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.