Overview

Join us on an unforgettable 2-day, 2-night trek up Ta Chi Nhu Mountain, one of Vietnam’s highest peaks at 2,979 meters in Yen Bai’s Tram Tau commune. This journey isn’t just about reaching new heights; it’s about immersing yourself in the mountain’s mystical beauty — from the endless “sea of clouds” to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Along the way, you’ll pass through vibrant fields of wildflowers, rugged jungle trails, and high, steep slopes that add a thrilling challenge. Rated a moderate trek (6/10), this adventure offers incredible panoramic views and a deep sense of accomplishment once you reach the summit. Perfect for anyone seeking an authentic escape into nature!

Itinerary Details

Night 1: Hanoi to Tram Tau (250km)

Tonight, we’re just focusing on getting you to Tram Tau from Hanoi so we can dive into the adventure tomorrow. You have two start options — either head out at 2:00 pm or catch a later ride at 7:00 pm. Our private car will pick you up from Hanoi, or if you’re in a small group of two, we’ll arrange a comfy public bus to Nghia Lo or Yen Bai. It’s about a 6-hour drive, and once you arrive, you’ll get to settle into a cozy homestay or relax at a hot spring resort for the night. 

Note: If you’d prefer to skip the overnight stay, you can start from Hanoi at 6:00 am on Day 1 and jump straight into the trek! Dinner is available on request.

Day 1: Tram Tau – Ta Chi Nhu (B, L, D)

We’ll kick off the day with a solid breakfast, then hop on a car or motorbike taxi to Xa Ho commune, where our trek begins. Around 8:30 am, we’ll start our journey up Ta Chi Nhu. Though it’s slightly less challenging than Ta Xua, Ta Chi Nhu rewards us with equally breathtaking, panoramic views across the mountains. The trail can be steep in parts, but it’s worth every step!

Around 11:00–11:30, we’ll break for a picnic lunch by a peaceful stream. Afterward, we’ll keep trekking, moving up and down across a series of summits. This route keeps things interesting and helps with pacing! By around 4:00 pm, we’ll reach our camping site, where you’re free to relax and take in the sunset. Our porter will start on dinner prep, and you’re welcome to join in for a bit of fireside cooking.

Summary:

– Trekking time: 5-6 hours / 5.5 km

– Accommodation: Hut with sleeping bag

Day 2: Ta Chi Nhu – Tram Tau – Hanoi (B, L, D)

Start your day bright and early at 5:00 am to catch the stunning sunrise right from our camping spot. If you’re trekking in September, you’ll be treated to beautiful fields of purple wildflowers stretching across the slopes, often with horses, buffalo, cows, and goats grazing nearby. From October to February, the “cloud heaven” phenomenon is easy to spot, adding a magical layer to the landscape.

After breakfast, we’ll set out to conquer the summit, reaching the top (2,979m) after a two-hour climb. For those who want to catch the sunrise from the peak, we can leave camp at 4:00 am for an unforgettable morning. Around 9:00 am, we’ll reach the summit, where you can take in the endless mountain views, breathe in the fresh air, and snap some unforgettable photos.

By 10:30 am, we’ll be back at camp for lunch before making our descent. Around 3:00 pm, we’ll return to the resort, where you can enjoy a short rest. Then, we’ll begin our drive back to Hanoi, with a dinner stop in Yen Bai city around 6:00 pm. We’ll arrive in Hanoi around 9:00 pm, dropping you off at your hotel. 

It’s been a pleasure sharing this journey with you—hope to see you again on your next adventure!

Packing List for the Trek

Here’s a quick guide on what to bring along for our adventure:

– Clothes for Trekking: Bring 2-3 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry pants and 3-4 long-sleeved shirts to wear while trekking.

– Clothes for Camp: 2 pairs of shorts and a few T-shirts to relax in at the campsite, plus a swimsuit for the hot spring.

– Footwear: A good pair of trekking boots/shoes is essential for the tough terrain, and a pair of flip-flops or sandals to wear around the campsite.

– Socks: 3-4 pairs of calf-length, comfortable woven socks.

– Extra Clothes: A fresh set of clothes for the end of the trip.

– Personal Items: Don’t forget mosquito repellent, sunglasses, a hat, camera, toiletries, and some snacks or energy bars for extra fuel along the way.

– Optional Gear: If you have a trekking stick, bring it along! Otherwise, our porters can provide a wooden one.

– Essentials: Bring a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for evening use.

For colder months (November to March), remember to pack some extra layers for warmth in the evenings.

Price Includes

Price Excludes

Important Information Regarding Your Trip

The price of this journey with “Vietnam Less Touristy Tour” is tailored to your specific preferences and circumstances. It will fluctuate based on factors such as:

Your Choice of Services: Accommodation type, selected activities, and other personalized options.

Travel Season: Pricing can vary during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet).

Booking Timeframe: Early booking often secures better rates.

Group Size: The final cost is dependent on the number of travelers in your party.

“Vietnam Less Touristy Tour” specializes in crafting exclusive, tailor-made private tours for groups of two or more. While we can accommodate solo travelers, please note that the cost will be significantly higher. Our packages are comprehensive, typically encompassing all on-the-ground services from the moment you arrive until your departure.

This itinerary is highly flexible. We can adjust the duration, activities, and departure date to perfectly align with your desires and budget.

At “Vietnam Less Touristy Tour,” we meticulously calculate our prices to ensure you receive the best possible value for your money.

A Word to the Wise: Booking in advance often unlocks more favorable pricing, especially for flights. We strongly encourage you to plan ahead!

Please Note: This estimated price does not include international airfare.

This itinerary serves as a starting point, a suggestion of what’s possible. We encourage you to personalize it to your heart’s content. Our team is dedicated to working closely with you to design a trip that exceeds your expectations and fits within your budget.