Embark on an unforgettable adventure through North-East Vietnam, where breathtaking limestone landscapes, rich ethnic culture, and authentic rural life await. Over seven days, explore dramatic limestone mountains, trek through remote ethnic villages, witness the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, marvel at the spectacular Nguom Ngao Cave, discover the fascinating traditions of the Nung An people, and cruise along the pristine waters of Ba Be Lake. This journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, nature, culture, and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
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 journey to Ba Be Lakes, a spectacular destination tucked within the heart of Ba Be National Park. As one of Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lakes, Ba Be is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and commitment to ecotourism.
Upon arrival, we’ll visit Hua Ma Cave, known for its impressive limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. You can reach the cave either by car or enjoy a scenic bike ride through the countryside.
Later, we’ll take a leisurely walk to Pac Ngoi village, home to the Tay ethnic group. Here, you’ll have the chance to admire traditional stilt houses, interact with locals, and gain insight into their daily life and rich cultural heritage.
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.
Transfer back to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately five hours, ending with drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.
Group Size 9+Sep 29, 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.
