1 Day Ancient Snow Shan Tea Trekking: Dao Eco – Heritage Trail
A Journey into the Mist – Discover the legendary Snow Shan Tea Hills
Small group · Local guides · Community-led trekking journey
KEY INFORMATION
1 Day
2 - 8 guests
Moderate (Gentle forest trails & tea hill slopes)
Approx. 8 – 10 km/day
English / Vietnamese
TVPalm Ecolodge
ABOUT THIS TOUR
This is a journey of “Aromas and Ancestors.” You will wander through Na Thac, a 300-year-old Dao Ao Dai settlement where life flows with the rhythm of the earth.
Beyond just a hike, this is a Living Heritage experience. You will stand among tea trees hundreds of years old, their roots entwined in mist and legend. Every interaction supports community empowerment, ensuring fair economic contributions to the Dao artisans who have guarded these forests for centuries.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Ha Giang city and having a briefing at TVPalm Ecolodge. Enjoy a welcome cup of tea while taking in the panoramic views of clouds drifting over the Ha Giang valley.
Begin your trek into Na Thac, a 300-year-old Dao Ao Dai settlement. Here, life flows with the rhythm of the earth. You will:
- Wander through ancient stilt houses and meet warm-hearted villagers.
- Observe traditional lifestyles and learn about high-altitude agriculture, including Tam That (Himalayan ginseng) and Cardamom.
- Witness how the community lives in perfect harmony with nature through fair-trade practices.
Ascend the eastern slopes of the Tay Con Linh range. This moderate trek follows gentle forest trails through:
- Lush tropical vegetation and whispering mountain streams.
- Ancient bamboo groves that lead you toward the high-altitude tea hills.
- Note: We strictly adhere to Leave-No-Trace principles to preserve this pristine ecosystem.
Stop at a secluded forest hut for a wholesome, organic lunch. Every dish is made from freshly harvested local ingredients—earthy, vibrant, and full of character. This meal is more than nourishment; it is a story of Dao culture, gratitude, and mountain wisdom.
Enter the legendary tea hills where 100-year-old trees stand tall in the mist.
- Artisanship: Join local experts to learn the “forest-to-cup” process: traditional picking, pan-firing, and hand-roasting.
- Education: Participate in a brief session on biodiversity and conservation of these ancient giants.
- Tasting: Savor the pure sweetness of Snow Shan tea (grown above 800m), letting its delicate aroma reveal centuries of history.
- Final Step: A personal waste check is conducted to ensure no plastic is left behind.
As the day slows, trek back to TVPalm Ecolodge.
- Recover: Soothe your muscles with the swimming pool.
- Reflection: Watch the sun dip behind the Tay Con Linh ridge, breathing in the silence of the forest and the cool mountain air.
- Back to Ha Giang city: End the trip!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS – WHY THIS TOUR
- 300-Year-old Dao heritage: Explore a traditional Dao Ao Dai village and witness the artistry of high-altitude living.
- Snow Shan tea experience: Learn the traditional handcrafting methods—from picking and pan-firing to brewing the perfect cup with local artisans.
- Ancient Tea forests: Trek through primary forests to find trees older than modern history, growing at altitudes above 800m.
- Regenerative Travel: Participate in a brief session on biodiversity conservation and follow strict Leave-No-Trace principles.
- Nature’s reward: End your day at the Cloud bar at TVPalm with marvelous sunset
DAY-BY-DAY INTENSITY SNAPSHOT
| Phase | Duration | Terrain | Intensity | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | ~3 Hours | Forest paths & Bamboo groves | Moderate | Trekking to Na Thac & Heritage walk |
| Midday | ~1 Hour | Forest Hut | Low | Organic “Farm-to-Table” Lunch |
| Afternoon | ~2 Hours | Tea slopes & Workshop | Low-Moderate | Ancient tea picking & Pan-firing |
| Late Afternoon | ~1 Hour | Gentle descent | Low | Return to TVPalm |
WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR / NOT FOR
Perfect for:
- Those who want to taste one of the world’s rarest teas at its source and learn the “Forest-to-Cup” process.
- Travelers seek culture, interested in the specific heritage of the Dao Ao Dai and their 300-year-old traditions.
- If you prefer “slow trekking” with time to stop, breathe, and photograph ancient bamboo groves and misty slopes.
- Sustainable Travelers: Anyone who values a zero-plastic journey and wants their visit to directly support local ethnic cooperatives.
Not suitable if:
- You expect 5-star luxury resorts or high-end city hotels.
- You have a serious knee: While moderate, the tea hills are steep and can be slippery.
- You prefer short, urban sightseeing over long mountain drives
SAFETY & FITNESS
- Fitness Requirement: Moderate. You should be comfortable walking 8-10km per day while the pace is slow
- Terrain: You will encounter some steep, narrow paths within the tea gardens. Good balance is helpful as these sections can be slippery, especially in the morning mist.
- Age Limits: This trek is suitable for most travelers with a basic level of fitness, including active seniors and families with children aged 10+.
- Protocols: Daily safety briefings and weather checks are mandatory
- Risk Management: Guides carry first aid kits; nearest hospitals are identified for all routes
- Weather Policy: Routes may be adjusted in real-time by the guide in case of heavy rain or high landslide risk to ensure absolute safety.
