What is included in the trekking package Hoang Su Phi?
Trekking in Hoang Su Phi is more than simply walking from one point to another. The trails around Panhou Retreat take travelers through terraced rice fields, bamboo forests, tea hills and villages inhabited by the Red Dao and Tay people. Local porters accompany travelers throughout the journey, helping you discover more about the landscapes, culture, daily life and stories of the Hoang Su Phi mountains.
Depending on the package, the itinerary may include overnight stays at Panhou Retreat according to the selected room category. The packages also include a local trekking porter, breakfast and local meals, as well as visits to Red Dao villages:
- Experience traditional tea making and taste Shan Tuyet tea
- Relax in the hot mineral bath
- Enjoy the infinity pool
- Explore the surrounding area by bicycle
- Participate in cultural experiences
- Overnight stay in a local village with selected packages
For travelers looking for a trekking and accommodation package Vietnam, this format is particularly convenient because trekking, accommodation, meals and local porters are combined into one journey.
Compare 3 trekking packages at Panhou Retreat
Panhou Retreat currently offers 3 main trekking packages with different durations and levels of experience.
| Trekking package | Duration | Trekking style | Accommodation | From* | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D1N Trekking & Experience Local Life | 2 days 1 night | Day trekking, 3 – 5 km | 1 night at Panhou Retreat | VND 2,140,000/person | Short trekking trips |
| 3D2N Trekking & Experience Local Life | 3 days 2 nights | Day trekking, 3 – 5 km | 2 nights at Panhou Retreat | VND 3,980,000/person | A relaxing stay at Panhou with a trekking tour |
| 3D2N Trekking & Experience Culture | 3 days 2 nights | Longer trekking routes | 1 night at Panhou + 1 night in a local village | VND 4,050,000/person | Trekking and local cultural discovery (1 night at a Red Dao village homestay) |
*Prices and room availability may vary during peak seasons. Travelers are advised to contact Panhou Retreat to confirm the latest prices and conditions before booking.
1. 2D1N Trekking & Local Life Experience Package
If you have limited time but still want to experience trekking in Hoang Su Phi, the 2-day 1-night Trekking & Experience Local Life package, starting from VND 2,140,000/person, is a suitable choice.
The package includes 1 night at Panhou Retreat and a guided trekking experience with a local porter covering approximately 3 – 5 km. In addition to trekking, travelers can enjoy experiences such as a 45-minute essential oil massage, tea making, tea tasting, a hot mineral bath and the infinity pool.
Three trekking routes to choose from
From Panhou Retreat to Yen Son
This is a popular route, suitable for travelers who want to combine terraced rice field views with an authentic local-life experience. After breakfast, the journey begins through Dao villages, terraced rice fields stretching along the mountain slopes and cool green bamboo forests.
The distinctive feature of the Yen Son route is the clear transition in scenery from the high mountains down into the valley. Travelers can visit a Red Dao family and learn about local life and culture before continuing along the mountain trail towards the Tay villages.
As the trail descends, the terraced rice fields become wider along the valley slopes, creating the characteristic landscape of Hoang Su Phi. The walking time is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, with an elevation change of around 300 m.
From Panhou Retreat to Giang Ha
Giang Ha is an option for travelers looking for a more challenging trekking experience, with uphill sections and clearly defined mountain terrain.
The highlight of this route is the terraced rice fields stretching across high mountain slopes, interspersed with forests and Red Dao villages. The journey passes through Promite Pass, where travelers can observe the surrounding mountain terrain and layers of terraced fields extending along the slopes.
Along the way, travelers have the opportunity to visit a Red Dao village, learn about traditional brocade weaving and discover traditional medicinal plants used by local people. This route offers a deeper sense of exploration, combining trekking, culture and highland landscapes.
The trekking time is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, making it suitable for active travelers who want to explore Hoang Su Phi at their own pace.
From Panhou Retreat to Nam Nghi
The Nam Nghi route offers a different experience by combining primeval forests, terraced rice fields and ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees in one journey.
After leaving Panhou Retreat, travelers walk through green forests and terraced rice fields set among the mountain terrain. Nam Nghi has a more untouched character, with natural forest patches interwoven with cultivated fields and Red Dao villages.
