Private & Guided

1 Day Ancient Snow Shan Tea Trekking : Dao Eco – Heritage Trail

A Journey into the Mist – Discover the legendary Snow Shan Tea Hills

1 Day
Small group
Local guides
Private rooms
Tour Details

Tour Information

Duration

1 Day

Group size

2 - 8 guests

Difficulty

Moderate

Daily distance

Approx. 8 – 10 km/day

Language

English / Vietnamese

Start/End

TVPalm Ecolodge

A 1-day Ancient Snow Shan Tea trekking trip is a deep dive into “forest-to-cup” tea heritage. You will hike through misty, high-altitude mountains, harvest tea buds directly from centuries-old trees alongside ethnic minority locals, and finish the day with authentic tea-tasting and organic meals.

Your adventure begins at TVPalm Ecolodge, where the local community welcomes you to the pristine Ha Giang valley. This trip focuses on slow travel and sustainable practices. You will learn how the forest and the people live together in harmony.

The journey offers 5 unique highlights:

  • Ancient Dao heritage: You will discover Na Thac, a 300-year-old village. Admire moss-covered wooden stilt houses and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the Dao Ao Dai people.
  • Snow Shan tea experience: You will learn the forest-to-cup process. You will pluck fresh tea leaves, practice pan-firing over a wood fire, and enjoy an organic tea tasting session with a Dao artisan.
  • Ancient tea forests: You will hike into the primary forest of Tay Con Linh. You will stand beside giant tea trees that grow at altitudes above 800 meters.
  • Regenerative travel: You will participate in a brief session on biodiversity conservation. We practice 7 Leave-No-Trace principles to protect this mountain ecosystem.
  • Sunset at Cloud Bar: You will end your day at TVPalm Ecolodge. Relax in the swimming pool and enjoy a premium brew at our Cloud Bar as the sun sets behind the ridge.

This trek is ideal for 4 types of travelers:

  • Tea enthusiasts: Those who want to taste organic wild tea at its source and study the forest-to-cup process.
  • Culture seekers: Travelers who want to learn the 300-year-old traditions of the local Dao Ao Dai people.
  • Slow trekkers: Adventurers who want to photograph ancient bamboo groves, enjoy the mountain air, and walk at a relaxed pace.
  • Sustainable travelers: People who practice zero-plastic travel and want their tour fees to support local cooperatives directly.

This trek is not suitable for 3 types of visitors:

  • Luxury seekers: Travelers who prefer 5-star resorts or high-end urban hotels over rustic mountain lodges.
  • People with physical limitations: Individuals with severe knee injuries, as the slopes can be steep and slippery.
  • City tourists: People who prefer short, urban sightseeing to active mountain hikes.
 
  • Gear up and receive a safety briefing before hitting the road. (If you already in Ha Giang city, our easy rider will pick you up to the TVPalm Ecolodge)
  • Conquer the winding Pac Sum Pass
  • Reach Heaven Gate (Quan Ba), take photos of the famous Twin Mountains 
  • Savor a delicious lunch in Yen Minh Town featuring local organic ingredients.
  • Tackle the legendary Tham Ma Pass (9-Turn Pass), a photographer’s favorite and a true test for riders.
  • Explore the Hmong King’s Palace (Vuong Mansion) in Sa Phin. 
  • Check into your private room in Dong Van Town and freshen up.
  •  Spend your evening exploring the Dong Van Old Quarter or enjoying a coffee at “Café Phố Cổ.”

Spotlight: Conquering the legendary Tham Ma Pass. This zig-zagging masterpiece of mountain engineering offers the most iconic photo opportunity in Northern Vietnam

Your 1-day tour price does not include overnight accommodation. However, the package includes an organic farm-to-table lunch at a forest hut.

You will enjoy fresh mountain vegetables and 3 seasonal local specialties. Each dish tells a story of Dao culinary culture and mountain wisdom. These clean, energetic foods will fuel your trek.

 
  • Ride along the Happiness Road toward Ma Pi Leng Pass. At 2,000m elevation, this is the most majestic part of the Loop.
  • Continue along the secretive and scenic M-Road, bypassing the main routes to reveal untouched landscapes and vibrant tribal life.
  •  Lunch in Yen Minh. Refuel in a quiet town surrounded by pine forests and rice fields.
  •  Ride back through Quan Ba, passing the familiar mountain silhouettes and rural life scenes, before descending into Ha Giang city.
  • 17:00 – Arriving back in Ha Giang City. Return to TVPalm Ecolodge to shower, relax, and store your gear.
  • 19:00 – 21:00: Depending on your schedule, board your luxury sleeper bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

Spotlight: Standing atop the 2,000m-high Ma Pi Leng Pass. Gaze down at the turquoise Nho Que River carving through Tu San Canyon—the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.

