Tay Con Linh, at 2,428 m, is the highest peak in Northeast Vietnam. A TVPalm climbing tour gives you a trek leader, Dao Ao Dai porters paid fairly, the border permit, and a start from TVPalm Ecolodge near Khuoi My.
The classic trip is 3 days and 2 nights: a rest day at the ecolodge, a walk through old Shan Tuyet tea forest and Dao Ao Dai villages to Xa Phin, then the summit. This guide explains the route, what is included and how to prepare.
Why climb Tay Con Linh with a local team?
Tay Con Linh is not a peak to climb alone. The terrain needs people who know it.
There are no boardwalks, only narrow hunting paths through a large area of primary cloud forest. The canopy can block GPS, and fog can bring visibility down to a few metres. The local team is what keeps you on the right ridge.
TVPalm builds each trip with the Tay Con Linh Sustainable Tourism Cooperative. The porters who carry your gear and cook your meals are Dao Ao Dai and Tay villagers, paid directly and fairly.
There is little room for error at altitude. Your trek leader carries a first-aid kit, a phone, and knows how to reach help from the nearest village or border post if conditions turn.
The 3-day, 2-night route
Day 1: arrive and rest at TVPalm Ecolodge
- In short: no walking, arrival in the early afternoon, a swim, an early night.
- The day: arrive at TVPalm Ecolodge in the early afternoon, check in to a private room, swim in the ecolodge’s mountain-spring pool, and rest before the walking days.
Day 2: through the Dao Ao Dai villages to Xa Phin (920 m)
- In short: about 12.5 km, villages, terraced fields and mountain streams.
- The day: walk through the Dao Ao Dai villages of Khuoi My and Lung Vai on the eastern slopes, then Na Mau and Xa Phin on the north-western side, past terraced fields, palm forest and streams. Lunch with a family. Dinner and night in a Dao Ao Dai homestay with a moss-covered roof in Xa Phin.
Day 3: the ranger hut, the 2,428 m summit, and back
- In short: about 14.5 km, about 600 m of climbing, 2.5 to 3 hours to the top.
- The day: leave Xa Phin at 06:00 and ride with an easy rider (about 1.5 hours) to the forest ranger hut at 1,800 m, a short stop only (no overnight stays, no camping). Climb about 600 m through primary forest to the 2,428 m granite summit, eat lunch at the top, then come down and ride back to Ha Giang City, the bus station or TVPalm Ecolodge.
The trip options compared
| Trip | Walking | Climbing | Night | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day: Na Thac ancient tea walk | About 3.25 km | Gentle (Na Thac gate 379 m to the tea garden 609 m) | Back to TVPalm Ecolodge | Families and casual walkers |
| 2 days, 1 night: summit trek | About 12.5 km + 14.5 km | About 600 m from the ranger hut (1,800 m) | Dao Ao Dai stilt-house homestay, Xa Phin | Fit walkers short on time (from 240 USD) |
| 3 days, 2 nights: summit trek | About 12.5 km + 14.5 km | About 600 m from the ranger hut (1,800 m) | TVPalm Ecolodge + homestay in Xa Phin | Those who want a rested start |
What is included, permits and getting there
What is included
- The team: an English-speaking trek leader and Dao Ao Dai porters (one porter for every two guests).
- Nights: one night in a Dao homestay in Xa Phin (clean bedding, mosquito nets, hot water) and one night in a private room at TVPalm Ecolodge.
- Meals: all meals, from breakfast to trail lunches and homestay dinners, with drinking water and fruit.
- Equipment: ask us what we can lend, such as trekking poles and dry bags.
The border permit (260,000 VND)
Tay Con Linh is in a border area, so foreigners need a Border Area Entry Permit (260,000 VND, about $10 per guest). TVPalm arranges it before your trek.
Getting from Hanoi to TVPalm Ecolodge
Take a sleeper bus or a limousine van from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Ha Giang City (about 6 hours). We can arrange the transfer from the bus station to TVPalm Ecolodge. Ha Giang has been part of Tuyen Quang province since July 2025.
Gear and fitness checklist
Prepare with this checklist:
- Worn-in trekking boots with deep lugs (5 mm or more), such as Vibram or Contagrip soles.
- Three layers: a quick-dry base layer, a fleece, and a light down jacket for cold mornings at the top.
- A light, breathable waterproof jacket with taped seams.
- A 20 to 30 L daypack with a 2-litre water bladder and a dry bag.
- A personal medical kit: blister plasters, rehydration salts and DEET insect repellent.
Tay Con Linh climbing tours: common questions
How big are the groups?
Every TVPalm trek is private, for your own group, usually no more than 6 to 8 trekkers. A trek leader and 3 to 4 Dao porters walk with you. Small groups are easier on the forest and safer on the trail.
Can I climb on my own?
Yes, as a private trip with your own trek leader and porter. TVPalm does not run shared departures.
