Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake  – Hua Ma Cave (L, D)

7.30 – 8.00: Our tour guide will pick you up by car at your hotel, come to Ba Be National Park.

On the way to Ba Be National Park, we will stop in a local village to enjoy lunch in a restaurant, before our route takes us up through the mountains and tea plantations on the road to Ba Be Lake. You will then travel to the Tay village of Coc Toc, where the houses are built in traditional Tay fashion on stilts. The local Tay population is extremely friendly to visitors and will welcome you with open arms, introducing you to their way of life central pillars of which are fishing on the lake and rice-farming. This is where you will spend the night in a homestay, to really get an intimate look at Tay culture and daily life.

After checking in at the homestay, your afternoon will be free to spend as you wish, though we recommend going for a walk to explore the beautiful surroundings. Following this, we will take you to Hua Ma Cave, featuring thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. The rest of the day is again yours to do with as you please, though we offer the optional activities of guided walks/bike rides around Coc Toc Village and kayaking trips on the lake. If you’d rather spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the serene views, then that’s also an option.

Day 2: Ba Be Lake – Puong Grotto – Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, we’ll kick the final day of the tour by boarding a boat and setting off onto the lake. It’s up to you how to spend your time on the boat, whether it’s relaxing and enjoying the views or going for a swim in the cool waters to refresh yourself. The views consist of stunning karst formations all around you covered with patches of wild vegetation and a rich wildlife. The boat will then continue along the Nang River, giving you a chance to explore the caves of Puong Grotto where you can marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites created through river erosion, as well as observe the thousands-strong bat colony that lives here. After your exploration of the lake, you will have the chance to rest as we drive you back to Hanoi, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way.

You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the way before arriving in Hanoi at about 17:30 when it’s time to say your goodbyes to your guide, driver and tour group.

Inclusion

– A/C transfer

– Boat trip on Ba Be lake

– Homestays

– Experienced English speaking guide

– Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)

– All sightseeing tickets

Exclusion

– Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities

– Travel insurance

– Beverage

– Other services not mentioned above