Son La
2 days, 3 nights
AH-SL02
6/10
$155 USD
DESCRIBE

Samu - U Bo Peak (also known as Samu Peak) is one of the three peaks in the Devil's Triangle area (as the locals call it), belonging to the Ta Xua special-use forest. The peak is 2756m high and is located on the border of Yen Bai and Son La provinces. Around March and April every year, this place is the kingdom of exotic flowers and herbs in the middle of the primeval forest full of mystery and magic, making many people wish to see this beautiful landscape with their own eyes. 

There are many trekking routes to conquer Sa Mu peak, but the easiest route with very beautiful scenery is the route starting from Xim Vang of Bac Yen, Son La, going to Samu peak, then going down the mountain by another way to return to Xim Vang. This route is not time-sensitive, so trekkers will have plenty of time to admire the extremely mysterious beauty of nature here.

Highlight

  • The 'gentle' trek route offers stunning scenery
  • Experiencing the most beautiful moss forests, ancient forests, and Samu forests along this trail.
  • Conquering 2 peaks: U Bo & Samu Cloud hunting and witnessing a beautiful sunrise at the summit
  • Soaking foot with herbal at the resting shed

 

SUMMARY
  • Departure Point: Ha Noi

  • Duration: 2 days, 3 nights

  • Destination: Son La

  • Activities: Trekking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Sep - Apr

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

ITINERARY
1st night: Ha Noi - Bac Yen - Ta Xua

18:00 - Arriving at the starting point and boarding the bus to Bac Yen, Son La. We will stop for dinner along the way (if necessary).

24:00 - Arriving at the homestay in Xim Vang. Staying overnight here.

* Dinner is not included.

 

2nd day: Xim Vang - U Bo (Overnight Shed)

06:30 - Waking up early for personal hygiene and having breakfast at the homestay.

07:00 - After having breakfast, having a cup of coffee while the guide briefs the group on today’s trekking route. Preparing your gear, and any unnecessary items can be left at the homestay for pickup the next day.

08:30 - Departing from the homestay and taking a motorbike taxi to the starting point. Today, we will trek for about 6 hours through sparse forests at the foot of the mountain, followed by moss-covered forests at higher elevations. The route includes some gentle slopes, not too challenging.

12:00 - Stopping for lunch in the forest. The porter team will prepare the meal for the group. After lunch, continue trekking to the overnight shelter at U Bo peak.

16:00 - Arriving at the overnight shed. Freshening up and changing clothes. The remaining time can be spent exploring the area around the campsite or relaxing by the fire until dinner.

18:00 - Having dinner. Finishing dinner, experiencing a hot herbal foot bath, socializing with other members of the group, and experiencing the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Sleeping overnight at the shelter.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

3rd day: Overnight Shed - Samu Peak - Xim Vang - Ha Noi

05:00 - Waking up early, having breakfast, and enjoying hot coffee or ginger tea.

06:00 - After breakfast, we will warm up and begin the final leg of the journey to reach Samu Peak. As we near the summit, we will pass through a mystical moss forest with many great photo opportunities. Samu Peak is about an hour's trek from U Bo Peak.

07:30 - Reaching Samu Peak, where the group will rest and take photos.

08:30 - Begin the descent. Along the way, we will pass by some massive ancient trees that are symbolic of Samu Peak.

12:00 - Stopping for lunch along the way.

15:30 - Coming back to the homestay for taking a shower and having a rest.

17:00 - Having dinner at the homestay.

19:00 - Boarding the bus back to Hanoi.

24:00 - Arriving in Hanoi. End of the tour.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi – Bac Yen – Ha Noi
  • Trekking equipments
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary 
  • Round-trip motorbike taxi
  • Tour guides & Porters
  • Homestay at Xim Vang 
  • Mountain shed
  • Soaking foot in herbal
  • 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

 

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by us:

  • Camping table and chairs
  • Trekking pole
  • Gloves
  • Water bottle
  • 10L backpack
  • Flashlight
  • Disposable raincoat
  • First aid bag 

Essential stuff you need to bring: 

  • Trekking shoes
  • Waterproof windbreaker, sweater or sweatshirt, thermal shirt, khaki pants or quick-dry pants, thermal pants
  • Phone, camera, spare battery, suitable waterproof case...
  • ID card or Passport

     

Other items you may consider to bring:

  • Spare clothes
  • Personal medicines
  • Flashlight
  • Towels, hand sanitizers, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper 
  • Multi-purpose tool
 
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Notes on the trekking route

  • This is a moderately difficult trekking route (6/10), comparable to Lao Than or Lung Cung. However, we will trek through dense forests with several short but steep sections, so it is recommended that you prepare physically before the trip (refer to the Physical Preparation Suggestions section). 
  • We advises carrying a 10L backpack with no more than 2kg of essential items for the hike, such as a wallet, phone, and water. Your personal belongings, such as clothes for changing at the camp, daily drinking water, and food for meals on the mountain, will be carried by the porter.

2. Sleeping on the mountain

  • The overnight shed on the mountain provides mattresses, sleeping bags, or blankets. The camp also has bathrooms and toilets. Hot water is not available in the showers, but if needed, you can purchase hot water directly from the porter (who boils water at the camp).

3. Food & drinks

  • Dinners on the mountain consist of hot meals prepared by the porter team (such as hot pot or grilled dishes). Breakfast is typically fried rice, instant noodles, or crepes. Lunch is usually cold food prepared in advance.
  • Drinking water on the mountain is boiled from stream water by the porter team for disinfection. Participants should bring a water bottle to refill for daily use. At the overnight camp, hot tea and coffee will be available before and after each meal.

4. Protecting the environment together

  • We supports and practices Leave No Trace principles in each program and outdoor activities itself. We also encourage our customers and partners to apply to Leave No Trace principles when traveling in the outdoor environment. See details about the Leave No Trace tại đây
  • In order to limit the use of single-use plastic, we encourages each of us to prepare for ourselves a bottle of water with a 1L capacity for daily water refilling.
  • On the tour, tourists comply with the instructions and regulations on environmental protection at the destination. 

5. Medical assistance

  • If you have cardiovascular disease or bone and joint diseases (knees, ankles, shoulder joints, etc.), you should consult your doctor before deciding to join the trip. 
  • The tour guide will carry a basic first aid kit. If you have any medical problems that require medication, you should bring your own medication.