Ba Be Lake & Cao Bang Highlights: A Perfect Getaway from Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi – Lang Son - Quang Uyen (Lunch, Dinner)

1. Old Quarter
   3h
   06.30: Pick up from hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, transferring you to Lang Son on a scenic 3-hour drive toward the Chinese border.
2. Lang Son
   1h
   Upon arrival, we will visit Mạc Citadel, a 16th-century fortress built by the Mạc Dynasty as a defensive outpost against the Lê-Trịnh forces. Although partially in ruins today, the citadel stands as a testament to Vietnam’s turbulent feudal history. You will have time to explore its stone walls, learn about its strategic military role, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding region.
3. Quang Uyen
   3h
   After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Đồng Đăng, we continue to Đông Khê, an important historical site where the Battle of Đông Khê (1950) took place during the First Indochina War. This battle marked a significant victory for the Viet Minh against French colonial forces, setting the stage for further independence struggles. As you explore the site, you will gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s revolutionary history.
   
   In the evening, we will travel to a traditional Nùng ethnic homestay, where you will enjoy a home-cooked dinner and a restful overnight stay, immersing yourself in the local culture and way of life.
   
   Highlights and activities: Mac citadel, Dong Khe battle site, ethnic villages, and a 3-5km walk”

Day 2: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

1. Ban Gioc Waterfall - Detian Falls
   6h · Admission ticket included
   After enjoying breakfast at the homestay, you will depart for Trung Khanh which lies right on the border with China. Here you will have another chance to meet and interact with the local Nung people living in the village of Phuoc Sen, a mountainous village famous for its traditional blacksmithing. The farming tools made here are an integral part of the lifestyle which is evident in the surrounding rice paddies and fields.
   
   Nestled amongst these amazing landscapes is the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall which spans over 300 meters, split half and half between Vietnam and China. You’ll get some time here to simply take in the amazing atmosphere surrounding the falls, which presents an excellent opportunity for some fantastic photography.
   
   Once you’ve finished at the falls, it’s time to head over to Nguom Ngao Cave, for a very different, but no less impressive natural wonder. The cave stretches for 2,144 meters underground and is brimming with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
2. Ba Be
   4h
   You will then return to Cao Bang town and head down the “snake pass” to Ba Be Lake, where you will stay overnight in a homestay constructed in traditional Tay fashion and owned and operated by a local Tay family. Here you can relax and unwind from the day and enjoy a delicious and authentic home cooked meal.
   
   Highlights and activities: Ban Gioc waterfall, Nguom Ngao cave, Ba Be National Park, ethnic villages
   Rounding out the day, you will then travel to Quang Uyen where you will have dinner and stay overnight at Nung’s house.

Day 3: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

1. Ba Be
   2h
   After breakfast, you will board a boat to cross the lake to the north shore. From here you will start a hike in the rainforest of the central area of the Ba Be National Park. Along the shores of the lake, you will reach a prehistoric cave dating back 500 million years, hidden in an ancient forest composed of rare and hard wood trees, as strong as steel.
   A little further, a fire station allows to observe the birds.
2. Ba Be National Park
   2h
   Resume your hiking to reach the An Ma temple (a sacred temple of the Tay people venerating the snake god and military general of the Mac dynasty).
   
   It is now time to choose how to spend your time on the boat: relax and admire the landscape or take a dip in the fresh waters of the lake? Anyway, enjoy the scenery with its beautiful karst formations lined with jungle.
   
   Note: visitors who do not wish to participate in the walk can ask to stay on the boat to join Widow Island or do some shopping
3. Hanoi
   6h
   Return to Ba Be Jungle Houses restaurant for lunch before ending the tour, you will be taken about 230 km back to Hanoi and stop at a tea plantation located among rolling hills. When we arrived in Hanoi, it was time to say goodbye, creating lifelong memories and bonds.

Pickup details

We will collect all travelers within Hanoi Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House if you stay outside

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements, please indicate them when booking.