coong Village, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and hospitality. The adventure continues with a warm-up trek through the stunning Mai Chau valley, navigating quiet country lanes, lush rice fields, and charming minority villages with traditional stilt houses. This trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region.
The evening provides free time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Day 4 - BUOC VILLAGE
- Homestay
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 19km
- 75m gain / 1080m descent
We begin with drive to Hang Kia, home to the H’mong minority people. From here, embark on your second trekking day, following small dirt trails through the jungle. The morning trek is mostly downhill, leading to the land of the Thai ethnic minority. As you approach Cun Pheo, you’ll see rice fields and traditional stilt houses.
Upon arrival in Cun Pheo village, we take some time to rest and explore the village. Continue trekking past rice paddies to Van village and then onto Buoc Village, a small and beautiful hidden village of the White Thai ethnic group.
Here we spend the night in a traditional house. This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle, providing an unforgettable adventure through the scenic and culturally rich landscapes.
Day 5 - THE MA RIVER
- Homestay
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 23km
- 225m gain / 225m descent
Begin your trek this morning to Xam Khoe village, where you can engage in a quick chat with the locals. Follow village trails and rice paddies to Van Mai. Upon arrival in Van Mai, take a walk before lunch.
In the afternoon, transfer 5km by bus to Co Luong, where you’ll board small longboats for a 10-minute journey across the Ma River. Disembark and continue trekking to Sai village, then onto Hang Village, an oasis in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This route was once part of the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War.
Arrive in Hang Village by late afternoon and stay overnight in traditional stilt houses. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and history, providing an unforgettable adventure through scenic and historically significant landscapes. Enjoy dinner and free time in the evening, staying in a local homestay.
Day 6 - THE HILLS OF PU LUONG
- Homestay
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 19km
- 570m gain / 375m descent
Enjoy a wonderful day of hiking through the valley, with some steep climbs on a more remote route. Along the way, you’ll often encounter villagers tending fields or returning from the early morning market.
Arrive in Dong Dien around midday and take a break to relax from the heat. In the afternoon, continue trekking to Kho Muong village, nestled between steep karst limestone mountains. This setting is one of the most breathtaking on the journey. For those with enough energy, there will be an opportunity to explore an incredible cave that was only recently discovered.
Arrive at your homestay in Kho Muong village by late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and free time in the evening, staying overnight in a local homestay. This experience offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion, providing an unforgettable adventure through the scenic landscapes.
Day 7 - DON VILLAGE
- Hotel
- Breakfast & Lunch
- 17.5km
- 395m gain / 340m descent
After breakfast, we will set out trekking uphill for three hours through a picturesque forest passing several villages along the way. We will stop and rest at an appropriate time to recuperate and enjoy some lunch in Pho Doan village. Our trek will recommence in the afternoon, and we will continue for another 2½ hours, predominately downhill to our final destination of Don village. This is another Thai community, and we can explore the fascinating architecture and the beauty of the surrounding area.
Alternatively, if you just want to relax, there will be ample opportunity to simply rest in a hammock at our comfortable Pu Luong Retreat. As the sun sets, we will be treated to an authentic Vietnamese delight with a traditional dance and song performed by local hill tribe people as well as a delicious Vietnamese meal.
Day 8 - BANCONG VILLAGE
- Hotel
- Breakfast & Lunch
- 11km
- 165m gain / 415m descent
Following our last trekking breakfast, we will leave Don village and trek 2 hours to Tan Lap suspension bridge over the Cham River, where we see the stunning water wheels. It’s fascinating to get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions. After a short break, we continue trekking for 3 hours on the other side of the Ma river past local Muong villages. At midday, we depart for Hanoi (5hrs transfer) along the old Ho Chi Minh Trail. We stop for lunch in a local restaurant and arrive in Hanoi late afternoon. Once back in Hanoi, we will have the evening as free time to visit this incredible and vibrant city.
DAY 9 - FREE DAY IN HANOI
- Hotel
- Breakfast & Dinner
Today we have the full day free to discover the city, to eat in the markets, to see the incredible crafts that are being produced there or maybe you just want to grab yourselves a bargain of branded outdoor equipment much of which is produced in Vietnam. After an exhausting day walking the streets and jumping into rickshaws, this evening we get together once again and make our way to a restaurant, to celebrate our achievements on the Vietnam Challenge. The celebrations should go on well into the night.
DAY 10 DEPART/ARRIVE HOME
- Breakfast
Subject to the time of our flights we will transfer to Hanoi Airport for our return flight leaves in the early hours of the morning and ensures that we are back in the UK with plenty of time to get home.
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Dates & Prices
Trip Brochure
The Challenge brochure details the full itinerary, inclusions, and more – download for a full run down of the challenge details.