View of Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful natural highlights of Vietnam.

Huge cave opening of Puong Cave in Ba Be National Park

A group of tourist doing a trekking tour in Ba Be National Park

Tourists doing a boat tour over Ba Be Lake

Locals working on rice fields in the countryside of Cao Bang

Ban Gioc Waterfall in May – A lush and vibrant Ban Gioc Waterfall in May, with a noticeable increase in water flow, making it far more impressive than previous months.

Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake in 3 Days

Overview

This Ba Be – Ban Gioc Waterfall adventure tour takes you deep into the heart of Northern Vietnam’s most remote and scenic regions. Travel through quiet highland villages near the Chinese border, stay with local ethnic families, and explore breathtaking natural wonders like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and Ba Be Lake. With a knowledgeable guide, well-organized transport, and authentic cultural experiences, this tour offers a refreshing escape from the tourist trail — ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and connection.

Highlights

Experience the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnam–China border
Stay in traditional homestays with Nùng and Tày ethnic families
Explore Nguom Ngao Cave and hike through Ba Be National Park’s lush rainforest
Visit historical sites like the Mac Citadel and Đông Khê battle site
Enjoy a fully organized trip with meals, transport, and guide all taken care of

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Package details

BOOKING SUMMARY

Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake in 3 Days

Starting Date: Apr 18, 2025

Package:

TRAVELLERS

Total: $0

Questions or Special Requests?

Not sure about something, or want to customize this tour? We’re happy to help—just reach out!

Vietnamese Travel Agency

Book directly with a local Vietnamese travel agency

Secure payment

Safe payment via well-known payment gatewaysy

Local Support

Local team in Vietnam for questions and on-site assistance

Highly rated

Boek direct bij een lokaal Vietnamees reisbureau zonder tussenpersoon

Itinerary

01 :

Day 1: Hanoi to the Highlands

Lunch, Dinner

Morning :

Drive to Lang Son

Your guide picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 7:30 – 8:00 AM. Sit back and enjoy a scenic 3-hour ride to Lang Son, a gateway town near the Chinese border known for its historical landmarks and mountain landscapes.

Late Morning :

Explore Mac Citadel

Stop to explore the 16th-century Mac Citadel, once a strategic fortress during Vietnam’s feudal wars. Wander through the stone ruins, learn about its military past, and take in sweeping views over the countryside.

Afternoon :

Visit Dong Khe Battle Site

After lunch in Dong Dang, continue to Đông Khê — an important site from the First Indochina War. Walk through this quiet area and discover how the Viet Minh’s victory here helped shape Vietnam’s modern history.

Evening :

Nung Homestay Experience

Arrive in Quang Uyen and settle into a traditional Nùng ethnic homestay. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner, relax with your hosts, and learn about the customs and daily life of this minority group.

02 :

Day 2: Ban Gioc Waterfall to Ba Be

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning :

Traditional Village & Ban Gioc Waterfall

After breakfast, drive to Trung Khanh near the Chinese border. Visit Phuoc Sen village, where locals craft farming tools using age-old blacksmithing skills. Then, arrive at Ban Gioc — one of Asia’s most stunning waterfalls — and soak in the natural beauty right on the edge of two countries.

Midday :

Discover Nguom Ngao Cave

Head underground into Nguom Ngao Cave, a vast and lesser-known wonder stretching over 2 km. Walk among dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

Afternoon :

Scenic Drive to Ba Be

Return to Cao Bang town and follow the winding "snake pass" down to Ba Be National Park. This area is rich in jungle-covered limestone mountains, lakes, and ethnic minority villages.

Evening :

Tay Family Homestay

Check in at a Tay-style stilt house by Ba Be Lake. Enjoy another home-cooked meal and experience authentic hospitality in a peaceful, natural setting.

03 :

Day 3: Ba Be Lake & Return

Breakfast, Lunch

Morning :

Boat Ride & Jungle Hike

Start the day with a boat trip across Ba Be Lake. Reach the rainforest on the north shore and hike through dense jungle paths. Visit a prehistoric cave believed to be over 500 million years old and pass through ancient hardwood forests.

Late morning :

Visit An Ma Temple

Continue the walk to An Ma Temple, a sacred site of the Tay people dedicated to a legendary general and serpent god. Along the way, spot native bird species from a forest fire watch tower.

