3 Days - 2 Nights Tay Con Linh Trekking Tour
Trekking price
Trekking price
Booking Payment
This part sets out how bookings are made, confirmed, and paid for Tay Con Linh Summit Trekking (2D1N & 3D2N). 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 3 — Summit Trekking | 45% of total tour price | Within 48 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 30 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 55% of the total tour price is due at least 21 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 3 — Summit Trekking
Personal international travel insurance covering adventure sports and medical evacuation is a mandatory booking requirement. Proof must be submitted at least 21 days before departure. Without proof, the booking is cancelled under standard cancellation terms.
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 under 14 are not accepted on Summit Trekking due to the 600 m high-altitude ascent and 5–7 hour trekking days. Families with younger children: consider the Dao Village Trek or Half-Day Walking instead.
Children under 6: not recommended for any trekking or walking product without direct consultation with TVPalm.
Health & Fitness Requirements
Form required: Health, Fitness & Trekking Participation Form — must be completed at least 14 days before departure.
Not accepted: guests with serious heart, respiratory, or blood-pressure conditions; pregnant guests; anyone with recent major surgery or unhealed injuries; children under 14; guests over 65 without certified medical clearance.
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 the Tay Con Linh summit route. 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: 45%
A non-refundable deposit of 45% of the total tour price is required to confirm the booking. Deposit must be paid within 48 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 30 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 |
| 45 days or more | 55% refund of total tour price (deposit forfeited) |
| 30 – 44 days | 30% refund of total tour price |
| 15 – 29 days | 15% refund of total tour price |
| Less than 15 days / no-show | No refund |
Flexible Postponement
TVPalm encourages guests to postpone rather than cancel whenever possible.
- 30 days or more before departure: one free postponement within 6 months, subject to guide, weather, and community availability.
- 15 – 29 days before departure: postponement accepted with a 30% adjustment fee.
- Less than 15 days before departure: postponement subject to written approval; non-recoverable costs may apply.
Additional Requirements
- Insurance with evacuation cover: proof mandatory at least 21 days before departure.
- Health, Fitness & Trekking Participation Form: mandatory at least 14 days before departure.
- No form or no proof — no trek, with standard cancellation terms applied.
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: forest entry permits already issued, homestay reservations locked in with Dao host families, prepaid guide and porter 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 Health, Fitness & Trekking Participation 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 Tay Con Linh Summit Trekking (2D1N & 3D2N). 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 7 days before departure — because forest entry permits must be reissued.
The new participant must:
- Meet the tour’s health and fitness requirements (Part A, Section A9).
- Complete the required Health, Fitness & Trekking Participation 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
3 Days / 2 Nights
Group size
2 - 8 guests
Difficulty
Challenging
Daily distance
Approx. 10–12 km/day
Language
English / Vietnamese
Start/End
Hanoi - Ha Giang - Hanoi
Transport
Expressway limousine
Accommodation
Ecolodge, Local Homestay
Same mountain. Same summit. Same villages and forest. But with an extra day that changes the experience.
The 3-day format starts from Hà Nội. Day 1 is the transfer — limousine to Hà Giang, then to TVPalm Ecolodge. You arrive in the early afternoon, check in to a private room, and spend the rest of the day doing nothing useful. Swim. Drink something at Cloud Bar. Watch the sun set behind the ridge. Go to bed early. The next two days are the trek.
Day 2, you walk 10 km through Dao Áo Dài villages — Khuoi My, Lung Vai, Na Mau, Xà Phin. Terraced fields, palm forest, mountain streams. Lunch in a family home. Dinner and overnight at a Dao homestay in Xà Phìn.
Day 3, you ride to base camp at 1,800 m, climb 600 m through primary rainforest to the summit at 2,429 m, eat lunch at the top, descend, and ride back. Limousine to Hà Nội in the evening.
The extra day matters. You arrive rested instead of rushed. Your legs are fresh for the village walk. You have time to sit on the Ecolodge terrace and look at the valley before diving into the forest. The 2D1N format works — but if you are flying in from abroad and want to absorb the place before the physical effort starts, the 3-day format is the better choice.
