Get ready for an exciting start to your Vietnam adventure! Your guide will pick you up around 7:30-8:00 AM at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or at meeting point. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic drive toward Lang Son, located near the Chinese border.

Our journey will take us for about three hours, heading towards Chi Lang Pass, a stunning 20-kilometer-long gorge carved between two towering mountains. This historical site holds great significance in Vietnam’s past, having been the scene of numerous victories in defense against Chinese invasions over the centuries. As far back as 981 AD, Chi Lang has been a critical stronghold in Vietnamese military history. It’s famously known as Vietnam’s "strongest citadel," and we’ll explore the Quy Mon Quan Gate, or "Gate of Monsters," a dramatic reminder of the many battles fought here. You’ll have about an hour to walk through the area, soaking in the views and learning about the fierce resistance that once occurred in this narrow pass.

After a delicious lunch in Dong Dang, we’ll continue deeper into the region, making a stop at Mother's Temple and Dong Khe, an important historical site from the First Indochina War. This is where the first major battle of the Indochina Wars took place in September and October of 1950, a pivotal Viet Minh victory.

In the evening, you’ll settle into a cozy local homestay run by a friendly Nung family. Enjoy a delicious traditional dinner and experience the warm hospitality of this ethnic village as you rest for the night.

Highlights and Activities:

• Chi Lang Pass
• Quy Mon Quan Gate
• Dong Khe Battle Site
• Ethnic Villages
• 3-5 km walk through historical sites

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at the homestay, you’ll head to Trung Khanh, located on the border with China, where you’ll visit the village of Phuoc Sen, known for its traditional blacksmithing. The village's hand-forged farming tools play a vital role in the local agricultural lifestyle, surrounded by lush rice paddies and scenic landscapes. From here, it’s a short drive to the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful natural landmarks in Vietnam, stretching over 300 meters and straddling the border with China. You’ll have time to marvel at the falls and capture some incredible photos.

Next, we’ll head to Nguom Ngao Cave, a fascinating underground wonder stretching over 2 kilometers, filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. After exploring the cave, you’ll return to Cao Bang, then take the scenic, winding "snake pass" road to Ba Be Lake, where you'll stay overnight in a traditional Tay family homestay. Here, you’ll relax and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked dinner, surrounded by the beauty of Ba Be National Park.

Highlights and Activities:

• Ban Gioc Waterfall
• Nguom Ngao Cave
• Ba Be National Park
• Ethnic Villages

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, you’ll board a boat to cross Ba Be Lake to the north shore, where your hike through the lush rainforest of Ba Be National Park begins. Along the way, you’ll explore a prehistoric cave, believed to be over 500 million years old, hidden in an ancient forest of towering hardwood trees. Continuing, you’ll reach a fire station offering great birdwatching opportunities, before heading to An Ma Temple, a sacred site for the Tay people, dedicated to the snake god and military general of the Mac dynasty.

After the hike, you can choose to relax on the boat, enjoying the stunning scenery with its karst formations and jungle-covered shores, or take a refreshing dip in the clear lake waters. 

Note: Visitors who prefer not to join the hike can stay on the boat to visit Widow Island or enjoy some shopping.

Following your activities, you’ll return to Ba Be Jungle Houses for lunch before beginning the 230 km drive back to Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll stop at a tea plantation nestled in the rolling hills. Upon arrival in Hanoi, it’s time to bid farewell, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and memories from the trip.

Highlights and Activities:

• Hike in Ba Be National Park
• Prehistoric cave exploration
• Visit to An Ma Temple
• Scenic boat ride on Ba Be Lake
• Visit to Widow Island or shopping option
• Tea plantation stop on the way back to Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch