Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

Northern Vietnam contains some of the most spectacular nature anywhere in Southeast Asia, and indeed the world as a whole. From roaring Ban Gioc Waterfall to serene Ba Be Lake and stunning Ha Long Bay, this part of Vietnam has it all, and on our 5 day Vietnam adventure tour of the region you will get to see all these sights and more.

Destination:

Ba Be National Park - A wild treasure home to one of the biggest natural freshwater lakes in Asia
Cao Bang - Cao Bang is an immensely beautiful, sparsely populated frontier region of North Vietnam
Halong Bay - A scatter of islands in emerald waters designated UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Tour code: GPT16E
Departure date: Join tour on Tuesday & Friday. Private tour on request
Duration: 5 days 4 nights
Price USD: $539 per person

Day 1: Hanoi – Lang Son – Quang Uyen (L/D)
- Our tour guide will pick you up by car at your hotel around 7:30-8:00am, transferring you to Lang Son. We will start by driving in the direction of the Chinese border for about 3 hours, before stopping at Chi Lang Pass - a 20-km-long gorge created from a narrow valley between two mountains.
  
  This place occupies an important position in Vietnamese history, being the place of many victories against various Chinese invasions over the centuries and millennia, as far back as 981AD. As such it bears the reputation of Vietnam’s strongest citadel and bastion. Here you will have roughly an hour to walk around and explore the area around the Quy Mon Quan Gate, which translates as “The Gate of Monsters”, named for the many invasion forces that would spill through the pass over the course of history only to be beaten back by stalwart Vietnamese defenders.
  
  After lunch at a local restaurant in Dong Dang, you will continue your trip into the pass, stopping to visit Mother’s Temple and Dong Khe – an important historical site where The Battle of Dong Khe was fought during the First Indochina War. In fact, this was the very first battle of the Indochina Wars, and the fighting here took place through September and October 1950, ending in a resounding victory for the Viet Minh.
  
  In the evening you will get to enjoy dinner and overnight rest in a local homestay owned and operated by a local Nung family.
  
  Highlights and activities: Chi Lang, Quy Mon Quan Gate, Dong Khe Battle Site, Ethnic Villages, and a 3-5km walk.
Day 2: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc waterfall (B/L/D)
- After enjoying breakfast at the homestay, you will depart for Trung Khanh which lies right on the border with China. Here you will have another chance to meet and interact with the local Nung people living in the village of Phuoc Sen, a mountainous village famous for its traditional blacksmithing. The farming tools made here are an integral part of the lifestyle which is evident in the surrounding rice paddies and fields.
  
  Nestled amongst these amazing landscapes is the breath-taking Ban Gioc Waterfall which spans over 300 meters, split half and half between Vietnam and China. You’ll get some time here to simply take in the amazing atmosphere surrounding the falls, which presents an excellent opportunity for some fantastic photography.
  
  Once you’ve finished at the falls, it’s time to head over to Nguom Ngao Cave, for a very different, but no less impressive natural wonder. The cave stretches for 2,144 meters underground and is brimming with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
  
  You will then return to Cao Bang town and head down the “snake pass” to Ba Be Lake, where you will stay overnight in a homestay constructed in traditional Tay fashion and owned and operated by a local Tay family. Here you can relax and unwind from the day and enjoy a delicious and authentic home-cooked meal.
  
  Highlights and activities: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ethnic Villages
Day 3: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi (B/L)
- After breakfast, you will board a boat to cross the lake to the north shore. From here you will start a hike in the rainforest of the central area of the Ba Be National Park. Along the shores of the lake, you will reach a prehistoric cave dating back 500 million years, hidden in an ancient forest composed of rare and hard wood trees, as strong as steel.
  A little further, a fire station allows to observe the birds.
  
  Resume your hiking to reach the An Ma temple (a sacred temple of the Tay people venerating the snake god and military general of the Mac dynasty).
  
  It is now time to choose how to spend your time on the boat: relax and admire the landscape or take a dip in the fresh waters of the lake? Anyway, enjoy the scenery with its beautiful karst formations lined with jungle.
  
