Hi Elka! I assume I've missed your trip (sorry for my delay in response), so I hope you had a wonderful time! I'm not still in touch with Zi, sadly, but last time I spoke to her it was at the number 0165 2161586.

Hi Sebastian! It is definitely possible to do hikes without a guide, but I would only recommend it for day-hikes. If you're going to stay overnight, or go very far, I would definitely suggest getting a guide — if for no other reason than helping stimulate the local economy and support local indigenous people! Have fun! xo

I will be traveling solo to vietnam, do u think that i could go hiking on my own without a tour guide in sapa and nearby villages?
i wonder if I would be able to visit different villages if I end up staying over at the same homestay or hostel in sapa?

Any feedback suggestions would be appreciated. thanks a lot

Sebastian

Hi Claire — The best way to arrange a trip is simply to call her once you arrive in Vietnam. Her number is 0165 2161586, and she speaks wonderful English. I know it isn't ideal for planning purposes, but it's the only way to get in touch with her — and she will be able to take you! You can plan whatever sort of trip you want — different lengths, difficulty, destinations, etc. — with her. Whatever you want to do, she can help! I haven't spoken to her in a few years, so her pricing may have changed, but I am sure it's better than (or at least the same as) the cheapest option you can find — but it will go straight to her and her family rather than a middle-man. I hope you trek with her! xo

Hi Mary,

It seems like the website is not renew yet, may I know how can I contact Zi?? And roughly how much will she charge for?
Thanks

Regards,
Claire

Hi Juliette!

There is SO much to do in Vietnam — you'll have a great time no matter what! The woman I trekked with is named Zi, and her website is here. If you send an email to the address listed on the site, it will just come to me... and I'll just tell you that all you need to do is call Zi when you arrive in Vietnam and make arrangements with her. Don't worry about booking ahead — she will be able to help you, so plan as if it is a done deal! She speaks English and is a wonderful person, so I really hope you book directly with her! DO NOT book a trek through a tourist office. They'll charge you way too much, and keep the money (instead of giving it to the guide).

It sounds like you would love the North. There are tons of small villages and towns to explore North of Hanoi. Make sure to see Ha Long Bay!! That is the only thing you'll need to use an agent to book.

Have a wonderful trip! It's a beautiful, tasty, friendly country! xo

Hi! im planning a trip to viet nam this january and reading your posts im learning there is so much to do! i would really like to trek in sapa, do the fansipan, and if you could help me get in contact with that women you were talking about that would be great, and i was also wondering, for most of the treks and places do you recommand doing it on our own or is it better/safer to do it with an agent or tourist office? Last question, would you spend more time in the north or south? i have 1 month only and i dont especially love beaches, often too crowded for me. and i much prefer nature than cities.
Thank you a lot for the great help you've given me through your posts!

Juliette Milner

Katie! Awesome! Check out hmongfriendofsapa.com. Really the only way to get in touch is to call her once you arrive in Vietnam (don't worry about having it planned before you get here, it's really not an issue). Call her Vietnamese number and schedule with her! She is amazing and I really hope you get to trek with her!!

Mary

Thanks so much for sharing all of your experiences and incredible photos from Vietnam. My husband and I are in the process of planning a trip in mid-October, and Sapa is going to be our 2nd stop. We would love to be in touch with Zi, so if you have any information on how we can go about doing that, we would sincerely appreciate it. Thanks again, and I'm taking so many notes!

Katie