Hoang Su Phi 3 day tour: Terraced rice fields trekking & homestays

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Hoang Su Phi

Day 2: Nam Hong – Nam Khoa – Nam Son

Embark on an extensive trek through the Hoang Su Phi region.
Capture the beauty of terraced rice fields and ethnic people.
Enjoy a meal with the Red Dao hill tribe and learn about their culture.
Continue trekking through scenic valleys and remote villages.

Day 3: Nam Son – Dao’s Village – Tan Quang – Hanoi

Our Guest

I have just got back from my Ha Giang Loop tour and honestly I can say hands down it’s one of the best things I have ever done. This is coming from someone who was so scared to get on the back of a motorbike but my driver/tour guide Sun was absolutely amazing made me feel comfortable from the start.

Ha Giang loop road tour was everything and more. I was in the extraordinary hands of Nguyen Minh, the most thoughtful and welcoming guide. Minh’s motorbike riding was just perfect, we went at such a lovely pace and his “be careful” skills navigating some of the more trickier parts were exceptional.

We had a fantastic time on our 3 day Ha Giang tour! 1 easy rider and one solo riding and both had a great experience. We had a much smaller group size than most tour groups on the loop which gave a much more personal experience- would recommend!

The tour was really amazing. Our guide was so kind and he took care of all of us. It was a great experience and we wouldn’t have missed it at all!!! Thank you niao (hope i write it correctly) for the unforgetable time!!!

A great experience doing the Ha Giang loop. The views were stunning and both our drivers, Ty and Minh were top! We never felt unsafe while riding the loop, they gave great explanations and always made us laugh. I was sad the tour had to end

Mong Ngua Homestay
Local homestays of ethnic people

*Accommodations are subject to availability and may change based on the dates of your booking.

Mong Ngua Homestay

Transfers

Option 1

Shared Limousine Bus + Private Car

Travel in a shared, comfortable limousine bus from Hanoi to Tan Quang Town, where a driver will pick you up for the journey to Hoang Su Phi. This is the cheapest option.

Option 2

Private Car from Hanoi

Enjoy a complete private drive from Hanoi directly to Hoang Su Phi with no transit needed, offering more privacy and convenience.

Options & Alternatives

Accommodation #1

Bungalow + Homestay

Stay in a comfortable bungalow for part of your tour and experience local life with a homestay for the rest.

Accommodation #2

Bungalow only

Enjoy the entire tour staying in a comfortable bungalow, offering convenience and privacy.

Duration

4 day trip

If you’re interested in a longer adventure, there is a 4-day tour option available that includes additional experiences and trekking. View 4-day tour here.

Add-on

Ha Giang Loop

You can extend your Hoang Su Phi tour by combining it with the Ha Giang Loop. After visiting Hoang Su Phi, we will bring you to Ha Giang, where you can embark on the loop by car or easy rider.

Booking information

Included

Booking process

Book using the form below or contact us for custom tours. Hotel details can be provided later. Confirmation sent within 1 working day after deposit or full payment.

Terms of tour cancellation

Changes or cancellations are possible with potential extra fees. Please refer to our terms & conditions page for details.

Weather

Curious about the seasonal variations for your Hoang Su Phi adventure? Choose your intended travel month to view detailed information about the weather and landscape.

Month

January

In January, Hoang Su Phi doesn't present the iconic terraced rice fields as they lie dormant and bare during this cold month. While not the optimal time for experiencing the lush greenery, this period offers a unique charm for those willing to explore the stark, off-the-beaten-path landscapes in cooler weather. There's very little rainfall, making the trekking conditions quite favorable despite the cold. Dressing warmly is crucial, but you'll enjoy the tranquility of having the trails mostly to yourself, away from the usual tourist crowds.

February

February in Hoang Su Phi continues with no rice cultivation, leaving the fields empty but still offering a distinctive rugged landscape to explore. The weather begins to warm slightly, improving conditions for trekking. With minimal rainfall, the trails are in good condition, making it easier to navigate the region. It's a great time for those looking for a serene trekking experience in a less crowded environment. Proper attire is still needed as mornings and evenings can be chilly, but the days are increasingly comfortable for outdoor activities.

March

March marks one of the best times to visit Hoang Su Phi for trekking enthusiasts. The weather is perfect—not too hot and not too cold, with little rainfall and plenty of clear days. Though the rice fields remain inactive, the natural beauty of the area is still compelling. The clear weather offers excellent visibility for enjoying panoramic views of the terraced landscapes. This month combines the ease of trekking with the awakening of spring, making it ideal for those looking to enjoy extended hikes without the intense heat or heavy rains that come later in the year.

