Ha Giang Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Trek

Ha Giang Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Trek

Venture deep into the limestone forests of North Vietnam on this rare and rewarding wildlife expedition in search of one of the world’s most endangered primates – the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. Found only in a few remote pockets of Ha Giang province, this elusive species is critically endangered, with fewer than 250 individuals remaining in the wild.

Designed for wildlife enthusiasts, conservation photographers, and adventurous travelers, this 7-day journey combines immersive trekking with expert-guided tracking through rugged karst terrain and biodiverse forest. Along the way, you’ll also encounter other rare fauna such as Francois’ Langurs, macaques, and forest birds, while staying in eco-campsites and local Tay ethnic minority villages.

With four full days dedicated to wildlife observation and photography, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness the beauty and fragility of Vietnam’s northern wilderness – a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and why conservation matters.

Tour Highlights

• Trek through the remote limestone forests of Ha Giang, one of Vietnam’s most untouched provinces.

• Track the elusive and critically endangered Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey in its natural habitat.

• Camp in the heart of nature with local guides and expert wildlife trackers.

• Explore off-the-beaten-path trails through rugged karst mountains and ancient forest.

• Stay with the Tay ethnic minority and experience their traditional stilt house lifestyle.

• Spot rare primates, langurs, macaques, and forest bird species along the journey.

• Contribute to conservation efforts by supporting local communities and protected areas

Day 1: Hanoi – Tay Village (Ha Giang Province)

Your wildlife journey begins with an early morning departure from Hanoi. Travel by private vehicle north through the scenic Red River Delta and along winding mountain roads into Ha Giang Province, one of Vietnam’s most remote and biologically diverse regions. In the afternoon, arrive at a small village inhabited by the Tay ethnic minority, known for their stilt houses and gentle hospitality.

After a welcome tea, meet your expedition team and review the trekking and tracking plan for the coming days. Your personal gear will be packed into a separate bag by porters for the trek. Enjoy a traditional Tay dinner and overnight in a local homestay.

Accommodation: Tay village homestay

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Drive time: ~7–8 hours

Day 2: Tay Village – Trek to Forest Campsite

After breakfast, begin your trek deep into the primary forest. The trail includes rocky paths, bamboo groves, and steep forested terrain, taking approximately 4–5 hours. Porters will carry your gear, allowing you to focus on the hike and your surroundings.

Arrive at a remote forest campsite, chosen for its proximity to known Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey territories. After lunch, explore nearby areas and familiarize yourself with the habitat. In the evening, review safety procedures and tracking etiquette with your guide. Sleep under the stars in tents or in hammocks with mosquito nets.

Accommodation: Forest campsite (tent or hammock)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking time: 4–5 hours

Day 3: First Monkey Tracking – Observation Point Exploration

Rise early and set out on your first full day of wildlife tracking. Follow your expert trackers into the forest, navigating ridges and limestone valleys as you search for signs of the elusive Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. The species is known to move in small, quiet groups — patience and silence are key.

Reach a forest ridge or known observation point by mid-morning. Spend several hours in a concealed area scanning for movement and listening for monkey calls. Return to camp in the afternoon for a rest and optional short trail walk before dinner.

Accommodation: Forest campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities: 6–7 hours of tracking, terrain moderate to steep

Day 4: Deep Forest Exploration – Alternate Territory

Today’s trek leads to a different tracking zone, deeper into the reserve. This lesser-visited area features tall limestone cliffs, dense undergrowth, and fewer human traces — ideal conditions for Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkeys. The group will divide into smaller scouting teams to cover more ground, regrouping for meals or sightings.

This region may also offer sightings of Francois’ Langurs, Assamese Macaques, or Silvered Leaf Monkeys, as well as hornbills, squirrels, and flying lizards. Return to camp at sunset.

Accommodation: Forest campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities: All-day hike and tracking, terrain rugged

Day 5: Remote Valley Viewing & Wildlife Photography

Return to one of the previously scouted areas where recent tracks or calls were detected. The morning will focus on still observation from a camouflaged ridge or clearing with excellent views of the canopy. This is the best day to bring out your camera gear – telephoto lenses and binoculars are essential.

In the afternoon, explore lower-elevation forest trails where monkeys descend to forage. If lucky, you may witness social behaviors like grooming, playing, or feeding.

Accommodation: Forest campsite

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities: 6–8 hours of tracking and photography

Day 6: Final Tracking & Return Hike to Tay Village

Make the most of your final morning in the forest with one last attempt to observe and photograph the monkeys. After a light lunch at camp, begin the return trek back to the Tay village, arriving by late afternoon.

Enjoy a hot shower and warm meal with your local hosts. Tonight is a time to reflect, celebrate your experience, and share photos and stories with the team.

Accommodation: Tay village homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking time: 4–5 hours

Day 7: Tay Village – Hanoi

After breakfast, depart Ha Giang and begin your return journey to Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful mountain valleys and rural villages, with opportunities to stop for photos or local snacks. Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon – either transfer to your hotel or directly to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive time: ~7–8 hours