Vietnam hill tribe Trek
50km
Approx. distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
10 DAYS
Challenge Duration
VIETNAM
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Trek through stunning mountain paths, and breathtaking Vietnamese scenery
Experience the culture of the local hill tribes and stay in their traditional homes during the trek
Discover the real Vietnam, far from the tourist trail
Experience an overnight boat trip around Ha Long Bay
The Challenge
Join us on this exciting new charity challenge as we trek and explore Northern Vietnam, far from the tourist trail! Our trekking challenge takes place in the Sapa region, bordering China and is famous for its golden terraced rice fields which are known to sparkle and dazzle in the Vietnamese sunlight. This charity trek over 5 days will explore bamboo forests, along rugged jungle trails, through charming traditional villages whilst witnessing this fascinating way of Vietnamese life. This trek is a nosedive into local culture – we’ll experience local home stays as our accommodation and also visit villages such as Red Dao – known for their vibrant costumes – getting to learn about their way of life and tasting traditional dishes. To end our adventure, we’ll visit the breathtaking Ha Long Bay and spend the evening enjoying sunset on our overnight boat, before travelling home having savoured the real Vietnam.
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
Depart UK for flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.
Day 2 - Arrive Hanoi
We arrive into Hanoi and check in at our hotel with the rest of the day free at leisure. In the evening we all meet for dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Hanoi and have a briefing about our challenge!
Day 3 - Hanoi to Ta Van village
In the morning we transfer to Sapa Town, with a short stop en route. We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on arrival in Lao Cai. After lunch our trekking adventure begins – we will take a short transfer to our starting point for the trek – Y Linh Ho, where the terraced rice fields sparkle in the sunlight.
We continue to Lao Chai San, home to the Hmong people with their traditional wooden houses, offering a glimpse into their way of life. We trek deeper into the spectacular Lao Chai Valley, famous for its golden terraced rice fields, and reach Ta Van, a quaint village by a peaceful stream. We overnight at a local homestay in Ta Van.
Trekking distance – approx. 6km/3 hrs
Day 4 - Ta Van to Su Pan
After breakfast, we depart from Ta Van through peaceful bamboo forests along rugged trails. We pass by Seo Choong Ho, a charming village surrounded by green fields and continue trekking to Giang Ta Chai, famous for its terraced fields and red dirt roads. We enjoy the fresh mountain air and watch farmers at work before arriving at Su Pan, a village famous for its traditional houses and peaceful scenery. We overnight at a local homestay in Su Pan.
Trekking distance – approx. 12km/6-7 hrs
Day 5 - Su Pan to Ban Ho
We start our trek from Su Pan to Lech H’mong village, where we will meet the local community and learn about their daily lives. After we continue to Lech Zao, famous for its beautiful terraced fields and fresh, clean air. We trek along the mountain trails until we reach Ban Ho, a village with clear streams and beautiful natural scenery, an ideal place to finish for the day after a long trek. We overnight in a homestay with the Tay people in Ban Ho.
Trekking distance – approx. 10km/5-6 hrs
Day 6 - Ban Ho to Sin Chai
After a light breakfast, we will begin our trek from Ban Ho, a peaceful village nestled in the heart of the Northwest mountains, where we feel the tranquillity and simplicity of the indigenous people’s daily lives.
Passing through golden rice fields, we will head to Nam Toong, where we will visit a Red Dao village, known for its vibrant costumes and rich cultural traditions. Here, we will have the chance to engage with the local community, learn about their way of life, and taste traditional dishes.
Continuing our journey, we will reach Nam Sai, a perfect spot for a delicious lunch featuring local specialties like sticky rice cooked in bamboo, grilled fish from mountain streams, or fresh wild herbs. After a short rest, we will continue our trek through lush tea hills and crystal-clear streams, eventually reaching Sin Chai, a remote village surrounded by pristine nature where we overnight.
Trekking distance – approx. 12km/4-6 hrs
Day 7 - Sin Chai to Ban Den - transfer to Hanoi
We wake up for an early breakfast and repack our luggage for the long trek heading toward Lao Cai.
Once we leave Sin Chai, the trek takes us into a fabulous mountainous area, the most remote part of Sapa. Red Dao ethnic minority inhabits the entire area. After a picnic lunch, we will pick up our transfer back to Hanoi. We arrive in Hanoi in the early evening. Once checked in dinner is served at the local restaurant. The evening is free for relaxing.
