2 Days 1 Night Khuoi My - Xa Phin Village Trekking
2 Days 1 Night Khuoi My - Xa Phin Village Trekking price
Trekking price
Booking Payment
This part sets out how bookings are made, confirmed, and paid for Khuoi My – Xa Phin Dao Village Trek. It must be read together with Part B (Cancellation, Postponement & Refund) and Part C (Terms & Amendments).
How to Book
Send your enquiry to info@tvpalm.com or WhatsApp +84 366 885 955. TVPalm will confirm availability, send a detailed quotation, and issue a booking invoice. The booking is confirmed only when the deposit is received and acknowledged by TVPalm in writing via email.
Deposit
| Tier | Deposit | Payment Deadline |
| Tier 2 — Village Trekking | 30% of total tour price | Within 72 hours of confirmed quotation |
- Bookings within 30 days of departure: deposit is due immediately.
- Deposit transfer: Deposits are non-refundable but transferable to another TVPalm Adventure tour or TVPalm Ecolodge stay within 6 months, provided written cancellation is received at least 15 days before the original departure date.
- Availability: Transfer is subject to availability and the price difference (if any) of the new booking.
Balance Payment
The remaining 70% of the total tour price is due at least 14 days before departure.
If the balance is not received by the deadline, TVPalm reserves the right to treat the booking as cancelled under Part B (Cancellation Policy).
Payment Methods
All prices are quoted in USD. VND payment is accepted at the exchange rate on the date of payment. For international guests, we accept three online transfer methods — fees differ significantly, so please choose the one that works best for you.
International Transfer — Wise, Revolut or PayPal
| Method | Typical Fee | Speed | Best For |
| Wise | ~0.5–1% (lowest) | Same day to 1 day | Most guests — best exchange rate |
| Revolut | ~0.5–1% (low) | Same day | Revolut account holders |
| PayPal | 4–5% (high) | Instant | Guests without Wise/Revolut only |
PayPal fees are charged to the guest. We recommend Wise or Revolut to keep more of your money for the trip.
- Wise & Revolut — send to: TVPALM CO., LTD, account 912325653157 — LPBank, Ha Giang Branch. Select « Business or charity » when setting up the transfer.
- PayPal — contact info@tvpalm.com or WhatsApp +84 366 885 955. We send a secure PayPal invoice with the total including the 4–5% processing fee stated up front.
Bank Transfer (Domestic)
- Account Holder: TVPALM CO., LTD
- Account Number: 912325653157
- Bank: LPBank — Ha Giang Branch
- Transfer description: [Your Full Name] – [Tour/Service Name] – [Date]
After transferring, send a photo of your receipt via WhatsApp or email for confirmation.
Card Payment
- Online: we send a secure payment link for Visa, Mastercard, or Amex. A processing fee of 2.7–3.0% applies depending on the provider.
- On-site (POS) at TVPalm Ecolodge (Khuoi My, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang) or the Hanoi office (667 Lac Long Quan, Tay Ho, Hanoi): cash (VND or USD) and card accepted. Card payments via the POS machine are subject to a 2.7–3.0% processing fee.
Quotation Validity
Quoted prices are valid for 7 days from the date of the quotation. After 7 days, TVPalm reserves the right to adjust prices due to changes in transport costs, permit fees, or seasonal demand. Confirmed bookings (deposit paid and acknowledged) are locked at the quoted price.
Group Bookings
- Groups of 4 or more guests: 5% discount on the total tour price.
- Groups of 6 or more guests: 10% discount on the total tour price.
- Base rate: Group discounts apply to the base adult rate and cannot be combined with other promotions.
- Booking contact: One guest in the group is designated as the booking contact for all communication and policy matters.
Insurance
Tier 2 — Village Trekking
Personal travel insurance covering trekking activities is strongly recommended. TVPalm will ask for insurance details at booking but will not refuse participation for lack of proof.
All tiers: PVI Inbound Insurance — basic accident cover — is included in the tour price. This does not fully cover trekking, altitude sickness, or emergency medical evacuation. It is a safety net, not a substitute for personal insurance.
