Tour Highlights
- Cruise the Nang River, explore Puong Grotto, and visit Tay villages.
- Marvel at Vietnam’s iconic waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave.
- Enjoy scenic views, Angel Eye Mountain, and Phia Thap Village.
- Discover That Khe Pass, Nhi Thanh Cave, and Dong Kinh Market.
General Information
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Tour Type: Landscape, Nature, History, and Culture
Start/End: Hanoi / Hanoi
Destinations Covered
- Hanoi
- Ba Be Lake
- Cao Bang
- Lang Son
What’s Included
- English-speaking guides
- Accommodations (twin share)
- Meals as per itinerary
- Transfers and transport
- Entrance fees and permits
- Water and refreshments
Why You’ll Love This Trip?
Cruise through the heart of Ba Be National Park on a boat along the emerald Nang River, glide past limestone cliffs, visit sacred grottoes, and swim in the serene, legend-filled waters of Ba Be Lake.
Explore remote highlands and discover living history at Pac Bo Cave – where President Ho Chi Minh once lived – and uncover the powerful stories embedded in Vietnam’s fight for independence.
Marvel at the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Asia’s most spectacular cascades, set against a dramatic backdrop of karst mountains and lush greenery, followed by a descent into the stunning Nguom Ngao Cave.
Wander through peaceful valleys and mountain villages, meeting the local Nung, Tay, Hmong, and Dzao communities, and witness traditional incense-making and daily life untouched by time.
Travel off the beaten path through Lang Son, crossing mountain passes, exploring spiritual sites like Tam Thanh Pagoda, and getting a taste of local culture at bustling Dong Kinh Market before returning to Hanoi.
Detailed Itinerary
At around 06:00 AM – 06:30 AM, check out your hotel in Hanoi, and then our driver and tour guide will pick you up in the early morning at your hotel in Hanoi and begin your journey through North-eastern Vietnam. The drive to the national park is roughly 240 kilometers long, and on the way, we will stop in a local Tay village, where you will get to spend some time learning about their traditions and rice farming. Once you arrive in Ba Be National Park, you will board a boat and head down the Nang River as it winds through wild and rugged landscapes before reaching Puong Grotto, where you can marvel at the impressive stalagmites and stalactites found within.
Afterwards, you will continue along the river until you reach Ban Can village where Tay ethnic minority people live on the river bank. Take a walk through the village before getting on a boat which will take you to Ba Be Lake. Here you will get to visit Widow Island (named for the local legend regarding the lake) and those who wish can go for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.
Next, we’ll go to the local restaurant for dinner. Finally, come to your hotel, check in, and relax.
🛌🏻 Accommodation
- Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget).
🍽️ Meals
- Lunch
- Dinner
In the morning, embark on a scenic 90km drive to Cao Bang province, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse ethnic communities, including the Hmong, Dzao, Tho, and Nung people. Here, these groups coexist in harmony, offering a unique cultural tapestry.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and savor a delicious local lunch.
In the afternoon, journey to Pac Po Cave, a significant historical site where President Ho Chi Minh resided after his return to Vietnam in 1941 following 30 years abroad. This cave served as his base for revolutionary activities.
Later in the day, return to the Cao Bang city center to experience the local culinary delight of special steamed rice rolls, known for their delicate texture and savory fillings. This immersive day offers a blend of cultural insights, historical exploration, and delightful cuisine, making it a memorable part of your journey.
🛌🏻 Accommodation
- Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget).
🍽️ Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
After enjoying a hearty breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic three-hour drive from Cao Bang to the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Ban Gioc waterfall 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.
Following your visit to Ban Gioc, continue your adventure to Nguom Ngao Cave, located just a short drive away. Nguom Ngao Cave, known for its impressive limestone formations, offers a fascinating underground world to explore. With a length of over 2,100 meters, the cave features magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years, creating a stunning and otherworldly atmosphere. This day promises a blend of natural beauty and geological wonders, providing an unforgettable experience of Vietnam’s extraordinary landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
🛌🏻 Accommodation
- Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget).
🍽️ Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
7:30-8:00: Have breakfast in Cao Bang City.