A distinctive feature of the route is the presence of Shan Tuyet tea hills, adding a unique layer to the landscape alongside the terraced rice fields. Travelers can stop at a Red Dao village, enjoy a local meal and experience the rhythm of highland life.
On the return journey, the route continues through cassava-growing areas and Shan Tuyet tea hills, offering another perspective on the agricultural landscape of Hoang Su Phi.
The walking time is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, with an elevation change of around 300 m.
2. 3-Day 2-Night Day Trekking Package
If you want more time to explore Hoang Su Phi but do not want to trek continuously, the 3-day 2-night Trekking & Experience Culture is a more balanced option.
The package combines one guided trekking experience of approximately 3 – 5 km with 2 nights at Panhou Retreat. It is also a suitable choice for travelers looking for a trekking and accommodation package Vietnam. Guests can enjoy trekking through the mountains while still having time to relax at the resort.
What is included in the package?
This package generally includes 2 nights of accommodation in the standard room category. Each morning, guests enjoy a daily buffet breakfast featuring a variety of Western and Asian dishes. In the evenings, guests enjoy 2 local-style dinners. The day trekking routes cover approximately 3 – 5 km and are accompanied by local porters.
Guests can experience traditional tea making, hot mineral baths, the infinity pool, complimentary bicycles, welcome drinks & herbal teas. The current listed price starts from VND 3,980,000/person, based on a minimum of 2 guests.
Why choose day trekking routes?
A trekking trip does not necessarily mean spending the entire day walking. For many travelers, especially couples and international visitors exploring Northern Vietnam for the first time, a balanced itinerary combining trekking, culture and relaxation can be more comfortable.
You can spend part of your day exploring terraced rice fields and villages before returning to Panhou Retreat to rest, enjoy a hot mineral bath or relax surrounded by nature.
3. 3-Day 2-Night Trekking Package (Two Days of Trekking)
If you want to explore local villages and daily life more deeply, the 3-day 2-night Cultural Discovery Trekking Package offers the most comprehensive trekking experience. The distinctive feature of this package is that travelers spend 1 night at Panhou Retreat and 1 night at a local homestay.
This is also a suitable option for travelers looking for a guided trek package Ha Giang, combining trekking, village exploration and cultural experiences rather than simply visiting tourist attractions.
Day 1: Arrive at Panhou Retreat
The first day is best spent traveling and relaxing, as the journey from Hanoi to Panhou Retreat is relatively long. After check-in, travelers can relax in the natural surroundings of Panhou Retreat, enjoy the resort facilities and prepare for the trekking journey the following day.
Day 2: Trekking into the mountains to see terraced rice fields
You can choose from the following regular trekking routes or ask the local porter to suggest beautiful viewpoints and stops based on your preferences.
Option 1: Nam Nghi – Giang Ha Route
After breakfast, the journey begins through forests and terraced rice fields towards Nam Nghi – an area inhabited by the Red Dao community.
From Nam Nghi, travelers continue towards Giang Ha, exploring the mountain scenery and local way of life before having dinner and spending the night with a Red Dao family.
Option 1: Nam Nghi – Phin Ho Route
The second route also begins in Nam Nghi – an area known for its tea hills and local tea harvesting activities.
The journey continues through terraced rice fields and tea hills before reaching Phin Ho. Here, travelers enjoy dinner and spend the night with a Red Dao family.
Day 3: Continue trekking through Hoang Su Phi
The second trekking day depends on the route selected. For the Giang Ha route, travelers can continue towards Thong Nguyen through forests and tea-growing areas.
For the Phin Ho route, the journey continues through Yen Son towards Lang Giang. Both options provide more time to explore forests, tea hills, terraced rice fields and local life.
What is included in the full trek package?
The program includes 1 night at Panhou Retreat and 1 night in a local village, together with meals throughout the journey, including breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 local dinners. The current package price starts from VND 4,050,000/person, based on a minimum of 2 guests.
Travelers will join a guided trekking journey to explore the highland landscapes and local way of life, while also experiencing traditional tea making and tea tasting. After the trek, guests can relax with a hot mineral bath and infinity pool, use bicycles to explore the surrounding area and enjoy a welcome drink upon arrival at Panhou Retreat.