  Note: visitors who do not wish to participate in the walk can ask to stay on the boat to join Widow Island or do some shopping
  
  Return to Ba Be Jungle Houses restaurant for lunch before ending the tour, you will be taken about 230 km back to Hanoi and stop at a tea plantation located among rolling hills. When we arrived in Hanoi, it was time to say goodbye, creating lifelong memories and bonds.
Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)
- Between 08:00 and 8:30, depart from Hanoi city heading to Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay town, Ha Long city. Upon arrival, take a moment to refresh at the lounge. Embark on Oriental Sails around 12:00 to 12:30, where you'll be welcomed with a drink and receive a brief introduction to the cruise and safety guidelines. After checking in to your cabin, indulge in lunch while cruising through the magnificent Ha Long Bay, reveling in the captivating natural scenery. The cruise will anchor at the Titop Island area.
  
  Between 15:00 and 16:00, participate in a guided visit to Sung Sot Cave, also known as Amazing Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. Then, from 16:00 to 17:00, climb to the peak of Titop Island for a panoramic view of the bay. Descend and unwind on the beach, taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Return to Oriental Sails by 17:20, where you can enjoy the sunset during Happy Hour at the bar.
  
  At 18:00, partake in happy hours with discounted drinks, and engage in a cooking demonstration and food decoration with the Chef. Dinner is served between 19:00 and 21:00, with the option for a private dinner upon request. From 21:00 to 22:00, you can join squid fishing with the crew, sing karaoke, or simply relax in your cabin. The night will be spent on Oriental Sails.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi (B/L)
- Welcome the new day with the stunning dawn on the Legendary Gulf of Tonkin at 06:30. Refresh your body and soul with a Tai-chi lesson on the sundeck. Between 07:00 and 08:00, enjoy the morning view of seascapes with a cup of tea or coffee and have breakfast while charming the labyrinth of Karst.
  
  From 8:00 to 9:00, join a guided exploration of the hidden parts of the bay, visiting Luon cave. You can share a sampan with other tourists or take a kayak on your own.
  
  After your cave visit its time to check out of your room at the boat and return to port, docking at noon after having early lunch on-board. Our driver will be waiting for you at the pier and will transfer you back to Hanoi for an arrival at your hotel around 16:30. At this point it’s time to say goodbye to your guide, driver and group, hopefully with life-long memories gained and friendships made.

Tour Includes:

Professional vehicle transportations and commercial vehicle insurance. Professional driver
Shuttle Bus Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi
(Optional) 4×4 car with material insurance
Air-conditioned vehicle, Round-trip transportation from selected hotels
Door to door pick-up drop-off service
Overnight cruise in Halong Bay
Accommodation at Nung's Homestay in Cao Bang, at Tay's House in Ba Be National Park
Experienced English-speaking guide
Experienced English-speaking guide on Board
Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
(Optional) Vegetarian and vegan food is available
Bottled water
All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
Welcome drinks on board
Swimming in Halong Bay
Cooking demonstration on board
Tai Chi session on sundeck
Bamboo boat tour in Halong Bay
Squid fishing & fishing from the boat
Bamboo raft tour on Ban Gioc waterfall
Trekking tour in Ba Be National Park
Motor-boat with floating jackets in Ba Be
Kayaks & paddles for outdoor activities
Nguom Ngao Cave walking tour
No extra charge after confirmation
24/7 hotline support guaranteed
(Optional) Child seats are required

Tour Excludes:

Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
International & domestic flights and taxes
Beverage
Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc.

What To Take:

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking
It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...

Chat with a Guide

Accommodation List

Please note that the hotels mentioned in this list are for reference only. Depending on availability and your preference, they can be changed. If we are unable to book any hotel, it will be replaced by another hotel at least of equivalent standard and value.

Yen Nhi Homestay Ban Gioc

Address: Khuoi Ky, Ban Gioc, Trung Khanh, Cao Bang, Vietnam

Located in Cao Bang, Yen Nhi Ban Gioc Homestay offers free WiFi, a communal sitting area, and a garden. The rooms provide garden views, a seating space for relaxation, a washing machine, a fully furnished kitchen with a hob, and a shared bathroom. Each room has a terrace with mountain views. Every morning, Homestay provides an Asian breakfast. Guests can go trekking in the surrounding region.

Ba Be Jungle Houses

Address: Coc Toc village, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province

A step up in amenities to Ba Be's homestays, this lakeside place in Coc Toc village takes the form of six small, spic-and-span, wood-panelled private rooms, and a dorm. Visitors are well looked after by friendly English-speaking staff.

Review

5 average based on 9 reviews.