Same Tier 3 requirements: mandatory health form, proof of insurance, 45% deposit. Same Dao guides from the Tây Côn Lĩnh Sustainable Tourism Cooperative. Same mountain, same rules, same honesty.
Tour Highlights
The mountain nobody else operates on
Tay Con Linh is the highest peak in Northeast Vietnam at 2,429 m. There is no cable car, no ticket booth, no concrete path. TVPalm is the only licensed operator running guided treks to the summit through the Tay Con Linh Sustainable Ecotourism Cooperative — a team of 50 Dao ethnic members who built the trails, manage the forest, and know every ridge and weather shift on this mountain. You will not meet another tour group on the way up.
Primary forest — untouched, not restored
The forest on the upper slopes of Tay Con Linh is primary rainforest. Not replanted, not managed, not trimmed. The trees are covered in moss and lichen because they have been standing for a very long time. The canopy blocks most of the light. The air is noticeably cooler and wetter than the valley below. You walk through it, not around it.
Dao Áo Dài villages on the way up
The trek passes through Khuoi My, Lung Vai, Na Mau, and Xa Phin — working Dao Áo Dài settlements on the western slopes. These are not tourist villages. The houses are old, the paths are narrow, the terraced fields are real. You walk through because this is the trail, not because it has been set up as a stop. Your guide lives in one of these villages.
Summit at 2,429 m
The summit push is a 600 m altitude gain from base camp at ~1,800 m through ancient forest. The terrain is steep, rooted, and sometimes muddy. On a clear morning, you see the entire Ha Giang valley, the Chinese border range, and the cloud sea below. On a cloudy morning, you see nothing but white. Both are worth the climb.
Homestay in Xa Phin — not a guesthouse
You sleep in a Dao family’s home. A private room, a wood-frame bed, a shared bathroom. Dinner is cooked by the family from what the garden and the forest produce. Herbal rice wine is offered — you are not required to drink it. The house is quiet by 21:00. This is how the village lives, and you live with it for one night.
Snow Shan tea at altitude
Between Xa Phin and the base camp, you walk through ancient Snow Shan tea trees growing wild above 800 m. The guide will explain how the Dao harvest these trees — climbing by hand, picking only the top buds. If the season is right and time allows, you taste fresh tea on the trail.
Who This Tour Is For
This trek is for you if:
- You want a mountain that is not on the tourist circuit. Tay Con Linh has no Instagram crowd, no drone swarms, no selfie platforms. It is quiet, it is hard, and it is real.
- You can walk 5–7 hours a day on steep terrain. This is not a gentle hike. Day 1 is 10 km through villages and forest. The summit day is 8 km with a 600 m climb. You need to be fit enough to enjoy it, not just survive it.
- You are comfortable with basic accommodation. The homestay in Xà Phìn is a Dao family home. Clean, safe, private room — but no hot shower, no air conditioning, no minibar. If that sounds like an adventure rather than a problem, you belong here.
- You care about where your money goes. 100% of the guiding and porter fees go to the Tay Con Linh Sustainable Tourism Cooperative. The homestay income stays with the Dao family. The food is sourced locally. This is not a supply-chain tour.
- You want to be guided by people who live on this mountain. Your guide and porters are Dao members of the Cooperative. They built the trails. They know where the leeches are in July, where the cloud sea forms in October, and where to shelter if the weather turns. No hired guide from the city can give you this.
This trek is not for you if:
- You have serious heart, respiratory, or knee conditions. The summit push involves sustained steep climbing at altitude. If you have a condition that limits intense physical effort, this trek is not safe for you. Contact us before booking — we will tell you straight.
- You are under 14. Children under 14 are not accepted on summit trekking. The terrain and the physical demands are too high. Families with children aged 10–13 should consider the Khuoi My – Dao Village Trek (2D1N) instead.
- You expect hotel-standard facilities on the trail. There is no hot water at the homestay. Lunch on summit day is a packed meal eaten on the ground. If you need a proper bathroom every few hours, this is the wrong tour.
- You want a quick summit photo and nothing else. This trek is built around the journey, not just the peak. The villages, the forest, the homestay dinner, the morning walk through the tea trees — that is the experience. If you only want to tag the summit and leave, a helicopter would be faster.
