Hike, Bike, and Kayak in Vietnam

The Trip

The striking natural beauty of northern Viet Nam will astonish you. Captivating and inspiring, the landscapes are diverse and offer a spectacular destination for outdoor activities -- especially hiking, biking, and paddling. The natural beauty alone is a sufficient reason to visit Viet Nam, but when the beauty is combined with the country’s compelling history, enchanting culture, and gracious people, it transforms from a destination into a lifetime experience.

Brilliant green rice paddies, isolated ethnic communities, towering mountains, colorful local markets, graceful pagodas, ancient temples, vivid and intricate folk art, mouthwatering cuisine, and the mighty Red River –- these are just some of the enchanting images that come to mind when one thinks of northern Viet Nam. From the elegant capital city, Ha Noi, to the limestone karst islands of Ha Long Bay, this dynamic and pragmatic country is one of the most vibrant in Southeast Asia.

With an abundance of natural beauty to see, a culture to experience, a history to uncover, and people to meet, it’s difficult to know where to start. We’ve conducted the research, hired extraordinary local guides, traveled throughout the country, and created an itinerary that will allow us to enjoy the best that northern Viet Nam has to offer:

Ha Noi: The nation’s capital city and the second-largest city of Viet Nam. We’ll stay in the vibrant Old Quarter; visit the country’s finest museums, gardens, and galleries; and discover unique retail shops and markets. 

Sa Pa: Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks -- including the highest peak in the country -- Sa Pa is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the magnificent views, and hike among streams, waterfalls, and farm villages.

Cat Ba and Nam Cat Islands: Cat Ba Island is the site of a national park that we will tour on foot and bike, and where will learn about the endangered Cat Ba Langur.  A short boat ride away is the tiny island of Nam Cat, which sits at the confluence of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. Our Nam Cat resort is a cluster of thatched wooden cabanas nestled between a soaring limestone cliff and the tranquil waters of the bay. Some cabanas are built over the water while others are set next to the brilliant white-sand beach.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is among the most unforgettable places on the planet. Our kayaks give us active access to the bay and its islands while our yacht offers the comfort of warm showers and delicious meals and lulls us to sleep with the sound of the bay gently lapping against the hull.

This is an active trip for active people. We’ll travel these varied landscapes by boat, train, and bus. Our activities include biking, kayaking, and hiking through unique landscapes and seascapes. We will explore the many facets of this mystical country with a rich and varied history. The warm and friendly welcome of the Viet Namese people truly makes this an unforgettable experience.

Most days will offer hiking, cycling, kayaking, or a combination of these activities. Although we'll be using the bus to travel on certain days, this trip has been designed to minimize bus travel and allow trip members to spend more time involved in outdoor activities and interacting with local Viet Namese and ethnic peoples. It is our goal to honor the spirit of sustainable tourism by hiring local vendors; patronizing smaller, locally owned hotels; eating locally sourced food; and following good environmental practices.

Most of our meals will feature delicious Viet Namese cuisine; we'll also have some non-Viet Namese meals. One of the meals will be on your own (money provided by leader), in case you want to taste some of the other international cuisine available. We'll also have the opportunity to savor a meal prepared and served in a local person’s home.

This exceptional trip will provide us with extraordinary “present moments” and allow us to touch the life of Viet Nam. We will be immersed in the country in a highly personal and intimate way that few others will ever experience: from the seat of a bike, along the trail with your own two feet, and from the cockpit of a kayak. Join us.

Please note that we will make every effort to follow this itinerary.  We may have to alter, change, or delete some activities due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather or other things beyond our control.

Please remember that our schedule of outdoor activities may need to be altered due to weather conditions or other factors beyond our control, or if the trip leader has any concerns about the safety of the group.

Day 1: Arrival Day. Arrive in Ha Noi, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the Old Quarter of Ha Noi. When planning your flights, be aware that if you are flying west from the U.S., you'll lose a day as you cross the International Date Line. You should plan to arrive no later than mid-afternoon on Day 1. We'll gather for a late-afternoon orientation meeting at our hotel and then enjoy our delicious Viet Namese welcome dinner. We stay overnight in our Ha Noi hotel.