Trekking distance – approx. 9km/3-4 hrs
Day 8 - Hanoi – overnight cruise on Halong/Lan Ha bay
Following breakfast we leave Hanoi and transfer to Halong City. We arrive at the pier around noon and after the welcome onboard and checking into our cabins, lunch will be served whilst cruising. Towards the end of the afternoon, the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by amazing karst formations. We enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner.
*The cruise’s itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Day 9 - Halong Bay to Hanoi
We wake up amidst the bay and have breakfast (brunch on some boats) while leisurely immersing in the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations one last time. We checkout as the cruise arrives in port and upon disembarkation, we transfer back to Hanoi. Tonight we gather again one last time for our celebratory dinner and share our memories about our challenge.
Day 10 - Depart to Hanoi
We catch a morning flight back to the UK, arriving same day.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
Before Your Challenge
- Your own personalised account hub that houses all your challenge support information to ensure you are fully prepared for your challenge
- Support documents to aid your preparation including but not limited to further information about your challenge, detailed challenge itinerary, kit lists, training plan/schedule, fundraising advice
- Discount vouchers with affiliate partners such as Nomad Travel
- A dedicated Customer Care team supports each participant from registration and is always on hand to answer queries
- Financial Protection
- Risk Management including but not limited to challenge specific risk assessments, emergency management plans and medical screening.
On Your Challenge
- Return flights from a London airport to Hanoi
- All transfers per the itinerary including to and from the in-country airport
- 8 nights accommodation – 3 nights hotel accommodation, twin share with private bathroom, 4 nights homestays (dormitory style accommodation), 1 night on a house boat. Hotels will have a local category rating of 3 stars or more.
- All meals including celebratory dinner, starting with dinner on day 2 through to breakfast on day 10 with the exception of lunch on day 9.
- A fantastic in-country ground team made up of support crew, qualified and experienced local English-speaking guide/s (Global Adventure Challenges have been working alongside our in-country ground team for more than 15 years)
- Adventure challenge leader
- Comprehensive first aid/medical kits
- Safe drinking water whilst trekking
- Bedding for home-stays including mattress, bed-sheet, blanket, pillow, mosquito nets
- Challenge Medal
- GAC 24 hour emergency on call team
What's Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Soft drinks & Alcoholic drinks
- If applicable, visa and associated costs
- Tips and gratuities
- Lunch on Day 9
- Any other meals not detailed in the inclusions section
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below. Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme, meaning the trek has been designed to push your boundaries – however it is achievable by most people as long as you fitness train beforehand. You will be trekking for 5 consecutive days so a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, this is also available to download via our website.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots and some waterproofs you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera, etc.). Your main piece of luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation in a support vehicle or by local porters.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided except lunch on Day 9, as these meals fall in free time. We can cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
This is a fully supported trek. There will bea strong support team with a Global
Adventure Challenges Leader, as well as local guides.
Comprehensive First Aid kits will be taken and mobile phones are used to ensure safety and security at all times.
Can I stay in Vietnam after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact [email protected].
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no one is left alone. Remember this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
This option means the challenge balance of your event cost is met through raising a minimum sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
Step 1 – To join the challenge you pay the non-refundable registration fee directly to us and commit to raising the minimum sponsorship shown on the challenge page.
Step 2 – Start fundraising and send your sponsorship money to your chosen charity as you raise it. Your charity will most likely keep a log of monies you are sending in.
Step 3 – 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 12 weeks before departure. If you have raised the required amount, your charity would then be in a position to pay the challenge balance, which is never more than 50% of the minimum sponsorship figure.
Step 4 – The remaining 20% of your minimum sponsorship should be sent to your charity no later than 6 weeks following your return after the challenge. Some charities may request you send this 20% to them before the challenge takes place – your charity will guide you further on this.
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
Step 1 – You pay the non-refundable registration fee to us, in order to join the challenge.
Step 2 – Prior to your departure, you will receive an invoice to pay the challenge balance as shown on the respective challenge page.
Step 3 – The challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 12 weeks before departure.
2027
Registration Fee
£349
Option A – Minimum Sponsorship
£3,700
Option B – Self-Funding
£1,850
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?
2027
Registration Fee
£349
Option A – Minimum Sponsorship
£3,700
Option B – Self-Funding
£1,850
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?
2028
Registration Fee
£349
Option A – Minimum Sponsorship
£3,700
Option B – Self-Funding
£1,850
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
TBC
When?