- You are pregnant. Not accepted. No exceptions.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
Night 1 — TVPalm Ecolodge
Private room at TVPalm Ecolodge. Hot shower. Swimming pool. Cloud Bar. Farm-to-table dinner at the Ecolodge restaurant. This is the comfortable night before the hard days.
Night 2 — Dao Homestay in Xa Phin
A traditional Dao Ao Dai family home — this is a real village house, not a hotel. You sleep on a communal wooden floor divided into curtained sections, with one curtained space per couple or guest for privacy. Wood-frame sleeping platform with mattress, thick blanket, mosquito net, and clean bedding provided. Shared bathroom and toilet — simple, clean, and well-kept, with cold water. Electricity until approximately 21:00. Family-style dinner cooked from local ingredients. This is the real night, and for many guests the most memorable part of the trek.
What to expect honestly: thin walls, roosters at dawn, no Wi-Fi, and a shared bathroom. If you come expecting a hotel room you will be disappointed; if you come for a real Dao village night, you will love it.
Meals
- Dinner Day 1: Farm-to-table at TVPalm Ecolodge restaurant. Mountain vegetables, local protein, seasonal menu.
- Breakfast Day 2: Served at TVPalm Ecolodge.
- Lunch Day 2: Family home in Lung Vai. Mountain greens, local dishes, rice.
- Dinner Day 2: Homestay in Xa Phin. Dao home cooking. Herbal rice wine offered.
- Breakfast Day 3: Served at the homestay.
- Lunch Day 3: Packed meal at or near the summit.
All meals sourced locally. Dietary restrictions accommodated — inform TVPalm at booking.
Responsible Travel & Community Impact
Leave No Trace — Enforced, Not Suggested
Every piece of waste you bring in comes back out with you. The guide checks at every rest point. No exceptions.
No single-use plastic bottles on the trail. TVPalm provides reusable bottles and water refill points.
No cigarette butts on the ground. If you smoke, carry a pocket ashtray or sealed bag. The forest is dry in autumn and winter — a butt can start a fire.
No picking plants, flowers, or mushrooms from the forest floor. The primary forest is not a garden.
No cutting branches for walking sticks. TVPalm provides trekking poles. The forest took decades to grow what you would cut in seconds.
Human waste: the guide designates toilet stops. Use them. Bury what you leave. Pack out toilet paper in the waste bag provided.
Respect for Dao Communities
The villages on these routes — Khuoi My, Lung Vai, Na Mau, Xa Phin, Mao Phin, Nam Te — are not attractions. They are homes. You walk through because the trail passes through, not because the village is on display.
Ask before photographing people. Not every moment is yours to capture. A raised hand or a turned face means no.
Do not enter homes uninvited. The homestay is arranged in advance — other houses are private.
Do not distribute gifts, sweets, or money to children. It creates dependency and disrupts the community’s own structure. If you want to contribute, the Cooperative manages a community fund — ask the guide.
Dress appropriately when passing through villages. Cover shoulders and knees. This is a Dao community with its own standards.
If a ceremony or ritual is happening in the village, the guide will explain what you may observe and what is private. Follow the guide’s instruction without question.
Water and Forest Protection
The streams you cross feed the rice terraces and drinking water of the villages below. Do not wash in them with soap, sunscreen, or insect repellent.
Stay on the trail. Cutting switchbacks causes erosion that damages the path for the next group and for the villagers who use it daily.
No drones without prior written permission from TVPalm and the village head. The noise disturbs wildlife and livestock. Most requests are denied.
The Cooperative Model
Every guide and porter on TVPalm trekking tours is a member of the Tay Con Linh Sustainable Tourism Cooperative — 50 Dao villagers from the communities along the routes. The Cooperative sets its own rates, manages trail maintenance, and decides how many groups can trek each week to prevent overuse.
Your guide fee, porter fee, and homestay fee go directly to Cooperative members. TVPalm does not skim from the village side.
This is not charity. The Cooperative members are skilled, they do hard work, and they are paid fairly for it. Tipping is welcome but not expected — if you tip, give it to the guide who will distribute according to the Cooperative’s own system.