Your trek with TVPalm directly supports the Tay Con Linh community through 3 practical actions:

  • Zero waste: We enforce a strict zero single-use plastic policy on all trails.
  • Reforestation: We dedicate a portion of your tour fee to our annual tree-planting program.
  • Education: We fund tourism skills and English language training for the local Dao people. This prepares them to manage eco-tourism independently.
Investment

Shan Tuyet Tea​ trekking price

1 day ancient Snow Shan Tuyet tea​ trekking price

Option 1

From $45

No transfer

Start: TVPalm Ecologe

Option 2

From $110

Pick up/Drop-off from Ha Giang city hotels

Best offer

Option 3

From $130

Private premium hosted

You must book this tour in advance. We will email your official invoice within 1 business day. To confirm your booking, please pay a 30% deposit within 72 hours. We accept Bank Transfers in VND or USD, PayPal, and Revolut. We highly recommend Revolut. Traditional SWIFT transfers often charge fees of $25 to $50. Revolut bypasses these international fees.

Please follow these 6 steps to pay via Revolut and avoid bank charges:

  • Step 1: Exchange your currency into Vietnamese Dong (VND) in the Revolut app to get the best interbank exchange rate.
  • Step 2: Tap Transfer, select New, and choose Add bank recipient.
  • Step 3: Select Business and choose Vietnam as the country.
  • Step 4: Select VND as the sending currency to ensure the transfer travels through fast, local networks.
  • Step 5: Enter the account name, account number, and bank name from your invoice.
  • Step 6: Write your invoice number or full name in the reference field.

After payment, please email us a screenshot or PDF of your receipt. We will send you a warm confirmation email within 24 hours with your final trip details and packing list.

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.

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.
  • Tailor-made for Families: We are especially accommodating to groups with children or seniors. We can easily help you switch from motorbikes to a private car tour to ensure maximum safety and family-fun readiness.
  • 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.
Day by Day

Detailed itinerary for Ancient Shan Snow Tea trekking

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ha Giang city. We will drive to TVPalm Ecolodge for a brief orientation. You will enjoy a warm cup of welcome tea on the terrace. Take some time to admire the clouds drifting slowly over the Ha Giang valley. This quiet moment prepares you for the upcoming hike.

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.
 
  • Gear up and receive a safety briefing before hitting the road. (If you already in Ha Giang city, our easy rider will pick you up to the TVPalm Ecolodge)
  • Conquer the winding Pac Sum Pass
  • Reach Heaven Gate (Quan Ba), take photos of the famous Twin Mountains 
  • Savor a delicious lunch in Yen Minh Town featuring local organic ingredients.
  • Tackle the legendary Tham Ma Pass (9-Turn Pass), a photographer’s favorite and a true test for riders.
  • Explore the Hmong King’s Palace (Vuong Mansion) in Sa Phin. 
  • Check into your private room in Dong Van Town and freshen up.
  •  Spend your evening exploring the Dong Van Old Quarter or enjoying a coffee at “Café Phố Cổ.”

Spotlight: Conquering the legendary Tham Ma Pass. This zig-zagging masterpiece of mountain engineering offers the most iconic photo opportunity in Northern Vietnam

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!

Shan Tuyet Tea Trekking: Day-by-Day Intensity Snapshot

PhaseDurationTerrainIntensityKey Activity
Morning~3 HoursForest paths & Bamboo grovesModerateTrekking to Na Thac & Heritage walk
Midday~1 HourForest HutLowOrganic “Farm-to-Table” Lunch
Afternoon~2 HoursTea slopes & WorkshopLow-ModerateAncient tea picking & Pan-firing
Late Afternoon~1 HourGentle descentLowReturn to TVPalm
What's Covered

Included / Excluded

Before You Travel

Useful Information

  • 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.

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.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about the ancient Snow Shan tea Tour

Yes, Option 2 from $110 per guest includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Ha Giang city at 07:30 before transferring to TVPalm Ecolodge.

Yes, this 1-day trek requires a minimum age of 10 years and is suitable for active seniors with a basic level of fitness.

This small group size minimizes environmental impact, protects the peace of the local village, and allows direct, personal interaction with Dao artisans.

The trek starts at TVPalm Ecolodge and leads you to ancient tea trees older than 100 years thriving at altitudes above 800 meters.

This option starts directly at TVPalm Ecolodge and does not include hotel transfer services from Ha Giang city. You must arrange your own transport.

Revolut utilizes local networks after exchanging currency to VND, helping you completely bypass the standard $25 to $50 SWIFT fees.

No, the 30% deposit is non-refundable. However, you can transfer this deposit to any other TVPalm tour within 6 months if you cancel at least 15 days in advance.

You will receive a 50% refund of the total tour value if you cancel between 7 and 14 days before departure.

Yes, postponing 7 to 14 days before departure incurs a 30% adjustment fee. Postponing 15 or more days before departure is completely free of charge.

The suggested tipping rate for local guides and riders is 200,000 VND per day per guest.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

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Journey at a Glance
Top Seller

Duration

1 Day

Start / End

TVPalm Ecolodge

Difficulty

Moderate

Group Size

2 - 8 guests

From

US 45 / person

🔒 Small deposit to confirm · Free cancellation

5/5 - (4 votes)
All in one
FAQ