Skip to main content
Friendly village children in Ha Giang, Vietnam - Hà Giang Hike & Homestays, Vietnam
Friendly village children in Ha Giang, Vietnam
Hiking in remote Ha Giang, Vietnam - Hà Giang Hike & Homestays, Vietnam
Hiking in remote Ha Giang, Vietnam
Lush landscapes of the Ha Giang Hike - Hà Giang Hike & Homestays, Vietnam
Lush landscapes of the Ha Giang Hike
Local women working hard in Ha Giang - Hà Giang Hike & Homestays, Vietnam
Local women working hard in Ha Giang
Simple Vietnamese homestay meal - Hà Giang Hike & Homestays, Vietnam
Simple Vietnamese homestay meal
River crossing in the Ha Giang region, Vietnam - Hà Giang Hike & Homestays, Vietnam
River crossing in the Ha Giang region, Vietnam

Hà Giang Hike & Homestays

Escape the crowds with this trek through remote northern Vietnam

Vietnam

 13 reviews

6 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: HAI
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 6 Days
Activities
  • 4 days hiking
Accommodation
  • 2 nights eco-lodge
  • 3 nights local homestay
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
3 / 10

Introductory

Carbon Footprint  

78kg of CO2-e PP per day

(390kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Escape the crowds of Sapa and enjoy a more remote, untouched location
  • Hike in a remote region between the Tay Con Linh and the Song Chay mountain ranges
  • Experience a Red Dao village homestay
  • Encounter locals while hiking among breathtaking landscapes
  • Discover local secluded villages
  • Enjoy tropical forests, rice terraces and stunning views

Overview

Escape the crowds of Sapa and Mai Chau with this hike taking us to the wild mountains of Tay Con Linh and Song Chay ranges, at the far North of Vietnam, close to the Chinese border. Hike through quiet farming villages with beautiful views, pine forests, towering granite mountains and lush valleys. Explore Vietnam's 'last frontier' with hikes along mountainsides in a remote region, passing through a kaleidoscope of ethnic minorities, a patchwork of farmed lands, terraced rice fields, tea plantations, and bamboo forests. This rugged adventure explores a beautiful part of largely untouched Vietnam offering rustic landscapes with stunning views. Embrace nature and the warm welcoming local people with memorable homestays along the way.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

This morning we depart Hanoi at 09:00 and head north into a remote corner of Northern Tonkin, nestled between the Tay Con Linh and Song Chay mountain ranges. It’s a region few travellers reach, with a strong sense of culture and nature that remains wonderfully intact. The journey takes us through ever-changing scenery, and we’ll stop along the way for comfort breaks and a local lunch. By afternoon, we arrive at Panhou Retreat, a peaceful eco-lodge tucked in the heart of the Song Chay mountains near the Yunnan border. After checking in, there’s time to stretch your legs and explore the surrounding gardens and nearby trails before regrouping for dinner. Drive: approx. 290km (180 mi) / 7 hrs Accommodation: Panhou Retreat or similar

Meals: L,D

Begin your day with a delicious home-made breakfast, either in the lodge's restaurant or on the terrace, which offers stunning views of the exceptional gardens. You will depart from Panhou Retreat in the morning, embarking on a journey into the nearby mountains, passing through lush tropical forests and scenic rice terraces. Your three-hour hike leads you to a Red Dao village, where you'll pause for a well-deserved lunch. The villagers have, by necessity, sculpted the mountainside and harnessed its watercourses to cultivate rice, allowing them to live in these higher parts of the mountains. This ingenious adaptation provides you with unique and breathtaking views of the landscape. In the afternoon, you will continue your adventure with a two-hour hike to another Red Dao village. The cooler climate and abundant fresh water in these areas are ideal for the growth of tea trees, which you will observe along the way. Upon arrival, you will meet your homestay hosts and have time to relax before enjoying a delicious dinner together. Hiking: (±) 12km (7.5 mi) ~ (±) 5hrs Elevation: +696m / -282m (+2283ft / -925ft) Accommodation: Homestay – Red Dao

