Multi Destination
3 days / 2 nights
AH-SL01
7/10
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WHY THIS TOUR?

Step away from everyday life and embark on a true expedition across the untamed waters of the Da (Black) River. Inspired by the spirit of classic wilderness adventures, this journey is about far more than reaching a destination—it's about embracing the adventure itself. Over several days, you'll paddle through spectacular river landscapes, camp beneath the stars, and experience the freedom of living close to nature. Along the way, you'll learn practical expedition skills, including SUP paddling, setting up camp, cooking over an open fire, brewing coffee in the wilderness, and experiencing the simple rhythms of life outdoors. The Black River Expedition is designed for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. While physically rewarding, the journey is accessible to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and a spirit of exploration. Supported by experienced guides and premium expedition equipment, you'll discover the beauty of self-powered travel while enjoying the safety and comfort of a professionally organized expedition.

In the end, it isn't just the 50 kilometers you paddle that you'll remember—it's the campfire conversations, the quiet mornings on the river, the breathtaking scenery, and the sense of achievement that comes from living simply in the wild.

Highlights

  • 50 km SUP expedition on the legendary Da (Black) River.
  • Camp in remote riverside locations surrounded by untouched nature.
  • Cook over an open fire, brew coffee outdoors, and experience authentic camp life.
  • Paddle through dramatic river scenery far from the crowds.
  • An unforgettable adventure where the journey is every bit as rewarding as the destination.
SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 3 days / 2 nights

  • Destination: Multi Destination

  • Group Size : 2 - 15 pax

  • Best Season: Oct - May

  • Difficulty level: 7/10

  • Activities: Paddle Boarding (SUP)

ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi – Van Yen (Son La) – Tuong Village

05:00 Meet your guide and driver at your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Van Yen, Son La Province. Along the way, stop at Thu Cuc for a local breakfast before continuing the journey into the Da River valley.

10:00 Arrive in Van Yen. Receive your expedition equipment, inflate the SUP boards, and transfer your main luggage to the support boat. Your guide will conduct a final safety briefing and equipment check before the expedition begins.

11:00 Launch your SUP and begin paddling downstream along the legendary Da (Black) River. Surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and vast reservoirs, this first section offers a perfect introduction to the scale and beauty of one of Vietnam's most iconic rivers.

12:00 Pause for a picnic lunch served aboard the support boat, allowing you to relax while taking in the spectacular scenery.

13:30 Continue paddling downstream toward Tuong Village. Along the way, pass remote Muong and Thai villages tucked along the riverbanks, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of communities that have depended on the Da River for generations.

16:00 Arrive at Tuong Village, a peaceful Thai ethnic community in Da Bac District, Hoa Binh Province. Together with your guides, set up camp beside the river and prepare for your first night in the wilderness.

18:30 Dinner at the campsite. Gather around the campfire to share stories from the day's adventure while your guide introduces the plan for tomorrow's expedition. Overnight in tents beneath the stars, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the river and forest.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 5 hrs/ Paddle boarding 6 hrs / Lunch break 45 mins

* Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner

Day 2: Tuong Village - Da Bia (Hoa Binh)

07:00 Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the river and enjoy a hearty breakfast with freshly brewed tea and coffee as the morning mist drifts across the water.

08:30 Pack up camp and carefully clean the campsite. Following our Leave No Trace principles, we ensure the area is left exactly as we found it.

09:00 Launch your SUP and continue paddling toward the heart of Hoa Binh Lake. Along the way, stop to visit Hang Mieng Temple, a sacred lakeside shrine that has long served as a spiritual landmark for local communities and travelers navigating the Da River.

12:00 Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch aboard the support boat while relaxing amidst the spectacular limestone mountains and tranquil waters of Hoa Binh Lake.

13:30 Continue paddling through increasingly remote and peaceful scenery as the lake widens into one of the most beautiful sections of the expedition. Towering limestone cliffs, forested hills, and quiet bays create an unforgettable backdrop for the afternoon's journey.

16:30 Arrive at Da Bia Village, a charming Thai ethnic community in Da Bac District. Recognized as one of Hoa Binh's leading community-based tourism destinations, the village offers an authentic insight into traditional Thai culture and hospitality. Check into a traditional stilt house and spend the evening with your local host family.

18:30 Enjoy a home-cooked dinner featuring traditional Thai cuisine. After dinner, relax with your hosts, share stories from the day's adventure, and receive a briefing on the final day of the expedition.

22:00 Overnight in a traditional Thai stilt house.