Please do not pay for any non-refundable travel arrangements, such as airfare, until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Day 2: Culture and History Day. Today we will visit some of the finest museums in the country. Among them are: Viet Namese Women’s Museum. Lonely Planet says, “This excellent museum showcases women’s role in Viet Namese society and culture. Labeled in English and French, it’s the memories of the wartime contribution by individual heroic women that are most poignant. There is a stunning collection of propaganda posters, as well as costumes, tribal basket ware and fabric motifs from Viet Nam’s ethnic minority groups.”

Ethnology Museum. “Occupying a modern structure, the terrific collection here features well-presented tribal art, artifacts and everyday objects gathered from across the nation. Displays are well labeled in Viet Namese, French, and English. For anyone with an interest in Viet Nam’s minorities, it’s an essential visit. On the grounds are examples of traditional village houses -- a Tay stilt house, an impressive Bahnar communal structure, a Yao home, and a soaring, thatch-roofed Giarai tomb.” – Lonely Planet. 

Water Puppet Theatre. The Theater is famous for its musical stories that portray historical legends and folk tales. These ever-popular performances are given in a large pool of water by a troupe of talented actors and accompanied by a traditional Viet Namese pit orchestra.

Wandering through the joyful chaos of Old Ha Noi is fascinating. Our lodging is just a block away from shops and markets where you can find silk in every shape and form, native handicrafts, fine art, and unusual foods. There will be time today for you to explore at your own pace.

Day 3: Change of Scenery Day. Today we conclude our stay in Ha Noi and prepare to journey to the mountains. Early risers may want to take the walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and even join in the Tai Chi, meditation, and yoga going on around the lake.

After breakfast, we will visit the intriguing Ho Chi Minh Museum, the unusual One Pillar Pagoda, and the Viet Nam Fine Arts Museum. After we conclude our site visits, the rest of the day is free until dinner. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Day 4: Hike Day. Today we will drive into the mountains to the town of Sa Pa. An incredibly picturesque village, Sa Pa lies in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range near the Chinese border. This mountain range is better known as the Tonkinese Alps.

Then, after lunch at our hotel, we’ll hike to a shimmering waterfall whose origins lie deep in Viet Nam’s legend. If we’re very lucky, we might see Fairies swimming in the stream and flitting through the waterfall. This hike is just two miles round trip. The trail includes many steps, creek crossings on small bridges, and short steep sections. This hike is rated “moderate."

Tonight we stay at our cozy Sa Pa hotel.

Day 5: Hike Day. This morning we embark on a hike that was added to the itinerary by popular demand: a hike led by a native woman to her home in a small rural village. This will be our opportunity to have a close personal encounter with ethnic village life in rural, mountainous Viet Nam. This hike is five miles round trip. The trail is rolling, with some steep sections. In some places we’ll be following a water buffalo trail that can be muddy and slippery. This hike is rated “moderate."

After the hike, we will have some practice time to get comfortable with the bikes we will use for tomorrow’s ride. There will also be time to explore Sa Pa’s fascinating public market, galleries, and massage venues. Dinner is on your own tonight, allowing you to sample one of the many fine eateries that Sa Pa has to offer. The price of this dinner is included in the trip cost and the leader will give you money to purchase your meal.

Day 6: Bike Day. After breakfast, we’ll board our bus for a short drive to the top of the highest pass in Viet Nam, Tram Tom Pass. Just below the summit, we’ll put on our bike helmets and gloves and prepare for a full day of cycling through some of the most magnificent vistas in the Tonkinese Alps. After a mile of cycling, we’ll reach the Tram Ton Pass, also known as Heaven’s Gate, where we’ll start our descent. The sinuous mountain road twists and turns down the mountain while we enjoy dramatic mountain views along the way.

Toward the bottom of the descent, we’ll cycle along a river, passing fish farms along the way. After completing our descent of Tram Ton, we’ll stop for a simple lunch at a small village. Following lunch, we’ll continue our bike ride on rolling country roads through small farming villages with serene vistas of the Nam Mu River. The cycling will be van supported and a bike mechanic will accompany us.