Carbon and Transport
TVPalm does not claim to be carbon neutral — that would be dishonest for a tour that involves motorised transport. The motorbike transfer to base camp uses local easy riders, not a fleet of SUVs. The limousine transfer is shared transport, not a private car. You walk most of the route, eat local food, and sleep in existing homes. No new infrastructure was built for these treks.
What We Ask of You
Carry your waste. Respect the villagers’ privacy. Follow the guide’s instructions on the trail. Accept that the forest and the communities were here before tourism and will remain after you leave. If you can do that, you are welcome on this mountain.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – TVPalm Ecolodge (D)
- 7:00: Pick-up by Limousine from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter to Ha Giang
(You can choose flexible pick-up time, please let us know when you make reservation)
You will stop on highway for break - 12:30: Arriving Ha Giang city then taking the taxi to TVPalm Ecolodge (far ~10km)
- 13:00: Check-in private room in TVPalm , surrounded by nature, unwind in swimming pool
- 16:00: Watching sunset and savor beverage from Cloudy Bar
- 18:00: Having dinner, “farm-to-table” meals at TVPalm restaurant
Overnight: the tranquil space of the mountains and forests
Day 2: TVPalm Ecolodge – Forest Trekking – Xa Phin (B, L, D)
- 07:30 – 08:30: Savor breakfast, have an orientation and gear check with guide.
- 08:30 – 11:30: Trek through remote Dao Ao Dai villages of Khuoi My and Lung Vai (∼5 km). Observe expansive terraced fields, traditional houses, and serene palm forest paths.
- 11:30 – 12:30: Lunch at a local home in Lung Vai.
- 12:30 – 15:30: Continue hiking to Na Mau and onward to Xa Phin village (∼5 km), visit Huou Waterfall and ancient moss-covered house
- 15:30 – 17:30: Settle into Dao Ao Dai homestay; explore village or rest.
- 18:00: Traditional dinner with host family, featuring local cuisine and herbal rice wine.
Overnight: Homestay in Xa Phin village
Day 3: Xa Phin – Tay Con Linh Summit – TVPalm – Hanoi (B, L)
- 07:00 – 08:00: Hearty breakfast with host family.
- 08:00 – 08:45: Motorbike ride (easy riders) to base camp at ∼1,800 m elevation.
- 08:45 – 12:00: Led by guide and porter from Tay Con Linh Sustainable Ecotourism Cooperative ascend to Tay Con Linh summit (2,429 m; ∼600 m gain). Trek through ancient forests; enjoy panoramic views.
- 12:00 – 12:45: Packed lunch and short rest at the summit.
- 13:00 – 15:30: Descend to base camp; easy rider transfer directly to TVPalm Ecolodge or your hotel in Ha Giang
- 17:00: Arrive TVPalm or your hotel in Ha Giang, rest and reflect on the adventurous journey back to nature
- 18:00: Having dinner in TVPalm restaurant
- 20:00 – 21:00: Taking luxury private cabin bus to Hanoi
Day-by-Day Intensity Snapshot
| Day | Trekking Time | Distance | Difficulty | Key Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | – | – | – | Arrival and preparation | TVPalm Ecolodge |
| Day 2 | ~6–7 Hours | ~10 km | Moderate | Dao Ao Dai villages, Huou Waterfall , moss-covered stilt houses. | Xa Phin Homestay |
| Day 3 | ~5-6 Hours | ~8 km | Challenging | Conquer the 2,429m peak—the “Roof of Northeast Vietnam.”, primary forests | Back Ha Giang city |
Included / Excluded
- Cost Includes
- English-speaking guide and Dao porters from the Cooperative.
- Transfers per your option and easy-rider support per itinerary.
- All trekking permits and conservation-area fees.
- Meals as marked (L, D / B, L) and drinking water with refills.
- Trekking poles, leech gaiters, communal first aid.
- Headlamps on request.
- Basic PVI Inbound Insurance (Tier 2).
- Luggage storage at the Ecolodge.
- Cost Excludes
- Excluded: flights and visa.
