Hike & Explore the Remote Trails of Northern Vietnam

Beautiful trip. Amazing landscapes! Best guide ever. Homestays were my favorite place to stay. People were very kind, food was delicious, and the variety of activities made each day unique. We got to see an authentic side of Vietnam, rich in culture, traditions and ways of living in the rural landscape.

I had a great time in Vietnam with Jack, Hiew and our amazing group. Trekking through the jungle was unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. It was super rewarding, with amazing views, and I felt well supported throughout by our guides and group. Be ready to support each other as a team on some of the tougher days, and I'd suggest bringing poles if you have them as there's a lot of incline and paths can be slippery depending on the time of year.

We had a few vegetarians in the group, myself included, and Jack went out of his way to ensure we were all well fed, and got to try all the foods we wanted to on our last night in Hanoi. The advice about snacks is worth following, and if you have specific requirements definitely bring them with you from home, if not the local snacks were all delicious and worth trying.

I was impressed by the accommodation, particularly the hotels which were on the whole nicer than expected. Due to a medical incident I only ended up staying one night in a homestay, but it was a great way to get a taste of rural life and our hosts were friendly, welcoming, and made great pancakes.

Finally, our guides were exceptional - knowledgeable, patient, and responsive, they also kept our spirits up on the trail and the longer travel days. A particular thanks to Jack, who responded instantly and effectively to any issues, and would always find a great solution.

This was my first trip with MBA, and I'd recommend it to others - the description gives a good sense of what to expect, but know that the itinerary can change as needed, so bring a flexible mindset and everything on the kit list.

Jack was an amazing guide!! He is very calm and was super organised thinking of every little extra! His own personal interest in history shone through when I was asking lots of questions.

This was my first MBA trip and I found it well organised and a good pace. I chose trekking because I hike at home in UK, but in the humid climate it was a different experience and I was glad of the regular stops and steady pace. Trekking in the north and staying in the home stays was the most challenging part of the trip but also the most rewarding. I took a sleep mat which most didn’t need but for me it was a good call. I loved being amongst the local people, beautiful landscape with almost no other tourists. . it was a privilege. Jack was a great guide, the consummate professional throughout, knowledgeable and patient with us. Heiw was with us for part of the trip and I appreciated his energy and enthusiasm, he was so friendly. I had a great group to share this experience with which I also greatly appreciated.

Wonderful trip - loved the remote trails so much. You get to trek through stunning hills and jungle where no other tourists go - it’s really special. I loved being able to go for a swim every day after a long day of hiking - it was the ideal refreshing ending to a long day.

Our guide Jack/Phuong was the perfect guide - he is so knowledgeable about the history of Vietnam, the culture, the local areas, knows all plants and animals. On top of that he is always so caring, patient and kind with the right amount of humour sprinkled on top. Above all, he really wants to make sure everyone is happy, healthy and safe. He stays calm in every situation which is incredible. Hieu, who was our second guide for part of the trip, also brought boundless energy, jokes and was an amazing photographer and even made videos for us. Thanks so much for taking care of us so well Jack and Hieu!

The food in the homestays was the best - the second and third homestays were favourites. The local family in the second homestay were so incredibly welcoming and friendly - they made our stay there particularly nice! The most fun night was the mini car race on Cat Ba Island - we had the best time!

I’ve just finished the “Hike and Explore the Remote Trails of Northern Viet-Nam”. What a trip! Professionally organized, well balanced regarding the different activities and beautifully led by Jack with the energetic help of Hiew. I would give them 7 stars if I could 🤣 The three days hiking from home-stay to home-stay were awesome, challenging and, luckily, dry! It felt authentic and truly remote: it was us, the villagers and the water-buffaloes. The trip ended in style with a day kayaking, swimming and relaxing on the boat. Unforgettable experience and lovely group 🌸

Great trip. Hao is fantastic guide

Another great adventure trip by MBA from start to finish. The sights, sounds, activities and culture all brought together in one package with the constaint amazing help of our guide Jack. Jack and his team made us all feel at ease the whole time, keeping the motivation high to experiance the best of Vietnam. Highly recomended.

This trip is a great experience to hike in a jungle, experience Vietnamese living and food and beautiful landscapes! I highly recommend this trip to anyone!