Tram Ton is the point with the highest elevation of our trip. Weather on the summit can be cool and foggy, so dressing in layers and bringing a rain jacket will keep you comfortable. As we descend, the weather will turn warmer and drier. 

Today’s bike ride totals approximately 25 miles. We will experience a massive loss of elevation during the 10-mile descent from the pass, and then while rolling along the Nam Mu River. This ride is rated “moderately strenuous” because of the long descent, and because of short, steep climbs on the river road. A van will follow us so we can accommodate anyone needing a ride.

We’ll overnight in a small working-class town in Lai Chau Province where we may be the only Westerners. 

Day 7: Hike and Bike Day. This morning we’ll take a short bike ride through small villages and rice paddies with farmers and water buffaloes at work. After this pleasant morning of cycling, we’ll hike to one of the most stunning waterfalls in the region. Then we’ll bus back over the Tram Ton Pass to Lao Cai, where we’ll eat dinner near the train station and then travel by overnight train in four-person sleeper berths back to Ha Noi. Today’s bike ride is approximately four miles. Elevation profile is flat. This ride is rated “easy." Today’s hike is only two miles round trip, however it is quite steep. The trail includes many steps and offers little shade. Due to steepness and exposure, it is rated “moderately strenuous."

Day 8: Travel Day. We’ll say farewell to Ha Noi and begin our longest day of travel out to the coast. Today’s journey will include many types of transportation: the train, a comfortable air-conditioned bus, shuttle boats, and finally a short bike ride. Our final destination is a small village on Cat Ba Island. The landscape of the island, which is dominated by limestone, includes numerous waterfalls, caves, and grottoes. The rugged topography is marked by steep outcrops and bare rock areas with many seasonal streams.

Upon arrival at Cat Ba Island, we’ll cycle to the serene village of Viet Hai, where we will stay in small cottages in a Viet Namese “eco-village." Afternoon activities include a hike to Navy Peak to get an astounding view of Ha Long Bay, one of Viet Nam's greatest natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bay, part of the Gulf of Tonkin, is filled with limestone karsts that are often riddled with caverns.

Today’s bike ride is less than five miles. The elevation profile is flat to rolling, with a couple of short, steep climbs.

Today’s hike is only about three miles round trip, but the outbound trail is a steep uphill climb. We retrace the trail on our return so it includes a steep downhill scramble. This hike is rated “strenuous” due to the steepness of the trail, occasionally challenging foot and hand holds, and uneven limestone trail surface. The effort is worth it because you’ll experience a world-class view.

Our accommodations tonight are in small wooden cottages located along a small brook that wanders through the garden. 

Day 9: Hike and Kayak Day. This morning we take pleasure in a relaxed breakfast in the brook-side dining room. Then we can explore the lush tropical vegetation around the village on a jungle hike. After emerging from the jungle, we’ll cycle back to the wharf to meet our shuttle boat to our next destination, Nam Cat Island, and the start of our kayaking activities.

After lunch we’ll get settled in to our waterfront thatch-roofed cabanas and spend a relaxing afternoon. You may decide to lie on the beach and read a good book, take a nap in your cabana, or borrow a kayak for a short paddle. Late in the afternoon, we’ll embark on a sunset cruise in our kayaks.

Today’s jungle hike is about five miles round trip. The trail ranges from flat dirt to steep and rocky and it is rated “moderate." The short bike ride retraces the ride from the wharf to the village.

The kayak tour is about one hour of paddling on protected bay waters that range from glassy to small swells and is rated “easy."

Day 10: Kayak Day. Breakfast is taken on the beachside deck, where we can soak up the warm sunshine and enjoy views of the bay. Nam Cat Island is located on Lan Ha Bay, which is on the edge of Ha Long Bay. Lan Ha is much smaller than Ha Long, but offers the same spectacular karst islands and is much less visited than the famous Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, we’ll slide into our kayaks for a tour of Lan Ha’s karsts -- the limestone islands this area is famous for. We may paddle through caves or circle some of the karsts or pull up on a beach to look for shells. We’ll observe a variety of birdlife and then paddle back to the resort for lunch. The rest of the afternoon will provide additional time for relaxing at the beach. 

