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 – Lang Son – Quang Uyen (L-D)

Ready to kick off an unforgettable adventure? Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter around 7:30-8:00 am. We’ll head out toward Lang Son, driving for about three hours to the historic Chi Lang Pass, a stunning 20-kilometer gorge that stretches between two majestic mountains near the Chinese border.

Chi Lang Pass is more than just beautiful scenery—it’s a legendary stronghold where Vietnamese defenders held their ground against Chinese invasions as far back as 981 AD. You’ll have about an hour to walk around and explore the area around Quy Mon Quan Gate, which translates to “The Gate of Monsters”—a name inspired by the invaders who tried (and failed) to push through this pass time and again.

After lunch in Dong Dang, we’ll continue exploring. We’ll visit Mother’s Temple and then Dong Khe, an iconic site from the First Indochina War where the Viet Minh scored a critical victory. 

In the evening, we’ll settle in at a warm and welcoming homestay with a Nung family, where you’ll enjoy a homemade dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by natural beauty.

Day 2: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be National Park (B-L-D)

After a cozy breakfast at the homestay, we’ll set off toward Trung Khanh, which is right by the border with China. Our first stop is Phuoc Sen, a village known for its unique blacksmithing tradition that has been passed down for generations. This is a great chance to meet the Nung people and see the local way of life up close – the traditional farming tools they make here are essential to the surrounding rice paddies and fields.

Then, it’s on to the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural sights, stretching over 300 meters and shared between Vietnam and China. You’ll have plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, take some incredible photos, and enjoy the impressive landscape.

Afterwards, we’ll explore Nguom Ngao Cave, an underground marvel filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites that stretch over 2,000 meters – a truly different experience from the falls, but equally breathtaking.

In the evening, we’ll drive along the “snake pass” road down to Ba Be Lake, where a warm welcome awaits at a Tay family’s traditional homestay. Unwind with a delicious home-cooked meal, enjoying the tranquility of the lake before a restful night’s sleep.

Day 3: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi (B-L)

After breakfast, we’ll hop on a boat to cross Ba Be Lake to its northern shore, where the adventure continues with a hike into the rainforest at the heart of Ba Be National Park. Walking along the lake, we’ll reach a prehistoric cave, estimated to be around 500 million years old, hidden in a forest of rare hardwood trees known for their strength.

A bit further along the trail, we’ll pass by a fire station where you might spot some beautiful birds. We’ll then continue to An Ma Temple, a sacred site for the Tay people, dedicated to their snake god and a military general from the Mac dynasty.

Then, it’s time to unwind on the boat—relax, take in the scenery with the stunning karst cliffs and jungle-covered hills, or even take a refreshing dip in the lake if you’re up for it!

For those who prefer to stay on the boat, you’re welcome to visit Widow Island or do some shopping nearby. After our journey, we’ll head back to the Ba Be Jungle Houses restaurant for lunch before beginning our 230 km journey back to Hanoi. We’ll make a stop at a tea plantation nestled among rolling hills, offering the perfect end to a beautiful trip. When we arrive in Hanoi, it’s time to say goodbye—leaving with incredible memories and maybe even new friends.

Tour Includes:

• Professional vehicle transportations and commercial vehicle insurance. Professional driver
• Air-conditioned vehicle, Round-trip transportation from selected hotels
• Accommodation at Nung’s Homestay in Cao Bang, at Tay’s House in Ba Be National Park
• Experienced English-speaking guide
• Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
• (Optional) Vegetarian and vegan food is available
• Bottled water
• All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
• Bamboo raft tour on Ban Gioc waterfall
• Kayak & boat tour on Ba Be National Park
• Hiking tour in Ba Be National Park
• Nguom Ngao Cave walking tour
• All Taxes and Fees
• No extra charge after confirmation
• 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
• (Optional) Child seats are required

Tour Excludes:

• Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• International & domestic flights and taxes
• Beverage
• Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc.

What To Take:

• Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking
• It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat…