2 Days Dao Village Eco – Trek: Sustainable Highland Pathways Trekking
Experience the Mossy Stilt Houses & Ancient Tea Forests of Tay Con Linh
Small group · Local guides · Community-led trekking journey
KEY INFORMATION
2 Days 1 Night
2 - 8 guests
Moderate (~5 hours of trekking per day)
Approx. 10 - 12 km/day
Private room (homestay)
English / Vietnamese
TVPalm Ecolodge
ABOUT THIS TOUR
This 2-day Ha Giang trekking experience is designed for the slow traveler. Led by local experts from the Tay Con Linh Sustainable Ecotourism Cooperative, the journey takes you far beyond the standard tourist loops into remote valleys and 300-year-old ethnic villages.
At TVPalm Adventure, we prioritize authenticity over speed. We give you time to breathe, connect with the Dao and Hmong communities, and witness the raw beauty of the sacred forests. This is a Regenerative Travel experience where your visit directly funds local reforestation and community education
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
- 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
- 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS – WHY THIS TOUR
- The Mossy Village of Xa Phin: Visit the only place in Vietnam where high-altitude humidity creates a natural velvet-green moss carpet on traditional palm-leaf roofs.
- Sustainable Footprint: Join a 100% No-Plastic tour. We provide reusable eco-bottles and purified water stations to protect the Tay Con Linh ecosystem.
- Authentic Stays: Enjoy the comfort of a private room in a traditional stilt-house homestay, ensuring privacy without sacrificing the local feel.
WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR / NOT 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
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 |
SAFETY & FITNESS
- Fitness Requirement: Moderate. You should be comfortable walking 10–15 km per day on uneven terrain and mountain inclines.
- Terrain: Expect narrow forest trails, stone steps, and potentially slippery paths in the misty Tay Con Linh high-altitude zones.
- Age Limits: Best for ages 10–65. Participants should have good cardiovascular health and no severe joint issues
- Protocols: Daily safety briefings and weather checks are mandatory
- Risk Management: Guides carry first aid kits; nearest hospitals are identified for all routes
- Weather Policy: Routes may be adjusted in real-time by the guide in case of heavy rain or high landslide risk to ensure absolute safety.
TOUR OPTIONS & PRICING
| Option | Price | Transfers | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | From $133 | No (Start at TVPalm Ecolodge) | Private |
| Option 2 | From $151 | Pick up/Drop-off from your hotel in Ha Giang city | Private |
| Option 3 | From $166 | Upgrade extra night in TVPalm Ecolodge | Private |
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
- Accommodation: Private room at handpicked traditional homestay
- Breakfast: Served at your accommodation
- Lunch: Organic, “farm-to-table” meals at local eateries, featuring seasonal mountain vegetables and local specialties.
- Dinner: Hearty family-style meals at homestays
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transfer on program Day 2: Motorbike
- Expert Team: English-speaking guide and porters
- Entry: All entrance fees and border permits
- Safety Gear: Trekking poles, raincoat, first aid
- Sustainability: Reusable metal water bottle
- Insurance: Basic travel insurance during the tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Personal drinks (alcohol/soft drinks) and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and porters (Suggested: 200k VND/day/person)
- Personal medication or additional comprehensive insurance
BOOKING & PAYMENT
Advance booking is required to secure your spot. Once you reserve, our team will personally follow up with an invoice within 1 business day via email. To confirm your adventure, please deposit 30% to secure your spot within 72 hours.
Payment Methods: We accept Bank Transfers (VND/USD): PayPal, and Revolut (Highly Recommended).
(Why Revolut? It is the fastest way to pay and bypasses the hefty $25–$50 fees typically charged by traditional banks for SWIFT/International transfers)
💡 Guide: Paying via Revolut (How to Avoid High Fees)
To ensure we receive the exact amount and you save on bank charges, please follow these steps:
- Exchange to VND first: Open your Revolut app, go to ‘Exchange’, and convert your currency (EUR/GBP/USD) into Vietnamese Dong (VND). Revolut offers the best interbank exchange rates.
- Start Transfer: Tap ‘Transfer’ -> ‘New’ -> ‘Add Bank Recipient’.
- Select ‘Business’ and choose ‘Vietnam’ as the country.
