This Vietnam tour through the country's Northeast gives intrepid travelers an unparalleled opportunity to discover a hidden corner of the country. Mixing drives through spectacular sceneries with visits to hill tribe markets, small villages and historic sites, you will get a taste of the region's unique culture.
As you depart Hanoi for the drive north, you will be struck by the dramatic change in landscapes as city skylines quickly fade and rolling hills and rice fields begin to appear. The morning market in Lang Son is your first stop on this Vietnam tour and a good introduction to what awaits in Cao Bang, with locals browsing stalls packed high with fresh produce.
Arriving in Cao Bang, where you are likely to be the only tourist, you will find a town dotted with houses and farms complemented by a backdrop of mountains and rivers. Spend a day touring the area, visiting the Ban Gioc waterfall, skirting the Chinese border and wandering around the rural villages, a highlight of this Vietnam tour.
The area also has a rich history and, before returning to Hanoi, you will visit Pac Po Cave where Ho Chi Minh hid during the 1940s. It was here that he planned the country's revolution which eventually led to their independence from the French. Then, with one final drive through limestone mountains and views untouched landscapes, you will return to Hanoi or continue with an extension to Ba Be Lake, Vietnam's only natural mountain lake.
For nature lovers or those who like to step off the beaten path, our Discover Northeastern Vietnam Tour is the perfect excursion.
This Vietnam tour through the country's Northeast gives intrepid travelers an unparalleled opportunity to discover a hidden corner of the country. Mixing drives through spectacular sceneries with visits to hill tribe markets, small villages and historic sites, you will get a taste of the region's unique culture.
As you depart Hanoi for the drive north, you will be struck by the dramatic change in landscapes as city skylines quickly fade and rolling hills and rice fields begin to appear. The morning market in Lang Son is your first stop on this Vietnam tour and a good introduction to what awaits in Cao Bang, with locals browsing stalls packed high with fresh produce.
Arriving in Cao Bang, where you are likely to be the only tourist, you will find a town dotted with houses and farms complemented by a backdrop of mountains and rivers. Spend a day touring the area, visiting the Ban Gioc waterfall, skirting the Chinese border and wandering around the rural villages, a highlight of this Vietnam tour.
The area also has a rich history and, before returning to Hanoi, you will visit Pac Po Cave where Ho Chi Minh hid during the 1940s. It was here that he planned the country's revolution which eventually led to their independence from the French. Then, with one final drive through limestone mountains and views untouched landscapes, you will return to Hanoi or continue with an extension to Ba Be Lake, Vietnam's only natural mountain lake.
For nature lovers or those who like to step off the beaten path, our Discover Northeastern Vietnam Tour is the perfect excursion.
We pride our TOUR MAP selves in creating personalized travel experiences that suit all your preferences and needs.With this tour you can
We pride our TOUR MAP selves in creating personalized travel experiences that suit all your preferences and needs.With this tour you can
8h00 Depart Hanoi for around 1h30-drive to Thai Nguyen City; stop at the Museum of Cultures of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups (closed on Mondays and from 11h30 to 13h30). The museum was originally to study and share the culture and history of ethnic groups based in the northern area during the Indochina War. Nowadays the museum is gathering an interesting selection of exhibits representing the culture of major hill tribes living in Vietnam and has become a museum specialized in national culture. Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon continue driving on towards Cao Bang city, the capital city of the mountainous province of Cao Bang which is home to various ethnic minority groups including the Tay, Nung, Dao and Hmong.
Arrive in Cao Bang in the late afternoon, if time allows stroll around the town.
Overnight in Cao Bang
Estimation distance & transfer time: 280 km; around 7 hours.
At 8h00, pass by the busy market of Cao Bang for a simple but tasty breakfast at the market. You will have an opportunity here to taste famous local dishes such as ‘Pho Bo’ or ‘Banh Cuon’ before driving north towards the Chinese border.
On the way, stop in a picturesque hamlet of a Nung ethnic group specialized in home-made incense sticks. Walk through the village you will have the opportunity to experience the daily life of villagers and to interact with people. Continue to the scenic blacksmith village of Pac Rang, famous in Vietnam for its knifes in wrought iron made by a different Nung community.
As you arrive to the Sino-Vietnamese border, discover Ban Gioc waterfall, on the Quay Son River, considered as one of the biggest waterfalls of Vietnam. Here the river acts as natural border between the 2 countries and the site is therefore under surveillance. Late lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue to Nguom Ngao cave, one of the most interesting and impressive limestone grottos of the Northern provinces. As you enter the grotto, walk for around 1 km into the grotto and admire the spectacular natural formations.
In the late afternoon return to Cao Bang town.
Overnight in Cao Bang
Estimation distance & transfer time: Approx 180 km; around 4-5 hours driving time.
Note: Authorisation and passport are required to visit Ban Gioc waterfalls. During the dry season, level of the water can be minimum.
0700 depart for the drive north towards the Chinese border to visit the former hideout of the late president Ho Chi Minh. See how he lived and worked for 4-years to mastermind the 1954 independence from French colonialists. Along the way see the giant waterwheels which make a fantastic sight against the surrounding mountains. If you are lucky, catch one of the area’s local markets.
Return to Cao Bang Town for lunch, following start the journey back to Hanoi where you will arrive in the early evening.
If you wish extend by a night and visit Ba Be Lakes National Park. Contact your travel consultant for further info.
Estimation distance & transfer time: 370 km; around 8-9 hours.
Notes: During some months (June – September) the itinerary might be changed based on the day, weather & road condition.
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