- Personal trekking gear (waterproof boots, clothing, daypack).
- Drinks outside provided meals.
- Personal expenses and tips (discretionary).
- Your mandatory personal trekking insurance.
- Anything not listed as included.
Useful Information
Safety & Fitness
Fitness requirement: Hard. This is the most physically demanding trek TVPalm operates.
- Day 1 (village trek) — Moderate: 10 km over 6–7 hours. Terrain is mostly packed earth and village paths, with some steep sections between Lung Vai and Na Mau.
- Summit day — Challenging: 8 km over 5–6 hours. 600 m altitude gain from base camp (~1,800 m) to summit (2,427 m). Terrain is steep, rooted, muddy in wet season. The final 200 m before the summit is the hardest section — exposed roots, no flat ground, hands sometimes needed for balance.
Honest assessment: if you exercise 3+ times a week, can walk uphill for 3 hours without extended rest, and have done a multi-day trek before, you are ready. If you have not trained for this and your last long walk was a year ago, you will struggle on summit day. We will not turn you away at the door, but the mountain does not negotiate.
Terrain
- Village paths (Day 1): packed earth, stone steps, terraced field edges. Easy to moderate.
- Forest trails (Day 1 afternoon + summit day): root-covered, narrow, steep in sections. Can be slippery after rain or in morning dew.
- Summit approach: very steep, no switchbacks in the final section. Hands may be needed for balance on wet roots.
- Descent: same trail in reverse. Harder on the knees than the ascent.
No technical climbing. No ropes. No via ferrata. But this is not a walk in a park.
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 mountain 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 and the best chance of a clear summit. 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 frost is possible at base camp with strong wind chill at the 2,427 m summit. Pack a thermal base layer, a fleece or light down top, warm hat and gloves, and you’ll be comfortable all day. A rewarding 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 or gaiters, shoes with good grip, and your own small torch are all you need to enjoy it fully. |
| Jun – Aug (green wet season) | Lush, dramatic, and uncrowded, with warm rain that keeps the landscape vivid green. Trails are wetter and leeches are active, so a waterproof shell and shoes with grip make the day easy. We schedule around the weather and only run the summit push when conditions are safe. |
Note: forest leeches are active in the damp months, roughly February to September. They are harmless but unpleasant — long socks or gaiters keep them out.
Who should not Join
- Guests with serious heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or respiratory conditions.
- Pregnant guests. No exceptions.
- Children under 14.
- Guests over 65 without certified medical clearance from a doctor.
- Recent major surgery within the last 6 months or unhealed injuries.
- Guests who cannot honestly confirm they can walk 5 hours uphill on steep terrain.
Health, Fitness & Trekking Participation Form
This tour follows Tier 3 — Summit Trekking under the TVPalm Adventure Booking & Payment Policy. The TVPalm Health, Fitness & Trekking Participation Form is mandatory. It must be completed and returned at least 14 days before departure. No form — no trek, with standard cancellation terms applied.
The form includes a medical declaration (11 conditions), a fitness self-assessment (4 questions), and insurance details. It takes 10 minutes. It exists to protect you and the guide — if something happens on the mountain, the guide needs to know your history.
Insurance
Personal international travel insurance covering adventure sports and medical evacuation is a mandatory booking requirement for this trek. Proof must be submitted at least 21 days before departure. Without proof, the booking is cancelled under standard cancellation terms.
PVI Inbound Insurance (basic accident cover) is included in the tour price. This is a safety net. It does not fully cover mountain trekking at altitude, helicopter evacuation, or trip cancellation. It is not a substitute for your own insurance.
What the Guide Controls
- Safety briefing & gear check before departure. If your footwear is not suitable, the guide will say so.
- Weather check at 07:00 each morning. Heavy rain, high wind, or landslide risk = the guide adjusts the route or cancels the summit push. That decision is final. No argument.
- Pace setting on summit day. The guide sets the pace based on the slowest member of the group. If someone cannot continue, the guide arranges a safe return with the porter. The summit attempt continues for the rest of the group if conditions allow.
- First-aid kit and communication device carried at all times. Nearest medical facility is in Ha Giang city (approximately 45 minutes by car from TVPalm Ecolodge, longer from base camp).