Pricing — Children
Child pricing follows the TVPalm Child Policy published at tvpalm.com/policy/. Key points for this tour:
Children aged 10–13 are accepted with parental supervision and TVPalm’s written approval. Children under 10 are not accepted on this tour.
Children under 6: not recommended for any trekking or walking product without direct consultation with TVPalm.
Health & Fitness Requirements
Form required: Medical Self-Declaration Form — must be completed at booking.
Guests with serious joint or cardiovascular conditions should contact TVPalm before booking. Guests over 65: talk to TVPalm first for an honest assessment.
Cancellation, Postponement, and Refund Policy (EU-Friendly)
TVPalm prepares every journey weeks before departure: guides, porters (where applicable), homestays, permits, meals, and local partners in Khuoi My, Lung Vai, Xa Phin, Mao Phin, and Nam Te. Many of these commitments are locked in early and cannot be reversed. This policy exists so guests understand what they are committing to, and so the local people who work with TVPalm do not carry the loss when a booking is cancelled at short notice.
Non-refundable Deposit: 30%
A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour price is required to confirm the booking. Deposit must be paid within 72 hours of receiving the confirmed quotation. For bookings made within 30 days of departure, deposit is due immediately.
The deposit reflects early commitments with local Dao guides, homestay families (where applicable), and community partners. The deposit may be transferred to another TVPalm Adventure tour or a TVPalm Ecolodge stay within 6 months, provided written cancellation is received at least 15 days before the original departure date.
Cancellation Schedule
Time of cancellation is measured from the date TVPalm receives written notification at info@tvpalm.com.
| Time before departure | Refund |
| 30 days or more | 70% refund of total tour price (deposit forfeited) |
| 15 – 29 days | 40% refund of total tour price |
| 7 – 14 days | 20% refund of total tour price |
| Less than 7 days / no-show | No refund |
Flexible Postponement
TVPalm encourages guests to postpone rather than cancel whenever possible.
- 15 days or more before departure: one free postponement within 6 months, subject to guide, weather, and community availability.
- 7 – 14 days before departure: postponement accepted with a 20% adjustment fee.
- Less than 7 days before departure: postponement subject to written approval; non-recoverable costs may apply.
Additional Requirements
- Insurance: personal travel insurance covering trekking activities is strongly recommended. TVPalm will not refuse participation for lack of proof.
- Medical Self-Declaration: mandatory at booking. Failure to complete: no trek, with standard cancellation terms.
Cancellation by the Guest
Cancellation for personal reasons within the guest’s control — change of plans, personal scheduling, international flight cancellation, visa denial, or guest illness before departure — is handled under the Cancellation Schedule (Section B2). These situations are not force majeure and, where insurable, should be covered by the guest’s personal travel insurance. TVPalm always encourages postponement (Section B3) over cancellation.
Cancellation Due to Weather & Trail Safety
Mountain weather is the most common reason a trekking or walking tour is affected. TVPalm follows a safety-first rule that never bends to close a booking:
- Guide authority: the lead guide may reroute, shorten, or turn back a tour due to heavy rain, fog, landslide risk, flooded streams, or unsafe trail conditions. That decision is final and is made for guest safety, not convenience.
- If the tour cannot start because conditions are unsafe: TVPalm offers free postponement with the deposit carried forward, an alternative date, or an alternative itinerary of equivalent value.
- If the tour is interrupted mid-way for safety reasons: TVPalm assists with a safe return and offers to rebook the remaining portion on another departure at no additional service fee, subject to availability. Unused portions already delivered are non-refundable (Section B11).
- Normal mountain weather — mist, cold, light rain, cloud cover that hides the view — is part of the experience and is not grounds for cancellation or refund. We state this honestly before you book: the summit and the sea of clouds are a chance, never a promise.
Force Majeure (Objective External Events)
If events beyond the control of either party — natural disasters, floods, landslides, road closures, typhoons or prolonged severe weather, epidemics, government restrictions, border closures, or serious medical emergencies (with valid documentation) — prevent the tour from proceeding, TVPalm will offer:
- (a) Free postponement to a later date with the deposit fully carried forward.
- (b) An alternative itinerary of equivalent value where possible.
- (c) Partial refund after deducting non-recoverable costs already incurred at the time of cancellation.
