Admin, Author at Ba Be Jungle Houses

Ba Be Lake: What to know before you go

October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

For those (yes, some still exist!) who haven’t discovered Ba Be yet, here is a little vade mecum for the discreet green jewel of Northeast Vietnam.

While Hạ Long Bay and the rice terraces of Sa Pa dominate every postcard, the Northeast of Vietnam hides a peaceful treasure that still eludes the crowds: Ba Bể lake. This national park is an invitation to authenticity, blending spectacular karst landscapes, clear freshwater, and enriching encounters with local ethnic minorities.

To ensure your immersion starts as soon as you depart, here is everything you need to know to plan a seamless trip.

Planning your trip: when to go?

Ba Be’s climate is favorable year-round, but its charm varies with the seasons:

Ideal (February to April): This is the perfect time. Temperatures are mild and pleasant (25-30C˚), optimal for trekking. If you visit around the 9th and 10th days of the Lunar New Year, you can attend the traditional Long Tong Festival.
Rainy season (May to September): The landscapes are vividly green, and the waterfalls (like Đầu Đẳng) are at their most impressive. However, heavy showers can occur.
Cool season (October to January): An excellent period for outdoor activities and trekking, with cooler temperatures.

Must-do activities: nature and culture

The national park is an exceptional natural playground offering a range of activities to explore on site:

Cruising and kayaking on the lake: The essential activity. Navigate the calm waters, surrounded by cliffs, to reach the Widow’s Island or the small An Mạ Temple. Kayaking offers a more intimate perspective.
Mysterious caves: Explore the Puông Cave, an impressive tunnel carved out by the Năng River, and the vast Hua Mạ Cave, famous for its spectacular rock formations.
Trekking and hiking: Trails lead through primary forests and rice fields, providing opportunities to meet local ethnic groups (Tày, Dzao, Hmong) and spend the night in homestays in the stilt houses of Pác Ngòi village or at Ba Be Jungle Houses.

Direct transportation: your gateway to Ba Bể

One of the main logistical challenges is the 240 km journey from Hanoi, often involving complicated transfers with local buses.

To transform this journey into a smooth and comfortable experience, choose the Ba Bể Express service. Ba Bể Express offers a direct transfer to Ba Bể National Park (close to the homestays). The trip takes about five hours and costs roughly $15 USD per person one way. Vehicles are new and air-conditioned to ensure comfort, and the service requires no bus transfers.

The Ba Bể Express drops you off at the northern edge of the lake, allowing you to immediately connect with your Homestay host or hotel for the last few kilometers by boat or motorbike. This is the ideal option to maximize your discovery time and minimize travel stress.

Come and enjoy your visit !

Plan for an ideal 2 to 3 days to fully absorb the tranquility of Ba Bể Lake. Book the Ba Bể Express for a serene journey, and prepare for an adventure where nature, tradition, and calm are the guiding principles.

♦ Ba Be National Park: A Must-Visit Escape in 2025

How to get to Ba Be National Park?

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

The official Ba Bể Express shuttle service

Getting to Ba Bể isn’t just a trip; it’s a gradual immersion into an exceptional natural environment. Every kilometer reveals the preserved beauty of the national park: karst landscapes, tropical forests, and unique ecosystems. In a continuation of its mission to protect nature and support local communities, the park is proud to launch its own official shuttle service: Ba Bể Express. This service is a direct response to the growing demand from tourists who want to travel in a simpler, safer, and more environmentally friendly way.

Why choose Ba Bể Express?

Choosing Ba Bể Express is choosing responsible tourism without sacrificing comfort.

The most direct and convenient: Leave the stress of logistics behind. The shuttle departs daily from Hanoi and takes you directly to the park entrance.
A gesture for nature: By traveling in a group, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint compared to a private car. Your trip contributes to protecting the biodiversity you came to discover.
Guaranteed local support: The shuttle’s revenue is reinvested into the park’s conservation projects and community initiatives. By traveling with the Green Line, you become an active participant in the preservation of Ba Bể.