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, your trek continues with a walk along the Suoi Nam Valley, passing by farms on stilts built on the mountainside, always close to water. You'll be surrounded by terraced rice fields in this region, where the Ti Ki Liu mountain rises high above the others. The area is shared by Hmong Hoa, Man Ta Pan, Tay, Dao, and Nung Inh communities. You will arrive for lunch at the Red Dao village of Khoa Trung. After a well-deserved break, you'll resume hiking, eventually reaching the secluded hamlet of Nam Ai, located in the heights of the mountain range and inhabited by Dao and Tay communities. Hiking: (±) 16km (10 mi)~ (±) 6-7hrs Elevation: +590m / -480m (+1936ft / -1575ft) Accommodation: Homestay – Red Dao

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, you continue exploring the beautiful Nam Son Valley on foot. After a relaxed lunch at the home of a Tay family, you hike to the summit of Ho Pien. Along the way, you walk through rice fields and pockets of forest, with time to soak up the scenery and pass traditional stilt houses. In the late afternoon, you will arrive at your overnight stop, where you will be warmly welcomed by a Red Dao family. Hiking: (±) 17km (10.5 mi)~ (±) 6-7hrs Elevation: +533m / -535m (+1749ft / -1755ft) Accommodation: Homestay – Red Dao

Meals: B,L,D

Today you begin your return journey to Panhou Retreat, following scenic trails through the Lang Giang Valley. As you contour along the mountainside, you’ll take in sweeping views of rice terraces and may cross paths with Red Dao locals tending their fields. After lunch, the trail leads you through a peaceful stretch of forest, completing a rewarding loop that brings you back to where your adventure began. Tonight, you can enjoy a few home comforts. It’s the perfect chance to relax and celebrate the end of your trek with a visit to the retreat’s traditional healing spa. Hiking: (±) 16km (10 mi) ~ +/- 6-7hrs Elevation: +199m / -658m (+653ft / -2159ft) Accommodation: Panhou Retreat or similar

Meals: B,L,D

Enjoy a leisurely morning at the lodge before departing, with a stop en route for lunch. You’ll arrive in Hanoi by late afternoon (5–6 pm), where your trip concludes. To accommodate any unforeseen delays, we recommend booking your onward flights for the following day. If you’d like to extend your stay, your World Expeditions Adventure Travel Consultant can assist with arrangements. Drive: approx. 290km (180 mi) / 7 hrs

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

81 scheduled departures between 12 Oct 2026 and 31 Dec 2026.

  • Departs 12 Oct 2026 – ends 17 Oct 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 13 Oct 2026 – ends 18 Oct 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 14 Oct 2026 – ends 19 Oct 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 15 Oct 2026 – ends 20 Oct 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 16 Oct 2026 – ends 21 Oct 2026 (6 days)
  • Departs 17 Oct 2026 – ends 22 Oct 2026 (6 days)
  • … and 75 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • Services of a bilingual guide
  • 2 nights local homestay accommodation on twin share basis
  • 3 nights dormitory style/multishare basis accommodation at local home stay
  • Private vehicles
  • Medical kit
  • Activities as listed in itinerary

Not included

  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the itinerary
  • Pre or post tour accommodation in Hanoi
  • Personal expenses such as bar, telephone and laundry bills
  • Tips and gratuities
  • International airfares and departure taxes
  • Visa costs
  • Travel Insurance
  • Airport transfers in Hanoi
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (13)




The Trip was great. The guides and cook were wonderful. The homestays were rewarding and fun. The scenery especially at harvest time is superb.

Patrick|VIC, Australia
22 Oct 2025


What a amazing experience we had! Amazing scenery, wonderful people and very well organised. Our Guide, Mr Ha, cook and pathfinder looked after us so well. It was a trip of a lifetime that we’ll forever look back on with such great memories.

Karen|VIC Australia
25 Apr 2025


We had an amazing time. Our guide was first rate and the food was amazing. Highly recommend this trip.

Anita Carr|Hawthorn East, VIC Australia
25 Nov 2024


This was an awesome adventure, the guides were great very helpful and so friendly. The homestays families were welcoming and so much fun. The food was sooo good. Everyone was so very goods to us all.

Denise Matthews|Pooraka, SA Australia
14 Nov 2024


We absolutely loved our trip in the remote hill country. It was very well planned out. The chef went ahead of us and served us up wonderful lunches and dinners that we all enjoyed. The hosts were very welcoming and you could see they loved meeting us and we loved meeting them.