Non-recoverable costs for this tour typically include: village entry permits already issued, homestay reservations locked in with Dao host families, prepaid guide fees, food already purchased for the trek, and non-refundable transport deposits. In case (c), TVPalm will provide a written breakdown of deducted costs upon request.
Cancellation by TVPalm
- Internal reasons (staffing, scheduling, minimum-numbers not met): full 100% refund — including the deposit — plus the option of free rescheduling at no additional cost.
- Safety, weather, or external reasons: Sections B6 (Weather & Trail Safety) and B7 (Force Majeure) apply.
- TVPalm’s approach: we will always try to offer an alternative date or itinerary before refunding.
Written Request
All cancellation, postponement, or change requests must be submitted in writing to info@tvpalm.com. Zalo and WhatsApp messages are not valid until confirmed by email. The effective cancellation date is the date TVPalm receives and confirms the written request.
Refund Processing
- Timeline: approved refunds are processed within 15 to 30 business days from the date TVPalm confirms the cancellation in writing.
- Payment method: refunds are issued to the same payment method used for the original booking.
- Bank fees: international bank transfer fees are the guest’s responsibility.
No Refund for Unused Services
No refund is provided for unused portions of the tour — meals not taken, nights not stayed (if applicable), activities not joined — whether by guest choice or by circumstances within the guest’s control.
If the interruption is caused by a guide decision for safety reasons, TVPalm will offer to rebook the remaining service on another available departure at no additional service fee, subject to availability.
Special Conditions
International Travelers
If you can provide written proof of flight changes or airline cancellation, TVPalm offers an additional 3-month postponement window beyond the standard 6-month window. Proof (airline confirmation, boarding pass change, cancellation email) must be submitted with the postponement request.
Repeat Guests
Guests who have completed a previous TVPalm Adventure or TVPalm Ecolodge booking are entitled to:
- One free postponement without the adjustment fee, even within the shorter notice window.
- Priority rescheduling on the new date, subject to guide, weather, and community availability.
- The Medical Self-Declaration Form is still required for the rescheduled tour.
Terms & Amendments
Scope
These Terms & Amendments cover the general conditions of participation, communication, and changes made to a confirmed booking for Khuoi My – Xa Phin Dao Village Trek. They must be read together with Part A (Booking & Payment) and Part B (Cancellation, Postponement & Refund). In the event of any inconsistency, the tier-specific section in Part B takes precedence.
Notification
All requests for cancellation, postponement, amendment, or substitution must be submitted in writing to info@tvpalm.com. This is the only official channel of record. Zalo, WhatsApp, Telegram, and other instant messaging channels are used for coordination but have no contractual effect until confirmed by TVPalm via email.
Amendment
Amendment means a change to the services within a confirmed booking — guide language preference, additional or fewer participants, meal preferences, accommodation upgrade, or similar. Amendment is not the same as postponement (change of date) or cancellation.
- More than 15 days before departure: amendments are free of charge, subject to availability.
- 15 days or less before departure: an amendment fee of VND 1,000,000 (flat) applies, to cover re-arranging logistics, permits, and local coordination.
- Additional cost: any additional cost of the new service is charged on top of the amendment fee.
- Not arrangeable: if a requested amendment cannot be arranged, TVPalm will notify the guest in writing. If agreed, the request is treated as a cancellation under Part B.
Participant Substitution
A booking may be transferred to another person free of charge, provided the request is made in writing at least 5 days before departure — because homestay paperwork must be updated.
The new participant must:
- Meet the tour’s health and fitness requirements (Part A, Section A9).
- Complete the required Medical Self-Declaration Form.
- Provide passport and visa details for international guests.
- Hold valid insurance under the conditions in Part A, Section A7, if the tour requires it.
During the Tour
- Guide authority: guides have the final authority on all safety-related decisions during the tour — including trail reroutes, early returns, and group pacing. That decision is final.
- Guest conduct: guests are expected to follow safety instructions and briefings at all times. Failure to do so may result in the tour being discontinued for that guest without refund.
- Interruption: if a guest is unable to continue due to health, safety, or personal reasons, the guide will assist with a safe return to the nearest village, Ecolodge, or transport hub. Unused portions are non-refundable (Section B11).