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Bryan Y

Wrote a review 3 - 2024

Halong Bay and Ba Be National Park

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

Great organised tour from pickup at our hotel and ped backed, Good knowledge by our guide Sonny and great driving by the driver, we first got picked up and went to Ha Long bay and spent the night with 30 others from a different tour on a boat in HaLong bay, good food and tours of caves and kayaking, only negative would be the over crowded islands, went back to Hanoi for a stay at a very nice hotel, from there the next morning we got picked up by Sonny and the driver, there were only four of us on this tour, we went to the caves, waterfalls on the China border and then on to a farm stay in a village, next day on to Ba Be Lake National Park where we spent the night at a lovely guest house, next day we did a long boat trip up to a village, temple and back to the guest house for lunch and then drove back to Hanoi .The tour did a circuit of North Vietnam, it is a lot of driving but the accommodation is very good along with all the food, the driver ( sorry forgot his name) was excellent along with Sonny the guide who's local knowledge was first class, Sonny kept a eye on everything including dealings with locals making sure we weren't over charged, dealings with Linh Hue via WhatsApp was excellent from my first research via the internet in Australia, high would highly recommend this company, regards Bryan, Australian

Date of experience: 0 0

loumar33

Wrote a review 9 - 2023

Amazing tour and guide...accessing great local experiences and breathtaking scenery!!!

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

We spent 5 days on the Highlights and Hidden Gems of Halong Bay and Ba Be tour with our guide Mr David Long and our driver Mr Nam. We were a bit apprehensive to begin with as we are usually independent travellers however we absolutely loved the experience for its authenticity, flexibility and accessibility to areas and people we would not normally have had access to. This is a tour company offering exceptional service right from the beginning of the booking process to the end and the off at our hotel. All emails were responded to promptly, as well as punctual pick up from our hotel, and regular communication about the day’s intended itinerary. Our guide - Mr Long is a very passionate, informed, flexible, and humorous man who cares deeply about his country and ensuring visitors have an exceptional time on tour. If he is aware of any special interests, he goes out of his way to deliver in those areas. Our driver was Mr Nam who always had a big smile to greet us and whose driving skills were of a high quality given the sometimes difficult terrain. Together they make a perfect team and they’re passion, enthusiasm and humour was contagious! They made our experience of Vietnam an unforgettable one, from unique homestay experiences with local people which happened to fall on Vietnamese National Day giving us a rare insight into special treats being prepared by the local community, wonderful and abundant amounts of local authentic Vietnamese food, great local knowledge and insight, stops to visit local markets, and of course experiencing the majestic views of Northern Vietnam! Long distances to cover in the vehicle but a very comfortable ride with amazing views and ample time to stop and take photographs when desired. If anything, we would have cut out the trip to Halong Bay (disappointed with the amount of tourists and pollution) and spent more time at Ba Be National Park. All accommodation was clean and comfortable including homestay although mattress is on the floor for anyone with joint problems! Thank you and we will be back!!! Louise & Simon, Australia

Date of experience: 9 2016

Mark W

Wrote a review 11 - 2023

Wonderful Experience

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

We had a good time. The scenery in this area is beautiful, so took tons of photos and videos. Plenty of fields surrounded by Ha Long Bay style rock formations. The waterfall was impressive, the lake tour gorgeous. Homestays were comfortable and accomodating and the food tasty and ample. Our guide Cu spoke excellent English and was quite knowledgeable. The highlight was our stay at Ba Be lake homestay the second night. I only wish we had more time.

Date of experience: 11 2023

mkolker

Wrote a review 1 - 2023

Gorgeous trip to Ba Be Lake

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

This was an amazing experience, I’m so happy we used Mr Linh’s for our trip to Ba Be Lake! Our tour guide, Tran Minh Phuc, was an excellent guide who drove us there, made sure we were comfortable and happy, talked and ate with us, and made the trip so easy.
I recommend Ba Be as a short trip out if Hanoi, it was absolutely beautiful. We took a small boat from the entrance to the park to the hotel in the water, navigating through a cave and seeing some breathtaking views. On the last day we climbed up to a dry cave entrance and down into the cave where there were both natural and carved sculptures to see. All around fantastic experience!

Date of experience: 1 2023

Dirk Beetstra

Wrote a review 12 - 2023

5 day trip Halong bay - Ban Gioc - Ba Be lake

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

A wonderful trip through an amazing area. Mr Loi and Mr Long took us around the nature and have been very helpful throughout. We've seen amazing places!

