Embark on a 5-day journey to uncover the breathtaking landscapes and hidden treasures of northern Vietnam. Marvel at Ba Be Lake, the country’s largest natural freshwater lake, explore stunning caves, and stroll through picturesque Tay villages. Witness the grandeur of Ban Gioc Waterfall and the captivating Nguom Ngao Cave, both striking examples of nature's artistry. Stay at the Nung An people's incense handicraft village in Phia Thap, where you’ll learn traditional crafts, and experience the warmth of local hospitality. Travel along historical routes, including the legendary Route Colonial 4, the serene Bac Son Valley with its vibrant rice fields, and the scenic Dong Lam grasslands. This adventure offers unforgettable moments, awe-inspiring scenery, and rich cultural experiences.
Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi to begin your journey to Ba Be, a stunning destination nestled within Ba Be National Park. Known as one of Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lakes, Ba Be is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and its reputation as a premier ecotourism site.
We’ll arrive in Ba Be by mid-afternoon and begin our exploration with a short bike ride or car journey to Hua Ma Cave. This captivating cave is renowned for its stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites, making it a must-see attraction.
Later, we’ll take a leisurely stroll to Pac Ngoi village, home to the Tay ethnic group. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and admire the traditional stilt houses set against the serene backdrop of the surrounding nature.
We’ll spend the night in Ba Be.
We’ll embark on a scenic boat trip from Pac Ngoi pier. As we cruise through the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lakes, we’ll pass the iconic Widow Islet before continuing along the serene Nang River. The journey offers breathtaking views of lush forests and vibrant landscapes.
Our boat will first head downstream, where we'll take a short walk to explore Dau Dang Waterfall, a stunning series of cascades framed by towering rock walls. Afterward, we’ll cruise upstream through Puong Cave, an awe-inspiring natural wonder that is home to thousands of bats.
Once we emerge from the cave, the boat will take us to Cao Thuong pier.
Our driver will be ready to take us to Phia Thap Village, a charming community of the Nung An ethnic group. The journey takes approximately four hours, with an optional coffee break in Cao Bang city, where you can learn about the Vietnam-China border conflict of 1979.
We'll arrive in Phia Thap in the late afternoon and check into a local homestay. In the evening, we'll enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner and experience the warm hospitality of the Nung An people.
We’ll begin our journey to Ban Gioc Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder located on the border between Vietnam and China. Standing 30 meters high and 208 meters wide, it is widely regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam.
After a scenic two-hour drive through the mesmerizing limestone region, you’ll arrive at this breathtaking masterpiece of nature, where the cascading waters create an awe-inspiring sight.
Next, we’ll head to Nguom Ngao Cave, nestled in the serene Maize Valley. Stretching for 2 kilometers, this fascinating cave is adorned with incredible stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing nature’s artistry. Beyond its beauty, the cave holds historical significance, as it served as a shelter for thousands of locals during the Vietnam-China border war in 1979.
On our way back, we’ll make a stop at Ban Doanh for a short walk to discover the God’s Eye Mountain, a unique landscape of rolling rocky peaks. Its name comes from an extraordinary feature at its summit — a large, natural hole resembling an eye, offering a truly remarkable view.
We’ll embark on a journey to Huu Lung in Lang Son province. Our route takes us through the historic towns of Dong Khe and That Khe, part of the iconic Route Colonial 4 (RC4). This stretch of road holds a significant place in the history of the Indochina War, offering fascinating insights into the region’s past.
Along the way, we’ll have the opportunity to make optional stops—whether for a relaxing coffee break, capturing snapshots of the vibrant everyday life, or simply soaking in the scenery. If we’re traveling between July and October, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the rice fields in Bac Son Valley, a seasonal highlight not to be missed.
We’ll arrive in Yen Thinh by late afternoon, greeted by the stunning sight of limestone mountains rising dramatically from the surrounding fields. This picturesque setting is perfect for outdoor activities like rock climbing or peaceful walks amidst nature.
In the evening, we’ll settle into a cozy local homestay, where we’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner and unwind for the night.
We’ll set off on an engaging half-day walk from Yen Thinh to Yen Vuong, a region known for its expansive rice fields and corn plantations nestled among lush limestone mountains. As we meander through the fields, we’ll have the chance to meet local farmers hard at work, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with them, hear about their daily lives, and gain insight into the authentic rural lifestyle. Along the way, don’t forget to soak in the stunning mountain scenery and capture the picturesque views.
Walking distance: approximately 6 km
Our driver will pick you up and drive you to Hanoi.
Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.
Group Size 9+Aug 27, 2025
Aug 16, 2025
Mar 20, 2025
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.
French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.
Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:
Before departure, please provide us with the following information:
Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.
Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:
Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.
Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.
Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.
If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.
Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).
Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.
Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.
Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.
If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:
Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.
Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.
However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:
If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.
The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.
However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.
Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.
Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our French-speaking assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
+84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).
Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.
Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.
Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.
To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.
For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:
In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.
