4 Days Northeastern Vietnam

Estimation distance & transfer time: Approx 180 km; around 4-5 hours driving time.

Start the day around 08:00 at a busy market of Cao Bang for a simple but tasty breakfast. Take this opportunity to sample some famous local dishes such as ‘Pho Bo’ or ‘Banh Cuon’ before driving north towards the Chinese border.

On the way, stop in a picturesque hamlet of a Nung ethnic group specializing in homemade incense sticks. Walk through the village to experience the daily life and to interact with the locals. Continue to the scenic blacksmith village of Pac Rang, famous in Vietnam for its knives in wrought iron made by a Nung community.

Upon arrival to the Sino-Vietnamese border, discover Ban Gioc waterfall, on the Quay Son River, considered as one of the biggest waterfalls of Vietnam. Here the river acts as a natural border between the 2 countries.  Enjoy a late lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to Nguom Ngao cave, one of the most interesting and impressive limestone grottos of the Northern provinces. Upon entering the grotto, walk for around 1 km to admire the spectacular natural formations.

In the late afternoon return to Cao Bang town.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

Note: Authorisation and passport are required to visit Ban Gioc waterfalls. During the dry season, the level of the water can be minimized.

Estimation distance & transfer time: 200 km; around 5,5 hours.

Depart around 07:00 for the drive north towards the Chinese border to visit the former hideout of the late president Ho Chi Minh. See how he lived and worked for 4 years to mastermind the 1954 independence from French colonialists. Along the way see the giant water wheels which make a fantastic sight against the surrounding mountains. 

Return to Cao Bang Town for lunch. After lunch, start the journey to Ba Be, arriving in the late afternoon. 

Notes: During some months (June – September) the itinerary might be changed based on the day, weather & road condition

Estimation distance & transfer time: 205 km; around 4,5 hours.

Following breakfast, depart at 09:00 for a short drive or walk to Ba Be Lake pier where the private boat will be waiting. Head to An Ma temple and walk up to the top of the islet to enjoy a nice point of view on the Lake. Continue the cruise up to the North of the Lake then explore the west side of the Nang River up to a small village on the bank of River. Enjoy a nice walk in the forest to reach Dau Dang Waterfall. Here there are a series of spectacular cascading falls between shear walls of rock.

Return to the village then enjoy a local lunch in a simple local house.

In the afternoon, driving back to Hanoi stopping on the way either to visit Cho Da market (which runs on the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th & 30th days of the lunar calendar) or to take pictures and to admire the scenery. Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. 

Notes: Ba Be is located in a remote area of Vietnam therefore the accommodation is basic.