The morning paddle is about three hours long on protected bay waters that range from glassy to small swells. This paddle is rated “moderately easy."

Day 11: National Park Day. Today we transfer by boat to Cat Ba National Park where we’ll explore this visually stunning and ecologically diverse national park by foot and bicycle. Cat Ba is home to the highly endangered Cat Ba Langur. This golden-headed langur is rarely seen because fewer than 100 specimens are thought to survive in the wild, although it is the subject of a well-organized conservation program. If time permits, we’ll visit the Cat Ba Langur Conservation Project. After lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll cruise back to our beach resort, where you’ll have a free afternoon. We return to Nam Cat Island for the evening.

Today’s bike ride is about nine miles long on rolling terrain with some steeper sections. It’s rated “moderate." The hike is a short one-mile walk to the Hospital Cave. This hike is rated “easy."

Day 12: Kayak and Yacht Day. After breakfast we’ll have a farewell paddle around Nam Cat Island and find a secluded beach for a picnic lunch. Following lunch, we’ll meet our shuttle boat for a leisurely cruise to Ha Long Bay. It will be thrilling to enter world-famous Ha Long Bay and drift by its towering limestone islands. This is a “bucket list” event.

The shuttle boat will deliver us to our floating accommodations aboard a classic Ha Long Bay yacht. We’ll have plenty of time to settle into our cabins and explore the yacht before meeting on the top deck for happy hour. After a delightful dinner in the yacht’s dining room we can enjoy lounging on the deck, watching the stars and other yachts, junks, and sampans sailing by.

The paddle is about four hours long on protected bay waters that range from glassy to small swells. This paddle is rated “moderately easy."

Day 13: Kayak Day. We awake onboard our yacht on beautiful Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, we'll continue our tour of this World Heritage site with opportunities for more kayaking, picnicking on a hidden beach, or hiking and exploring caves on the islands.

The paddle is about four hours long on protected bay waters that range from glassy to small swells. This paddle is rated “moderately easy."

Day 14: Kayak and Travel Day. Today we leave beautiful Ha Long Bay, but before we do we’ll have one more paddle to take in its grandeur. When we return to the yacht, we’ll begin our cruise back to port. On the way, we’ll have lunch in the yacht’s dining room, pack our bags, and return to the hustle and bustle of the mainland. At the port, we'll board our bus and ride back to our hotel in Old Ha Noi for our farewell dinner (and, on the December trip, a celebration of the New Year!).

Day 15: Departure Day. With some sadness and many wonderful memories, our Sierra Club Hike, Bike, and Kayak Viet Nam adventure officially ends after breakfast this morning. We will offer shuttles to the Ha Noi airport at several different times during the day. Many flights won’t depart until late tonight so you may have a day at leisure to finish shopping, re-visit museums, pick up any custom-made clothing you ordered, or have one final massage. Late check-out may be available at our hotel for an additional fee that is not included in your trip price. 

Getting There

Our trip officially begins with your arrival in Ha Noi on Day 1, where you will be greeted at the airport by our local guides and transferred to our hotel. In order to be met at the airport, it is necessary that you send your flight itineraries to the trip leader as soon as you have them.

You will need to get a Viet Nam visa in advance. Allow yourself plenty of time to get the visa and be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of our trip. You may apply for the visa no more than six months in advance of your departure date. Normally the embassy is quick and efficient with processing applications. If you submit your application three months in advance, it should be sufficient. If you plan to visit another country after entering Viet Nam and you plan on returning via Viet Nam, you’ll need a multiple-entry visa.

You will receive at least three pre-trip newsletters prior to departure. These newsletters will contain detailed information about obtaining your visa, packing lists, health and medical information, and more.

If you would like to arrive earlier than the beginning of our trip, or extend your stay after our trip, our local guides can assist in making arrangements for you. If you need this additional travel planning assistance, the trip leader will put you in contact with the local guide company.

