Son La
3 days 2 nights
Paddle boarding, camping
7/10
5 (0 Customer rating)
7.800.000 VNĐ
Tour overview

Have you ever imagined yourself embarking on an expedition-style adventure, navigating down a river or exploring a new land, much like what you see in the movies Wild (2014) or A Walk in the Woods (2015)? Umove Adventure invites you to join the Black River Expedition on the enchanting Da River, where you will become the main character in a vivid and thrilling tale of adventure. As the protagonist of this journey, you will learn essential wilderness skills—from SUP paddling and pitching a tent to cooking over an open campfire, brewing coffee, catching fish, and fully immersing yourself in unspoiled nature. With the Black River Expedition, the greatest reward is not the destination, but the wonderful moments and the vibrant emotions you experience along the way.

The Black River Expedition is not overly extreme, but it is challenging enough to deliver delightfully exciting surprises. This is an opportunity for you to live fully with nature in a raw, authentic way that is completely different from your familiar trips.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 50km epic SUP expedition

  • Off-the-grid wild camping & pure nature

  • Premium expedition gear & expert safety support

 

Summary
  • Departure from: Hanoi

  • Min: 10 people

  • Destination: Son La

  • Max: 20 people

  • Duration: 3 days 2 nights

  • Best season: September - Jun

  • Activities: Paddle boarding, camping

  • Level: 7/10

Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Van Yen (Son La) – Tuong Village

05:00 Meet your guide and driver at the designated pickup point. Board our comfortable vehicle and begin the journey toward Van Yen, Son La. We will stop en route at Thu Cuc for a local breakfast to fuel up for the day.

10:00 Arrive at the Van Yen ferry terminal. We will begin inflating the SUPs and transferring heavy luggage to our dedicated escort boat. This is the time to prep your personal gear and perform final checks before hitting the water.

11:00 Set off on your SUP, paddling downstream along the legendary Da River toward Hoa Binh. Experience the sheer scale of the river as the expedition officially begins.

12:00 Take a break and enjoy a refreshing lunch served right on the support boat, allowing you to rest while surrounded by the river's majestic scenery.

13:30 Continue your journey southward. As you paddle, you will pass several remote Muong and Thai ethnic villages nestled along the riverbanks, offering a unique glimpse into the traditional riverside life of Northern Vietnam.

16:00 Reach our destination in Tuong Village, a serene Thai ethnic community in Da Bac, Hoa Binh. We will set up camp here for the night. This is a team effort—everyone is invited to join in pitching tents and preparing our lakeside dinner.

Afternoon Leisure: Spend your free time swimming in the cool waters or try your hand at traditional net fishing with the locals.

18:00 Gather for a hearty dinner at the campsite. Afterward, unwind by the warmth of the campfire, share stories from the day's paddle, and brief the group on tomorrow’s route.

22:00 Settle into your tents for a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars.

Notes:

  • Distance: 18km

  • Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 2: Tuong Village - Da Bia

07:00 Savor a hot breakfast paired with fresh tea and coffee as the mist rises over the campsite.

08:30 Begin the morning by packing up our tents and meticulously cleaning the campsite. True to our "Leave No Trace" commitment, we ensure the area is left as pristine as we found it.

09:00 Launch your SUPs and continue the journey toward the heart of Hoa Binh Lake. Along the way, we will stop at the sacred Hang Mieng Temple. Perched at the lake's gateway, this spiritual landmark offers a profound sense of the region's history and culture.

12:00 Enjoy a fresh lunch served on our escort boat, providing a moment of relaxation while drifting amidst the stunning karst scenery.

13:30 Resume paddling downstream as the lake opens up. Our route takes us through increasingly secluded landscapes as we head toward our destination in Da Bia.

16:30 Reach the peaceful commune of Da Bia, a hidden gem of the Thai ethnic people in Da Bac. This village is a shining example of Community-Based Tourism (CBT), celebrated by international travelers for its authenticity and warmth. We will be staying in a traditional stilt house as guests of a local Thai family.

18:30 Gather for a traditional home-cooked meal at the homestay. This is a perfect time to rest, share experiences with your hosts, and review the final leg of our itinerary.