Ba Bể Express: Practical information and booking

Departure: Daily at 7:00 AM from Hanoi’s Old Quarter (15 To Tich Str. Near Hoan Kiem Lake)
Arrival: ~11:00 AM at Ba Be village / southern pier or directly at your homestay
Return: 1:30 PM from Ba Be to Hanoi, arriving at ~5:30 PM
Price: $15 per person / one way
Booking: WhatsApp / Zalo :+84 862 108 966 | Website form

Transportation options to Ba Bể

Despite its seemingly remote appearance, Ba Bể National Park is surprisingly accessible from Hanoi. The park’s apparent seclusion is actually a strategic advantage that preserves its pristine natural environment while remaining reachable for adventurous travelers.

Ba Bể Express: Your Green Line is undoubtedly the most direct and convenient option. This daily shuttle offers you a comfortable and affordable ride directly to the park.
Private car: For maximum flexibility, a private car can take you from Hanoi directly to your homestay. The journey takes a little over 5 hours.
Pick-up / Drop-off: Any hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter → Direct to your homestay in Ba Be (Cốc Tóc, Pác Ngòi, or Bó Lù villages)
Advantages: Flexible departure times, comfortable seats, direct drop-off, no transfers
Booking: Contact Mr Linh’s Adventures (Phone / Zalo / WhatsApp: +84 862 108 966) for a quote

Local bus: Local buses offer a budget-friendly alternative for travelers willing to trade comfort for cost savings. While these buses are the most economical option, they come with several challenges that budget-conscious travelers should carefully consider.
From Hanoi: Take a bus from Mỹ Đình Bus Station to Chợ Rã Town (20 km from Ba Be). From there, continue by motorbike taxi or local transfer into the park.
Travel Time: ~6–7 hours, depending on connections

Routes from other destinations

From Sapa: Take a night bus from Lào Cai to Thái Nguyên, then connect by road to Chợ Rã → Ba Be. Many buses stop short, so expect to take a motorbike taxi for the final 20 km.
From Cao Bằng: Travel south via Phủ Thông → Chợ Rã, then continue into Ba Be.
From Hà Giang: Start early, traveling via Bắc Mê and Chợ Rã. Motorbike taxis or local transfers may be needed for the last section.
👉 These routes are possible but less direct than traveling from Hanoi. They are best suited for those on a longer northern loop journey.

Hua Ma Cave – The suspended secret of Ba Be

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

An impressive geological treasure

Perched on a steep limestone cliff about 350 meters high , and only 6 km from the famous Ba Bể Lake , its access via a stairway of roughly 300 steps acts as a “natural filter,” preserving its tranquility.

Inside, this major karst structure reveals 700 meters of galleries. The atmosphere is cool, humid , and mysterious, enhanced by soft lighting. Prepare to be amazed by the immense dimensions of the main chamber, where the ceiling height can reach 40 to 50 meters in places. The sight is dominated by magnificent speleothems , particularly dozens of large rock columns, soaring up to 10 to 15 meters high , often compared to the pillars of ancient temples.

Between Legend and Spirituality

The name Hang Hua Ma derives from the local legend of the “Horse” (Ma) or “Horse Head” (Hua Ma). Once, the region was troubled by the souls of deceased soldiers. To appease these tormented spirits , a camp was established, and the ritual sacrifice of horses was carried out. The sound of the souls faded, and the cave was thus named Hua Ma (Horse Head) or Leo Pen to commemorate this mysterious and sacred event.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Visit

Access: The cave is about 6 km from the park center, accessible by rented motorbike or car (rental from local homestays).
Best time to visit: Choose the period from November to April for cool weather , or Autumn (October-November) to admire the golden rice paddy valleys. Avoid the rainy season (June to August), which makes the paths muddy and slippery.
Duration: Allow about 1 hour for the complete exploration , including the initial ascent and the over 200 steps inside.
Hours and fees: The cave is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. There is an entrance fee for the cave (indicative rate of 45,000 VND/person) , in addition to the park entrance ticket (70,000 VND).

Hua Ma Cave is an essential stop for nature and history lovers, combining geological wonder and cultural heritage. Don’t miss this light caving experience that perfectly illustrates the karst charm of Northeastern Vietnam.

A Kid’s Awesome Adventure in Ba Be!