- Waste check at every rest point. No plastic leaves the forest.
Policy Tier
Tier 3 — Summit Trekking. Deposit: 45%. Balance due 21 days before departure. Health form mandatory (14 days before). Insurance proof mandatory (21 days before). Full policy details in the TVPalm Adventure Booking & Payment Policy for Trekking & Walking Tours, available on request and at tvpalm.com.
Preparation & Packing
This is a real mountain trek to 2,429 m. What you bring — and what you leave behind — directly affects your safety, comfort, and the team’s ability to move efficiently. Read this list as a minimum standard, not a suggestion.
Physical Preparation
Start training at least 4–6 weeks before departure. The summit day requires a sustained 600 m ascent on steep, root-covered, often muddy terrain at altitude. If you cannot comfortably walk uphill for 3 hours straight at home, you are not ready.
- Cardio base: running, cycling, or stair-climbing 3–4 times per week, minimum 45 minutes per session.
- Elevation training: stair repeats with a loaded daypack (5–8 kg) — at least twice weekly in the final 3 weeks.
- Trail practice: if possible, walk on uneven terrain — park trails, hills, rocky paths — to condition ankles and knees.
- Altitude note: 2,427 m is not extreme altitude, but combined with physical effort and humidity, it affects people differently. Hydrate aggressively from Day 1.
What TVPalm Provides on the Trail
- Trekking poles (adjustable, per person — strongly recommended for the descent).
- Leech gaiters in the damp months (roughly February–September).
- Communal first-aid kit (guide-carried), plus communal safety and navigation equipment.
- Headlamps on request.
- Reusable water bottles with refill points.
- Rain ponchos (emergency backup only — bring your own proper rain layer).
Packing List — What You Must Bring
Pack for two scenarios: hot and humid on the approach, cold and wet at the summit. Temperatures at 2,429 m drop to 5–10°C in the dry season and near freezing in December–February. Rain is possible any month.
Footwear — Non-Negotiable
- Waterproof trekking boots: ankle-high, broken in, aggressive tread. The single most important item. Guides refuse unsafe footwear at the gear check. Trail runners and sneakers are not accepted for this trek.
- Camp sandals or flip-flops: for the homestay evening only. Your feet need to breathe after the walk.
- Trekking socks: 2–3 pairs, merino wool or synthetic. No cotton — wet cotton causes blisters within hours.
Clothing — Layering System
- Base layer top: moisture-wicking synthetic or merino. No cotton t-shirts — they hold sweat and turn cold fast.
- Insulating mid-layer: fleece or lightweight down jacket. Essential for the summit and the homestay evening.
- Waterproof outer shell: a proper rain jacket with sealed seams. Not a poncho, not a windbreaker. Your one defence against rain at altitude.
- Trekking trousers: quick-dry, full-length. Zip-offs work. No jeans, no shorts for the summit day — leeches, thorns, and cold.
- Spare dry set: one full change of base layer + underwear in a dry bag. After Day 1 you will want it.
- Warm hat and buff: for summit morning — wind and cold at 2,400 m, even in summer.
- Lightweight gloves: thin fleece or liner gloves for the summit. Hands get cold when you stop moving.
- Swimwear (optional): if you plan to use the pool at TVPalm Ecolodge before or after the trek.
Gear & Equipment
- Daypack (25–35 L): with rain cover. Porters carry the main load — your daypack holds water, snacks, rain layer, camera, and the spare dry set. Keep it to 5–8 kg maximum.
- Headlamp + spare batteries: TVPalm provides on request, but your own is more reliable. Summit start can be pre-dawn.
- Dry bags or zip-lock bags: for phone, documents, spare clothes. Everything gets damp on this mountain.
- Trekking towel: quick-dry microfibre. Small, light, essential.
- Sunglasses: UV protection. Mist clears suddenly and the high-altitude sun is strong.
- Reusable water bottle (1 L+): provided by TVPalm, but bring your own if you have one. Hydration is critical.
Health & Personal
- Personal medications: 3-day supply of any prescription in your daypack, not in checked luggage. Tell the guide what you carry.