For various reasons, I chose this trip by date alone, not really knowing what to expect. I am so happy with my choice! This was the perfect mix of jungle hiking and passing through isolated villages, swimming in cold lakes and the warm sea, friendly homestays and lovely hotels with saunas and spas, with a bit of mad fluorescent go-kart racing (!) thrown in, and a huge variety of food (including fruit picked by the guide along the way, some lively seafood, and a fabulous street food tour back in Hanoi). Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful, and the guides and drivers also helped to make this trip run smoothly.

The most unexpected element was the lack of any other groups on our hiking routes. We were truly off the beaten track and it was so lovely to feel the isolation, and the peace and quiet, within the safety of the group. We encountered children who had never seen westerners before!

The level was pitched just right, with everything running really smoothly. If you want an authentic adventure without the hassle, this is it!

The guides Phuong, Kien and driver Tui were legends. Phuongs focus on detail and ensuring the care and service for each individual was next to none. Phuong ensured that information for each day was given the day before and everyone was prepared with the correct equipment. Phuong managed expectations ahead of time for the homestays for those that were not familiar.

The itinerary it pitched at the perfect level with a build up to the bigger hikes and then some more relaxing time at the end of the trip. There are some long travel days but this is expected and part of the experience. These will be much quicker in a few years with the rapid development of the highways.

The remote part of this trip, in my opinion is completely undersold. During the homestay visits, the MBA group is the only group using the hiking trials and you are unlikely to come across other tourists and groups. This is rare for me living in Vietnam and a welcome experience.

Most of the accommodations met expectations and the home stays were the best part, basic but clean.

The level of challenge in December was moderate even with temperatures this year being warmer than average. Customers should consider the time of year as summer and monsoon can easily make the hiking challenging due to the conditions.

Thankyou to the local team and guides for making my first Christmas holiday away from home enjoyable.

This tour was excellent! Each and every tour guide was great. The homestays were a great experience, it is was you expect (a mattress on the floor) but don't let that put you off, it gives a good insight to the peoples culture. This was my 1st group tour with MBA (or any company) and I have absolutely nothing negative to say.

Loved this trip as provided unique view to Vietnam, which is hardly touched by tourism. Hiking part wasn’t to hard, probably hardest part was humidity. We were lucky with good weather and it wasn’t raining, however on first hike day there was plenty of mud. Some areas are really slippery and steep, we had to use all four and bumb. So have definitely two pairs of trousers. Abit of scrambling in some places, but in general wasn’t hard, we had plenty of water stops and also stops to enjoy view. Absolutely loved that paths were untouched and in some places we had to make our own way with machete. Trails really narrow, especially on 2nd day, where it takes alot of concentration. Our main guide Kien was brilliant, with deep history knowledge and plenty of jokes. Jack who supported him on hike did great job looking after us, and even making special cocktail from leaches. Home stay was lovely, with great share plates food. Although mattresses could be softer. Would recommend to bring mat. Really enjoyed last day of street food. I swear I should have not eaten for this all day.

Contrasts of the far north rustic home stays with crazy streets of Hanoi. We had some alterations to the itinerary due to two typhoons. All organised with enough information to keep us informed but no stress despite the guides working tirelessly behind the scenes. We got to Cat Ba and had the street food night earlier. Mix of steep treks which were hard in the crazy heat. We went in September. Guides Hao and Phuong (Jack) kept us in check, fed surprise food and fruits and G’d me up as I thought I’d die of heat 😂

People make or break a trip like this. We had a great group. Great guides, home stay hosts that interact and a few party nights.

4/5 stars as despite guides best efforts on some of the trek days, lunches were not good. However home stay food was great.

Not a dedicated hiking trip but a good mix. Jack and Hao were attentive and would recommend.

Absolutely amazing experience! The guide Jack was fabulous. A trip to remember. Amazing!

From the very first moment, I felt completely cared for and safe, and that feeling stayed with me through every step of the experience.

To my incredible host, Hảo and his amazing team: thank you. You didn’t just show me the beauty of the place—we went deeper. You shared parts of the land, the culture, and the adventure that I know I never would’ve found or had the courage to do on my own. Because of you, I saw things I’ll never forget and felt things I didn’t expect to feel.

You guided me through some truly challenging moments in the mountains, and your calm, kindness, and expertise meant more to me than you probably realized in the moment. I never felt alone. I never felt like “just a guest. ” You treated me like family.

This wasn’t just a trip—it was a gift. One I’ll carry with me always.

My recent expedition through northern Vietnam was nothing short of extraordinary, offering a profound immersion into the heart of its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the warmth of the local people and the sheer beauty of this remarkable country.