Please do not pay for any non-refundable travel arrangements, such as airfare, until notified to do so by the trip leader.

Accommodations and Food

We'll be staying in a variety of accommodations. During most of our trip we'll be in cities, towns, or villages with comfortable hotels. Most hotels do not have air conditioning, but they do have ceiling fans that provide adequate cooling and mosquito nets so that you can leave your windows open. All rooms have en suite bathrooms with shower, sink, and a Western-style toilet. In Ha Long Bay we'll have very comfortable, but small, rooms on our yacht. Except for the overnight train trip all accommodations will be double occupancy. On the train the sleeper rooms accommodate four people per room and there is a public bathroom down the corridor from the sleeping berth.

Couples will room together and singles will be paired up according to gender. A single supplement may be offered, subject to availability. When you make your reservation, please let the trip leader know if you are interested in a single supplement. 

Trip Difficulty

Those who are physically prepared for the trip will be rewarded with a great outdoor experience. This trip is for physically active people who are experienced in hiking rough terrain, cycling hilly routes, and paddling a kayak for up to half a day. Multi-speed mountain bikes will be used as we’ll travel over dirt and gravel tracks as well as paved roads.

For the bicycling activities, helmets are required. They can be purchased in Viet Nam, but it is preferred that you bring your own helmet purchased in the U.S.

For the kayaking activities, it is required that you know how to swim and that you are comfortable floating or treading water for up to 15 minutes while wearing a personal flotation device. 

Because Viet Nam is a developing country, medical care is not as available or convenient as it is in the United States, making medical emergencies considerably more hazardous than they might be at home. Please take care of any potential medical problems before leaving home and bring adequate amounts of all medications you might need. If you have any questions about the medical form included in your trip application packet, or about whether or not our trip will be appropriate for you, please contact the leader. Your safety and that of our group depends on your candid responses on the medical form and an honest evaluation of your level of fitness.

Equipment and Clothing

We'll be traveling through forests, mountains, and coastal areas. The weather should be mild and pleasant in the fall, but you should be prepared for a wide range of weather by bringing lightweight and quick-drying clothing that can be worn in layers. It will be cool in the mountains in the mornings, but warm later in the day. Rain gear is essential to ensure we are prepared for changeable weather conditions.

You'll want to have well broken-in, lightweight hiking boots. Trekking poles may be useful on uneven trail surfaces. The trip leader will provide you with a packing list prior to departure.

References

Probably the best places to begin are with the popular tour guide publishers: Lonely Planet, Rough Guide, etc. You can check your local library or bookstore, or go online.

Movies:

• Indochine (1992)

Books:

• Soli, Tatjana, The Lotus Eaters.
• Jamieson, Neil, Understanding Vietnam.
• Karnow, Stanley, Vietnam.
• Boa Ninh, The Sorrow of War: A Novel of North Vietnam.

Websites:

• Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) (an NGO specializing in increasing young people's awareness of environment concerns; mainly active in Ha Noi): http://www.envietnam.org
• Fauna and Flora International (FFI): http://www.fauna-flora.org
• Ecotourism map of Vietnam: http://www.fauna-flora.org/explore/vietnam

Current events in English from a Viet Namese point of view:

• http://english.vietnamnet.vn
• http://www.thanhniennews.com
• http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn

Conservation

One of the benefits and unique aspects of Sierra Club Outings is our focus on the environment and conservation issues. Pre-trip literature will highlight some of the environmental challenges and accomplishments of Viet Nam and both the leader and our Viet Namese tour guide will discuss environmental issues during the trip.

Sierra Club supports two international programs that are relevant to our trip:

1. The Global Population and Environment Program mission is to protect the global environment and preserve natural resources for future generations by advancing global reproductive health and sustainable development initiatives.

2. The International Climate Program mission supports global efforts to halt climate disruption while ensuring access to clean energy, family planning, and other climate solutions for all.

In addition, we'll reflect on the common dilemma in a developing country: the conflict between meeting basic human needs and the related damage to the environment. For example, protected rain forests inside national parks are being destroyed to create farmland.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.