Experience the natural beauty and cultural diversity of northern Vietnam on this captivating tour from Hanoi to Ba Be, Cao Bang and Ban Gioc Waterfall. Over the course of several days, you’ll embark on a scenic adventure through lush landscapes, picturesque waterfalls, and traditional ethnic minority villages. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and scenic exploration, providing travelers with unforgettable experiences in the heart of northern Vietnam.
1. Ba Be National Park:
– Explore the pristine beauty of Ba Be National Park, home to Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam.
– Enjoy a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, surrounded by rugged limestone mountains and lush forests.
– Visit ethnic minority villages and immerse yourself in the local culture.
2. Cao Bang Province:
– Discover the scenic landscapes of Cao Bang Province, known for its majestic mountains, dense forests, and vibrant ethnic communities.
– Explore the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most stunning waterfalls in Vietnam, with its impressive height and breadth.
– Visit the Nguom Ngao Cave, adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
3. Cultural Immersion:
– Interact with ethnic minority groups such as the Tay, Hmong, and Dzao, gaining insight into their traditional way of life, customs, and traditions.
– Enjoy homestay experiences in local villages, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and learn about their daily routines.
4. Scenic Drives:
– Embark on picturesque drives through the mountainous regions of Tonkin, offering breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, limestone karst formations, and verdant landscapes.
– Capture stunning photographs of the stunning scenery along the way, including the winding roads, lush valleys, and towering peaks.
5. Culinary Delights:
– Indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine, featuring fresh and flavorful dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
– Sample regional specialties and traditional meals during your stay in homestays and local eateries, savoring the authentic flavors of northern Vietnam.
Overall, the tour offers an unforgettable journey through some of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders and cultural treasures, providing travelers with enriching experiences and lasting memories.
DAY 1 : HANOI – THAI NGUYEN – BA BE (-/L,D)
At 8:00 in the morning, we’ll start our journey to Ba Be. We’ll drive through the hilly areas of Tonkin, where you’ll see lots of beautiful plants and fields of rice growing on terraces. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Museum of Minorities in Thai Nguyen to learn about different cultures. We’ll have lunch before continuing our trip.
Then, we’ll take the mountain road to Ba Be, passing through Bang Lung. When we arrive, we’ll visit the amazing Hua Ma cave. After that, we’ll go to Pac Ngoi village and stay in a house belonging to the Tay people, who are a local ethnic group. You’ll have some free time to explore the village and enjoy the stunning views all around. For dinner, we’ll have a delicious meal in a traditional wooden house built on stilts. We’ll spend the night there, experiencing the unique lifestyle of the area.
DAY 2 : BA BE – CAO BANG (B/L/D)
After having breakfast with your Tay hosts, at 8:00 AM, get ready for a boat trip on Ba Be Lake. This lake is located in Ba Be National Park, surrounded by tall limestone mountains. It’s the only natural mountain lake in Vietnam. This area is famous for its diverse butterfly species, with over 330 types! As you explore the lake, you’ll be surrounded by lush forests clinging to the mountains.
You’ll also get to discover the Nang River until you reach Puong Cave. After enjoying lunch, we’ll travel northward through scenic mountain passes to the city of Cao Bang. You’ll have dinner on your own and spend the night at a hotel in Cao Bang.
DAY 3: CAO BANG – BAN GIOC WATERFALL – CAO BANG (B/L/D)
After having breakfast at the hotel, at 8:00 AM, we’ll set off to visit Ban Gioc waterfall. This will be a scenic and informative day trip to the north of Cao Bang. Ban Gioc waterfall is located near the border with China. It’s a beautiful waterfall, standing at 53 meters tall and spanning an impressive 300 meters. The drive to the waterfall offers stunning views of limestone karst formations rising from lush rice paddies, surrounded by farms belonging to local ethnic minorities like the Tay, Hmong, and Dzao.
After lunch, as we head back to Cao Bang, we’ll make a stop to explore the vast Nguom Ngao cavern, which stretches over 2,144 meters. Inside, you’ll marvel at the brilliant stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Finally, we’ll return to Cao Bang, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
DAY 4 : CAO BANG – HANOI (B/L/-)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Cao Bang. At 9:00 AM, we will begin our journey back to Hanoi. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch. Expect to arrive in Hanoi around 4:00 PM in the afternoon.