This tour takes you to explore the wild and rugged landscapes of Cao Bang and the vast lakes and chalky krasts of Ba Be National Park. It also stops at the most spectacular waterfall in Vietnam, Ban Gioc Waterfall, which spans 300 meters and is located in China. Observing Experiencing the distinct culture and customs of Northern Vietnam by lodging with a local family will undoubtedly make your vacation in Vietnam unforgettable.
DAY 1: HANOI - BA BE LAKE
This exotic journey of the Northeast begins as we depart from your HaNoi hotel. We drive up and pass through the undulating terrain of tea plantations in Thai Nguyen city. We will make a short stop for a visit and break at the Museum of Ethnology in Thai Nguyen town. Keep moving through many other timeless villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the Northeast region and the Hanoi Capital. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on traffic conditions, we will arrive at Ba Be Lake at about midday. After arriving at our homestay in Pac Ngoi village, we will have free time to walk around and meet the Tay people. Dinner and overnight in Ba Be.
DAY 2: BA BE LAKE FULL DAY TRIP
Today we will spend the whole day visiting the beauty of Ba Be Lakes in a local hand-crafted wooden canoe. We will transfer to a boat dock, then glide along the river and to a nearby cave. Lunch is served near a beautiful waterfall.After lunch, we canoe our hearts' out navigating into the tranquility of Ba Be Lake and be witness to all of its majesticness. The afternoon's activities could include swimming and trekking, or sometimes a short visit to the ethnic minority villages. Rest at dinner then you are free to learn about the local people. Overnight at the homestay.DAY 3: BA BE LAKE - CAO BANG - BAN GIOC WATERFALL
As we say goodby Ba Be with great experience and then we hit the road, and take a scenic 2.5 hour drive towards Cao Bang. Here the ethnic people of Hmong, Dao, Tho and Nung live together in harmony. We will arrive in Ban Gioc Waterfall - the world’s fourth biggest border-crossing waterfalls is attractive for its picturesque painting of blue sky, great limestone mountains and stunning rice fields together with the daily life. On the way to go Cao Bang town, stop at Phuc Sen wrought village belongs to Phuc Sen commune, Quang Uyen district, Cao Bang province. It is a traditional craft village, it was born 1000 years ago. Entering the village, you can see a lot of smithy. Arrive in Cao Bang in late afternoon. Have dinner at local restaurant.
DAY 4: CAO BANG - HANOI
After breakfast. Visit local market and depart to Hanoi via Lang Son - a border town of Vietnam and China on the scenic road. Visit Tam Thanh and Nhi Thanh Grottos and pagodas. You will have lunch in a Chinese restaurant in Lang Son and head back to Hanoi on stunning Highway No1. Drop you at hotel.
- Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom (Check in time: 14.00/ Check out time: 12.00)
- Meals as stated in the programme B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
- Transfers and tours with local English speaking guides in private air-conditioned vehicles
- All entrance fees, boat fees and / or cyclo fees as mentioned in the programme
- Drinking water and cold towels available on the vehicles
- International and Domestic flights (quoted separately, if requested)
- Surcharges for other language guides
- Surcharges for night-time services, especially applied for transfers with arrivals after 23:00 hrs and arrivals or departures before 06:00 hrs.
- Surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday, Peak season and Compulsory Gala Dinner (TBA at booking time)
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
- Drinks with meals
- Visa
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme
- Tips