Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Hanoi to Huu Lung in Lang Son province. Along the way, we’ll make a few stops for coffee or to stretch our legs. Around noon, we’ll arrive in Yen Thinh, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking limestone mountains rising dramatically from the surrounding fields—a truly stunning sight. This peaceful landscape is perfect for outdoor activities like rock climbing or leisurely nature walks.

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 day’s activities begin with a short transfer to the Dong Lam grassland, where we’ll embark on a day hike to explore Lan Dat village. Nestled in a lush, secluded valley accessible only on foot, this village offers a unique glimpse into a world untouched by modernity.  

The first part of our journey involves an easy 2 km stroll across the flat grasslands of Dong Lam, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. During the rainy season (June to October), the area becomes flooded, and the only way to reach the trekking point is by bamboo boat. We’ll then begin our ascent into the karst mountains, following a forested trail shaded by towering trees.

As we hike, the trail leads us to a small village with a cluster of traditional stilt houses, home to the Dao community. Isolated by challenging terrain, the villagers have preserved their ancient customs and traditions, offering a rare insight into their way of life. We may visit a local home to experience their daily lives and learn more about their culture.  

After exploring the village, we’ll ascend once more through the mountains, making our way back to the Dong Lam grassland, where our car will be waiting to take us back to our accommodation.

Walking distance: approximately 14 km

Today, we’ll travel to Quang Uyen in Cao Bang province, passing through the historic towns of That Khe and Dong 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 opportunities for optional stops—whether for a relaxing coffee break, capturing snapshots of the vibrant everyday life, or simply soaking in the mountainous 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 Phia Thap in the late afternoon. This is a traditional incense-making handicraft village, home to the Nung An ethnic group. We'll settle into a cozy local homestay, where we’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner and unwind for the night.

Our journey begins in Phia Thap, a village renowned for its incense-making tradition. Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the stunning mountain landscapes, hiking through lush rice fields, corn plantations, and several villages inhabited by the Nung people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Vietnam. Known for their strong sense of community and hospitality, the Nùng are primarily subsistence farmers, growing rice, maize, and vegetables.

Our first stop is Lan Village, famous for its handmade bamboo and rattan crafts. Next, we’ll visit Lung Ri, a village renowned for its traditional yin-yang tile making, a craft passed down through generations by the Nung An people. Nestled on a mountainside, Lung Ri is celebrated for its centuries-old tradition of crafting these distinctive tiles.

Our final stop will be the Phuc Sen blacksmithing village, where local artisans still craft knives, scissors, and farming tools using time-honored techniques and simple tools. As the day winds down, we’ll make our way back to Phia Thap, concluding our day hike around 4:00 PM.

Walking distance: approximately 15 km

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 drive to Ba Be lakes, 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 ecotourism.

Upon arrival, we’ll explore Hua Ma Cave, famed for its stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Later, we’ll take a leisurely stroll to Pac Ngoi village, home to the Tay ethnic group, where you can admire traditional stilt houses and experience the local culture.

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 pick you up and take you back to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately five hours, and you will be dropped off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.