- Extra costs: any additional cost incurred (extra nights, private transport, medical treatment) is the responsibility of the guest and their travel insurance.
Leave No Trace
All trekking and walking tours operate under TVPalm’s Leave No Trace policy. Single-use plastic is not permitted on the trail. TVPalm provides reusable water bottles and refill points. Guests who bring single-use plastic will be asked to leave it at the Ecolodge before departure. This is enforced, not requested.
Intellectual Property & Photography
Guests consent to TVPalm using photos and videos taken during the tour for marketing and editorial purposes, unless the guest notifies TVPalm in writing before departure. Drone use is not permitted without TVPalm’s prior written approval and compliance with Vietnamese aviation regulations.
Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These terms are governed by the laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Disputes will be resolved first through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, the matter may be referred to the competent court in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Language
TVPalm may issue policy documents in English and Vietnamese. In the event of any discrepancy, the English text prevails for international bookings and the Vietnamese text prevails for domestic bookings.
Policy Updates
TVPalm may update these terms seasonally, particularly during the rainy season (June–September). The current version is published on tvpalm.com. For bookings already confirmed, the terms in effect at the time of booking apply, unless the change is required by law or by a matter of safety.
Tour Information
Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Group size
2 - 8 guests
Difficulty
Moderate
Daily distance
Approx. 10 - 12 km/day
Language
English / Vietnamese
Start/End
TVPalm Ecolodge
Transport
-
Accommodation
Private rooms (Homestay)
This is the trek we would take a friend on. Two days on foot through the Dao Ao Dai villages of the Tay Con Linh slopes — Khuoi My, Lung Vai, Na Mau, Xa Phin, Mao Phin — with a night at a family homestay, and not a single engine between morning and evening.
Xa Phin is the reason people come: a village where the high mountain humidity grows a carpet of green moss over the palm-leaf roofs — one of the very few places in Vietnam where you can see it. Around it: bamboo forest, terraced fields, embroidery done by hand in doorways, and the everyday life of the community that TVPalm itself grew out of.
No summit to conquer here — the point is the pace. Slower than the Loop, gentler than the summit trek, and closer to daily life than either.
2 Days 1 Night Khuoi My - Xa Phin Tour Highlights
- The moss-roofed stilt houses of Xa Phin in the morning mist — one of the very few villages in Vietnam where the roofs turn velvet-green.
- An authentic night at a Dao family homestay — curtained sleeping area, shared bathroom, no pretending to be a hotel. This is real village life.
- Hand embroidery in Mao Phin, farm-to-table meals in Lung Vai and Nam Te — with the families, not performed for you.
- Bamboo forest, terraced fields, and the quiet paths between villages where our own team grew up.
- The finish: back at TVPalm Ecolodge by mid-afternoon on Day 2 — pool, sunset over the Tay Con Linh peaks, and the option of an extra night (Option 3).
- Zero single-use plastic on the trail: reusable bottles, refill stations, and a leave-no-trace briefing that we actually enforce.
Who Is the 2-Day 1-Night Khuoi My – Xa Phin Trekking Tour For?
Perfect for:
- Travelers who prioritize sustainability, zero-waste principles, and supporting local ethnic cooperatives.
- Those who want to move beyond the scenery and spend time learning about the Dao Ao Dai way of life, traditional embroidery, and ancient tea processing.
- If you want to capture the rare mossy roofs of Xa Phin or the misty bamboo forests without the rush of a motorbike tour.
- People who find peace in a 5-hour hike and prefer the sound of mountain streams over the roar of engines.
Not suitable if:
- You expect 5-star luxury resorts or high-end city hotels.
- You prefer short, urban sightseeing over long mountain drives
Accommodation & Meals
- Accommodation: Traditional Dao family homestay in Xa Phin — a real village home, not a hotel. Sleeping area is a communal wooden floor divided into curtained sections, with one section per couple for privacy. Thick blanket, mosquito net, pillows provided. Bathroom is shared, with hot water heated by wood fire.
- Breakfast: Served at the homestay on Day 2 — noodle soup or sticky rice with pork, fresh green tea harvested nearby.
- Lunch: Organic, farm-to-table meals at Dao family homes in Lung Vai (Day 1) and Nam Te (Day 2), featuring seasonal mountain vegetables and local specialties.