- Blister kit: Compeed or moleskin. Apply at the first sign of rubbing — do not wait.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+: high altitude means stronger UV, even on cloudy days.
- Insect repellent: DEET 30%+ or picaridin. Leeches and mosquitoes are active in the damp months (February–September).
- Lip balm with SPF: dry wind at the summit.
- Toilet paper + small bag: for the trail. Pack out what you pack in — we enforce leave-no-trace.
- Hand sanitiser: small bottle. Village facilities are basic.
- Electrolyte sachets: 2–3 for the hot, humid Day 1.
- Earplugs: the homestay is a family home — roosters do not respect your schedule.
Documents & Electronics
- Passport or ID (original): required at permit checkpoints. Keep in a waterproof pouch.
- Insurance proof (printed): mandatory — evacuation cover required. Digital copy is backup, not primary.
- Health form (completed): the Health, Fitness & Trekking Participation Form — submitted 14 days before departure.
- Cash (VND): 500,000–1,000,000 for tips, drinks, small purchases. No ATMs on the mountain.
- Phone + power bank: fully charged, minimum 10,000 mAh. Signal is intermittent, and there is no electricity at the homestay after approximately 21:00 or charging on the trail.
- Camera (optional): bring a rain cover for it. The summit view — when you get it — is worth capturing.
What NOT to Bring
- Suitcases or rolling bags — anything that cannot be carried on your back. Leave excess luggage at the Ecolodge; storage is free.
- Cotton clothing for the trek — it absorbs sweat, stays wet, and drops your body temperature.
- Bluetooth speakers or loud devices — this is a primary forest; treat it that way.
- Single-use plastic bottles or bags — TVPalm provides reusable bottles and refills. This is enforced, not requested.
- Perfume or strong-scented products — they attract insects and have no place on a mountain.
Packing Weight Guide
Your daypack should weigh 5–8 kg maximum. Porters carry shared equipment and food. Overpacking slows you down and wastes energy you need for the summit. If in doubt, leave it at the Ecolodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose the 3-day option over the standard 2-day format?
The 3-day Tay Con Linh trekking format is designed for those who want to absorb the landscape before the physical effort begins. By arriving at the Ecolodge a day early, you are well-rested for the village walk and have time to acclimate, turning the experience into a more balanced adventure rather than a rushed trip.
What is the physical difficulty level of this specific itinerary?
This trek is considered challenging. You need to be fit enough to walk 5–7 hours a day on steep, uneven, and often muddy terrain. We strongly advise that you have a consistent cardio and elevation training routine in the weeks leading up to your departure to ensure you can fully enjoy the journey.
Will I be walking through tourist-heavy areas during the trip?
Not at all. Our goal is to take you through authentic Dao Áo Dài settlements like Khuổi My and Xà Phìn. These are working villages, not tourist attractions, ensuring that your journey remains quiet, real, and free from the typical crowds found on other circuits.
How does my booking impact the local community?
We operate on a cooperative model. Every guide and porter participating in the 3-day Tay Con Linh trekking tour is a member of the local Sustainable Tourism Cooperative. Your fees go directly to these families, ensuring that the economic benefits of your visit stay within the community that manages the forest trails.
What gear is absolutely essential for this expedition?
Because the mountain environment can be unpredictable, your gear must include waterproof ankle-high trekking boots with aggressive tread. While we provide poles and communal safety equipment for the 3-day Tay Con Linh trekking route, bringing your own high-quality waterproof shell and moisture-wicking layers is essential for your comfort and safety at the summit.
Where can I find more practical tips and information about the Tay Con Linh Trekking experience?
We have gathered extensive information, including weather insights, packing advice, and frequently asked questions about the Tay Con Linh Trekking route in our comprehensive guide. For a deeper dive into these practical topics, please visit our full FAQ page here.
Our team responds within 24 hours. Tell us your dates and we will handle the rest.
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Start / End
Hanoi - Ha Giang - Hanoi
Difficulty
Challenging
Group Size
2 - 8 guests
From
$280 / person
🔒 Non-refundable deposit -
Flexible rescheduling
(see policy)
