Ha Giang
2 days, 3 nights
AH-HG06
6/10
$202 USD
CUSTOMIZE TOUR Book Now
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, stand-up paddle boarding on the emerald Nho Que River, camping beneath the spectacular Tu San Canyon, 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

  • Paddle by SUP through the majestic Tu San Canyon
  • 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
  • Stay in Thon Tha Village, a Tay community near Ha Giang City
  • Visit Sung La Valley and Pao’s House, one of Ha Giang’s best-known cultural stops
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 2 days, 3 nights

  • Destination: Ha Giang

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 5 people

  • Best time: Sep - Mar

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

ITINERARY
Night 1: Hanoi - Thon Tha Village (Ha Giang City)

18:00 Meet your guide at the designated pick-up point in Hanoi. Transfer by vehicle to Ha Giang City. On the way, stop for a short break and dinner in Yen Bai.

24:00 Arrive in Ha Giang City and check in at a Tay ethnic minority homestay in Thon Tha Village, located near the city.

* Accommodation: Homestay  

* Meals included: Dinner not included 

 

Day 2: Ha Giang City - Dong Van - White Cliff Trail - Tu San Canyon - Camping

06:00 Early departure for Dong Van. Breakfast stop at a local pho restaurant in Trang Kim, Quan Ba, then continue the drive toward Dong Van.

11:00 Arrive in Dong Van and have lunch at a local restaurant.

13:00 Transfer to the White Cliff trekking point for a scenic hike of around 7 km. This trail offers spectacular views over the Nho Que River, Tu San Canyon, and the dramatic landscape below Ma Pi Leng Pass.

After the trek, transfer by motorbike taxi to Ta Lang boat pier.

15:30 Begin your SUP journey from Ta Lang into the magnificent Tu San Canyon. After paddling, sightseeing, and photo stops, continue on the water to the riverside campsite along the Nho Que River.

Settle into camp, relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night surrounded by one of Ha Giang’s most breathtaking landscapes.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  

* Accommodation: Camping  

 

Day 3: Meo Vac - Sung La - Vuong Mansion - Hanoi

07:30 Breakfast at the campsite. Return by boat, then continue by vehicle to Sung La Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. This area is home to local ethnic communities and is also known for Pao’s House, the Hmong house used as a filming location in The Story of Pao.

12:00 After visiting the area, return toward Dong Van for lunch.

13:00 Continue to the Vuong Mansion on the way back toward Ha Giang.

18:00 Dinner in Ha Giang City.

23:00 Arrive back in Hanoi. End of the program.

*Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch  

*The Meo Vac weekly market takes place every Sunday in the center of Meo Vac town, starting from around 4 AM to 4 PM. Visiting the highland market is an interesting experience.

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Private car throughout the route
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary
  • Motorbike taxi to Ta Lang
  • Kayak/SUP and equipment
  • Supporting boat
  • Homestay in Tha village
  • Camping at Nho Que River
  • Tour guides
  • Daily drinking water
  • Fee for entrance tickets
  • Travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Other kinds of beverage unlist in the tour program
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  •  Beverages during meals 

 

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking pole
  • Insect repellent
  • First-aid kit
  • Gloves
  • Backpack (10L)
  • Reusable bottle 

      What to bring: 

  • Hiking shoes/ walking sandals
  • Backpack (10L–20L)
  • clothing: long-sleeved swimwear (rash guard) or T-shirt and shorts
  • Sun protection: hat/cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Personal medications
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases
  • ID or passport

   Also recommended:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Spare clothing
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Multi - tool 
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking & SUP Paddling Notes

  • Distance: The trekking route is approximately 4 to 5 km per day and 4 km for paddling.
  • Terrain: We will explore the rustic, picturesque villages typical of Vietnam’s Northwestern highlands, where winding, narrow village paths create a charming yet accessible journey. The trekking routes consist mainly of small trails with gentle gradients, requiring minimal physical effort. Along the SUP paddling route, a jade-colored river meanders gracefully through a breathtaking natural landscape, surrounded by towering mountains often veiled in clouds year-round and terraced rice fields stretching all the way to the water’s edge.
  •  Suitability: This route 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.