Our tracker was well acquainted with the local tribes and could speak all their languages.

Our guide was fantastic and his English was very good also. He made it all happen. Nothing was too much trouble.

This hike was the highlight of our 3 weeks in Vietnam.

The trip notes could be improved- we were there in mid October so we were over prepared, carrying a lot of warm clothing that we didn’t need.

I could have got away with a medium sized pack.

We didn’t follow the daily trip notes exactly but that was probably because some of the tracks were damaged but that was probably because of cyclone yahoo.

Gregory Andersen|Wembley, WA Australia
9 Nov 2024


We had a wonderful guide (Kien) who had a wealth of knowledge about the local people, food, customs and plants we encountered along the way. We really feel we got more from this trip than we could have expected. It is a magnificent part of the world.

Barbara Levick|Campbell Town, TAS Australia
19 Oct 2023


If you want to experienced how the Ha Giang people live this is the trip for you as you stay, eat and sleep the same as the traditional people live.

Heather Littlejohn|Wagga Wagga, NSW Australia
18 Apr 2023


The Ha Giang hike was beautiful even in the off-season of December when the rice paddies are finished and the sky misty. At this time of year, the weather was cool during the day and pleasantly chilly during the night. However, the homestays were the most amazing part. I really felt connected with the local farmers in whose houses I slept, drinking rice wine and eating together. Fabulous. One of the best travel experiences I have ever had. Of course, World Expeditions were amazing (I have travelled with them numerous times) , providing excellent guides, full back up and choosing the locations for the hike. I felt that we gave back to the community through our travels and conversations without ever feeling our presence a burden upon them. I can wholeheartedly recommend this trek, but maybe doing in the low season is best as we seemed to be the only ones trekking at that time.

D. Coleman|Kew, VIC
13 Jan 2020


Truly an once in a lifetime experience and I am so grateful that I can experience this with the great help of trusted guides and a cheerful porter/chef. We hiked among breathtaking sceneries and landscapes. Stayed in Red Dao, Tay and H'mong homes. Gained an insight into their daily life in a very remote part of the world. Life in these secluded villages are very basic yet fulfilling. Everyone has their duties and places in their communities. Witnessed how hill tribe residences are shaping the nature to provide for their families. Big thanks to all the friendly and happy people we have met along the way and helped us to make memories that last a lifetime.

M. Liu|Wollongong, NSW
5 Jan 2020

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?Why Book With Us
Panhou Village accommodation

Panhou Retreat an eco-friendly hideaway in Vietnam’s northern mountains

Panhou Retreat offers a unique stay in rustic, palm-roof bungalows, providing a cosy and sustainable escape. Savour local cuisine crafted from fresh, organic ingredients while immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes. It’s the perfect place for seeking a serene, off-the-beaten-path experience in northern Vietnam.

Staying with hill tribe families provides a unique insight into their way of life, with accommodation in simple dormitory-style lodgings.

Charming homestays in Northern Vietnam amidst stunning mountain landscapes

Enjoy staying with hill tribe families, where you'll get a unique glimpse into their culture,, which is quite different from ours. Accommodation is basic, often dormitory-style, with camp beds or mattresses on the floor. Home stays provide a genuine experience of village life, with farm animals roaming freely and the morning rooster acting as your natural alarm clock.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • World Expeditions have been pioneering active adventures to all corners of the globe since 1975.
  • Exclusive Routes & Hidden Gems: World Expeditions includes less-travelled routes and unique experiences, providing a more exclusive and off-the-beaten-track adventure.
  • Experienced Local Guides: Our guides have in-depth knowledge of the region, ensuring a richer understanding of the culture, history, and environment.
  • Value for Money: World Expeditions offers well-rounded, immersive experiences, providing additional inclusions such as arrival and departure transfers, local guides, meals, and cultural activities.
  • Full pre and post trip support from your local office to help with flight booking, travel insurance and any of those pre trip queries you might have.
  • Smaller Group Sizes: We offer smaller group sizes, ensuring more personalised attention and authentic interactions with the destination, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Guaranteeing A Great Vietnam Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

Search Filters