- Dinner: Hearty family-style meal at the Xa Phin homestay on Day 1 — rice, seasonal soup, wild vegetables, tofu, one or two meat dishes, herbal rice wine offered.
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.
- Direct Community Payments: Homestay families, guides, and porters are paid directly at fair Cooperative rates.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: TVPalm Ecolodge – Lung Vai – Xa Phin
- 09:00: Depart from TVPalm Ecolodge (Or pick-up from hotel in Ha Giang city). Start with a 6km scenic route to Lung Vai. Enjoy a brief Environmental Education Session regarding the local biodiversity conservation.
- 12:00: Savor a traditional lunch at a local Dao eatery. We conduct a Personal Waste Check here to ensure no plastic is left behind.
- 13:30: Trek through lush bamboo forests and Na Mau village, surrounded by golden terraced rice fields. Our path follows strict Leave-No-Trace principles.
- 17:30: Arrive at Xa Phin homestay. Relax as your Dao hosts prepare a farm-to-table dinner featuring forest specialties.
Overnight in Xa Phin
Day 2: Xa Phin – Mao Phin – Nam Te – TVPalm Ecolodge
- 08:00: Explore the mossy stilt houses of Xa Phin in the morning mist. Trek toward Mao Phin to meet Dao families and see their intricate traditional embroidery.
- 12:00: Enjoy a farewell village lunch in Nam Te before beginning the descent.
- 14:00: Transfer back to TVPalm Ecolodge.
- 16:00: The Grand Finale: Unwind by the swimming pool while watching the sun dip behind the Tay Con Linh peaks.
- 18:00: Late afternoon take a transfer back to Ha Giang City.
Day-by-Day Intensity Snapshot
| Day | Trekking Time | Distance | Difficulty | Key Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | ~4.5–5 Hours | ~12–15 km | Moderate | Bamboo forests, Na Mau terraces | Xa Phin Homestay |
| Day 2 | ~4–5 Hours | ~10–12 km | Easy–Mod | Mossy stilt houses, Mao Phin valley, & swimming pool | Back Ha Giang city |
Included / Excluded
- Cost Includes
- English-speaking guide and porters
- Motorbike transfer on Day 2 as per itinerary
- All entrance fees and permits
- Meals as marked (Day 1: L, D · Day 2: B, L)
- Trekking poles, raincoats, first aid
- Reusable water bottle with refills
- Basic PVI Inbound Insurance (Tier 2)
- Luggage storage at the Ecolodge
- 1 night at a Dao homestay in Xa Phin (curtained sleeping area)
- Cost Excludes
- Transfers beyond your chosen option
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips (suggested 200,000 VND per person per day)
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear (boots, waterproof clothing)
- Anything not listed as included
Useful Information
Safety & Fitness
Fitness requirement: Moderate. A friendly two-day walk through the Dao villages of the Tay Con Linh slopes — no summit to conquer, the point is the pace and the villages. Suitable for families and anyone with ordinary good fitness.
- Day 1 (Ecolodge to Xa Phin) — Moderate: 10–15 km over 4.5–5 hours. Quiet village footpaths, terraced field edges, bamboo forest, and some gentle forest sections that can be slippery after rain.
- Day 2 (Xa Phin to Mao Phin, Nam Te and back) — Moderate: 10–12 km over 4–5 hours, with a motorbike transfer for the final stretch back to the Ecolodge. Easier than Day 1.
Honest assessment: if you can walk 10–15 km in a day with breaks and are comfortable on uneven ground, you’ll enjoy this trek. It is well within reach for reasonably active travellers and families with children aged 10 and up. Good grip on your shoes matters more than anything else you pack.
Terrain
- Village paths: packed earth, stone steps, and terraced field edges between Khuoi My, Lung Vai, Na Mau, and Xa Phin. Easy to moderate.
- Forest and bamboo sections: narrow, shaded trails that can be muddy or slippery after rain or in morning dew. Nothing steep or exposed.
- Day 2 return: gentle descent, then a short motorbike transfer for the last stretch.
No summit. No altitude. No technical sections. A real trek, but a gentle one.
