Situated 270 km to the northwest of Hanoi, Ba Be National Park is one of Vietnam most beautiful areas. The park is centered round the picturesque Ba Be Lake, which, in turn is enclosed within a lush evergreen forest and rolling limestone hills. Cao Bang is located in Vietnam's rugged north near the Chinese border and is home to nine different ethnic minorities including the Tay, Nung, Dao and Hmong… This exciting new trip brings us into contact with these fascinating and colorful tribes. We spend four full days exploring the dramatic countryside in and around Cao Bang

Day 1: Hanoi - Babe (B, L)
With an early departure from Hanoi this morning we head north towards Ba Be Lake. This drive of 270 km, which will take approximately seven hours, takes us through the flatlands of the Red River Delta and up into the mountain areas north of Hanoi. As we progress north, the scenery becomes more and more picturesque. From our scheduled lunch stop it is only around two and a-half-hours to our destination. Arriving in Ba Be town by mid afternoon we will check into our guest house and then head out for a bit of exploration before the sun sets.

Day 2: Babe lake - Babe national park (B, L, D)
After breakfasting at our guesthouse we drive the short distance to the jetty where we board our private boat for a cruise on the lake. Weather permitting we can have a swim in crystal clear waters before having lunch. Following lunch we board our boat to the Tay village of Pac Ngoi. A visit to this small hamlet will enable us to witness how little the lives of the people in these remote areas have changed. We will be the guests of the Tay people tonight.

Day 3: Babe national park - Caobang (B, L, D)
This morning we drive 90km drive to Cao Bang. En route, we are passing numerous villages of H'mong, Zao, Tay and Nung ethnic minority people, all living in harmony. We will arrive at Cao Bang slightly before lunchtime and spend a little exploring this little town, and visiting the local market. After lunch we will transfer to Ban Gioc Water Fall which is the biggest water fall in Viet Nam and located in the boarder of Viet nam – China. In this water fall you have 2 options for swimming or rent a rafting bamboo float around a bit and visit a cave in the top of the water fall where you can have some photos for souvenir. Afterward we have long drive back to Hotel in Cao Bang town. Today is a big transfer day so you will come to the hotel very late.

Day 4: Caobang - Hanoi (B, L)
Bidding our hosts farewell, we drive down hill to Lang Son town. Have lunch in a local restaurant.
After lunch, we spend some time visiting the border market, and explore this border town.
Meet up with our vehicle, which will transport us back to Hanoi.