One day on the steepest La Chi terraces in Hoang Su Phi — a full circuit above the Chay river with a hosted lunch and back to town by evening.
Duration
1 day
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
10 – 12 km
Altitude
900 – 1,300 m
Best season
Sept – Oct · May – Jun
— Overview
Why this route.
Ban Phung is where the terraces stop being scenic and start being work. La Chi farmers plant rice above 1,000 m on walls so steep the local phrase is 'climbing the sky.' You walk their paths for a day — one valley, one community, one long lunch in a stilt house — and return to Hoang Su Phi town without overnight gear. Choose this if you have a single clear day and want the district's most dramatic terrace country. Choose Nam Hong or Ban Luoc if you need a homestay night and a ridge between valleys.
— Trip highlights
La Chi guide on farm paths above the Chay river — not a viewpoint stop
Bamboo bridge crossing and slow lunch inside a working stilt house
Afternoon loop through tea gardens as the valley light turns
Back in Hoang Su Phi town by 18:30 — no pack, no homestay logistics
— Itinerary
Day by day.
Times and stops are indicative. Pace and arrival are set by the slowest walker, the weather, and the village.
Day
Ban Phung terrace circuit
10 – 12 km · 5 – 6 h walking
Meals · Breakfast · Lunch
"Drive 1.5 h from Hoang Su Phi town to the trailhead. Descend through layered La Chi terraces to the river, cross by bamboo bridge, climb to a hilltop hamlet for a slow lunch with the host family. Late-afternoon return as the light turns over the valley."
06:30
Depart Hoang Su Phi town
Coffee on the road, scenic drive into the Ban Phung valley.
08:15
Trailhead briefing
Meet your local La Chi guide. Stretch, water check, route overview.
08:45
Descent into the terraces
Steep zig-zag path through layered rice terraces above the Chay river.
11:00
River crossing
Bamboo bridge over the Chay — guide checks planks and rope. Short rest before the hamlet climb.
Easier contour path through working tea fields and a Tay schoolyard.
17:00
Trailhead pickup
Drive back to town. Arrival around 18:30.
— Inclusions
What's included.
Included
Private transfer from Hoang Su Phi town and back
English-speaking trekking guide born in the district
Local La Chi lead guide on the trail
Lunch with a host family in a stilt house
Drinking water, trail snacks and seasonal fruit
Permits and community contributions
Personal accident & trekking insurance
Not included
International or domestic flights
Transfer between Ha Giang city and Hoang Su Phi
Hotel accommodation before or after the trek
Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion)
Any service not explicitly listed in 'Included'
— Pack list
What to bring.
01Light trekking shoes with grip
02Daypack (15 – 20 L)
031.5 L water bottle (refill provided)
04Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
05Light rain shell (any season)
06Camera, spare battery
07Small cash for tea-house refreshments
— Good to know
Before you walk.
Guide field note: the bamboo bridge over the Chay river is checked each morning — if water is high after overnight rain, the loop uses a contour path that still reaches the hilltop hamlet for lunch.
September terraces turn gold by mid-month; afternoon return through tea gardens catches side-light on the western walls around 16:00.
Choose Nam Hong if a homestay night and ridge walk matter more than terraces alone.
Trail surface: dirt and stone steps on La Chi farm paths — slippery for 48 hours after rain.
Mobile signal drops above 1,100 m on the hamlet climb.
— Field
Frames from the route.
La Chi terraces above the Chay river — planting heights here are among the highest in Hoang Su Phi.The Chay valley from the terrace traverse, with karst ridges to the north.Lunch in a La Chi stilt house: grilled chicken, sticky rice and greens from the garden.Tea gardens on the afternoon return loop — a second livelihood beside rice.
— FAQ
Common questions.
Q · 01
Is this the right first walk in Hoang Su Phi?
For most guests, yes — one valley, manageable distance, and you see how terrace farming actually works. If you want a homestay night, start with Nam Hong instead.
Q · 02
Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, with notice at booking — tofu, mountain greens, sticky rice and soup from the host kitchen.
Q · 03
What if it rains?
We walk in light rain. In storms we shorten the loop and stay longer with the host family. Full refund only if we cancel for safety.
Q · 04
Are these the highest terraces in Vietnam?
Ban Phung is among the highest terrace country in Hoang Su Phi — local farmers cite planting above 1,000 m. We describe it as regional consensus, not a formal survey.
Q · 05
Can I combine this with a multi-day trek?
Yes — many guests walk Ban Phung first, then Nam Hong–Ho Thau or Ban Luoc. We help with dates and transfers at booking.
Q · 06
Do I need trekking poles?
Optional. Helpful on wet stone steps — we can lend a pair if you ask when you enquire.
Q · 07
Is the bamboo bridge safe?
Checked before every crossing. If the Chay river is too high, we use a contour that skips the bridge but still includes hamlet lunch.
Q · 08
What time do we return to town?
Usually 18:00–18:30, depending on pace and light. Transfer back is included.
HSP · 042 days · 1 night