6 Days Northeast Vietnam: Ha Noi-Lang Son-Cao Bang-Ba Be Lake

From the bustling Hanoi we will drive heading north to the mountainous region of Lang Son, close to the border with China. Nestled in the middle of karst peaks along the Ky Cung River, Lang Son is a very scenic city and the capital of Lang Son province, as well as a traditional commercial hub between Vietnam and China.

Visit the famous Tam Thanh Grotto, an impressive cave with an internal pool and Buddhist altars. Walk a few hundred feet up the stone staircase, and explore the ruins of the Mac Dynasty Citadel, with its stunning views of the sweeping rice fields all around the area. Next, go through Lang Son town and visit the Tam Thanh border market. Finally, explore the neighboring Dong Kinh Market, known for the sales of local cows and buffaloes.

Overnight in Lang Son.

This morning you will continue heading north, driving along the border to the beautiful province of Cao Bang, in the northeast of Vietnam. This region has a long history dating back to the 3rd century BC, because of its frontier condition. Visit the surrounding Tay, Nung, Dao, and Hmong ethnic minority villages to get an in-depth look into the variety of the Vietnamese culture.

Visit the Pac Bo Cave, located at the mouth of the confluence of the Bang Giang and Hien rivers. Here, in 1941 our President Ho Chi Minh established his revolutionary movement and also was the place he lived and worked until the retreat of Japanese forces in August 1945.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

After reaching Cao Bang province, you will be in a day trip to the impressive Ban Gioc Waterfall on the border with China. This largest waterfall in Vietnam is 53 meters high and 300 meters wide. Ban Gioc Waterfall has three layers that cascade on top of each other, creating a spectacular scene and a thunderous noise that can be heard from miles.

Return to Cao Bang in the afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

You will visit Ba Be Lake on this day. Take a boat trip and enjoy swimming in the lake and its crystal clear waters. After that, you will have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in this lush tropical rainforest region.

In the afternoon we will go hiking to a small Tay ethnic village. Settle in mountain valleys, The Tay is the second largest ethnic group in Vietnam. Their rice and banana dishes are well-known specialties.

Overnight in Ba Be Lake.

In the morning, you will leave the green covered mountains and drive south to the Red Delta region of Hanoi. After a stop for lunch en route, you will arrive at your hotel in Hanoi in the late afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy time at leisure in Hanoi before transferred to the Noi Bai airport (Ha Noi) for your departing flight.