Midday :

Refreshing Break or Lake Swim

Hop back on the boat — you can simply cruise and enjoy the views or take a dip in the cool lake waters. Optionally, visit Widow Island or explore small local shops instead of hiking.

Afternoon :

Farewell & Return to Hanoi

Have lunch at Ba Be Jungle House, then begin the 230 km drive back to Hanoi. Stop briefly at a picturesque tea plantation along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, ending your three-day adventure.

Included / Excluded

Private or group transportation in air-conditioned vehicle
Professional driver and commercial vehicle insurance
Experienced English-speaking guide
2 nights accommodation in ethnic minority homestays (Nùng & Tày families)
All meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
Bottled drinking water during the tour
Entrance fees, permits, and sightseeing tickets
Guided boat trip on Ba Be Lake
Bamboo raft ride at Ban Gioc Waterfall
Guided hikes in Ba Be National Park and visit to Nguom Ngao Cave
24/7 hotline support throughout the trip

Personal expenses (e.g. souvenirs, snacks, drinks)
Travel insurance (recommended for international travelers)
Tips and gratuities for guide and driver (optional)
Extra beverages at meals
Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Tour information

Availability

Private tours are available on request throughout the week. Group tours depart every Friday and may fill up quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Difficulty level

This tour involves light to moderate activities such as walking, hiking, and boat rides. Most travelers in good health will find it manageable. If you have any physical concerns, let us know—we can adjust the itinerary to suit your needs.
Best time

This tour is available year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather, while summer brings heavier rains but lush scenery and great swimming at the waterfall. Winter is dry and peaceful, though temperatures can be cooler—just bring warm clothes.
Wifi and internet

Homestays provide basic wifi, but signal quality in remote areas may vary. A Vietnamese SIM card is useful for mobile data, though network coverage is not guaranteed in all parts of the route.
Luggage details

For private tours, you can bring your full luggage along. Group tour participants can usually bring regular bags too, but if you have oversized suitcases, we recommend storing them at your hotel in Hanoi before departure.
Dietary options

Vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific meals can be arranged—just let us know your preferences in advance and we’ll make sure you're well taken care of.
Weather considerations

This tour runs in all weather conditions. We recommend a waterproof jacket during the rainy season and warm clothing for winter months in the mountains.
What to bring

Pack light, breathable clothes for warm days, a waterproof jacket, and good walking shoes. Don’t forget swimwear for Ba Be Lake and warmer clothes if you’re traveling in winter.
Accommodation options

We arrange carefully selected homestays based on authenticity and guest satisfaction. Private tours allow for more flexibility—if you have special requests, we’re happy to customize your stay.
Minimum Age

1
Maximum Age

99

FAQ

How physically demanding is this tour?

The tour includes light to moderate walking, short hikes, and boat rides. It’s suitable for most travelers in average health. If you’re unsure about your ability to join any part of the tour, we can customize or adjust the experience to your needs.

What should I pack for this tour?

Bring light, comfortable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, swimwear, insect repellent, sun protection, and a waterproof jacket. In winter, pack warm layers as temperatures can drop in the mountains.

Can I store my luggage in Hanoi during the tour?

Yes, if you're joining the group tour and have large or bulky luggage, we recommend leaving it at your hotel in Hanoi, where the tour starts and ends. For private tours, you can bring your full luggage along.

What kind of accommodation is included?

You'll stay in carefully selected ethnic homestays — one with a Nùng family and one with a Tày family. They offer comfortable, authentic stays in traditional stilt houses with home-cooked meals. Accommodation may vary depending on availability, especially for private tours.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific meals can be arranged. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

Will there be internet access during the trip?

Wifi is available at the homestays, but the signal may be weak or unstable in remote areas. A Vietnamese SIM card is recommended for mobile data, though some areas along the route have limited coverage.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour runs rain or shine. Light rain will not affect the itinerary, but we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket. In rare cases of severe weather, we may adjust the schedule for safety and comfort.

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An Epic Himalayan Adventure!

By Sarah Johnson
from United States
August 3, 2023
I just returned from the Everest Base Camp trek, and WOW! It was absolutely breathtaking. The stunning Himalayan vistas, warm Sherpa hospitality, and the sense of accomplishment made it an unforgettable journey. Highly recommended!

Date of Experience: August 03, 2023

Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake in 3 Days

Overview