Phu Sa Phìn – The Dinosaur Spine Trek 2D1N

Level - Trekking

This trekking route leads to one of the top 15 highest mountains in Vietnam, located in the Hoang Lien Son range at an elevation of 2,865 meters. This journey leads you through enchanted moss-covered forests, where breathtaking sunrises and endless seas of clouds create one of Northwest Vietnam’s most stunning cloud paradises.

Expert Guide

To Ong Adventure is one of Vietnam’s leading hiking and trekking organizers, with a professionally trained team in mountain skills, survival skills, and route safety.

Tuấn Tóc Dài

ADVENTURE GUIDE

Tuan brings cheerful energy and an adventurous spirit to every journey. He is confident in creating experiences that feel both relaxing and exciting for guests on To Ong routes.

Tour Summary

Overview chart for Phu Sa Phìn – The Dinosaur Spine Trek 2D1N

Best months:

September - May

Maximum group size:

20 - 25 people

Pick-up time:

6:30 PM - Every Friday Night

Pick-up location:

No.9,Lane 53, Tran Quoc Hoan, HaNoi, VietMam

Meeting point:

Tram Tau, Yen Bai

Duration:

2 days 1 night

Medical access time: 5,5 hours
Route distance: 13km
Peak elevation: 2,868m
Elevation gain: 1,075m
Active hours per day: 8 hours

Detailed itinerary

Departure: HA NOI - BAC YEN, SON LA

Overnight Accommodation:: Homestay - Dormitory rooms

6:30 PM Begin the journey at To Ong Adventure Office in Hanoi: No. 9, Lane 53 Tran Quoc Hoan, Cau Giay, Hanoi. (Specific pick-up point and time information will be sent via email by To Ong 3 days before departure). NO AIRPORT PICK-UP/DROP-OFF.

00:00 AM The group arrives in Bac Yen, Son La. Check into the Homestay to rest and stay overnight.

Day 1: BAC YEN - HANG CHU - PHU SA PHIN

Accommodation::: Trekking Lodge (Includes blankets and pillows)
Distance::: 7km, 8 hours of trekking.
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Check-in at Phu Sa Phin summit, trek through primeval forest, enjoy sunset views.

05:30 AM The group wakes up, has breakfast, and prepares their belongings.

07:30 AM The shuttle bus picks up the group to travel to the foot of the mountain in Hang Chu commune. Then, the group takes a motorbike for about 6km to reach the starting point at the mountain base.

08:30 AM Before starting the trek, the guide will review safety regulations and lead a warm-up session before beginning the journey to conquer Phu Sa Phin.

11:30 AM The group arrives at the lunch stop and rests in the forest.

13:00 PM The group continues the journey through old forests and mossy woods with stunning natural landscapes and excellent experiences.

15:00 PM Conquer the peak of Phu Sa Phin, receive achievement medals, check-in, and explore the mystical mossy forest.

The group continues downhill, checking in at beautiful spots and, if lucky, watching the sunset on the way down.

17:00 PM The group arrives at the lodge, receives belongings, and rest. Admire the distant hills and prepare for dinner.

The group will stay overnight and have dinner at the community lodge. Enjoy local specialties with "Tao Meo" wine (Docynia indica wine) and listen to mountain stories.

Day 2: PHU SA PHIN - BAN CONG - TRAM TAU

Distance::: 6km, 6 hours of trekking.
Meals::: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Highlights::: Cross the legendary "Dinosaur spine" ridge and check-in at Turtle Head Rock.

05:30 AM The group wakes up with personal hygiene, watches the sunrise and enjoys hot coffee/ginger tea. Breakfast and packing up

07:30 AM The group trek down a different route toward Yen Bai to witness the majestic landscape and cross the legendary Dinosaur spine.

11:30 AM The group has lunch and rests in the forest.

13:00 PM The group continued the descent, visiting and checking-in at Turtle Head Rock.

14:30 PM The shuttle bus picks up the group at the foot of the mountain to return to Tram Tau (Yen Bai). Say goodbye to the local crew and move to the shower area.

15:30 PM The group arrives at the homestay to bathe and rest.

16:30 PM The group moved on the bus back to Hanoi. Stop for dinner in Nghia Lo.

Expected to arrive in Hanoi at 22:00, ending the journey to conquer Phu Sa Phin

Cost structure

Included:

Shuttle from Ha Noi to the mountain base and back
Motorbike transfer from the mountain base to forest edge
Professional tour guide experienced in Vietnam's trekking terrains, certified in first aid and rescue (English-speaking guide available upon request).
Local guides/professional tour guides provide support. They are experienced in navigating the forest and mountains, and are technically trained by To Ong for each tour.
Porter service (2-3 kg per guest), ensuring careful handling of luggage to prevent damage or loss.
Professional support team and private chef, ensuring nutritious meals with strict hygiene standards.
Meals: Includes 06 main meals (Vegetarian menu available upon request).
1.5-liter water bottle provided at the start of the trek and replenished at the campsite.
Bac Yen accommodation: Homestay - Dorm room.
Camping gear: blankets, pillows, sleeping mats.
Trekking gear: trekking poles, raincoat, flashlight, waterproof bag, gloves.
Commemorative Medal: Medal/Souvenir Medal specially designed from Tổ Ong Adventure.
Medical: Standard medical kit equipment.
Travel insurance.
Move to the shower area

Not included:

Personal expenses outside the tour
Tips for guides and porters
Airfare

Packing list:

CLOTHING: Lightweight, stretchable, breathable, quick-drying
BACKPACK: Compact, with a capacity of 20 - 40 liters
SHOES: Opt for shoes half to one size larger. Shoes with deep treads, good grip on mountain terrain, anti-slip, with ankle support to prevent injuries
WARM JACKET
SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, hat, sun gloves, mittens
PERSONAL ITEMS AND NECESSARY ELECTRONICS
MEDICATION: Rehydration tablets, electrolyte supplements, insect repellent
SNACKS: Energy bars, chocolate, candy
SOCKS: Choose thick socks, bring at least 2 - 3 pairs as a backup
SLIPPERS: For use at the campsite
HEAT PATCHES: Available at the mountain base
IDENTIFICATION: National ID or passport (required).

Notes:

1.Guests registering before Wednesday each week will receive a Conqueror Card and a personalized medal along with the certificate after completing the route, including special offers from Tổ Ong Adventure partners.
Rates are based on weekly scheduled group tours. For private tour inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
The package tour price will not be reduced if you do not use transportation, meals, or camping services. Extra charges may apply during holidays.

Frequently asked questions

What are the health requirements for joining the trek?

Ta Xua is classified as a trekking-level route by To Ong Adventure. To participate in this trek, you should have prior experience with walking and hiking routes and maintain a regular fitness routine.

For those traveling from Southern Vietnam who are trekking in the Northern region for the first time, it is recommended to arrive one day in advance to acclimate to the climate of Son La before starting the journey.

Can I join the Ta Xua trekking tour if I am traveling alone?

If you are traveling alone, you can still join To Ong Adventure's trekking routes. We organize group tours with a maximum of 20 members every weekend, allowing you to connect with new friends and enjoy an exciting adventure!

What are the restroom and hygiene facilities like during the trek?

At each camping site, To Ong Adventure arranges temporary restroom facilities for the group. Our logistics team ensures that the area is properly cleaned after departure. Additionally, we follow responsible waste management practices by separating organic and inorganic waste throughout the journey.

How many participants are there in each group?

For the Ta Xua trekking tour, each To Ong Adventure group consists of 20 members, with a support ratio of 1:3. This means that for every 20 participants, there will be at least 6 support staff from To Ong Adventure.