22:00 Retreat to the comfort of the stilt house for a quiet night's sleep in the heart of the village.

Notes:

  • Distance: 25km 

  • Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Da Bia – Ngoi Hoa – Hanoi

07:00 Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the village. Enjoy a traditional breakfast with freshly brewed tea and coffee at the stilt house before our final day of adventure.

08:00 Pack your belongings and head to the water’s edge to board our support vessel for the morning's logistics.

09:00 Launch your SUPs for the final leg toward Ngoi Hoa. Today offers a dramatic change in scenery: leaving the narrow riverbanks behind, you will paddle into the vast, open waters of Hoa Binh Lake. Navigate along towering limestone cliffs and hidden inlets as we make our way toward the stunning Ngoi Hoa Bay.

12:00 Board the boat for a short transfer to a traditional floating house in the heart of the bay. Enjoy a unique local lunch on the water and take some time to rest and soak in the panoramic views.

14:00 Gather your gear and board our boat for the final transfer to Ngoi Hoa Port, where our driver will be waiting.

16:00 Begin the journey back to the city, leaving the tranquility of the mountains behind.

18:00 Arrive in Hanoi. The expedition concludes with unforgettable memories of the Black River.

Note:

  • Distance: 8km 

  • Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Inclusion & Exclusion

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip transfers (Hanoi – Van Yen & Ngoi Hoa – Hanoi) via air-conditioned vehicle
  • SUP and equipment
  • Escort boat throughout the entire paddling route
  • Full board as specified in the itinerary
  • Authentic homestay experience in Da Bia Village
  • Tent & camping gears
  • Daily snack and drinking water
  • Tourguide & support team
  • Local travel insurance
  • Sightseeing fees
  • VAT

Exclusion:

  • Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks
  • Pre & Post-tour transportation
  • Personal expenses
Departure schedule
Departure day Finish day   Tour cost
15/05/2026 17/05/2026 15 slots available 7.800.000 VNĐ Book now
19/06/2026 21/06/2026 15 slots available 7.800.000 VNĐ Book now
18/09/2026 20/09/2026 15 slots available 7.800.000 VNĐ Book now
16/10/2026 18/10/2026 15 slots available 7.800.000 VNĐ Book now
20/11/2026 22/11/2026 15 slots available 7.800.000 VNĐ Book now
Difficulty of the activity

Difficulty Level (7/10): Good physical skills are a requirement, as well as experience in outdoor activities. This level is not for children. The duration of each trip is from 2  - 4 days with a basic of eating, and sleeping condition. Accommodation is camping. Trekking time might take 5 – 6 hours/day to do the trek with the difficult terrain, slopes, and high elevation. The kayaking and SUP tours might take from 6 – 7 hours/day of paddling. 

Suggested physical training: Practice running or kayaking/SUP 2 weeks in advance. Run 2 - 3 times a week, each session 5km. Or paddling from 2- 3 times, each time is 5 - 7 km.

Equipment

 

Equipment provided by Umove:

  • SUP and accessories
  • Life jacket
  • Dry bag
  • Tent & camping accessories
  • Tables and chairs, cooking equipment
  • Lighting equipment at the campsite
  • First aid kit for the whole group

Essential personal items to prepare:

  • Water shoes, sandals
  • Water bottle (Approx. 1L capacity)
  • Winter: warm clothes, windbreaker, thermal wear, wetsuit
  • Summer: long-sleeved swimwear (rashguard), hat, sunglasses, arm sleeves, sunscreen...
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal hygiene items (Toiletries)
  • Mobile phone, camera, power bank, suitable waterproof case...
  • Personal identification documents

Recommended additional items:

  • Spare clothes
  • Personal medication
  • Power bank
  • Multi-tool knife
  • Personal flashlight / headlamp

 

Essential info

1. Travel Insurance:

  • Umove Adventure uses the services of Bao Viet Insurance Company with a maximum payout of 100 million VND/person/incident.
  • View the details of Bao Viet's insurance policy here:  Bao Viet Insurance Rules            

2. View the tour postponement and cancellation policy in the Terms and Guidelines . section here

3. Read and sign the Liability Waiver before departure: Customers purchasing adventure tours from Umove Adventure are fully aware of the level of "adventure," the physical challenges, and the potential risks involved in the tour. Therefore, customers are required to read and sign the Liability Waiver before departure. Please carefully read the contents of the Liability Waiver below before registering to join. 