Date of experience: 12 2019

Mr Linh's Adventure

A thousand thanks, we are so glad you enjoyed your time on our tour. We are very proud to receive your review. Great memories and outstanding experience is what we aim for, Northern Vietnam has so much to offer it is well worth the trip. Your crack team Mr Loi and Mr Long, will be happy to read this! Mr Linh's Adventures Team

Written 0/0/0

Tiến Lê

Wrote a review 12 - 2023

Mr Linh's Adventure is the professional travel agent in Vietnam

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

It was the awesome itinerary. Within 5 days with driver Mr Bao (very good driver) and Tour guide (mr Long-the best tour guide in Vietnam) I had the great experience with stunning view of the North Vietnam. The homestay in Mr Linh family was very impressed- friendly, enthusiastic, good food. I understood more about the ethnic group in Vietnam. I enjoyed the Babe lake - clean water, fresh air and sit on the grass to hear the water falled in Ban Gioc. The last destination was Ha Long bay. It was fantastic. You must visit Ha Long. Thank you very much Mr Linh's team: sales officer, tour operator, driver and tour guide. Good job!

Date of experience: 12 2019

Mr Linh's Adventure

Thank you very much for your kind review, we are delighted to read you had a memorable experience in our beautiful Vietnam. Mr Long and Mr Bao are both experts in their fields, you had an amazing team to look after you! The beauty of this country also lies with its people, so welcoming. Overnight in homestays is very beneficial for everyone, the locals get to share experiences with travelers, and the guests are offered a true insight of the Vietnamese way of life. And the scenery along t...Read Morehis itinerary is just incredible. We hope to see you again! Mr Linh's Adventures Team Read Less

Written 0/0/0

kschell65

Wrote a review 7 - 2023

Fantastic 5 days Halong Bay, Ban Gioc waterfall and Ba Be Lake

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

We had a fantastic 5 days travelling north east of Hanoi. Loi as an outstanding guide, going to a lot of effort to engage and entertain us (including leading us in a couple of rounds of karaoke on the mini van), as well as explaining the history and various cultures within Vietnam. I would highly recommend this tour and Loi as the guide.

Date of experience: 7 2018

Frankfurt-am-Mainer

Wrote a review 6 - 2023

Very competent and professional staff

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

We travelled with Mr Linh's Adventures through Vietnam during 2 1/2 weeks and experienced some grandiose and very impressive moments. Although we contacted Mr Linh only 3 weeks before our holiday he gave us very useful advice and, together with his staff, set up an individual tour that met all our demands. We had private drivers and guides nearly all over the time - safe drivers and very competent guides with a profound knowledge of their region and its history, in particular Mr Minh who travelled with us from Hanoi to the dry and the wet Halong Bay and through the northern mountains. He was not only a very nice and professional guide (he knows a lot of the ethnic people in the north, but also of plants and animals, and he always was open to spontaneous ideas) but also shared with us some private experiences making such a trip much more interesting and colourful. And when we forgot some of our valuables in a hotel he very quickly organised a safe way to get them back. He knows the north of Vietnam very well, even the quite unknown northeastern part next to the Chinese border - still a quite non-touristic region with lots of ethnic minorities that we liked so much and where we would have liked to stay longer if we just had had more time for our holiday. We just can recommend Mr Linh and his staff! The organisation of our trip and the staff was perfect!

Date of experience: 6 2018

PeterJamesCrouch

Wrote a review 4 - 2023

Excellent adventure trip in Vietnam

Review of: Adventure Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake - Halong Bay 5 days 4 nights

We were met by Kimmy, a beautiful young lady who helped us plan and set us up with all the information. The cruse itself was great and the people we were with were really good fun. And I know Mr Linh 's adventure travel from her

During my incredible journey in Vietnam, I had the opportunity to use their services and I am very grateful that I did as their recommendations were tailor made and met my expectations. From the boat trip in Halong Bay to Sapa, visiting Babe Lake, Ban Gioc water fall, I could not praise enough their professional and attentive service. They are knowledgeable about the various excursions, travel arrangements and accommodations they offer. They checked on me on daily basis with what’s app to ensure that I was having a pleasant and comfortable experience.

Date of experience: 4 2023

Mr Linh's Adventure

Dear Mr Peter James Crouch, Thank you for choosing Mr Linh's Adventures and writing us a review. We are glad to bring you a new experiences in discovering beautiful Halong Bay , Sapa and Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc waterfalls . In our tour, we are always care about the quality of our service and customer satisfaction. So , your satisfaction is our happiness. We are always welcome travelers from all over the world to come to Mr Linh’s Adventures. Our company is passionate about ensu...Read Morering that our customers have a fabulous holiday. Thank you again for recommended us and hope to see you again in our next tour. Best Regards, Mr Linh's Adventures Read Less

Written 0/0/0