April

April marks the beginning of the watering season in Hoang Su Phi, transforming the terraced fields into stunning, reflective water mirrors. This visual spectacle creates a mesmerizing effect, making it one of the best times to visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The weather is very pleasant for trekking, although there is an increased chance of rain which can add to the lushness of the surroundings. These showers usually bring a refreshing change from the warmer midday temperatures and help to enhance the natural beauty of the region.

May

May continues with the watering season, where the terraces remain filled with water, capturing the sky and creating a dramatic landscape. The weather remains favorable for trekking, with warm temperatures and more frequent rain showers. These rains are often short but heavy, providing relief and maintaining the beauty of the rice terraces. The increased moisture can make the trails a bit slippery, so appropriate footwear and cautious trekking are recommended. Despite the rain, this month offers vibrant greenery and excellent conditions for witnessing the early stages of rice growth.

June

By June, small shoots of rice begin to emerge, dotting the terraces with hints of green, signaling the start of the growth season. The weather gets hotter, making trekking more challenging but still rewarding with the lush and evolving landscape. Rain showers continue to be short and heavy, typical of the early summer months, which can cool down the afternoons but also require preparedness for sudden changes in weather. Trekking in this month allows you to observe the transformation of the terraces as they slowly fill with more rice plants, providing a dynamic and changing backdrop for your hikes.

July

July in Hoang Su Phi sees the rice fields becoming increasingly lush and vibrant. The weather can get very hot, making trekking challenging, yet it's offset by the beauty of the terraced fields. The rains are more frequent but usually short-lived, which helps to temper the heat and maintain the stunning greenery. This is an exciting time to explore, as the rice stalks are taller and greener, filling the terraces with life. Despite the heat and the brief showers, July offers one of the most visually rewarding times to visit, with each day showing noticeable growth in the fields.

August

August is among the most beautiful months in Hoang Su Phi as the rice terraces reach their peak in verdant splendor. The weather remains hot, and the pattern of short, sharp rainfalls continues, helping to sustain the lushness of the rice fields. These conditions create a dramatic and photogenic landscape, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike. The vibrant green of the fields against the backdrop of Hoang Su Phi's hills is a sight to behold. While the heat can be intense, early morning or late afternoon treks are ideal for cooler temperatures and softer light.

September

September often marks the beginning of the harvest season, depending on the year. This month can still be warm and sees a gradual reduction in rainfall, making trekking conditions more favorable. The rice fields are at their most stunning, showcasing golden yellow hues as they ripen, ready for harvest. This transition from green to gold makes September perhaps the best month to visit Hoang Su Phi for those looking to capture the iconic beauty of the harvest. The cooler temperatures as the month progresses and the less frequent rain make for excellent trekking conditions.

October

October in Hoang Su Phi often coincides with the harvest season, making it a highly anticipated time for visitors. Depending on the year, harvesting may begin late in September or early in October. This is arguably the best time to experience the terraced rice fields, as they turn a stunning golden yellow, creating breathtaking landscapes. The weather is ideal for trekking: it’s not too hot and not too cold, with minimal rainfall and plenty of clear skies. If you arrive after the harvest, the fields might be bare, but the cooler weather and excellent trekking conditions still make October a fantastic month to visit.

November

By November, the rice fields are typically bare following the harvest, but the region still offers good trekking weather. It’s cooler, especially as the month progresses, and the clear skies provide great opportunities for enjoying the expansive mountain views. The lack of rainfall means the trails are generally dry and more accessible. Although the vivid green terraces are no longer visible, Hoang Su Phi’s natural beauty and remote tranquility continue to make it an appealing destination for those looking to explore less touristy trails.

December

December brings colder weather to Hoang Su Phi, making it one of the least favorable months for trekking in terms of temperature. The rice fields remain dormant and bare, offering a stark contrast to the lush months. However, for those willing to brave the cold, December provides a unique opportunity to experience Hoang Su Phi without the crowds, immersed in its quiet winter atmosphere. The landscape is less colorful but has a serene beauty, and with very little rain, clear days are common, offering good visibility for enjoying the natural scenery.

Preparation

This Hoang Su Phi tour offers a journey through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular terraced rice fields and provides a deeply authentic cultural experience.

Please note: However, this tour ventures into less developed regions of Vietnam, making it suitable only for true adventurers who appreciate rugged and untouched environments.