       Liability Waiver.                

4. On-tour Notes:

  • While navigating the river and lake, please remain vigilant of natural obstacles such as submerged branches or rock formations. For your safety, we advise paddling near the shoreline and strictly following the guide’s directional cues, especially when encountering motorized traffic on the water.
  • A dedicated support vessel will escort the group throughout the entire journey. Should you wish to take a break or continue the leg on board, please notify your tour guide.
  • Important Gear Protocol: Experienced swimmers and paddlers may temporarily secure their life jackets to the SUP; however, wearing the safety leash is mandatory at all times without exception.
  • Daily schedules are subject to adjustment based on weather or external conditions. Any necessary changes will be discussed and agreed upon between the guide and guests to ensure the best possible experience.
  • Our campsite is strategically positioned along the banks of the Da River, offering spectacular panoramic views of the water. To ensure maximum comfort, we provide spacious 4-person tents for every 2 guests. Should you prefer a private single-occupancy tent, please notify us during the registration process.
  • Toilet Tent: we set up dedicated, high-roof toilet tents in secluded areas of the campsite. These structures provide complete visual privacy and a comfortable, standing-room space for guests.
  • The "Dig and Bury" Method: Following international Leave No Trace (LNT) standards, we utilize a "cat hole" system. A deep pit is prepared beneath the toilet tent, and after each use, waste is covered with organic soil. This process accelerates natural decomposition and prevents any odors from lingering at the campsite.

6. Food & Drink:

  • Meals on the tour are quite diverse and feature many "local specialties". If you have dietary restrictions or are vegetarian, you must inform the UA operator in advance so we can prepare suitable food for you. In case you have special dietary requirements that we cannot accommodate (for health, medical, or religious reasons, etc.), we suggest you prepare and bring your own food.
  • Drinking water will be fully provided on the vehicle and while paddling. Umove Adventure encourages customers to limit the use of single-use plastic and nylon products, so we suggest you bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the large jugs we provide.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed while paddling SUP. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included in the meals.

7. Joining hands to protect the environment:

  • Umove Adventure supports and applies the principles of Leave No Trace in its outdoor tour programs and activities. We also encourage customers and partners to apply the principles of Leave No Trace when traveling in outdoor environments. View details about Leave No Trace here.
  • To minimize the use of single-use plastic bottles, Umove Adventure recommends that each guest prepare a 1L water bottle for daily refills.
  • During the tour, guests must follow all instructions and regulations regarding environmental protection at the destination.

8. Safety and Medical warnings:

  • If you have cardiovascular diseases or bone and joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulder joints, etc.), you should consult with a doctor before deciding to join the trip.
  • The tour guide will carry a basic first aid kit. If you have health issues that require medication, you should bring your own personal medicine.
Q&A
Does this program depart monthly?

This special program is organized from September to June every year, and there is only 1 departure per month when a minimum of 10 people register. Registration closes when it reaches a maximum of 20 people.

Can I join this program if I don't have much experience and skills in SUP paddling?

When you inquire about this trip, UA will require you to answer an entry questionnaire, and then UA will discuss with each person to determine their skills and physical fitness to see if they are suitable for the trip. If you are not yet suitable, we will suggest a customized training plan for each individual. For participants in Hanoi, UA will provide direct training. For those living further away, the training will be monitored and supported online by UA to ensure participants are fully equipped with the necessary skills for the trip.

If I get tired and cannot continue paddling, what is the safety backup plan on the tour?

The tour will have an escort motorboat supporting the group for all 3 days. The motorboat will handle logistics, carry equipment, and transport passengers when needed. If you feel tired and cannot continue paddling or simply want to take a break, you can board the boat at any time.

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