This is one of the finest ‘hill tribe’ treks on offer. An unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the village culture and follow mountain trails that lead deep into the forested highlands of north- eastern Vietnam. Starting in Hanoi we journey north stopping at the spectacular Ba Be National Park with its lush forests, gushing waterfalls and towering peaks. 

DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI (D)
Upon arrival at Hanoi airport your guide will accompany you to your hotel and assist with your check-in procedures. Whilst there are no activities planned for today, your guide will be on hand to offer any advice and assistance regarding your free time, and this evening will take you out to dinner at one of Hanoi’s superb restaurants.

DAY 2: HANOI – BA BE LAKE (B, L,D) 300 km, 6 hours
With an early departure from Hanoi we journey towards Ba Be Lake. Lunchstop will be at Bac Can town. From here it is only around 2½ hours to our destination. Arrive Ba Be town, check into our guesthouse and then head out for a bit of an exploration before sunset.

DAY 3: BA BE LAKE (BL) ( B, L, D )
After breakfast we board our private boat for a cruise on the lake. Swim in the crystal clear waters ( if weather permit) before having picnic lunch on board.Then we will work off our feast with a three-hour trek to a Dzao village. Here we will see firsthand how life in these remote areas has remained unchanged. Arriving back at the jetty we transfer back to our hotel. Spend our second night in Ba Be.

DAY 5: BA BE LAKE – Cao Bang ( B, L, D ) 130 km ,3 hours

Morning, we take to the road again for the 90km drive (2.5 hours) to Cao Bang. Here the H'mong, Zao, Tho and Nung ethnic minority people live together in harmony. Arrive Cao Bang before lunchtime and spend a little time learning more about the people and their culture. This afternoon we take a short 1 hour drive to visit a traditional village befor returning to Cao Bang.Night in Cao Bang.

DAY 5: CAO BANG – Ban Gioc – Cao Bang ( B, L, D ) 190 km , 4 hours
Am: 8h00 Drive to visit Ban Gioc waterfalls, the highest and most spectacular in the area. Enjoy an imposing scene of Ban Gioc waterfalls. Visit Nguom Ngao Cave. Return to Cao Bang. Overnight in CaoBang. Night in Cao bang.

DAY 6: Cao Bang - PAC PO CAVE - Cao Bang  (B,L,D)
This morning we enjoy breakfast before departing Cao Bang for the 1½ hour drive to Pac Po, the hideout used by Ho Chi Minh when he came back to Vietnam after 30 years of self imposed exile. It was here that he organized his resistance army against the French.

DAY 7: DRIVE TO HANOI VIA LANG SON (B,L,D) 300 km, 6 hours
We drive to the border-trading city of Lang Son. We enjoy lunch and a visit to the local markets at Lang Son before our afternoon drive back to Hanoi. On arrival we can freshen up at our hotel before embarking for a celebratory meal at a Hanoi restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi hotel.

DAY 8: IN HANOI ( B, L, D )
Today is free for further exploration of this fascinating city and to do some last minute shopping.

DAY 9: HANOI – Departure (B)
Group arrangements conclude after breakfast. Transfer to airport for your flight back. End of services