Hanoi - Ba Be National Park (L/D)

Ba Be National Park - The tour guide will pick up guests by car from their hotel in Hanoi’s old quarter or from Mr Linh’s Adventures office between 7:30-8:00 am, and transfer them to Bac Kan. The journey towards Ba Be National Park will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, Mr Loc, the welcoming host of Mr Linh’s Homestay, will serve lunch and assist with room check-in before guests embark on a boat tour around Ba Be Lake. Recently recognized by UNESCO as Vietnam’s third Ramsar site, it is a significant global wetland. The lake’s limestone bed, filled with numerous crags and crevices, supports a diverse marine life, including over a hundred species of freshwater fish.

Ba Be National Park - The tour continues to Hoang Tri commune to visit the picturesque Na Slai village of the Tay people, known for their traditional stilt houses. Guests will then walk to Thac Bac waterfall, also known as “Silver Waterfall,” a multi-layered natural waterfall with small lakes ranging from 100 to 200 meters, creating beautiful natural beaches. Here, guests can enjoy swimming before returning to the homestay for a BBQ dinner.

• A 3-5km walk.

Trekking in Ba Be (B/L/D)

Ba Be National Park - This off-the-beaten-path trek leads from Lung Mo to Coc Toc village, offering the chance to explore Ba Be’s diverse and stunning landscapes. The local guide will first take guests to Coc Toc Village, where the Tay people fish in the lake. The trek crosses Pelu Stream and navigates steep terrain, rewarding hikers with breathtaking mountain views. As the journey continues towards the uplands, a stop in Khau Qua, a H’mong ethnic village, provides a picnic lunch. The guide will then lead guests through vast mountain ranges and valleys to see the wooden houses and school of the Dzao people, and along the trail to another H’mong ethnic village. The trek concludes back at the homestay.

• A 10-12km hike.

Ba Be - Trung Khanh - Cao Bang (B/L/D)

Trung Khanh - After breakfast at the homestay, guests will depart for Trung Khanh, located on the border with China. Here, they will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the local Nung people. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Ban Gioc Waterfall - Detian Falls - Amongst the stunning landscapes lies the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, spanning over 300 meters and shared between Vietnam and China. Guests will have time to soak in the atmosphere and capture fantastic photographs.

Kham pha hang động Nguờm Ngao - Thac Bản Giốc - After visiting the falls, guests will head to Nguom Ngao Cave, a different but equally impressive natural wonder. The cave stretches 2,144 meters underground, filled with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.

• 2 - 3 km of walking

Khuoi Ky Stone Village - Guests will then visit Khuoi My, a stone village where they will stay overnight in a traditional Nung homestay, operated by a local Nung family. Here, they can relax and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

Ban Gioc Waterfall - Trekking in Trung Khanh (B/L/D)

Quang Uyen - After breakfast at the homestay, guests will explore the scenic landscape of Quang Uyen, reminiscent of Halong Bay, with a hike through high mountains (600-800m), evergreen pastures, cornfields, and villages. Spectacular views from the mountain top offer insights into the daily life of local ethnic groups and their traditional occupations.

Quang Uyen - The driver will pick up guests from the other side of the mountain and transfer them to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, another walk leads to the villages of Phuc Sen, known for traditional blacksmithing. The farming tools crafted here are integral to the lifestyle, evident in the surrounding rice paddies and fields. Guests will also explore traditional craft villages, including fabric dyeing, paper making, knitting, tile, and incense production. Dinner and overnight at the homestay.

• A 10-12km trek.

Cao Bang - Binh Lieu (B/L)

Lang Son - The journey from Cao Bang to Binh Lieu, known as “Little Sapa” of Quang Ninh province, includes a drive through the pass to Dong Dang, with stops at Mother’s Temple and Dong Khe, a significant historical site from the First Indochina War. The Battle of Dong Khe, the first battle of the Indochina Wars, took place here in September and October 1950, ending in a decisive Viet Minh victory.

Quang Binh Province - Guests will transfer to Lang Son for lunch before driving towards the Chinese border for about 3 hours through a narrow valley between two mountains. Upon reaching Binh Lieu town, the adventure begins.

Driving along the border patrol road offers amazing views of rolling hills and mountains, with terraced fields below. Guests will explore the villages of Man Son Dau and San Chi, minority tribes living only in the Vietnam-China border area, where anise, cinnamon, and cardamom plants are grown. Dinner and overnight at a homestay.

• A 5-7 km walk.

Binh Lien - Cat Ba Island (B/L/D)

Cat Ba National Park - After breakfast, guests will depart for Cat Ba via Ha Long city, taking the express boat to Cat Ba Island, arriving around midday. They will transfer across the island to the dock and board a small boat to Cai Beo fishing village, enjoying a lunch of fresh local seafood.
Guests will trek off the beaten path through Cat Ba National Park, and upon reaching the mountain top, they will be rewarded with stunning views of the island and bay. Dinner and overnight in a garden bungalow.

A 10-12km trek.

Cruise on Lan Ha Bay (B/L/D)

Lan Ha Bay - Breakfast is served at 07:30, followed by relaxation before cycling to Viet Hai Harbour. From there, guests will board a boat to explore Lan Ha Bay’s beauty, embarking on a traditional wooden junk to enjoy a seafood lunch while cruising through the bay. The cruise continues into Ha Long Bay, navigating narrow paths inaccessible to larger boats. A stop at a floating village is followed by an excursion into a large limestone cave with beautiful lagoons.

The day concludes with relaxation at Three Peaches Beach, where guests can swim, snorkel among the corals, or simply relax on the beach. As the sun sets, they return to the boat for a delicious seafood dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba - Hanoi (B/L)

Lan Ha Bay - After breakfast on the boat with the sunrise, the cruise continues around Lan Ha Bay, weaving among limestone peaks. On this final day, guests will visit a fish and shellfish farm and the colorful floating village of Cai Beo. Lunch will be served on-board (or on land if new passengers are waiting to embark). Disembarkation is around 11:30, followed by a return to Hanoi, concluding the tour of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.

• No extra charge after confirmation.
• English speaking guide as per program.
• All sightseeing tickets and travel permits.
• Lunch
• All private transfer and transportation.
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Accommodation at hotels/ homestays as mentioned.
• Private door-to-door pick-up-off services.

• Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance
• International flight and taxes.
• Beverage
• Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc…

This exciting northern frontier journey to Cat Ba Island spans 8 days and 7 nights, exploring Northeast Vietnam. The itinerary includes visits to Lan Ha Bay, Tay and Nung ethnic minority villages, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ba Be Lake, and other hidden gems in Quang Ninh and Bac Kan Provinces that typical tours often overlook. These destinations are not only among the top off-the-beaten-path locations in Vietnam but also a highlight for many visitors to the country.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.