August 26, 2025August 26, 2025

Hi! I’m Leo, from Switzerland, and my family just had the best weekend in Ba Be. It was so much fun! Mom and Dad love nature, so that’s why we went to Ba Be National Park. We stayed at a cool place called Ba Be Jungle Houses.

Ba Be, a destination for the whole family

The first day, we went for a hike in the forest and saw lots of birds. I saw a big bird with a golden body, a white chest, and white wings. Dad said it was probably a great hornbill , jumping from branch to branch.

The next morning, we got up super early, at 4 a.m.. It was still dark outside! We got into a canoe with a man who works at Ba Be Jungle Houses and went out on the lake. The lake was so calm, like a mirror, it was beautiful.

And then, I saw two ducks, a pair of mandarin ducks! They were young, but they were so elegant. The man said it was a surprising encounter because they mostly live in northeastern China, Korea, and Japan. He even told us that mandarin ducks are a symbol of marital fidelity and happiness in Vietnam

After that, I heard a sound, “quack… quack…” and the man jumped into the water. He scared a bird that flew away. It was a juvenile black-crowned night heron, another rare resident of the lake. I also saw a small herd of wild cattle near the forest. It was a magical morning.

On the way back, we met some fishermen who were pulling up some weird-looking fish. The man explained that they were mương fish, a species that only lives in the depths of Ba Be’s lake. I learned so many new things!

My whole family was so excited about our outing. It was like we had discovered a hidden treasure. Next time, I hope we can see the black-shanked douc langur and other mysterious friends. Anyway, if you love adventures, you absolutely have to come to Ba Be and stay at Ba Be Jungle Houses!

Note : You can also read the Mr Linh’s version of this adventure !

The Legend of the Greater Coucal (Bìm Bịp Lớn)

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025

The story of a bird that cries a nun’s tears

One day, a little French boy on vacation with his parents in Ba Be National Park saw a Grand Coucal (Greater Coucal or Crow Pheasant, in English – Centropus sinensis, in books). Having never seen such a bird, he asked me for its name and its story. Since this cuckoo is found all over Vietnam, especially in Ba Be, and has great symbolic importance in Vietnamese folklore, I decided to tell the little boy the following story.

Ba Be, a destination for the whole family

The Grand Coucal, which the Vietnamese call “Bìm bịp lớn,” is a large bird from the cuckoo family with shiny black plumage and coppery brown wings. Known for its deep, resonant cry, it is common in rural areas. It is found in various habitats in Vietnam, from jungles to urban gardens. What distinguishes a coucal from a cuckoo is that, unlike the latter, the coucal does not parasitize broods, but rather proves to be a model parent.

Ba Be National Park, rich in biodiversity, is home to about 220 species of birds, including the Grand Coucal.

The little boy listened to me, silent, his head slightly bowed.

Once upon a time, the Bìm bịp lớn was born

For an unknown reason, a young, noble, and pious woman decided to shave her head and become a nun. She went on a pilgrimage to the West in search of the Buddha.

On her way, she had to face many trials. The Buddha, impressed by her devotion, tested her by disguising himself as a beggar and asking for the only little bag of rice she had. She gave it to him willingly. Deeply moved by her gesture, the Buddha offered her four sutras to recite in case of danger and for good luck.

Later, the nun got lost in a dark forest and found refuge in a hut, which turned out to be the lair of a serpent-sorceress, a python named “mụ Trăn,” and her son, both ready to devour her. By reciting the prayer, she managed to frighten them away. The python’s son, feeling guilty after hearing her sermons, asked her to offer his heart to the Buddha. The nun accepted, but after several days of travel, the heart rotted, and she threw it into the bushes because of its foul odor.

Exhausted and at the end of her strength, she finally reached the Buddha’s kingdom, where she was told that the gates of paradise would only open if she presented the promised heart as an offering. Unable to turn back, she began to cry and was transformed into a bird by a Bodhisattva so that she would never be tired again.

Since then, the bird with a black head like her nun’s hat, red eyes like her tears, and a brown body like her clothes, flies in search of the heart. It constantly cries “Tội nghiệp! Tội nghiệp!” (Pity! Pity!), which gave it its name, Bìm Bịp.

