05 days - Ba Be & Cao Bang Adventure

Day 01: Hanoi - Ba Be Lake
Departing Hanoi at 8 a.m we embark on a route up into mountain areas north of Hanoi, onwards to Ba Be Lake National Park, one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam, home to many kinds of birds, scenic valleys, towering rocky outcrops, underground river tributaries, a gigantic cave and local ethnic minorities, including the Tay, Red Dao and Hmong.

Following an exploration of a spectacular cave, we stroll along the riverfront. The night is spent with a local family in the traditional house of a Tay family to experience their way of life. (Lunch and dinner are included).

Day 02: Ba Be Trekking
The day begins with a morning hike in the park, we descend into the scenic valley, home to the Tay minority people and encircled by rock formations. In the afternoon we cross the rolling hills and pass Hmong and Red Dao villages.

The scenery is extraordinary, with rural farmland, and rugged mountains jutting out of the tangled jungle growth. We end our day in the park’s headquarters, where we spend the night at a comfortable guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 03:  Ba Be Lake - Cao Bang
The day begins by driving to the border town of Ta Lung, in an area marked by massive limestone cliffs jutting out of the rice fields, spotted by scenic hill tribe hamlets.

We begin our adventure with a trek. We trek for 15 km, with breathtaking scenery, staying in simple village accommodation with our friendly hosts of the Tay ethnic minority people. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 04: Cao Bang Trekking
Another serious day’s trekking through several minority hamlets. We stop for lunch at the village of Dong Khe before venturing on to the Red Dao settlement of Pac Khoang.

The following day we cover a 17 km trek to the Tay village of Na Pang where we stay overnight. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 05: Cao Bang - Hanoi
This morning we take a short hike through some villages. Following lunch in a local restaurant, we drive back to Hanoi, arriving there at around 5pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included).

Physical activities:
Your itinerary includes easy hikes and treks with:

- a 4-6 km hike on Day 1.

- a 10-12 km trek on Day 2.
- a 12-16 km trek on Day 3.
- a 16 km trek on Day 4
- a 5-6 km hike on Day 5.

You need to be reasonably fit as the hikes can be challenging sometimes, depending on the weather conditions.
From July to September, the climate is usually humid and hot. From October to June brings cooler and more pleasant weather.

Transport:
- boat.
- vehicle.

Tour Guides:
All of our experienced and friendly Tour Guides speak excellent English or French.
They are extremely knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

Accommodation:
- homestays (4 nights).
Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.

Meals:
- 4 breakfasts.
- 5 lunches.
- 4 dinners.

We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, markets or homes. We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.

Trip cost:
- US$ 518 per person for a group of 2 to 3 people.
- US$ 459 per person for a group of 4 to 7 people.

The cost of the trip includes:
- accommodation.
- Tour Guides.
- meals listed on the itinerary.
- entrance fees.
- permits where applicable.

The cost of the trip does not include:
- travel insurance.
- drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water).
- other personal expenses.

What to take:
Pack essentials for 5 days away from Hanoi, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes.
Take a small day pack for walking, hiking and trekking. We also recommend packing: personal articles, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...   Have a great journey!!!