ST AD 08: CAO BANG TREKKING

Hanoi - Babe lake - BanGioc Water fall - Trekking to DongKhe - ThatKhe - Lang Son - Hanoi ( 8 days/ 7 nights )

This area offers breathtaking views and interesting subcultures. The North East mountainous areas of Ba Be Lake, Cao Bang and Lang Son ortunities for rugged jeep rides and trekking routes. It is the least traveled area of the north and often attracts the more hardy travelers craving a glimpse of some of the more remote ethnic minority people.  

Day 1 : Ha Noi - Thai Nguyen - Ba Be National Park (240kms/7 hours) (L,D)
8h00. Pick up at the hotel . As you head out of Ha Noi, over the Red River on the Chuong Duong bridge, the suburbs quickly give way to the sprawling farm lands of the Red River Delta. Travel north along Hwy 3 to Thai Nguyen for a stop to enjoy a lunch of traditional Vietnamese food. Worth a visit here is the Museum of the Cultures of Viet Nam Ethnic Groups. Leaving the delta behind, you'll start climbing into the mountainous area of Ba Be National Park. Take a short boat trip (30 minutes) to a Tay village for dinner and homestay in a local house.

Day 2 : Ba Be Cao Bang (120kms/4 hours) (B,L,D)
Ba Be National Park, surrounded by rugged limestone mountains it is Viet Nams only natural mountain lake. This important eco-system is best known for its over 330 species of butterflies! Have breakfast with your Tay hosts. The lush forest clinging to the surrounding mountains is your backdrop as you explore the lake. Reach the end of the lake and stop for a trek to Dau Dang waterfall. Meet your Jeep, head north through the lush mountain passes to the city of Cao Bang. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 3 : Ban Gioc Waterfall (85kms/2.5 hours) (B,L,D)
Jeep ride to Ban Gioc, visit the waterfall  On this day you'll take a scenic in insightful day trip north of Cao Bang to the beautiful Ban Gioc waterfall on the Chinese border. This picturesque, cascading waterfall is 53 meters high and has an impressive span of 300 meters. The drive there offers unique landscapes, limestone karst formations soar from the verdant rice paddies of the surrounding farms of local ethnic minorities. Along the way, you'll see Tay, Hmong and Dzao ethnic minority groups. Heading back to Cao Bang, stop to explore the expansive 2,144 meter Nguom Ngao Cavern to discover its brilliant stalactites. Return to Cao Bang and overnight in Hotel.

Day 4 : Cao Bang - Phuc Hoa - Dong Khe - That Khe (B,L,D)

Ta Lung  national entrance - La village 15 km ( 04 hours )

8 h 30' Drive from Cao Bang town to the Ta Lung national entrance 70 km,visit the national entrance ,12h 30 lunch there .13 h go on walk along the valley and lime stone mountain from Ta Lung to La village about 15 km.Dinner and overnight in the Tay's stilt- house.

Day 5:  La village - Na Nieng village : 16 km (8 hours ) (B,L,D)

8h after breakfast,continue go on walk and  clim the lime stone mountain , 12h lunch. ,13 h continue trave along the lime stone to the Na Nieng village.Dinner and over night in the Tay's stilt- house.

Day 6 (B,L,D): Na Nieng village - Pac Khoang village 16 km ( 8 hours)

8h after breakfast leave the Na Nieng village to Dong Khe town on walk 12km.Lunch in Dong Khe 13 h continue to the Pac Khoang village .Dinner and over night in the Red Dao 's village.

Day 7 (B,L,D):  Pac Khoang - Na Pang 16 km (8 hours)

8h  after breakfast trekking through lime stone valley ,the small streams 12 h  stop for lunch.13 h continue walking to Na Pang village ,Trang Dinh district - Lang Son.Dinner and overnight at Tay's stilt-house

Day 8 (B ):  Na Pang - That Khe 14 km (3 hours) - Hanoi

8h .after breakfast trekking to That Khe town 13h

Drive back Hanoi. Stop over in LangSon. End the tour.

All rates are net in USD per person

Accommodation offering in this trip: ( click to see )

Tour Cost includes:
- Full transportation by Ford Everest 4x4
- Sightseeing fees

- Full meals

- Poters

- Local tour guide

- Boat trip for 5 hours on Bake Lake.

- English or French speaking guide  from Hanoi.

- Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast at hotel or stay at the village.

 - Lunches and dinners in the itinerary

Tour Cost excludes:
- Insurance; tips; personal expenses, emergency transfers.