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Overview
- Tour Type:Daily Tour
Looking for an adventure off the beaten path in Northern Vietnam? This 3-day tour combines the majestic beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall, the mysterious Nguom Ngao Cave, and the tranquil Ba Be Lake. You’ll also uncover Vietnam’s fascinating history at Mạc Citadel and Dong Khe battle site, while experiencing authentic local life through homestays with the Nung and Tay ethnic minorities.
From breathtaking waterfalls to peaceful lake cruises, from trekking through rainforest to sharing meals with local families, this immersive journey will take you deep into Vietnam’s natural and cultural treasures.
Perfect for: nature lovers, adventure seekers, culture explorers, and photographers who want to see Northern Vietnam beyond the tourist trails.
From breathtaking waterfalls to peaceful lake cruises, from trekking through rainforest to sharing meals with local families, this immersive journey will take you deep into Vietnam’s natural and cultural treasures.
Perfect for: nature lovers, adventure seekers, culture explorers, and photographers who want to see Northern Vietnam beyond the tourist trails.
Highlights
- Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall – one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Asia, right on the Vietnam–China border.
- Explore the mystical Nguom Ngao Cave with incredible stalactites & stalagmites.
- Relax on a boat ride across Ba Be Lake, one of Asia’s largest natural freshwater lakes.
- Trek through pristine rainforest & discover ancient caves.
- Learn about Vietnam’s history at Mạc Citadel & Dong Khe battle site.
- Stay overnight in traditional homestays with Nung & Tay families.
- Taste authentic home-cooked meals and experience daily life in ethnic villages.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Lang Son – Quang Uyen (L/D)
- 07:30 – 08:00: Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter by minivan.
- Drive to Lang Son, close to the Chinese border.
- Visit Mạc Citadel, a 16th-century fortress with panoramic views.
- Stop at Dong Khe battle site, an important landmark of the First Indochina War.
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Đồng Đăng.
- Evening: Arrive at Nung ethnic homestay in Quang Uyen. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner & cultural exchange.
Highlights: Mạc Citadel, Dong Khe, scenic drive, ethnic village walk.Day 2: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be National Park (B/L/D)
- Breakfast at homestay. Visit Phuoc Sen Village, famous for traditional blacksmithing.
- Arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall – a breathtaking 300m-wide cascade shared by Vietnam & China.
- Explore Nguom Ngao Cave, stretching over 2km underground with dramatic formations.
- Lunch in a local village.
- Afternoon drive via the scenic “Snake Pass” to Ba Be National Park.
- Overnight at a Tay homestay by Ba Be Lake. Dinner included.
Highlights: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Tay homestay, mountain landscapes.Day 3: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi (B/L)
- Breakfast with your Tay host family.
- Boat trip across Ba Be Lake – admire limestone cliffs, lush jungle, and tranquil waters.
- Short trek in the rainforest, visit prehistoric caves & An Ma Temple.
- Option: Swim in the lake or relax on the boat.
- Lunch at Ba Be Jungle Houses restaurant.
- Afternoon: Scenic drive back to Hanoi (230km), with a stop at a tea plantation.
- Evening: Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Highlights: Ba Be Lake boat ride, rainforest trek, cave exploration, temple visit.Practical Information
- Best time to visit: March – October (green rice fields & good weather).
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (short treks, homestay stays).
- What to bring: Passport, comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen, raincoat, hat.
- Suitable for: Families, couples, and small groups who enjoy authentic cultural adventures
Why Book This Tour?
This 3-day adventure combines Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders with authentic cultural immersion. From Ban Gioc’s thundering waterfalls to Ba Be’s peaceful waters, plus stays in ethnic villages, this tour delivers memories that last a lifetime – far beyond the usual tourist trails.
Includes/Excludes
- Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minivan.
- Experienced English-speaking guide.
- 2 nights homestay accommodation (Nung & Tay families).
- All meals as per itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner).
- Entrance fees, boat rides, trekking permits.
- Bottled water.
- Bamboo raft ride at Ban Gioc.
- 24/7 hotline support.
- Personal expenses, tips, beverages.
- Travel insurance.
- Flights & taxes.
- Optional activities not mentioned.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes! Children can enjoy the homestays, boat ride, and waterfalls. Trekking is optional.
2. How difficult are the hikes?
Moderate, around 3–5km/day. Guests can skip trekking and relax on the boat if preferred.
3. Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, because the tour passes through border areas near China.
4. What is the accommodation like?
Traditional homestays with basic but comfortable conditions (shared rooms & facilities). Great for cultural immersion.
5. Can I swim in Ba Be Lake?
Yes, swimming is allowed in designated safe areas.
from$150 /person
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.