Overview

Embark on a 3-day adventure to two of Northern Vietnam’s natural treasures—Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall. This tour takes you deep into Vietnam’s stunning and remote landscapes, from the peaceful waters of Ba Be National Park surrounded by towering limestone karsts to the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, right on the border with China. Along the way, you’ll journey through charming villages, experience the warmth of homestays with local families, and dive into the unique cultures and customs of Vietnam’s rural communities. This is an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and adventure!

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake

We’ll set off from your hotel in Hanoi around 7:30 and begin our journey to the beautiful Ba Be Lake, arriving by early afternoon. Once there, we’ll hop on a boat and cruise across the lake’s tranquil waters, which are made up of three connected lakes: Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. At an altitude of 145m, Ba Be is surrounded by lush greenery and features fascinating caves and underwater streams that make it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Our boat ride then takes us along the Nang River to the impressive Puong Cave, a towering limestone cavern with a 30-meter-high entrance. Inside, you’ll find colorful stalactites and stalagmites that stretch 300 meters, creating a magical underground landscape.

Next, we’ll head to Dau Dang Waterfall, tucked away in a remote corner of the river and framed by stunning karst formations. The waterfall may be narrow, but it roars down in three levels, filling the air with mist—a fantastic sight to behold.

After taking in the waterfall’s beauty, we’ll enjoy a relaxed hike along the riverside, passing through peaceful Tay ethnic villages. We’ll end our day at Pac Ngoi village, where a Tay family will welcome us into their traditional homestay. Tonight, we’ll enjoy an authentic dinner together, surrounded by the warmth of local culture. (Lunch and dinner included).

Day 2: Ba Be Lake – Hua Ma Cave – Ban Gioc Waterfall

After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to Hua Ma Cave, located in the scenic south end of Ba Be National Park. This cave is a hidden gem with unique formations that make it feel like stepping into a world of natural art. Once we’ve soaked up the magic of Hua Ma, we’ll head toward Trung Khanh, near the Chinese border, where we’ll visit the village of Phuoc Sen. Here, the local Nung people have mastered traditional blacksmithing, crafting tools essential to their farming life, and we’ll get to see their skills up close while taking in the beautiful rice paddies and fields.

Our next stop is the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall. Fed by the Quay Son River, which flows from China, Ban Gioc cascades down tiers, creating an unforgettable sight right on the border between Vietnam and China. The waterfall’s mist rises against a background of Tay ethnic villages, where traditional stilt houses stand among the fields. We’ll stroll around the falls, and if you’re up for it, you can hop on a bamboo raft to get even closer to the cascading waters.

After exploring the falls, we’ll take a peaceful hike through Tay villages and rice fields, following the paths used by locals. Our day wraps up with a stay at a welcoming family homestay nestled in nature, with the soothing sounds of the Quay Son River nearby. (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included).

Day 3: Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nui Thung Mountain – Hanoi

This morning, we’ll take a peaceful walk through a beautiful border village set between Vietnam and China. It’s a unique spot, and the quiet atmosphere lets you truly soak up the beauty of this remote area. From here, we head to Nui Thung Mountain, or “Angel Eye Mountain,” named after the huge circular opening in its center, giving the mountain a distinct “eye” gazing outward.

Our journey back to Hanoi will take us through Lang Son, a province known for its scenic landscapes and connection to the border. We’re set to arrive in Hanoi around 6 pm. (Breakfast and lunch included).

Climate: July to September is humid and hot, while October to June is cooler and pleasant.

 Transport: 

•     Air-conditioned vehicle (Car)
•     A river boat
•     A bamboo raft

Tour Guide: Our experienced and friendly local tour guide speaks good English. He is knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

Accommodation: 

•     Homestays

Meals:  

•     2 breakfasts
•     3 lunches
•     2 dinners

Local ingredients used, catering to vegetarians upon request.

The cost of the trip includes: 

•     Accommodation
•     Transportation
•     Meals listed on the itinerary
  
•     Purified drinking water
•     Tour guide (or not)
• VAT and other taxes
  

The cost of the trip does not include:  

•     Travel insurance
•     Drinks (soft drinks and alcohol)
•     Personal spending such as tips, gratuities etc…
•     Entrance fees

What to Bring: Pack essentials for 4 days, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable hiking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking.

It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: towel, personal articles, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat…