Above and Below: Discovering Vietnam's Secret Worlds

Far beyond the tourist trail, the mountains and jungles of Vietnam harbour secret worlds that remain almost entirely unexplored. From Indochina’s tallest peaks to the biggest underground cave in the world, set out to conquer both sky and stone on this epic expedition.

When to go
Feb - May
 
From Price
£28,000 PP*
(excl international flights)
Ideal Length
12 Nights
 



Experience Highlights

  • Traverse Vietnam’s most northern reaches, travelling by helicopter to embark on remote hiking, cycling and 4x4 trails, far from civilisation.
  • Explore the world’s largest cave system, Son Doong, on a challenging multi-day mobile camping expedition led by a team of expert guides.
  • Encounter unique communities of ethnic minority tribes, being invited to take part in intimate ceremonies and learning their way of life.
  • Private guides ensure exclusive access and seamless logistics, with every element of operating in remote and challenging environments carefully considered.

An adventurer’s paradise, Vietnam beckons. In the north, the source of the sacred Red River can be found, flowing from the mountains that border China, down through winding valleys, passing the ancient city of Hanoi and finally out to sea. At its centre, the largest cave system on Earth remains largely undiscovered. A challenge fit for the brave, Pelorus brings together an unmatched team of experts to unlock access to some of Vietnam’s remotest regions and most testing environments.

IMMERSION

Your journey begins as you travel back in time to historic Hanoi, visiting the old ceramic villages and encountering the country’s most important artistic tradition, cat trù. Here, folk art meets opera, showcasing a truly unique element of Vietnamese culture. Tonight, dine at the private home of a local artist in Bat Trang Village, sharing in the excitement as you meet your expedition team and mentally prepare for the days of adventure to come.

Rise early and set off by bicycle to explore the West Lake’s shores, Hanoi’s largest freshwater lake. Following these paths will lead you to local street markets, garden cafés, galleries and artist’s studios, far from the sightseeing crowds. A 4x4 discovery of the tranquil countryside beyond the Red River awaits, as you ride through the backroads and along its banks, whilst being introduced to traditional rural activities and sites by your knowledgeable guide.

ASCENSION

Hopping aboard a helicopter, take an exhilarating flight north to Sa Pa, located at the head of a deep valley of rice terraces. Head for a hilltop monastery where you will be met by the resident zen masters for a welcoming tea ceremony, followed by a hike through the surrounding villages. Here, the river is a sacred source of local ceremonies, traditions, and rituals, which you will experience in the coming days. A short cycling session and mechanical test completes your orientation into these beautiful mountains.

 This afternoon, a private visit to Bill Bensley’s M Gallery in the heart of Sa Pa town awaits, along with a rejuvenating massage ahead of an evening of fun. Head out into the hills for a chance to celebrate this area’s unique ethnic diversity, dining under the stars while watching a series of striking traditional highland performances, framed by the majestic mountain range that connects Dong Van and Ha Giang. Later, venture back into town for a stroll through the lively night market, humming with activity. 

SECLUSION

Rise early to continue your helicopter adventure, flying across Indochina’s highest peaks to Dong Van, a surreal mountainous outpost along the Chinese border. A mountain walk, a 4x4 drive over Ta Lang Pass, and then a two-wheeled descent brings you to a stunning alpine river, which forms a natural border between China and Vietnam. Stop here for a picnic lunch amidst the gorgeous natural scenery, marvelling at its almost total isolation, virtually cut off from modern life.

Jump back aboard your helicopter for a scenic flight to a secluded outpost, boasting spectacular mountain views and a few welcome modern comforts, which will serve as your base for the next two nights. Home to number of untouched hiking trails known only to insiders, here you will have the chance to trek some of Vietnam’s most challenging routes - tackling valleys and rugged farmland, crossing rivers to reach scattered corn whisky villages. Tonight, a festive tribal dinner celebration rounds out your unforgettable time in the North.

SUBMERSION

Your expedition continues as you descend from the mountains, flying to central Vietnam. Venturing into a dense forest, prepare to set out on foot, tackling multiple river crossings along the way, designed to test your strength and stamina. Stop at the small village of Ban Doong, home to an ethnic minority population, learning about their traditional way of life in an intimate encounter, before leaving the last of human civilisation behind.

Witness as the earth’s surface opens, revealing the entrance to Son Doong Cave. Roping up, prepare to commence an expedition in which you will climb up, rappel down, and scramble across this undulating subterranean landscape. Over the next four days, you will conquer the world’s biggest natural cave, so large that its own ecosystem has formed right inside. Prepare for an incredible sensory experience, as you adjust to the extreme stillness that comes from being cut off from the world above. Watch as slivers of natural light pierce the darkness, illuminating huge stalactites, stalagmites, cave pearls, and underground rivers.

Set up remote camps in the depths of the cave and experience first-hand the grandeur and majesty of your surroundings as you learn key survival skills from your team of expert guides. Conquer the Great Wall of Vietnam, a cliff face over 90 metres high, encounter unique, specially adapted cave-dwelling creatures and gaze up at the giant sunbeams that fill some of these caverns, contemplating this truly exhilarating environment that only very few will ever experience in their lives. 

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