FAQs
14 Day Ultimate North Vietnam Adventure
General Tour Information
What type of tour is this? This is a small group adventure tour through Northern Vietnam designed for travellers who want a deeper and more authentic experience of the country. The trip combines culture, nature, food, adventure and local experiences while maintaining a comfortable and well-organised structure throughout.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers? Absolutely! Many travellers join solo and the small-group nature of the tour makes it very easy to meet people and connect with the group throughout the journey.
Is this a luxury tour? No, this is not a luxury resort style holiday. The experience is designed to be immersive, adventurous and comfortable rather than ultra luxury. That being said, for the majority of the trip you'll be in nice, modern boutique 3–4 star accommodation. Some remote mountain areas such as Ha Giang are naturally more basic due to their location.
How large are the groups? We intentionally keep groups small, usually around 8–12 travellers. This creates a more personal, social and flexible experience compared to large coach style tours.
What kind of traveller is this tour best suited to? This tour is ideal for travellers who: Want a balance of adventure and comfort Enjoy culture, food, landscapes, and local experiences Prefer small-group travel over large commercial tours Want the social aspect of backpacking without the stress of organising everything themselves
What level of fitness is required for this tour? This tour is designed for regular travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. It is not designed to be super strenuous. Trekking in Sapa and the Ha Giang Loop are the most physical activities in the trip.
Flights, Visas & Entry Requirements
Which airport should I use? As this tour is in Northern Vietnam, you can fly in and out of Hanoi's Noi Bai International airport. We do not include international flights, but we're happy to advise.
Do I need a visa for Vietnam? Most travellers will require a visa to enter Vietnam. The best option is the 90-day single entry E-Visa, which costs $25. You can apply for this on the official government website. When applying you will be asked for an address for your stay, we will provide you with this address when we speak to you. It usually takes 3-5 business days to receive your E-Visa, but we recommend applying well in advance.
Do I need travel insurance? We highly advise comprehensive travel insurance for all travellers. This should cover things like medical expenses and flight disruptions.
The Ha Giang Loop
Do I need motorbike experience? No. Many travellers choose to ride with an experienced local “easy rider” driver rather than driving themselves. This is often the most enjoyable option because it allows you to fully relax and take in the scenery. This is also the safest option.
Can I drive myself? Yes, but you must have a valid International Driving Permit that specifically covers motorbike use in Vietnam. Police checks are common on the loop and fines apply if you do not have the correct licence documentation. We also don't recommend driving yourself unless you are very experienced with motorbikes as the Loop is a challenging ride for novices.
What should I wear on the Loop? Temperatures can vary significantly throughout the loop, especially in the mountains where evenings can become cold. We strongly recommend bringing: Light layers Waterproof outer layer Comfortable trousers Closed footwear Warm layer for evenings Layering lighter clothing is usually more comfortable and practical than bringing one heavy jumper. Safety gear will be provided.
What is an "Easy Rider"? An easy rider is a professional local driver who drives the motorbike while you ride as a passenger. All of our easy riders are experienced local drivers who know the roads and routes extremely well.
Is the Ha Giang Loop dangerous? The roads are mountainous and adventurous, but safety is a major priority throughout the experience. We work with trusted local teams and experienced guides who specialise in the route. Travellers are never pressured to drive themselves.
What is the accommodation like on ther Loop? Accommodation is more simple than in larger cities and tourist areas. This reflects the remote and authentic nature of the region and is part of the overall experience.
Food & Dietary Requirements
What is the food like in Northern Vietnam? Northern Vietnam is famous for its fresh, flavourful cuisine. Throughout the trip you’ll have opportunities to try things like: Pho Banh mi Bun cha Fresh & fried spring rolls Seafood Rice dishes Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee
Can dietary requirements be accommodated? Absolutely! For vegetarians or vegans, there are still lots of options in Vietnam's cuisine. We can also accommodate any allergies/intolerances. Just let us know beforehand!
Is street food safe? Yes. Vietnam is world famous for its street food culture and trying local food is an important part of the experience. We carefully select trusted local spots and guides throughout the trip.
Health & Safety
Do I need vaccines before travelling? We recommend speaking with your doctor or travel clinic before travelling to Vietnam. Commonly recommended travel vaccines may include: Typhoid Hepatitis A & B Tetanus Requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances.
Are mosquitos an issue? Mosquitoes are common in parts of Vietnam, especially in rural and mountainous areas. We strongly recommend bringing insect repellent and anti-itch cream or tablets. Good local pharmacy products are also widely available in Vietnam if needed.
Payments & Booking
How does payment work? Payments are split into manageable instalments (30/40/30) A 30% upfront deposit confirms your place on the tour, and the final payment will be due 45 days before departure. We will communicate exact payment dates when we speak to you.
How do I secure my place? You can secure your place by paying your 30% deposit through the secure payment links listed in the pricing section of this page. Or if you'd prefer, a member of our team can send you payment details directly.
Is my deposit refundable? Deposits remain fully refundable until the minimum group size has been reached and the tour is officially confirmed. Once the trip is confirmed, the deposit is no longer refundable, and cancellations are subject to the policies laid out in our Terms & Conditions (see full page via link in footer)
What happens after I book? After booking, your place is confirmed. A team member will reach out with this confirmation and send you all relevant details. The day before departure, you will be added to a Whatsapp groupchat with your fellow travellers and tour leader, so you'll have a point of contact in Vietnam before arriving.
Some Practical Questions
What should I pack? We recommend packing light and bringing clothes you can layer. Suggested items include: Light clothing Waterproof jacket Warm layers for mountain evenings Comfortable walking shoes Sandals or sliders Swimwear Sunglasses Insect repellent Small day bag .
Will I have phone signal & WiFi? Most destinations have good signal and internet access, though parts of the Ha Giang Loop may have limited coverage due to the remote mountain setting. Our hotels will generally provide WiFi. However, if constant internet access is important - we recommend getting an eSIM or local SIM for mobile data.
Will I need cash? Yes . While card payments are common in cities, cash is still preferred in many local areas throughout Vietnam. ATMs are widely available in most towns and cities, though we recommend carrying extra cash before beginning the Ha Giang Loop where ATMs are less common.
What type of luggage should I bring? A medium sized backpack is ideal for this trip. You’ll be moving between multiple locations throughout the journey, so we recommend packing reasonably light and bringing a smaller day bag for daily activities. Larger hard-shell suitcases are manageable but less practical during commutes, especially the Ha Giang Loop portion of the trip.