* Approx. Duration: Paddle boarding 7 hrs / Lunch break 45 mins

* Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner

Day 3: Da Bia - Ngoi Hoa Village - Hanoi

07:00 Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the village and enjoy a traditional breakfast with freshly brewed tea and coffee at the stilt house before the final day of the expedition.

08:00 Pack your belongings and transfer to the lakeshore, where your guide will organize the equipment and load your luggage onto the support boat.

09:00 Launch your SUP for the final leg of the expedition toward Ngoi Hoa Bay. Today's route offers a dramatic change in scenery as you leave the narrow river valley behind and paddle across the vast waters of Hoa Binh Lake. Glide beneath towering limestone cliffs, explore secluded bays, and take in the breathtaking mountain landscapes that define this remarkable reservoir.

12:00 Board the support boat for a short transfer to a traditional floating house in the heart of the bay. Enjoy a freshly prepared local lunch while soaking in the peaceful surroundings and panoramic lake views.

14:00 After lunch, board the support boat for the final transfer to Ngoi Hoa Port, where your vehicle will be waiting.

16:00 Depart for Hanoi, leaving behind the tranquil waters and spectacular landscapes of the Da River and Hoa Binh Lake.

18:00 Arrive in Hanoi. End of the expedition.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 2 hrs/ Paddle boarding 3 hrs / Lunch break 1 hr

* Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

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Inclusion:

  • Round-trip vehicle transfers: Hanoi – Van Yen and Ngoi Hoa – Hanoi
  • Dedicated support boat throughout the expedition
  • Premium inflatable SUP board and paddling equipment
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • 1 night camping with full camping equipment
  • 1 night at a traditional village homestay
  • Drinking water and light snacks provided daily during the expedition
  • All entrance fees and sightseeing tickets
  • Experienced English-speaking guide and local support team
  • Domestic travel insurance

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

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Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Inflatble SUP
  • Life jacket
  • Dry bag
  • Camping gear
  • First-aid kit. 

What to bring: 

  • Water shoes or sandals suitable for paddling
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing or a rash guard
  • Sun hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • A change of clothes
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Warm layers (thermal base layers, fleece jacket, or a lightweight down jacket) for cool evenings or winter departures
  • A beanie or warm hat and insulated gloves (recommended during the winter season)
  • Personal electronics (mobile phone, camera, power bank, etc.)
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Valid ID card or passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pocket-knife or multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. SUP Notes

  • Distance: Approximately 50 km over 3 days, paddling downstream from Van Yen to Ngoi Hoa on the Da (Black) River and Hoa Binh Lake.
  • Route: The expedition follows a combination of broad river channels and the open waters of Hoa Binh Lake. The route features calm flatwater, gentle currents, towering limestone cliffs, remote Muong and Thai villages, secluded bays, and pristine riverside campsites. Most sections are suitable for expedition paddling, with occasional crossings of wider, more open water where wind conditions may vary.
  • Suitability: Suitable for paddlers with a reasonable level of fitness and a sense of adventure. Previous SUP experience is recommended but not essential, as a full safety briefing and paddling instruction are provided before departure. Participants should be comfortable paddling for several hours each day and camping in basic outdoor conditions.

2. Accommodation 

  • Camping: One night will be spent camping beside the Da River in a remote natural setting. We provide high-quality expedition tents, sleeping mats, and all essential camping equipment. Guests are encouraged to take part in setting up camp, preparing meals, and helping with simple camp tasks as part of the expedition experience. 
  • Village Homestay: One night will be spent in a traditional Thai stilt house in Da Bia Village. Accommodation is simple, clean, and comfortable, with mattresses, pillows, blankets, shared bathrooms, and hot showers. Staying with a local host family offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Thai hospitality, home-cooked cuisine, and the peaceful rhythm of village life.

3. Food & Water

  • Breakfast: Freshly prepared breakfasts are served each morning at the campsite or homestay, accompanied by hot tea and coffee.
  • Lunch: Lunch is typically served on the support boat or at a scenic riverside location. Meals consist of cold, ready-to-eat foods that are nutritious, varied, and easy to enjoy during the expedition without interrupting the paddling schedule.
  • Dinner: Dinner is freshly cooked each evening using local ingredients. Enjoy hearty meals prepared by the support team or your local hosts, offering a warm and satisfying end to each day of adventure.
  • Water & Energy: Clean, safe drinking water and energy-boosting snacks (such as fresh fruits or local treats) are supplied daily during the tour. 
  • Hot beverages: Complimentary hot tea and coffee will be available at the shelter during breakfast.

4. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment.
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

5. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.