Trail Bus – Lảo Thẩn
14km / day
Elevation gain
~1080m
Distance
~14km
Peak elevation
2860m
Difficulty
Known as the roof of Y Tý in Lào Cai, Lảo Thẩn ranks 14th among Vietnam’s highest mountains yet remains accessible to beginners. The route mainly follows trails over low grass hills and gentle slopes, interspersed with open forest, burnt clearings and steeper ground near the summit.
Choose the option that suits you
EXPLORE” TICKET
For beginners or anyone who prefers hiking with a group and a trail guide.
Return transport
Hiking
GPX track
Trail guide
JOIN THE CREW” TICKET
For travellers who prefer to arrange their own transport, meet the group at the trailhead and begin the journey with their fellow hikers.
- Hiking
- GPX track
- Trail guide
What you will experience
ROUND-TRIP BUS TRANSFER
A 40–45-seat sleeper bus typically provides air conditioning, individual blankets and drinking water to help guests rest during the long overnight journey before the morning trek.
TRAIL GUIDE
Your guide stays with the group throughout the trip, helping you discover the trail’s best viewpoints while keeping the experience safe and well organised.
Check in at the 2,860m summit of Lảo Thẩn
Lảo Thẩn summit—generally recorded at 2,860m, although some sources list 2,862m—is the final destination and reward for the trek.
Check in at the “Fishing Immortal” rock formation
A place to imagine yourself as an immortal fishing in a mountain paradise.
Cross a leafless forest
A rugged, mysterious and cinematic landscape.
Mỏm Chênh Vênh
As its name suggests, this rock projects from the mountainside and creates the sensation of standing in mid-air.
Includes breakfast and lunch
Have breakfast at the home of A Hờ, an Inspire Trails porter, and lunch at Shelter 2 before summiting Lảo Thẩn at 2,860m.
Cost breakdown
Included:
- Return sleeper-bus ticket
- Return transfer between Lào Cai and the trailhead
- Guide trained in basic outdoor skills
- Bottled water on the bus
- Clean-up and changing facilities
- Porter support
- 2 meals: breakfast and lunch
Not included:
- Finisher medal
- Personal meals and drinks at the rest stop
- Personal expenses outside the itinerary
Included:
- Bottled water on the bus
- Return transfer between Lào Cai/Sapa and the mountain
- 2 meals: breakfast and lunch
- Porter support
- Clean-up and changing facilities
- Guide trained in basic outdoor skills
Not included:
- Return sleeper-bus ticket
- Finisher medal
- Personal meals and drinks at the rest stop
- Personal expenses outside the itinerary
Detailed itinerary
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Overnight stay: No
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Trail distance: 14km, approximately 8–9 hours depending on fitness
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Meals: breakfast and lunch
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Highlights: Cloud hunting, the 2,860m Lảo Thẩn summit, Mỏm Chênh Vênh, the “Fishing Immortal” rock, a solitary hilltop tree and a dry, leafless forest.
- Day 0: Begin at 20 Phạm Hùng – Mỹ Đình Bus Station. For guests travelling from elsewhere, Inspire Trails will pick you up at Nội Bài Airport, Hanoi. Please book a flight arriving before 22:00. Inspire Trails will email the confirmed pick-up details and time three days before departure if there are any changes. A shuttle will take you to the sleeper bus for the journey to Lào Cai City.
- Day 1:
- 4:00: Arrive at Lào Cai City’s central bus station, where the shuttle collects the group for Y Tý.
- 6:00: Stop for breakfast and a washroom break at A Hờ’s home.
- 7:00: Take a 15-minute shuttle to the trailhead at Phìn Hồ Kindergarten. The guide provides a safety briefing and introduces the local support team.
- 07:30-12:30: Warm up and begin the journey. Have lunch and rest at Shelter 2. The route to the shelter mainly crosses grass hills and low forest clearings beneath an open sky.
- 14:00: Climb the final slope and check in at the 2,860m Lảo Thẩn summit.
- 15:00: Then descend the mountain.
- 18:00: Return by vehicle to A Hờ’s home to wash, shower and purchase food at your own expense.
- 19:30: Take the shuttle back to Lào Cai City.
- 21:30: Arrive in Lào Cai City for free time to eat and explore at your own expense.
- 00:00: Board the bus back to Hanoi, with arrival expected at 05:00 the next morning, concluding the Lảo Thẩn summit journey.
What to pack
+ Hiking shoes or trail-running shoes
+ Sunscreen and insect repellent
+ Stretchy, long-sleeved sportswear
+ A change of clothes after showering
+ At least 1.5 litres of drinking water
+ Personal snacks such as energy bars, nuts or dried fruit
+ Trekking poles for beginners
+ A hydration vest or lightweight backpack
+ Emergency cash
Important notes:
+ Each guest receives one Conqueror Card after completing the trail. Guests who register after Wednesday for that week’s departure will not receive a Conqueror Card.
+ Late arrival is treated as a cancellation and is non-refundable.
+ Please make sure you board the correct bus, as several tour groups may share the same meeting point.
+ Prepare physically by walking for 30 minutes a day during the two weeks before the hike.