Tales and legends of Ba Be Lake

The Ba Be region, a land of mystical legends, echoes with the widow’s tears and the plaintive cry of the Grand Coucal, transmitting, to those who can hear, the message of Vietnamese oral tradition that birds are often messengers or transforming souls.

The little boy listened to me with bright eyes, then with a slight smile and without a word, he left to join his parents who were calling him.

Lang Son Geopark

July 22, 2025July 22, 2025

A Geological Gem Recently Recognized at the Gates of Ba Be

The Lang Son Geopark, officially integrated into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network on June 28, 2025, represents the fourth such site in Vietnam. Located near Ba Be and the provinces of Thai Nguyen/Bac Kan, it spans approximately 4,842.58 km² and encompasses several districts and part of Lang Son city. The geopark, established at the provincial level in 2021, gained its UNESCO recognition after decades of scientific research and a favorable vote in September 2024.

♦ Don’t miss out our Lang Son Travel Guide

A Mosaic of Natural and Cultural Values

This geopark is a concentration of natural and cultural values. It features 24 distinct geological formations dating back 500 million years, 15 of which were discovered in Lang Son. There are also approximately 200 caves, such as Tham Khuyen and Tham Hai, which house human traces dating back 30,000 to 470,000 years, as well as animal and plant fossils from 40 to 50 million years ago. Culturally, the geopark is the birthplace of the Tay and Nung cultures, with intangible heritage recognized by UNESCO. It boasts rich biodiversity, particularly in the Huu Lien Nature Reserve, and important local crops like custard apple and star anise.

Major Sites to Discover

Lang Son Geopark is full of iconic sites:

Bac Son Valley: A photogenic karst landscape, framed by mountains and limestone peaks. The valley floor is covered with rice fields, offering stunning panoramic views. It is also the cradle of the Bac Son Revolution in 1940 and home to archaeological sites of the prehistoric Bac Son civilization.
Na La Cave (or Tham Na La): A major archaeological and geological site, this limestone cave contains stalactites and stalagmites, and discoveries proving prehistoric human occupation.
Dong Lam Lake: Often compared to an “inland Ha Long Bay,” this lake offers serene natural beauty with verdant karst mounds and hills emerging from the water. It is home to rich fauna and flora, with numerous bird species and herds of horses grazing freely.

A Future Focused on Sustainable Tourism

The geopark offers 38 attractions distributed across four thematic tourist routes. UNESCO recognition aims to promote responsible and sustainable tourism and cultural development, by highlighting its geological, cultural, historical heritage and biodiversity, while fostering community engagement. As a member of a global network of protected sites, Lang Son Geopark will facilitate scientific, technical, and cultural exchanges. It represents a major example of Vietnam’s natural and cultural richness, offering considerable tourism and scientific potential. Its proximity to Ba Be National Park opens up prospects for collaboration and exchange, strengthening the tourist appeal of the entire Northeast Vietnamese region.

Lang Son and the new province of Thai Nguyen

July 15, 2025July 15, 2025

A journey into the heart of Northeast Vietnam

Northeast Vietnam is home to natural and cultural treasures, with the border province of Lang Son and the newly merged province of Thai Nguyen. By enhancing their connections, these regions promise an enriched travel experience, combining spectacular landscapes, historical heritage, and commercial vibrancy.

♦ Don’t miss out our Lang Son Travel Guide

Lang Son: between karst mountains and cultural crossroads

Just 154 km from Hanoi, Lang Son stands as a mountainous province in Northeast Vietnam, sharing its border with China. Its landscape, characterized by karst mountains, peaceful valleys, and lazy rivers, creates an exceptional natural setting, home to a rich ethnic diversity.

Lang Son offers a rich and diverse tourist experience, blending grand landscapes with deep cultural heritage. The majestic mountains, with the highest point at Mau Son, offer spectacular panoramas over valleys like Bac Son. For geology enthusiasts, the caves of Tam Thanh and Nhi Thanh reveal unique rock formations.

History is also prominent through iconic sites such as the Mac Dynasty Citadel, a witness to ancient periods of Vietnam, and the historic Chi Lang Pass, narrating tales of battles and resistance. These two sites are part of Mr. Linh’s Adventures’ signature circuit.