Who This Trek Is For
For: travellers aged roughly 10–65 with ordinary good fitness, families with active teenagers, photographers who want the moss-roofed villages and mist without a mountain ordeal, and anyone who prefers the sound of streams to the sound of engines.
Please talk to us first if: you have serious joint or cardiovascular problems, are pregnant, are travelling with children under 10, or are over 65 — we will give you an honest assessment and can adjust the pace. Guests expecting hotel amenities in the villages should know the homestay is a real family home, not a hotel.
Seasonal Weather & Best Time to Trek
The ideal trekking season runs from September to May, when the weather is cool, clear, and comfortable. Each season has its own character, and packing the right few items is all it takes to enjoy the villages fully.
| Season | What to Expect & How to Enjoy It |
| Sep – Dec (peak season) | The most popular time to trek: dry, cool, and stable, with golden rice terraces across the valleys. Easy to pack for — light layers plus a warm top for mornings and evenings. |
| Dec – Feb (crisp winter) | Clear, crisp days and beautifully quiet trails. Mornings and evenings are cold, and at Xa Phin (~1,200 m) frost is possible in mid-winter. Pack a thermal base layer, a fleece or light down top, long trousers, and a warm hat and gloves, and you’ll be comfortable all day. A lovely season for those who don’t mind the cold. |
| Mar – May (green spring) | Fresh green forest, blossoming trees, and soft mist that gives the mountains their magic. It is a little damp underfoot and forest leeches appear — nothing to worry about with the right kit: long socks pulled over the trouser leg, shoes with good grip, and your own small torch are all you need to enjoy it fully. |
| Jun – Aug (green wet season) | Lush, uncrowded, and vivid green, with warm rain. Trails are wetter, so a waterproof jacket and shoes with grip make the day easy. We schedule around the weather and run when conditions are good. |
Note: forest leeches are active in the damp months, roughly February to September. They are harmless but unpleasant — long socks keep them out.
Health & Insurance
- Medical Self-Declaration: a short form completed at booking. Tell us about knees, hearts, allergies, and medications before the trail, not on it. It takes a few minutes and helps the guide support you well.
- Insurance: personal travel insurance covering trekking is strongly recommended (not mandatory for this Tier 2 trek). PVI Inbound Insurance — basic accident cover — is included in the tour price. It is a safety net, not a substitute for your own policy.
- Gear check & briefing: every tour starts with a gear check and safety briefing at TVPalm Ecolodge. If your footwear is not suitable for wet trails, the guide will say so.
What the Guide Controls
- Daily weather check each morning. In heavy rain or landslide risk, the guide reroutes or shortens the day. That decision is final and is made for your safety.
- Pace setting: the guide sets the pace for the group and builds in regular breaks. This is not a race.
- Within reach at all times: the route stays close to the villages and the Ecolodge throughout. If you need to stop, a motorbike pickup can usually reach you within 30–60 minutes.
- First-aid & communication: the guide carries a first-aid kit. Nearest medical facility is in Ha Giang city (about 45 minutes by car from TVPalm Ecolodge).
- Leave No Trace: no single-use plastic on the trail. The guide checks rest points — nothing is left behind.
Policy Tier
Tier 2 — Village Trekking. Deposit: 30%. Balance due 14 days before departure. Medical Self-Declaration at booking. Personal trekking insurance strongly recommended. Full policy details in the TVPalm Adventure Booking & Payment Policy for Trekking & Walking Tours, available on request and at tvpalm.com.
Preparation & Packing
Pack for two days on village and forest trails at around 1,000–1,300 m. You carry only a daypack — porters and the motorbike transfer handle the rest. Mountain weather changes fast: cool mornings, midday sun, and afternoon showers can all happen in one day, so a few well-chosen items go a long way.
Clothing
- Moisture-wicking base layer (synthetic or merino). Avoid cotton — it stays wet and cold on the trail.
- Long trekking trousers (quick-dry, not jeans). No shorts on the trail: protection against scratches, leeches (damp months, February–September), and cold.
- Warm mid-layer: fleece or light down jacket. Essential November–February; useful for cold mornings year-round. Xa Phin is cold at night and the homestay is a traditional house, not a heated hotel.
