Northeast – Hidden Trails Adventure
Ha Giang – Ban Gioc waterfall – Ba Be lake
This journey reveals the wild and untouched beauty of Northeast Vietnam, where dramatic karst landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and peaceful lakes come together. From the UNESCO-listed Dong Van Karst Plateau in Ha Giang to the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall and the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake, this adventure offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and soft adventure. Along the way, you will discover the customs, cuisine, and daily life of ethnic minority communities living in remote mountain regions.
Day 1: Ha Noi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba
Meals: Lunch, Dinner/ Accommodation: Bungalow in Nam Dam village
07:30 AM: Your private car and English-speaking tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi. Drive approximately 330 km (about 6 hours) to Quan Ba, enjoying views of peaceful countryside, tea plantations, rivers, and mountains along the way.
– Have lunch at a local restaurant en route.
– Continue along winding mountain roads to Quan Ba Heaven Gate, stopping for panoramic photos of the famous Twin Mountains (Fairy Bosom Hills).
– Enjoy a 2-hour downhill trek from Heaven Gate to Nam Dam Village, passing terraced hills, lush fields, and traditional houses of the Dao people.
– Dinner and overnight at a Dao homestay. Spend time with your friendly host to learn about Dao culture, traditions, and daily life.
Day 2 : Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Nho Que River – Meo Vac
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Accommodation: Hotel in Meo Vac
Today you travel along the legendary Happiness Road, crossing four districts: Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac. Explore the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, where limestone landscapes formed over 400 million years create one of Vietnam’s most dramatic regions.
– After breakfast, drive through winding mountain passes with incredible views, including famous slopes with consecutive sharp bends.
– Visit the Moon Stone Field, a surreal rocky landscape.
– Explore the H’Mong King’s Palace, a century-old residence blending H’Mong, Chinese, and French architectural styles.
– Have lunch at a local restaurant in Dong Van.
– Conquer the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, known as the “King of Mountain Passes” in Vietnam.
– Trek along the Sky Path, one of the most scenic trails in the region, offering breathtaking views of Tu San Canyon and the emerald Nho Que River far below.
– Enjoy a boat trip on the Nho Que River, passing through Tu San Canyon—the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.
– Dinner and overnight in Meo Vac Town.
Day 3 : Meo Vac – Me Pja ( 14 Levels ) Pass – Cao Bang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Accommodation: Hotel in Cao Bang
– Breakfast and check-out.
– Visit the Meo Vac Sunday Market (Sunday only), a vibrant cultural gathering where ethnic minorities such as H’Mong, Dao, Tay, Giay, and Lo Lo trade goods and meet in colorful traditional attire.
Note: If Sunday market is missed, another local market will be arranged depending on your travel date.
– Farewell to the Dong Van Geopark and drive along National Road 34 toward Cao Bang, passing pine forests and ethnic villages.
– Lunch at a local restaurant.
– Visit Me Pja Pass (14-Level Pass), a lesser-known but spectacular mountain road. Hike to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the dramatic curves and surrounding mountains.
– Continue along National Road 4A, enjoying scenery of forests and terraced fields.
– Check in, dinner, and overnight in Cao Bang.
Day 4 : Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao cave – Ba Be
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Accommodation: Homestay in Pac Ngoi village
– Breakfast and check-out.
– Drive to Trung Khanh, enjoying landscapes of the Cao Bang Geopark.
– Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Vietnam, forming a stunning natural painting along the border.
– Explore Nguom Ngao Cave, stretching over 2,100 meters underground and filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
– Lunch at a local restaurant.
– Drive through four scenic mountain passes to Ba Be Lake, stopping for photos along the way.
– Check in at a Tay homestay in Pac Ngoi Village.
– Enjoy a special home-cooked dinner with your host family.
Homestay note:
You will stay in a traditional stilt house of the Tay people, sleeping in a private room on the second floor with mattress, blanket, pillow, and mosquito net. Bathrooms are clean and meet international standards.
Day 5: Ba Be lake – Ha Noi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Accommodation: Not included
– Wake up to fresh mountain air and enjoy breakfast.
– Cycling tour around Pac Ngoi Village, passing forests, rivers, rice fields, and limestone mountains. Meet Tay villagers and learn about their daily life and traditions.
– Take a motorboat trip on Ba Be Lake and Nang River, admiring emerald waters, pristine forests, and ethnic villages.
– Visit Puong Cave, formed by river erosion through limestone, featuring impressive stalactites.
– Trek to Dau Dang Waterfall, surrounded by dense jungle.
– Lunch, then drive back to Hanoi, enjoying scenic views along the way.
– Drop-off at your hotel. Tour ends.
We are confident that this journey will leave you with unforgettable memories.
What to bring
- Sun and rain protection
- Insect repellent
- Trekking clothes
- Trekking shoes or sturdy sandals
- Original passport
Tour Includes
-
Private car with air-conditioning
-
English-speaking tour guide
-
Permits for homestays and border areas
-
All entrance fees
-
Motorboat and bicycle
-
All meals and accommodations as stated in the itinerary
Tour Excludes
- Personal travel insurance
- Drinks
- Tips and gratuities
Why choose this tour ?
-
Hidden gems of Northeast Vietnam
-
UNESCO karst landscapes & iconic nature
-
Trekking, boating & scenic mountain roads
-
Authentic ethnic homestay experiences
-
Private tour with flexible pace
| Group size | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people up |
| Price/ per person | 600 usd | 483 usd | 423 usd |
| Type of car | 7 seats | 7 seats | 16 seats |
For solo travelers or groups of more than 8, please contact us for the best price.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.