Traditional markets, like Ky Lua, are lively places where local craftsmanship and trade exchanges unveil the regional culture. Local festivals and traditions enrich this cultural immersion.

Culinary delights play a significant role, with specialties such as roasted duck and the famous Mau Son wine inviting visitors to savor the authentic flavors of the region. Finally, its border position with China gives Lang Son a unique character. Border crossings like Huu Nghi and Tan Thanh make it a dynamic hub for cultural and commercial exchanges, attracting tourists and traders.

The new province of Thai Nguyen: a strengthened regional partner

Since July 1, 2025, the provinces of Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen merged to form the new province of Thai Nguyen, spanning 8,375 km² and home to 1.8 million inhabitants. This merger aims to strengthen territorial cohesion by combining complementary assets, such as Ba Be National Park, historical sites of ATK Dinh Hoa, Tan Cuong tea hills, and ethnic villages. The goal is to create an integrated economic and tourist corridor, highlighting natural resources, ecotourism, and industry, while improving infrastructure and regional connectivity. Strategic connections for integrated development The provinces of Lang Son and the new province of Thai Nguyen/Bac Kan are forging strategic links in northern Vietnam. With a dense road network, including National Roads 1B, 3, 279, and the Ho Chi Minh Road, these regions are developing promising tourist and economic synergies. An expressway project is also in the planning stages, further enhancing these connections and allowing travelers to explore a rich itinerary, from the border markets of Lang Son to the tea landscapes and ethnic villages of Thai Nguyen. This regional dynamic aims for integrated development, showcasing the natural and cultural wealth of the region.

♦ Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen unite for a new flagship destination

Ba Be: at the heart of northeast connections

Lang Son province, with its natural landscapes and role as a gateway to China, is a major tourism and commercial hub in Northeast Vietnam. The recent merger of Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen provinces into the new province of Thai Nguyen creates a strengthened regional partner, rich in natural, cultural, and industrial resources. In this new configuration, Ba Be National Park, a gem of ecotourism and biodiversity, plays a pivotal role. Its strategic position within the new province of Thai Nguyen makes it an essential link to connect the cultural attractions and tea landscapes of Thai Nguyen with the cross-border dynamics and historical riches of Lang Son. Infrastructure projects, including the Lang Son – Thai Nguyen expressway, and increased coordination between these territories, pave the way for integrated and sustainable tourism development, fostering economic and cultural exchanges in this strategic mountainous region of Vietnam.

Ba Be: The Vietnamese Lake That Tells a Unique Story

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025

One Country, Many Water Stories

Vietnam, a land of contrasts, holds natural treasures often overlooked by international travelers. Its lakes, true mirrors of the country’s geographical and cultural diversity, each tell a unique story. But among these aquatic jewels, one site stands out: Ba Be, an ecosystem that transcends the simple definition of a body of water.

The Lakes of Vietnam: A Contrasting Overview

Before diving into the exceptional nature of Ba Be, an overview is necessary. Vietnam has several remarkable lakes, each with its own personality. Two are particularly iconic:

Thac Ba: The Industrial Artifice

Thac Ba, in Yen Bai province (now Lao Cai, since the administrative merger of July 2025), illustrates human intervention on nature. Born from a hydroelectric dam in 1971, this artificial lake of 370 km² symbolizes industrial development. Its creation profoundly modified the original ecosystem, transforming a natural landscape into energy infrastructure.

*Ho Xuan Huong: The Colonial Legacy***

Further south, Da Lat city lake offers a striking contrast.

Perched at an altitude of 1500 meters in the Central Highlands, it retains the marks of the French colonial era. Its temperate climate, unique in Vietnam, gives it an almost European atmosphere. Resorts, colonial architecture, and mass tourism have shaped an environment very different from traditional tropical landscapes.

Ba Be: The Exceptional Ecosystem

Ba Be literally shatters these conventional frameworks. Located 240 km north of Hanoi, this lake is a living ecosystem, a geological narrative where every element tells millennia of natural history. Stretching 8 km long and culminating at an altitude of 178 meters, Ba Be is not just a lake; it’s a unique system of three interconnected bodies of water.