What can you experience on a trekking package Hoang Su Phi?
Terraced rice fields
The terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi change throughout the seasons.
During the water season, the flooded terraces reflect the sky. As the rice begins to grow, the mountain slopes turn green. Around September–October, many areas enter the harvest season, creating the characteristic golden landscape.
Bamboo forests and mountain trails
The trekking routes around Panhou Retreat take travelers through bamboo forests, primeval forests, streams and mountain slopes.
Instead of simply following a fixed tourist route, travelers can move between valleys, terraced rice fields and small local villages.
Shan Tuyet tea hills
TAncient Shan Tuyet tea can be considered a specialty of Northern Vietnam’s highland regions, particularly well known in Tuyen Quang (formerly Ha Giang). Ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees commonly grow at elevations of around 1,200 – 2,000 meters.
The tea buds are large and covered with fine white hairs resembling snow. The liquor has a deep golden, honey-like color, with a fragrant mountain aroma and a long, naturally sweet aftertaste. The tea buds are traditionally hand-picked and processed by the local Red Dao people.
The routes through Nam Nghi and Phin Ho take travelers to areas where Shan Tuyet tea is cultivated. If you visit Panhou Retreat, you can also experience traditional tea making and tea tasting.
Red Dao and Tay villages
The villages are more than simply stops for enjoying the scenery. Through the trekking routes, travelers have opportunities to learn about local homes, customs, hospitality, cuisine, traditional occupations and the everyday rhythm of local communities.
Why choose a guided trek in Hoang Su Phi?
A local porter does more than simply show travelers the way. Mountain trails can change depending on weather and actual conditions. Some routes pass through cultivated fields, forests and areas where local communities live and work.
Local porters understand the terrain, know which routes are suitable and can help travelers gain a deeper understanding of the culture and daily life of the communities along the way. For international travelers looking for a guided trek package Ha Giang, this is one of the key benefits of choosing a trekking tour in Hoang Su Phi.
Best time for trekking in Hoang Su Phi
Hoang Su Phi offers beautiful scenery throughout many seasons of the year for viewing terraced rice fields. However, the best time depends on the type of landscape each traveler wants to experience.
May – June: Watering season
This is when water is introduced into the terraced rice fields before the planting season. The mountain slopes become layers of reflective terraces mirroring the sky, creating one of Hoang Su Phi’s most distinctive landscapes.
July – August: Green rice season
During summer, the terraced fields become lush and green. This is a suitable time for travelers who enjoy the vibrant green scenery of the mountains. However, rainfall can occur, so trekking itineraries should remain flexible.
September – October: Golden rice season
This is the most popular period for travelers to explore and photograph the terraced rice fields. The mountain slopes gradually turn golden as the harvest season approaches. Beyond the rice fields, travelers can still trek through forests, villages and tea hills while discovering local culture.
In addition to areas such as Giang Ha, Nam Nghi and Nam Khoa, travelers can also enjoy beautiful views of golden rice fields shaped like giant rice terraces.
What should you prepare for a trekking trip in Hoang Su Phi?
You do not need professional trekking equipment for the shorter routes. However, you should prepare some basic items:
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- A small backpack for personal belongings
- Raincoat and umbrella
- Quick-drying cotton clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Personal water bottle
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Phone, camera or action camera to capture the scenery
- Power bank
If you choose the two-day trekking package with an overnight stay in a local village, it is recommended to pack light for easier travel.
How to get to Panhou Retreat for your trekking trip
Travelers can reach Panhou Retreat from Hanoi by several means of transportation. You can take a limousine or arrange a private transfer with Panhou Retreat. The current limousine price at Panhou Retreat is approximately VND 490,000/person/way, applicable when booking for 2 or more people.
If you prefer to travel independently to save costs, you can consider bus operators such as Vu Han, Hoang Hai and Khoi Phuong to Hoang Su Phi town or Vinh Quang town, then arrange a private taxi to Panhou Retreat.
Indicative prices range from VND 250,000 – 300,000/person. If traveling by public bus, you should confirm the drop-off point and the final transportation option to Panhou Retreat in advance. However, waiting for connecting transportation can make the total journey take around 7 – 8 hours.