- Currency Selection: Ensure you select VND as the sending currency. This ensures the transfer goes through local networks, which is much cheaper and faster than SWIFT.
- Enter Details: Use the Account Name, Account Number, and Bank Name provided in your invoice.
- Reference: Please include your Invoice Number or Full Name so we can track your payment instantly.
✅ After Payment: Your Confirmation
Notify Us: Once your transfer is successful, please send a PDF or screenshot of the receipt to our email
Official Confirmation: Within 24 hours of receiving your proof of payment, we will send a Warm Confirmation Email containing your final trip details, packing list, and everything you need for the journey.
CANCELLATION, POSTPONEMENT, AND REFUND POLICY (EU-FRIENDLY)
Life happens, and we strive to be as flexible as possible. Our policy ensures fairness for your travel plans and our local team’s preparation:
- Standard Cancellation & Refunds:
- 30+ days before departure: 100% refund (minus the non-refundable deposit/transaction fees).
- 15–29 days before: 70% refund of the total tour value.
- 7–14 days before: 50% refund of the total tour value.
- Less than 7 days (including No-show): No refund (0%), as all logistics, vehicles, and guides are fully committed.
- Flexible Postponement:
- 15+ days before: Free postponement! Reschedule your adventure within 6 months at no extra cost.
- 7–14 days before: Postponement is available with a 30% adjustment fee to cover guide and logistics changes.
- Force Majeure: includes natural disasters (floods in Ha Giang/Cao Bang), epidemics, road damage, or sudden health issues (with medical certification). In such cases, 100% refund (minus transaction fees ~2-5%) or free postponement.
- Special Benefits & Flexibility:
- International Travelers: We offer an additional 3-month postponement window if you can provide proof of international flight changes.
- Repeat Adventurers: Enjoy a free first postponement and priority rescheduling.
- Note on Deposits: A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. While non-refundable, this deposit is transferable to any other TVPalm tour within 6 months if you cancel at least 15 days in advance.
TERMS & AMENDMENTS
We pride ourselves on personalized hospitality and flexibility. Our amendment policies are designed to be fair and stress-free:
- Deposit: 30% of the total tour value (or a minimum of VND 500,000 for day tours), non-refundable in all cases to confirm booking and cover preparation costs. Deposits can be transferred to another tour within 6 months if canceled early.
- Notification: Must be in writing (email, website form, or confirmed message) to record the time.
- Insurance: Customers are encouraged to purchase personal travel insurance. TVPalm provides basic tour insurance (covering accidents and emergency medical), but it does not include personal cancellations.
- Updates: Policy may be adjusted seasonally (rainy season in Northwest from June-September) or per legal regulations (Vietnam Tourism Law 2017). Always check the website before booking
- Free Adjustments: We are thrilled to tweak your dates or customize services for your perfect trip! Written requests made more than 15 days before departure are completely free of charge. (Note: Adjustments within 15 days may incur a small fee of VND 1,000,000 to cover logistics setup).
- Participant Swapping: You may transfer your spot to another person free of charge up to 3 days before departure, provided the new traveler meets our health and fitness guidelines.
- Midway Changes: If you feel under the weather during the tour, our caring guides will support you every step of the way and ensure your safe return. While unused portions of the tour cannot be refunded, your well-being remains our absolute priority
PREPARATION & PACKING LIST
To ensure you have the most comfortable and safe experience in the high-altitude terrain of Ha Giang, we recommend preparing the following:
- Clothing: Quick-dry layers, long trekking pants (to prevent scratches/insects), and a waterproof windbreaker. Pack a warm fleece as Xa Phin stays cool at night.
- Footwear: Sturdy trekking boots or sneakers with high-grip soles. No flip-flops for trekking.
- Personal Gear: Sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET 30% recommended), and polarized sunglasses to protect against the mountain sun.
- Electronics: Camera, power bank, and a waterproof dry bag for your phone
- Luggage: Bring a small daypack for your essentials. Larger suitcases or heavy luggage can be safely stored at TVPalm Ecolodge while you are on the trip.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Your journey directly supports the Tay Con Linh Community:
- Zero Waste: No single-use plastic policy.
- Reforestation: A portion of revenue funds our annual tree-planting program
- Education: We fund tourism skills and language training for local people































