Ha Giang
4 days/ 3 nights
AH-HG01
6/10
$251 USD
WHY THIS TOUR?

This journey is ideal for travelers who want to experience the wildest and most dramatic side of northern Vietnam in an active and immersive way. Combining scenic overland travel, cliffside trekking, kayaking on the emerald Nho Que River, camping beneath the spectacular Tu San Gorge, and visits to culturally rich highland communities, the tour offers a rare mix of adventure and authenticity. It is especially appealing for guests seeking more than a sightseeing trip—those who want to move through the landscape, sleep close to nature, and connect with the remote spirit of Ha Giang’s border region. The route sits within the wider Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark, while Ma Pi Leng, Nho Que, and Tu San are among the province’s most iconic natural highlights.

Highlights

  • Kayaking through the majestic Tu San Gorge
  • Trek along dramatic cliffside trails overlooking the Nho Que River and Ma Pi Leng Pass
  • Camp beside the river in a truly remote mountain setting
  • Visit Sung La Valley, one of Ha Giang’s best-known cultural stops
SUMMARY
  • Start / Finish Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 4 days/ 3 nights

  • Destination: Ha Giang

  • Group Size : 2 - 15 pax

  • Best Season: Sep - Mar

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking, Kayaking

ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Thon Tha Village

07:00 Meet your guide and driver at your hotel and depart for Ha Giang, Vietnam’s northern frontier. Enjoy a comfortable drive with several refreshment stops along the way.

12:30 Arrive at Thon Tha Village, a peaceful Tay community nestled in the foothills just outside Ha Giang City. Enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch in a local stilt house.

13:30 Set out on an easy afternoon hike through the countryside to Khuoi My and Lung Vai villages. Walk along quiet trails, visit local homes, and gain insight into the daily life and traditions of the Tay and Dao ethnic communities.

17:30 Return to Thon Tha Village. Check into your homestay and enjoy time to relax, shower, or explore the village at your own pace.

19:00 Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your hosts. Overnight in a traditional Tay stilt house.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 5 hrs / Hiking 2-3 hrs 

* Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Thon Tha Village – Yen Minh – Sung La Valley – Lo Lo Chai Village

07:30 Enjoy breakfast with locally grown tea or freshly brewed coffee before checking out.

08:00 Begin your journey into the spectacular Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate for panoramic views over the famous Twin Hills and surrounding mountains.

11:30 Lunch at a local restaurant in Yen Minh Town.

13:00 Continue to Sung La Valley, one of the most picturesque valleys in Ha Giang. Visit the historic H’mong house in Lung Cam Village, made famous by the film The Story of Pao. Continue to Lao Xa Village, renowned for its traditional silver-making craft. Observe local artisans creating intricate jewelry using techniques passed down through generations.

15:30 Drive to Sa Phin Valley to visit the former residence of the H’mong King. Explore this remarkable palace, which blends Chinese, H’mong, and French architectural influences.

17:00 Arrive at Lo Lo Chai Village, a charming earthen-house village located at the foot of Lung Cu Flag Tower. Check into your cozy homestay hosted by a local Lo Lo family and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village.

19:00 Dinner featuring local specialties or a traditional hotpot. Overnight in Lo Lo Chai Village.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 6 hrs / Walking 2 hrs 

* Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lo Lo Chai Village – Lung Cu Flag Tower – Then Pa Village – White Cliff Trail – Nho Que Riverside Camp

07:30 Enjoy breakfast at the homestay and a leisurely morning coffee before departing.

08:30 Visit Lung Cu Flag Tower, the symbolic northernmost point of Vietnam. Climb to the summit for sweeping views across the borderlands and surrounding mountains.

10:30 Continue to Then Pa Village, a hidden H’mong settlement known for its ancient trees, pine forests, and dramatic limestone landscapes.

12:00 Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local H’mong homestay in Then Pa Village. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic local hospitality and learn more about daily life in one of the most remote communities of the Dong Van Karst Plateau.

13:30 Arrive at the trailhead of the White Cliff Trail. Hike along a spectacular path carved into the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of Ma Pi Leng Pass, Tu San Gorge, and the emerald waters of the Nho Que River far below.

16:00 Complete the trek and relax with a drink at a scenic mountain-view café.

16:30 Descend to the Nho Que River wharf and board a boat to your secluded riverside campsite deep inside Tu San Gorge. Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing, or simply soaking in the extraordinary scenery.

18:30 Enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ dinner beneath the stars, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Overnight in comfortable tents beside the river.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 3 hrs / Hiking 3 hrs 

* Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Nho Que Riverside Camp – Kayaking – Ta Lang Wharf – Quan Ba – Hanoi

07:00 Begin the day with a short kayaking excursion along the emerald waters of the Nho Que River. Paddle beneath the towering cliffs of Tu San Gorge, considered the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.

08:00 Return to camp for breakfast and freshly brewed coffee.

09:00 Board a boat back to Ta Lang Wharf and begin the return journey through the Dong Van Karst Plateau.

12:30 Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Quan Ba.

13:30 Continue the drive back to Hanoi via Ha Giang City. 

19:30 – 20:30 Dinner break in Yen Bai or Tuyen Quang. Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Trip concludes.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 9 hrs / Kayaking 1 hr 

* Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Vehical for the whole trip
  • English-speaking tour guide.
  • 02 nights in village homestays
  • 01 night camping
  • All meals indicated in the daily itinerary.
  • Kayak & life jacket
  • Drinking water and snacks provided daily. 
  • All sightseeing fees & permits.
  • 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

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Hiking pole
  • Sit-on-top kayak
  • Life jacket
  • First-aid kit. 

What to bring: 

  • A small daypack (10L–15L) for day hike
  • Walking shoes & Sandals
  • Clothing by season:
  • + Summer: Lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking jerseys/shirts; cycling shorts (padded shorts highly recommended); sun hat/cap; sunglasses; and UV sunscreen.
    + Winter: Layered clothing (thermal base layers, windproof fleece); warm beanie to wear under the helmet; and insulated gloves.
  • Lightweight rain jacket.
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Folding knife or multi-tool
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Suitability: This trip is ideal for most fitness levels, including beginners. Families are welcome, children from 6 to 10 years old are eligible to participate.

2. 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. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable Reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

3. 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.
  • Physical fitness: Train by running or kayaking/SUP at least two weeks in advance. Run 2–3 sessions per week, about 5 km per session. Alternatively, paddle 2–3 sessions per week, covering 5–7 km per session.
  • 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.