Overview

Discover some of Northern Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes on this 5-day journey through Ba Be National Park and Cao Bang Province. From emerald lakes and limestone caves to remote ethnic villages and the world-famous Ban Gioc Waterfall, this itinerary combines breathtaking nature, authentic cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1: HANOI – BA BE NATIONAL PARK

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tay Traditional Homestay (Pac Ngoi Village)

Morning

08:00 AM – Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi.

Depart for Ba Be National Park, one of Vietnam’s largest freshwater lakes and a UNESCO-recognized natural treasure.

Enjoy the scenic journey through the northern countryside, passing rice fields, mountain ranges, and traditional villages.

Afternoon

Arrive at Pac Ngoi Village, a charming Tay ethnic community situated along the shores of Ba Be Lake.

Check in to your traditional stilt-house homestay and enjoy lunch prepared by the local family.

Late Afternoon

Transfer to the boat dock and embark on a private boat excursion across the stunning waters of Ba Be Lake.

Highlights include:

• Ba Be Lake – Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake
• Fairy Pond (Ao Tien) – a peaceful hidden pond surrounded by lush forest
• An Ma Temple – a sacred island temple with local legends
• Puong Cave – an impressive limestone cave carved by the Nang River and home to thousands of bats

Enjoy the serene atmosphere and magnificent scenery before returning to the village.

Evening

Enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner with your Tay host family.

Experience local hospitality and learn about the culture and traditions of the Tay ethnic people.

Overnight in Pac Ngoi Village.

DAY 2: BA BE LAKE – PHUC SEN VILLAGE – BAN GIOC WATERFALL

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay near Ban Gioc Waterfall

Morning

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature and enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake.

Depart for Cao Bang Province via one of Northern Vietnam’s most scenic mountain routes.

Midday

Stop at Phuc Sen Blacksmith Village, home to the Nung ethnic community.

Explore traditional workshops where local artisans still handcraft farming tools using techniques passed down through generations.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue towards the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia, located directly on the Vietnam-China border.

Take a traditional bamboo raft ride for a closer view of the cascading falls and experience the refreshing mist from the powerful water.

Capture stunning photographs of this natural wonder surrounded by karst mountains and emerald rice fields.

Evening

Check in to your accommodation near Ban Gioc.

Enjoy dinner featuring local Cao Bang specialties.

Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Vietnam’s northeastern countryside.

DAY 3: BAN GIOC WATERFALL – NGUOM NGAO CAVE

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay near Ban Gioc Waterfall

Morning

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

Visit Nguom Ngao Cave, one of Vietnam’s most impressive limestone caves stretching over 2 kilometers.

Explore spectacular chambers filled with unique stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

Afternoon

Return to Ban Gioc Waterfall for further exploration.

Activities may include:

• Walking along scenic viewpoints
• Relaxing beside the Quay Son River
• Photographing different sections of the waterfall
• Exploring surrounding villages

Continue to Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, situated on a hill overlooking Ban Gioc.

From the pagoda, enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall, border landscape, and surrounding mountains.

Evening

Enjoy dinner and a second peaceful night near Ban Gioc.

This extra night allows you to experience the area at a slower pace and appreciate its natural beauty after most day visitors have left.

DAY 4: BAN GIOC – ANGEL EYE MOUNTAIN – CAO BANG CITY

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning

After breakfast, check out and begin the journey back towards Cao Bang City.

Midday

Visit the famous Angel Eye Mountain (Nui Thung / Mountain of the God’s Eye).

This remarkable karst mountain features a giant circular hole through its center, creating one of Northern Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

Explore:

• Vast grasslands
• Peaceful grazing fields
• Crystal-clear streams
• Stunning mountain panoramas

This location is especially popular among photographers and nature lovers.

Enjoy lunch en route.

Afternoon

Arrive in Cao Bang City.

Check in to your hotel or boutique homestay.

Free time to:

• Visit local markets
• Explore city cafés
• Discover Cao Bang’s local cuisine
• Relax after several days of exploration

Evening

Free at leisure.

Overnight in Cao Bang City.

DAY 5: CAO BANG CITY – HANOI

Meals: Breakfast

Morning

Enjoy breakfast and check out.

Depart Cao Bang for Hanoi via the modern expressway system.

Afternoon

Arrive back in Hanoi.

Drop off at your hotel or designated location.

End of services.

Thank you for traveling with Vietnam Local Adventures.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

✔ Private door-to-door transportation with air-conditioning

✔ Professional English-speaking guide

✔ Private boat trip on Ba Be Lake

✔ Bamboo raft experience at Ban Gioc Waterfall

✔ Meals as specified in the itinerary

✔ Carefully selected accommodations

✔ Traditional ethnic homestay experiences

✔ Entrance fees and sightseeing tickets

✔ Government permits where required

✔ Daily mineral water (2 bottles per person per day)

✔ Government taxes and service charges

✔ 24/7 customer support hotline

✔ Credit card payment processing fees

✔ No hidden charges after final confirmation

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

✘ International flights to/from Vietnam

✘ Domestic flights

✘ Hotel accommodation in Hanoi

✘ Additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary

✘ Personal expenses

✘ Laundry service

✘ Telephone calls

✘ Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages

✘ Meals not specified

✘ Travel insurance

✘ Tips and gratuities (optional but appreciated)