♦ Ba Be lake, a natural jewel of Vietnam

Extraordinary Biodiversity

Its biodiversity is extraordinary: over 550 animal species, 280 butterfly species, and several endangered species. But Ba Be is also, and above all, the story of its inhabitants. The Tay and Nung ethnic groups have preserved intact cultural practices there, making this place much more than a natural site: a living heritage.

A Unique National Park

Created in 1992, Ba Be National Park spans 7,610 hectares. Its crystal-clear waters, whose temperature fluctuates between 16 and 22°C, invite a contemplation that goes beyond simple tourism. The average depth of 20-25 meters hides ecological treasures, evidence of preserved nature.

A Holistic Approach to Preservation

What truly distinguishes Ba Be is its holistic approach to preservation. Here, tourism development is not an objective, but a means to protect a unique ecosystem. Local communities are not spectators but central actors in this conservation.

Ba Be, More Than a Destination

Ba Be is not just a lake. It’s an experience, a journey into the heart of nature and local culture, where you discover landscapes that are both spectacular and peaceful, ancestral traditions, and fabulous biodiversity. It’s a place where time seems to stand still, inviting visitors to reconnect with themselves and with the environment.

Ba Be: The must-visit family adventure in Northern Vietnam

July 1, 2025July 1, 2025

Escape the everyday and offer your family a memorable experience at Ba Be National Park! Just 250 km from Hanoi (approximately 5 hours’ drive), this natural gem transports you to a lush, tranquil setting. Ba Be lake, spanning over 500 hectares, is surrounded by majestic karstic mountains and dense, somewhat mysterious jungle, providing an idyllic backdrop for reconnecting with nature as a family.

Original article here

Activities for all ages at Ba Be lake

Ba Be is brimming with activities to entertain young and old alike

On the water

Boat and traditional tay canoe rides: Explore the lake and discover An Ma Temple, Ba Goa islet, Puong Cave, and the impressive Dau Dang waterfall. Excursions ranging from one to six hours are available, perfect for a gentle family outing.

Kayaking and Stand-up Paddling: For the more adventurous, these options allow you to explore the lake at your own pace, glide near the mountains, and even venture into small caves. Kayaking is particularly great for children, as they can paddle when they want, take breaks on the banks, and enjoy the scenery.

Swimming: The calm waters of the lake invite you to swim for a refreshing break.

Traditional fishing: At sunset, observe (or even participate in) traditional fishing with the Tay ethnic group. This is a peaceful and immersive activity to connect with the local culture.

♦ Ba Be along the water

On land

Hiking: Ba Be National Park is a hiker’s paradise with marked trails for all levels. Enjoy spectacular views and discover incredibly rich flora and fauna. The park is a true sanctuary, home to 1268 animal and plant species, including pangolins, flying squirrels, and even European otters. For families, trails are easy and accessible; consider choosing flat, well-marked paths with points of interest like waterfalls or caves to keep children motivated.

Cave exploration: The park also hides numerous caves to explore. Puong Cave is a natural tunnel crossed by the Nang River, accessible by boat. Hua Ma Cave, a bit further from the lake, will dazzle you with its limestone formations and mystical atmosphere. Entry costs 25,000 VND per person. Be aware that you need to climb about 400 steps to reach it, a fun challenge for older children.

♦ Caving in Ba Be National Park: A journey to the heart of the Earth

Cycling: Shaded roads around the lake are perfect for family bike rides through fields and small villages. Bicycle rental is easy and inexpensive, and you can tailor routes to your desires and your children’s skill levels.

♦ Discover the natural paradise of Ba Be National Park by bike

Authentic cultural immersion and local flavors

Ba Be is home to 5 ethnic groups spread across 13 villages, offering a unique opportunity to discover the traditional way of life of the Tay, Nung, H’mong, and Dao communities. Admire typical stilt houses, meet the warm locals, and discover local handicrafts. Exploring these villages, whether on foot, by bike, or by boat, is a rich cultural immersion where children can observe local life and even traditional fishing. For a truly authentic experience, consider spending a night in a traditional Tay house. This is an unforgettable experience for the whole family, with the possibility of attending folk shows, traditional songs, and dances. Don’t miss savoring the delicious local cuisine, often offered as incredible homemade family dinners in homestays.