- Waterproof rain jacket — mountain weather changes fast in every season.
- Warm hat and light gloves for winter mornings (November–February).
- Spare dry T-shirt and socks in a small dry bag.
Footwear
- Trekking shoes or boots with good grip — the single most important item. Not sneakers, not sandals. Wet, slippery trails demand good tread.
- Long socks — useful year-round; keep them handy in leech season (damp months). Pull them over the trouser leg.
- Gaiters — optional; helpful in the wet months to keep mud and leeches out.
Sun, Insect & Leech Protection
- Sunscreen and sun hat for clear days on exposed field paths.
- Insect repellent (and a little salt) — against leeches and tropical insects, especially February–August.
- Sunglasses for bright ridge and terrace sections.
Hydration, Electronics & Personal Items
- Reusable water bottle — we provide refill points. No single-use plastic on the trail.
- Personal headlamp or small torch — bring your own. Forest sections are shaded and homestay lighting is limited.
- Power bank — charging at the homestay is limited.
- Phone/camera in a zip-lock or dry bag — the forest is humid and rain can start without warning.
- Personal medications + small first-aid — prescriptions, blister plasters, painkillers. Carry them on you and tell the guide.
- Cash (small VND notes) — for tips, snacks, or handmade crafts in the villages.
- Earplugs — the homestay is a family home; roosters start early.
- Small gift for the host family (optional) — tea, coffee, or sweets for the children are always welcome.
What to Leave Behind & What TVPalm Provides
Large suitcases and anything you don’t need on the trail can be stored free at TVPalm Ecolodge. Bring only a daypack (20–30 litres): rain jacket, spare layer, water, snacks, camera, personal items.
- TVPalm provides: trekking poles (on request), raincoat backup, first-aid kit (carried by the guide), reusable water bottle if you don’t have one, and a reusable water bottle refill along the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coming from the US, Europe, or Australia, I am used to private, modern hotel amenities. What is the sleeping and bathroom situation really like at the traditional homestay?
The accommodation is an authentic Dao family home, not a hotel. You will sleep in a communal wooden floor area divided into private curtained sections (one section per couple), complete with a thick blanket, mosquito net, and pillows. The bathroom is shared with the family and other guests, featuring a hot water system heated by a wood fire.
The difficulty is listed as "moderate" with 10–12 km per day. As an average active traveler, should I worry about steep climbs or high altitude?
There are no summits to conquer and no extreme high-altitude sections to worry about (elevations range around 1,000–1,300 m). The terrain involves village paths, packed earth, stone steps, and some narrow forest sections that can be slippery. If you can comfortably walk 10–15 km in a day on uneven ground with breaks, you will thoroughly enjoy it.
Are the farm-to-table meals at local Dao family homes safe for foreign travelers, and can vegetarian or specific dietary needs be accommodated?
The tour features authentic, organic meals prepared by local Dao families in Lung Vai, Nam Te, and Xa Phin (consisting of rice, seasonal mountain vegetables, tofu, and local specialties). While the text highlights local meat dishes and fresh ingredients, it is always recommended to communicate any severe allergies or strict dietary requirements (such as vegetarianism) during your booking medical self-declaration so the team can prepare accordingly.
The itinerary mentions forest leeches during damp months (February to September). How serious is this, and how do I protect myself?
While forest leeches are harmless, they can be unpleasant. The solution is simple and traditional: pull your long socks up and over your trouser legs, wear shoes with good grip, and use a little insect repellent or salt. The guide will brief you thoroughly during the initial safety check at the Ecolodge.
What is the financial commitment required to secure this trek, and what are the payment terms?
This tour falls under Policy Tier 2 (Village Trekking). Securing your spot requires a 30% deposit, with the remaining balance due 14 days before departure. Additionally, completing a medical self-declaration form is required at booking, and personal travel insurance covering trekking is strongly recommended alongside the basic PVI inbound insurance included in the package.
Where can I find out more?
To find information, you can contact us or check out the FAQ page.
Our team responds within 24 hours. Tell us your dates and we will handle the rest.
Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Start / End
TVPalm Ecolodge
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2 - 8 guests
From
$155 / person
🔒 Non-refundable deposit -
Flexible rescheduling
(see policy)