What to Expect:

Authenticity at Its Core: Experience life far removed from tourist paths—basic amenities, minimal infrastructure, and a genuine glimpse into traditional lifestyles.
Language Barrier: The local communities in Hoang Su Phi do not speak English.
Simplicity in Nature: Accommodations and roads are less developed. There are no cities and almost no stores or restaurants.

Accommodation Details:

First Night in Comfort: Spend your initial night in a comfortable bungalow to ease into your adventure.
Authentic Homestays: Subsequent nights will be in basic, dorm-style homestays with local families. While this offers a unique insight into the lives of ethnic minorities and an amazing experience for many, it’s a very rustic and basic overnight that is not for everyone.

What we do:

Professional Guides: We bring in professional English-speaking guides from Ha Giang City who are familiar with the terrain and ensure your journey is safe.
Customizable Comfort: If the idea of basic homestays doesn’t meet your comfort level, we offer the option to customize your tour to include stays in the bungalow throughout your visit.

Recommended For:

Adventure Seekers: This tour is perfect for those looking to step far off the beaten path.
Reasonable Health Required: While you don’t need to be extremely fit, a good general health condition is necessary due to the trekking involved.

Prices

2 persons	3 persons	4 persons	5 persons	6 persons
$870 ($435 pp)	$1185 ($395 pp)	$1396 ($349 pp)	$1675 ($335 pp)	$1860 ($310 pp)

Dynamic Pricing: Prices are subject to change based on availability and specific tour requirements.
Currency Conversion: Prices are displayed in United States Dollar (USD) for convenience. Please note that fluctuations in currency exchange rates may affect the final cost slightly.
Customization Costs: Adjustments to standard packages, such as upgrades in accommodation or transportation, may affect the overall price.

Booking & Enquiries

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Additional comments & wishes

Please mention any specific requests such as dietary preferences, route options, accommodation types, or other requirements you may have.

Step 1: Request Your Tour

Specify your preferred dates, the number of participants, and any specific desires you might have, such as types of accommodation (homestays or hotels) and transportation (motorbike or car).

Step 2: Receive Your Custom Offer

We will send you a detailed offer based on your requests. This offer can still be customized to ensure it perfectly meets your needs.

Step 3: Make Payment

All payments are processed through PayPal. No account is required to complete the transaction. PayPal provides buyer protection, safeguarding your purchase from booking to tour completion. Please note that a 3% PayPal fee will be added to cover processing costs.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Tour

Once your booking is confirmed, we take care of all the details. We arrange everything from transfers to and from Hanoi, accommodations, meals, guides, and transportation throughout the tour, unless you request otherwise.

FAQ

Is Hoang Su Phi recommended for families with children?

Young children are not recommended due to the trekking and remote nature of the area. However, teens can have a unique and enriching experience.

Is there Wi-Fi and internet access?

The area is very remote. There is Wi-Fi at the bungalow, but it may not be reliable. Other homestays do not have Wi-Fi. It’s advisable to have a local SIM, but network coverage can be poor in some areas.

How difficult is the trekking?

The trekking is not extremely difficult but involves mountain terrain and can be hot in the summer. A reasonable fitness level and good health are recommended.

Can we customize the tour, such as accommodation and trekking?

Customization is limited due to the remote and less developed nature of Hoang Su Phi. However, as a local company, we can offer a range of accommodations from basic homestays to luxury lodges and adjust trekking distances. Advanced requests are best.

Are there cheaper group tours available?

No, Hoang Su Phi does not see many travelers and lacks the infrastructure for group tours. There are no shared buses directly to Hoang Su Phi, and not enough travelers to form groups.

How is Hoang Su Phi during the rainy season?

While there are more frequent heavy rain showers, it is the best season to visit due to the growing rice fields. Rain often falls in short, heavy bursts, leaving plenty of sunny periods.

Does the guide speak English?

Guides in Hoang Su Phi generally do not speak English. We bring experienced English-speaking guides from Ha Giang City to ensure quality guidance.

I am unable to walk long distances. Is there an alternat

This tour involves significant trekking. However, we can modify the tour to focus on car sightseeing, visiting viewpoints and villages. For less walking, destinations like Sapa, with better development and more options, might be preferable.

What type of food is available on the tour?

Meals are local and served at local restaurants. Vegetarian options can be arranged with advance notice.

Can we combine the Hoang Su Phi tour with the Ha Giang Loop?

Yes, after visiting Hoang Su Phi, we can arrange for you to continue your adventure with the Ha Giang Loop by car or easy rider, exploring more of Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and cultures.

​Hoang Su Phi 3 day tour​: Terraced rice fields trekking & homestays