♦ Ethnic communities in Ba Be National Park

When to visit Ba Be?

The best time to discover Ba Be is during the dry season, generally from November to April. More specifically, from February to April, March to May, or September to November. The weather is very pleasant with moderate temperatures (between 15°C and 25°C in the dry season, and 25-30°C from February to April) and little rain, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. The rainy season (from May to September/October) can make some trails a bit muddy and slippery. However, this is also when waterfalls, like Dau Dang, are most impressive due to increased water flow.

Ba Be promises unforgettable memories for the whole family, combining nature, gentle adventure, and a rich cultural immersion in the heart of northern Vietnam^!

♦ Ba Be National Park trekking & kayaking 3 days 2 nights

7 days adventure in Northern Vietnam

June 24, 2025June 24, 2025

An unforgettable tour to Ba Be, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang

Are you looking for a deep immersion into the magnificent landscapes of Northern Vietnam? Get ready for a week-long escape, filled with wild nature, rich culture, and authentic encounters. This itinerary is an invitation to discover exceptional sites, far from the beaten path. Don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Linh’s Adventures for more personalized information!

Day 1: From Hanoi to Ba Be lake, the call of calm

Your journey begins with a gentle transition from the hustle and bustle of the Vietnamese capital to the tranquility of Ba Be lake. Leave the urban agitation behind to embrace the calmness of its waters, nestled in the heart of mountains covered with dense and wild jungle. This first step is perfect for relaxation, a change of scenery, and contemplation.

Day 2: Ba Be, strolling on land and water

Explore the wonders of Ba Be lake. A peaceful hike will lead you through tropical vegetation, offering stunning panoramic views. In the afternoon, glide peacefully on the waters aboard a traditional boat, allowing you to fully appreciate the surrounding beauty and the peaceful atmosphere of the lake.

Day 3: From Ba Be to Khuoi Ky, cultural immersion

Leave the magic of Ba Be to reach the charming stone village of Khuoi Ky. The journey will reveal changing landscapes, a prelude to a deeper immersion into local life. This is an opportunity to discover the unique architecture of stilt stone houses and the traditions of the mountainous communities. The custom of building stone houses comes from the Tay people’s belief in the Stone God, a deity with powerful natural abilities who can protect them and ensure a peaceful life.

Day 4: From Khuoi Ky to Ban Gioc Waterfalls, then Khuoi Khon

A spectacular day awaits you with the discovery of the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfalls, one of the largest natural waterfalls in Southeast Asia, shared with China. After this magnificent spectacle, the road will lead you to Khuoi Khon, a village inhabited by the Black Lo Lo people, offering a glimpse into Vietnamese rural life.

⇒ Don’t miss out our Cao Bang travel guide

Day 5: From Khuoi Khon to Meo Vac and Dong Van, in the heart of the Geopark

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, classified by UNESCO. The winding roads will take you from Khuoi Khon to Meo Vac, then to Dong Van. Prepare for simply the most breathtaking panoramic views of Northern Vietnam, impressive rock formations, and landscapes of an almost lunar beauty, dotted with terraced cornfields.

Day 6: From Dong Van to Thon Tha village, the authenticity of Upper Tonkin

Continue your exploration of the highlands by leaving Dong Van for the peaceful Tay ethnic village of Thon Tha. This day is an invitation to discover the authentic rural life of Ha Giang province. Meet the locals, soak in the serene atmosphere around the stilt houses, and admire the terraced rice fields that sculpt the landscape.

Day 7: From Thon Tha to Hanoi, a return full of memories

Your incredible week comes to an end with the return to Hanoi.

You will take with you imperishable memories, magnificent landscapes etched in your memory, and the richness of the encounters that marked your journey. An adventure that, without a doubt, will remain a highlight of your discovery of Vietnam.

This tour offers a complete immersion into the diversity and beauty of Northern Vietnam. Are you ready to explore these fascinating regions?

Contact Mr. Linh’s Adventures!