Join us on the Vietnam Gutsy Challenge - trek through breathtaking northern Vietnam to fund vital trials, improve treatment options and bring hope to people with GI cancer.
Led by medical oncologist, Associate Professor Matt Burge, the 2027 Vietnam Gutsy Challenge is a once-in-a-lifetime trek through the emerald rice paddies, lush mountains, and remote hilltribe villages of northern Vietnam.
Why Your Steps Matter
Every step you take will help fund clinical trials that can save lives. Your fundraising will support Australians diagnosed each year with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, delivering hope when it’s needed most.
Funds raised through the Vietnam 2027 Gutsy Challenge help bring new treatments to patients up to five years sooner than if research were conducted overseas. That means faster answers, better quality of life, and longer survival.
Together, we can give more families the precious gift of time.
Highlights
Conquer Fanxipan Mountain, the “Roof of Indochina,” for an unforgettable sense of achievement.
Immerse yourself in vibrant hill tribe culture and discover traditional life in remote mountain villages.
Experience Vietnam’s breathtaking natural beauty, from terraced rice fields to misty forest trails.
Enjoy authentic local cuisine and warm hospitality throughout your journey.
Join an inspiring team of other Gutsy trekkers and unite in your mission to raise vital funds and awareness for gastrointestinal cancers!
22 - 28 February 2027
Travel dates
$390
Registration fee
$2,710
Trip cost
Paid upfront or in instalments
*Minimum numbers apply
Up to 45km
Trekking distance
3/5
Challenge grade
$3,000
Fundraising target
For more information and to register your interest, please complete the form:
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Monday, 22 February 2027: Arrive in Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, make your own way to the hotel to get ready for our first team dinner at a local restaurant this evening. You can pre-book an airport transfer for an additional cost if you prefer.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Meals: D
Day 2, Tuesday, 23 February 2027: Hanoi to Sapa
This morning we will transfer from Hanoi to the mountainous region of Sapa. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, Sapa is surrounded by terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and towering peaks. Home to various ethnic minority groups, such as the Hmong, Dao, and Tay, Sapa offers a rich cultural tapestry with colourful markets, traditional villages, and vibrant festivals. En route to Sapa, we will experience the meeting point of cultures between China and Vietnam at the border before heading to lunch. Afterwards, we will set off for our first trek from Hang Da Village to Ban Sao Chua. Traverse a less-trodden trail as we descend through local villages, a lush valley and verdant hillsides, enveloped by the serene beauty of nature.
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Trekking distance: 7 km (2-3 hours)
Meals: B L D
Day 3, Wednesday, 24 February 2027: Sapa
Today we will embark on a walking adventure in Sapa to explore the picturesque route of local villages: Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai and Ta Van. We will Immerse ourselves in the cultural tapestry as we traverse these charming villages. Along the way, we will see vast paddy fields nestled into the mountainside, providing a stunning backdrop for the day's excursion. There is the chance to experience a herbal foot bath at the Black Mong village in Lao Chai, a therapeutic touch to rejuvenate our senses amid the scenic surroundings. After the invigorating walk, we will indulge in a well-deserved lunch, savouring local flavours that complement the day’s exploration.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Trekking distance: 9 km (4-5 hours)
Meals: B L D
Day 4, Thursday, 25 February 2027: Ta Phin Village
After breakfast, we will set off to explore the rugged beauty of Vietnam with a trek along a buffalo trail to Ta Phin Village. This journey offers a genuine experience of Vietnam’s diverse terrain—dirt paths that tell tales of daily rural life, rocky streams that carve through the landscape, and sections of muddy buffalo trails. The trail occasionally steepens, presenting a rewarding challenge and should the weather hold up, views of Fanxipan from the top reward our climb. We will enjoy a picnic lunch before we head toward Ta Phin village for the afternoon.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Trekking distance: 11km (7 hours)
Meals: B L D
Day 5, Friday, 26 February 2027: Fanxipan Mountain
Today we embark on an exhilarating trek to conquer the summit of Fanxipan Mountain, standing proudly as the “Roof of Indochina” at a towering height of 3,147 metres. As we ascend to the top, be prepared for an awe-inspiring journey through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rocky terrains, each step bringing us closer to the breathtaking summit. This summiting experience of Fanxipan promises an extraordinary blend of adventure, natural beauty, and a sense of accomplishment, leaving us with memories that echo the majesty of Vietnam’s highest peak.
Accommodation: Rustic mountain lodge - Hoang Lien National Park
Trekking distance: 8 km (5 hours)
Meals: B L D
Day 6, Saturday, 27 February 2027: Sapa to Hanoi
We will be up early this morning to conquer the summit. Upon reaching the peak, we will spend time revelling in the panoramic vistas that unfold before us, showcasing the unparalleled beauty of the surrounding landscapes. From the top, we will take the cable car down, providing a unique perspective of the terrain we conquered. Following this enriching experience, bid farewell to Sapa as we will transfer back to the Capital of Vietnam.
Please note that the cable car is subject to weather conditions.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel
Trekking distance: 1 km (2 hours)- There is an option to change the cable car to a walk down, to make it more challenging (10km, 6 hours).
Meals: B L D
Day 7, Sunday, 28 February 2027: Depart Hanoi
This morning after breakfast we will check out of our hotel and say our goodbyes to our teammates and guides after a wonderful week. Make your way to the airport for your flights back home!
Meals: B
Inclusions
Inclusions
Transfers as per itinerary
Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels based on twin-share and mountain lodge based on multi-share
Meals as per itinerary
Local English-speaking guide
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Porter service for Fanxipan peak (1 Porter for every 4 pax – 1 porter can carry maximum of 15 kg of luggage)
What's not included
International Flights
Airport Transfers
Travel insurance (compulsory)
Visas
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Camera/video entrance fees
FAQ's
How challenging is this adventure?
This adventure is ranked 3/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train.
The Vietnam trek is a physical challenge, and the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the experience. You will be well supported on the adventure by the expert guides and the wider team. You can move at your own pace and we take frequent rest breaks.
How many people will be on my adventure?
We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. This walk will be between 10 - 20 participants, connected by your passion for accessible eating disorder care.
Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?
Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we will connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.
What is the general age range of participants?
The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however younger ages are considered on application. We have had participants aged 16–84+ take part in our challenges, all united by their sense of philanthropy and adventure.
I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for?
Of course, we will happily arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. Please advise your local guide on Day 1 as well. You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner plus snacks while you’re on the adventure, but if you have a very specific dietary requirement or severe allergies, often it’s best to pack some extra things as back-up.
Do I have to carry my own bag?
On most adventures, you'll only need to carry a day bag with essentials for your day of activities. Your luggage/big backpacks will either stay at your accommodation, be transferred to your next accommodation, or will be carried by porters.
Who is Inspired Adventures?
GI Cancer Trials has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 20 years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over $50 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and Eating Disorders Victoria, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.
Resources
Download and share these Gutsy Challenge resources to spread the word and help fundraise!