The trip was a perfect blend of adventure and authentic cultural experiences. We spent some nights living among local villagers, a truly unique opportunity that provided invaluable insights into their daily lives and traditions. Sharing meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients was a highlight, a delicious journey through the authentic flavors of Vietnam. Each dish was a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage.

Our days were filled with exhilarating activities. Trekking through dense jungle was an invigorating challenge, rewarding us with stunning vistas and a sense of true wilderness. One of the most memorable moments was undoubtedly climbing a majestic waterfall and, for the thrill-seeker in me, taking the plunge with an exhilarating cliff jump. The adrenaline rush combined with the stunning natural surroundings made for an unforgettable experience.

Crucially, our local guide was an absolute gem. Their passion for Vietnam shone through in every interaction, enriching our journey with a wealth of facts about the country's history, customs, and diverse ethnic groups. Their insights transformed landscapes into stories and interactions into deeper understandings. The friendliness of everyone we encountered, from our hosts to fellow trekkers, added an immeasurable layer of joy to the trip.

This wasn't just a vacation; it was an education, an adventure, and a deeply personal connection with a country that has stolen a piece of my heart. If you're looking for an immersive and thrilling travel experience that goes far beyond the typical tourist trail, northern Vietnam, especially with the guidance of a knowledgeable local, comes with my highest recommendation. I returned home with a camera full of memories and a soul full of gratitude.

The trip was a great adventure to get to know northern Vietnam. All the guides and driver involved were great and eager to share their knowledge and love for their country. The three days of hiking through the rolling hills, jungles and bamboo forests of Cao bang were breathtaking. The homestays gave an authentic experience and allowed us to get a feel of the lovely vietnamese culture. And the hiking and kayaking in Cat Ba were a great way to finish up the trip. Personally I didn't really like the Ban Gioc waterfall as I found it too touristy, I would have preferred an extra day hiking in Cao Bang or maybe going to Cat Ba a day earlier. Overall I highly recommend the trip.

This trip was definitely a "cultural" adventure, more so than a "challenging/moderate" adventure. Be prepared for many bus journeys, but in a very comfy bus. 3 nights in a homestay at the time seemed pretty intense, but on reflection, such a unique opportunity & I am so grateful to have experienced that. Highlights of the trip: FOOD FOOD FOOD, homestay "sake", farm animals, hike in the jungle, Cat Ba, our guide "Hao", bat cave, street food tour in Hanoi. By the end of the trip, I really started to realize how much I would miss sharing every single meal with this group of travellers that had became friends!

This trip was a wonderful introduction to the countryside and culture of Northern Vietnam. It was different to other MBA trips I've done which have been very focused on hiking. Here yes there were some lovely walks but also visits to villages, temples, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, caves and historic sites. The home stays were comfortable if basic, and the food was great (apart from one hotel meal but you can't win everything!). Our guide Hao was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful as was everyone along the way. I would definitely recommend this trip but not if your main goal is lots of hiking. This one is definitely more of a gentle odyssey rather than challenging.

Phoung( Jack) our guide was a highlight of the trip for me. His level of attention in regard to preparing us for our day was appreciative!! He knew the history of the area which was important to me as well as his being able to answer the many questions from the group. I really enjoyed his extra detail in introducing us to the local people, community and the food. Thank you Jack!! With appreciation!! MJ

We had a great time on our trip, it felt a truly unique experience that took you well off the beaten path and really immersed you in local life and the beauty of Northern Vietnam.

Our guide Jack (Phuong), 'the king of snacks', was so attentive, friendly and a good laugh and he really made the trip. Weather was a bit naff (can't be helped) but not so bad for hiking, probably better than being super hot.

A highlight of the trip for me was the trekking between the homestays and practically having Lan Ha bay to ourselves and the kayaks.

As others have pointed out, I didn't think the trip was challenging and I had expected trekking to be a larger component of the trips. It was a good mix of activities though but a bit more hardcore adventure wouldn't have gone amiss!

I would highly recommend this trip, but just be aware that the itinerary leans a little more on the a 'exploring' rather than the 'hiking'.