TOUR OPTIONS & PRICING
| Option | Price | Transfers | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | From $60 | No (Start at TVPalm Ecolodge) | No |
| Option 2 | From $78 | Pick up/Drop-off from your hotel in Ha Giang city | No |
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
- Accommodation: Not included
- Lunch: Organic, “farm-to-table” meals at local eateries, featuring seasonal mountain vegetables and local specialties.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Expert Team: English-speaking guide
- Entry: All entrance fees and border permits
- Safety Gear: Trekking poles, raincoat, first aid
- Insurance: Basic travel insurance during the tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Personal drinks (alcohol/soft drinks) and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and porters (Suggested: 200k VND/day/person)
- Personal medication or additional comprehensive insurance
BOOKING & PAYMENT
Advance booking is required to secure your spot. Once you reserve, our team will personally follow up with an invoice within 1 business day via email. To confirm your adventure, please deposit 30% to secure your spot within 72 hours.
Payment Methods: We accept Bank Transfers (VND/USD): PayPal, and Revolut (Highly Recommended).
(Why Revolut? It is the fastest way to pay and bypasses the hefty $25–$50 fees typically charged by traditional banks for SWIFT/International transfers.)
💡 Guide: Paying via Revolut (How to Avoid High Fees)
To ensure we receive the exact amount and you save on bank charges, please follow these steps:
- Exchange to VND first: Open your Revolut app, go to ‘Exchange’, and convert your currency (EUR/GBP/USD) into Vietnamese Dong (VND). Revolut offers the best interbank exchange rates.
- Start Transfer: Tap ‘Transfer’ -> ‘New’ -> ‘Add Bank Recipient’.
- Select ‘Business’ and choose ‘Vietnam’ as the country.
- Currency Selection: Ensure you select VND as the sending currency. This ensures the transfer goes through local networks, which is much cheaper and faster than SWIFT.
- Enter Details: Use the Account Name, Account Number, and Bank Name provided in your invoice.
- Reference: Please include your Invoice Number or Full Name so we can track your payment instantly.
✅ After Payment: Your Confirmation
Notify Us: Once your transfer is successful, please send a PDF or screenshot of the receipt to our email
Official Confirmation: Within 24 hours of receiving your proof of payment, we will send a Warm Confirmation Email containing your final trip details, packing list, and everything you need for the journey.
CANCELLATION, POSTPONEMENT, AND REFUND POLICY (EU-FRIENDLY)
Life happens, and we strive to be as flexible as possible. Our policy ensures fairness for your travel plans and our local team’s preparation:
- Standard Cancellation & Refunds:
- 30+ days before departure: 100% refund (minus the non-refundable deposit/transaction fees).
- 15–29 days before: 70% refund of the total tour value.
- 7–14 days before: 50% refund of the total tour value.
- Less than 7 days (including No-show): No refund (0%), as all logistics, vehicles, and guides are fully committed.
- Flexible Postponement:
- 15+ days before: Free postponement! Reschedule your adventure within 6 months at no extra cost.
- 7–14 days before: Postponement is available with a 30% adjustment fee to cover guide and logistics changes.
- Force Majeure: includes natural disasters (floods in Ha Giang/Cao Bang), epidemics, road damage, or sudden health issues (with medical certification). In such cases, 100% refund (minus transaction fees ~2-5%) or free postponement.
- Special Benefits & Flexibility:
- International Travelers: We offer an additional 3-month postponement window if you can provide proof of international flight changes.
- Repeat Adventurers: Enjoy a free first postponement and priority rescheduling.
- Note on Deposits: A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. While non-refundable, this deposit is transferable to any other TVPalm tour within 6 months if you cancel at least 15 days in advance.
TERMS & AMENDMENTS
We pride ourselves on personalized hospitality and flexibility. Our amendment policies are designed to be fair and stress-free:
- Deposit: 30% of the total tour value (or a minimum of VND 500,000 for day tours), non-refundable in all cases to confirm booking and cover preparation costs. Deposits can be transferred to another tour within 6 months if canceled early.
- Notification: Must be in writing (email, website form, or confirmed message) to record the time.
- Insurance: Customers are encouraged to purchase personal travel insurance. TVPalm provides basic tour insurance (covering accidents and emergency medical), but it does not include personal cancellations.
- Updates: Policy may be adjusted seasonally (rainy season in Northwest from June-September) or per legal regulations (Vietnam Tourism Law 2017). Always check the website before booking
- Free Adjustments: We are thrilled to tweak your dates or customize services for your perfect trip! Written requests made more than 15 days before departure are completely free of charge. (Note: Adjustments within 15 days may incur a small fee of VND 1,000,000 to cover logistics setup).
- Participant Swapping: You may transfer your spot to another person free of charge up to 3 days before departure, provided the new traveler meets our health and fitness guidelines.
- Midway Changes: If you feel under the weather during the tour, our caring guides will support you every step of the way and ensure your safe return. While unused portions of the tour cannot be refunded, your well-being remains our absolute priority.
PREPARATION & PACKING LIST
To ensure you have the most comfortable and safe experience in the high-altitude terrain of Ha Giang, we recommend preparing the following:
- Clothing: Quick-dry layers, long trekking pants (to prevent scratches/insects), and a waterproof windbreaker.
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots or sneakers with high-grip soles. No flip-flops for trekking.
- Personal Gear: Sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET 30% recommended), and polarized sunglasses to protect against the mountain sun.
- Electronics: Camera, power bank, and a waterproof dry bag for your phone
- Luggage: Bring a small daypack for your essentials. Larger suitcases or heavy luggage can be safely stored at TVPalm Ecolodge while you are on the trip.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Your journey directly supports the Tay Con Linh Community:
- Zero Waste: No single-use plastic policy.
- Reforestation: A portion of revenue funds our annual tree-planting program
- Education: We fund tourism skills and language training for local people










