Northeast Vietnam Tour four days: Ba Be Lake & Ban Gioc Waterfall

Our driver and tour guide will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel in Hanoi to begin your journey through Northeast Vietnam. The drive to the national park is approximately 230 kilometers, and along the way, we will stop at a local Tay village, where you can spend time learning their traditions and rice cultivation. 

Once you arrive at Ba Be National Park, you'll board a boat and travel down the Nang River as it winds through wild and rugged landscapes before reaching Puong Cave, where you can admire the impressive stalagmites and stalactites. 

Then you will continue along the river until you reach the village of Ban Can, where members of the Tay ethnic group live on the bank. Stroll through the village before boarding a boat that will take you to Ba Be Lake. Here you will have the opportunity to visit Widow Island (named after the local legend regarding the lake) and those who wish can take a dip in the crystal clear waters to cool off. 

Transfer to the village of Pac Ngoi for the night at a homestay

After breakfast with our host family, you will board a private boat for a cruise on Ba Be Lake. You can swim in crystal clear waters. 

The visit to this small hamlet will allow us to observe the changes in the way of life of these people living in remote regions. Nearly forty species of mammals live there, as well as more than a hundred species of birds and numerous butterflies. You will visit Dau Dang Waterfalls, and Puong Cave and go hiking in the surrounding area. 

Dinner and night at a local’s home.

The third day promises to be the climax of your journey, as we invite you to discover one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of northern Vietnam: the Ban Gioc waterfall. 300 meters wide, this waterfall is located on the border between China and Vietnam, in the heart of a sumptuous mountainous landscape. During your visit, you can relax and soak up the natural beauty, capture exceptional shots, and board a bamboo boat that will bring you so close to the falls that you'll feel the water splashing on your skin, you will then be practically sitting on the edge of Vietnam, a stone's throw from China which you can almost touch with your finger.

After this enchanting experience, you will dive into the heart of the magical Nguom Ngao cave to discover the rock formations sculpted by erosion over the millennia. Next, you will go to a local market where local people come to buy and sell local products while interacting with members of other communities. You will continue with a hike to Phat Tich Temple, offering a fascinating insight into local beliefs and stunning views of Ban Gioc Waterfall, with China in the backdrop. To end this memorable day, you will head to Cao Bang where you will spend the night.

Before leaving Cao Bang, you have the opportunity to indulge in the optional activity of climbing the hill to the War Memorial, offering wonderful panoramic views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Leaving Cao Bang, following the winding roads of Route No.4 through magnificent valleys lined with rugged mountains and spectacular views, we will eventually reach Lang Son, the capital of the region, and an important crossroads and trade route to the near No Nuoc. The village and surrounding region are very diverse, home to the Dzao, Man, Tho, and Nung people. The city's highlight is undoubtedly its two markets, the Old Market and Dong Kinh Market, where you can find items ranging from traditional crafts to modern electronics.

If time permits, we will stop at the magnificent caves located among the ruins of the Citadel of the Mac Dynasty, a few kilometers from Lang Son. Among these caves, Tam Thang contains a small lake and offers magnificent views of the surrounding farmland, and Nhi Thanh, formed by a river running through it and featuring poems inscribed on the wall dating back to the 18th century. In the afternoon, we will drive you back from Lang Son to Hanoi along a well-maintained and comfortable modern four-lane highway, arriving at your hotel in Hanoi late in the afternoon.