This was my first trip to Vietnam and was really looking forward to it. After a long flight, I had to phone the driver for the transfer as he wasn’t visible at the airport. It would have also been nice to know that even though I arrived at the hotel at around 0700, I would have no room available until 1500. So I had to pay an extra £50 to get a room to rest in. The trekking area is stunning, remote villages, surrounded by amazing scenery, and full of beautiful, friendly people, but challenging trekking really is an over estimation, its moderate at the most. The accommodation is good, mainly decent hotels and the homrr stays add positively to the experience. Travelling in February means inclement weather, so be prepared for rain, lots of cloud and mud at this time of year. Our guide, Jack, was superb. Knowledgeable and attentive to everyone’s needs. The bus travel sometimes seemed excessive, but this is shown in the itinerary. Overall, a great trip in a great location but you need to go into this knowing the trekking isn’t difficult and there is a lot of bus travel.

Our guide, Phong (jack), was very attentive and overall the experience was fun. The tour would be far more enjoyable in warmer, drier weather but that couldn't be helped at this time of year. The most frustrating thing was that the MBA rating was 'challenging' which it wasn't at all. I was very disappointed that it didn't meet my expectations in that regard.

I thought this was a good trip, although not one of the better ones I have done with MBA (and I have now done 16 in total!). That is partly because the trip has a difficulty rating of “challenging” and is presented as a trekking trip but it only involved 3 full days of (not particularly challenging) trekking plus a few hours on some of the other days, a fair bit of it along roads. I would suggest this should be rated moderate at most, falling well short of the challenge presented by other trips which do merit a challenging rating such as the Kyrgyzstan one I did with MBA last year (which was very good).

The trip involved lots of time in a vehicle and therefore felt more like a sightseeing / cultural experience than a hiking trip. Unfortunately the weather was not great in February (cloudy, damp and a bit cold with no sun or blue skies). Everyone in the group was a bit surprised by the weather conditions as the trip notes had indicated dry weather with clear skies. I don’t know if we were just unlucky but I would advise others to think carefully about when to book this trip as the weather makes a significant difference to the experience. The guide himself suggested October is a much better month.

On a positive note the trip was fairly well organised and our guide Jack was very helpful and accommodating and he worked hard to keep everyone happy. I felt the communication could have been a bit clearer on occasions but, allowing for language and cultural barriers, it was still pretty good.

The accommodation on the trip was decent and the homestays were actually a bit more comfortable than I expected (I’ve stayed in mountain huts in the Alps which were far less comfortable). The owners of the home stays, and indeed the Vietnamese people generally, were very welcoming and hospitable.

The food was a bit disappointing however - although there was lots of it, I had expected more variety and flavour. I’m probably spoilt living in London with many very good Vietnamese restaurants near me. Having said that, we did have some good meals - the dinners in Cat Ba Island come to mind.

So, overall, this was a good trip which I enjoyed but which didn’t quite live up to expectations on certain fronts. My rating for this trip relative to others I’ve done with MBA would in truth be somewhere between a 3 and 4 star but I’ve given it 4 star overall erring on the generous side.

What a fabulous trip, North Vietnam was incredible, from the people, to the landscape and the food 🥰 Hoa (our guild) was amazing from start to finish. Super helpful, extremely knowledgeable and funny as hell 'the long traw' I was extremely lucky to have an amazing group as well, who made the trip even better 🥰

Loved this trip to the north of Vietnam - varied scenery, great homestay experiences (the food was sensational), and an insight into remote rural life, plus more touristy fun on Cat Ba island and in Hanoi. Fully endorse the advice of a previous reviewer to say yes to the karaoke. Be warned it is COLD in December, especially in the homestays which are fairly open to the elements - bring thermals! Hao was a great guide, fun, accommodating, and a generous pourer of rice wine. Highly recommended trip.

An authentic look at ethnic village life with homestays, combined with very nice accomadation at times. Hiking through villages & kayaking through the bay were great, as well as all the unexpected extras like a pearl farm & Karaoke for example! Small group size was perfect for bonding & Hao our guide was all about encouraging this. He worked hard to make sure everyone was enjoying the trip. Hanoi was a shock after the peace of the mountains.

I had an incredible experience thanks to Mr. Hao, our amazing tour guide. He was exceptionally organized, ensuring everything ran smoothly from start to finish. His engaging personality and deep knowledge of the area made the trip not only informative but also incredibly enjoyable. He went above and beyond to make sure every participant felt included and had a great time. Without a doubt, Mr. Hao is the best local guide you could ask for. Highly recommended!

A fun and varied trip from busy city life in Hanoi and tourist spot in Cat ba to what feels truly remote in the northern Cao Bang region.

The highlight for me was the rural hiking and living, in addition to a great group, fantastic food, and an amazing guide in Hao.