8:30: Start the journey to visit:
- Phia Thap Village (the incense-making craft of the Nung An people in Phia Thap has a long history)
- Angel Eye Mountain (explore the valley and enjoy the unique mountain with a hole through the center)
12:00: Lunch stop at the local restaurant.
- Phong Nam Valley
- Quay Son River (explore the streams and flatlands of the valley).
After that, transfer to have dinner at the local restaurant before back to your hotel.
🛌🏻 Accommodation
- Tailored to guest preferences (e.g., luxury, boutique, or budget).
🍽️ Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Start your day with an exciting journey as you drive approximately 150 kilometers to Lang Son, a charming city nestled near the Chinese border. Your first stop will be the stunning That Khe Pass, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and panoramic views. Take a moment to capture the beauty of the rugged mountains and lush valleys with your camera, creating lasting memories of this picturesque location.
After a delightful lunch, continue your adventure by exploring Nhi Thanh Cave, an enchanting cavern known for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave’s natural beauty and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for those interested in geology and history.
Next, immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Tam Thanh Pagoda. This ancient pagoda, with its distinctive architecture and tranquil surroundings, offers a perfect escape for reflection and spiritual enrichment. The pagoda is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and Buddhist traditions of the region. Your journey will then lead you to Dong Kinh Market, the largest market in the area, brimming with a diverse array of goods. From vibrant Chinese imports to fresh local produce, the market is a vibrant hub of activity where you can experience the lively local culture and shop for unique souvenirs.
As the day winds down, you’ll begin the drive back to Hanoi, concluding your immersive and memorable tour.
🍽️ Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Emily S. –
Phong Nam Valley was a highlight for me. Quiet roads, green valleys, and villages where people actually stop to say hello. It felt like we were guests, not tourists being rushed through. Our guide handled cultural moments with a lot of respect, which I appreciated.
Clara M. –
I’ve done a lot of trips in Southeast Asia, but this one felt refreshingly untouched. Phong Nam Valley had a raw, quiet beauty – no souvenir shops, no crowds. Just mountains, fields, and real life happening around you. Accommodations were simple but comfortable, which suited the journey.
Thomas W. –
If you’re tired of crowded tourist routes, this is the opposite. The days were full but never rushed. Ban Gioc Waterfall was massive in real life – photos really don’t do it justice. What I loved most was visiting the small villages along the way and just watching daily life unfold. Simple, honest travel.
Lucas B. –
This trip felt thoughtfully designed. Not just ticking off attractions, but connecting them into a story – nature, history, and people. Nguom Ngao Cave was surprisingly impressive and not overcrowded at all. Even long drives were enjoyable because the scenery kept changing.
Sophie L. –
What stood out was the balance. We saw big natural sights like Ban Gioc Waterfall, but also had time in small villages that don’t feel staged. Dong Kinh Market was chaotic in the best way – loud, colorful, and very local. The guide was flexible and adjusted the pace based on the group.
Laura D. –
This was one of those trips that quietly sneaks up on you. Ba Be Lake was incredibly calm, especially the early morning boat ride when the mist was still hanging over the water. I didn’t expect the history side to hit as hard as it did, but Pac Bo Cave was genuinely moving. The guide explained things clearly without turning it into a lecture. Felt very human, very grounded.
Hannah P. –
I booked this tour because I wanted something different from the usual Vietnam highlights, and it delivered. Ba Be National Park was peaceful and unspoiled. Swimming in the lake after a long day of exploring was honestly one of my favorite moments. Everything ran smoothly without feeling overly structured.
Daniel K. –
This tour is perfect if you like nature with depth. Ba Be Lake was beautiful, but learning the legends and stories behind it made it even better. The history at Pac Bo Cave added a powerful layer I wasn’t expecting. You come away understanding Vietnam a bit more, not just seeing it.
Michael T. –
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Phong Nam Valley, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Walking through the valley, seeing incense being made, chatting (with lots of smiles and gestures) with locals – it felt authentic and unfiltered. This is slow travel done right.
James R. –
This was one of those trips where the memories stay with you. Early mornings, misty landscapes, long conversations on the bus, and moments of silence by the lake. It didn’t feel like a tour built for Instagram – it felt like travel built for people who are genuinely curious.