Northern frontier adventure to Cat Ba Island 8 days 7 nights

Tour code: NA06E
Duration: 8 days 7 nights

Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be National Park (L/D)
- Our tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or at Mr. Linh's Adventures office at 8:00 AM and transfer you to Bac Kan. The journey begins with a 4-hour drive towards Ba Be National Park. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch in Cho Ra, enjoying a local meal before continuing your adventure.
  
  After lunch, you will embark on an exciting kayaking journey down the Nang River. Paddle your way through the serene waters, surrounded by lush jungle landscapes, until you reach the Puong Cave. This impressive natural formation, carved through limestone mountains by the Nang River, is home to thousands of bats and unique stalactites.
  
  From Puong Cave, you’ll continue kayaking toward Ba Be Lake, recently recognized by UNESCO as the third Ramsar site in Vietnam – an important wetland of the world. With its limestone bed, crags, and crevices, the lake hosts over a hundred species of freshwater fish, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
  
  By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Ba Be Jungle Houses, where a friendly host will welcome you. After checking into your room, you’ll have time to relax and freshen up before enjoying a delicious BBQ dinner. Spend the evening soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and local hospitality, preparing for more adventures to come..
  
  - A 10-12km kayaking down the river.
Day 2: Ba Be National Park Trekking & Caving (B/L/D)
- Start your day with breakfast at Ba Be Jungle Houses before heading to Mr Linh's Adventures – Ba Be Office in Nam Mau for a briefing and preparation. After a 30-minute drive, arrive at Tham Phay Cave, where the trek begins with a steep climb through the forest, rocky slopes, and into a lush valley. Navigate a rugged rock formation to reach the cave’s secluded entrance, guided by your expert team. Enjoy a quick snack before entering the cave.
  
  Explore Tham Phay Cave, a 3km-long stream cave with stunning underground rivers, narrow passages, and deep pools. Marvel at unique features like vaulted ceilings, ancient stalactites, and striking rock formations. With provided equipment, spend five hours discovering its breathtaking beauty, including the second route showcasing sinkholes and thermal springs.
  
  After the adventure, receive your Ba Be National Park Cave Completion Medal and enjoy lunch by the terraced fields. Exit the forest via a stream trail and return to Ba Be Jungle Houses by bus, concluding your unforgettable experience.
  
  - A 7-10km hike.
Day 3: Ba Be - Cao Bang (B/L/D)
- Departing from Ba Be National Park, the scenic journey to Cao Bang takes you through winding mountain roads, majestic mountain passes, lush forests, and charming villages, offering stunning views of the northern countryside. After approximately 4 hours, you’ll arrive in Cao Bang and enjoy a local lunch featuring traditional dishes.
  
  In the afternoon, explore some of the unique handicraft villages around Cao Bang. Begin with Phia Thap Village, renowned for its traditional incense-making, where you can observe the meticulous craftsmanship of the Tay ethnic people. Next, visit a blacksmith village, where skilled artisans forge agricultural tools and equipment using techniques passed down through generations. Then, discover a paper-making village, where locals craft Dó paper by hand from natural materials, providing a fascinating insight into their centuries-old and eco-friendly practices.
  
  As evening approaches, journey to Quang Uyen, where you’ll be warmly welcomed into a traditional homestay. Enjoy a delicious dinner with your host family and experience the comfort and charm of staying in a traditional stilt house, surrounded by the tranquility of rural life.
  
  - A 3-5km walk.
Day 4: Tra Linh - Ban Gioc Waterfall (B/L/D)
- Enjoy breakfast at the homestay before setting off for a day of adventure. Begin with a hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Quang Uyen, often called the "Ha Long Bay of the mountains." Traverse high peaks (600-800m elevation), lush grasslands, cornfields, and traditional villages. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views and learn about the daily lives and fading crafts of the local ethnic communities.
  
  After the hike, your driver will take you to Nui Thung Valley "valley of bells," known for its serene limestone karsts and peaceful rural charm. From there, follow scenic border paths through Tra Linh on the way to Ban Gioc Waterfall.
  
  In the afternoon, visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam’s largest border waterfall. Marvel at its dramatic cascades plunging into the emerald Quay Son River, and take a raft ride for an up-close view and a glimpse across the Vietnam-China border.
  
  End the day back at Trung Khanh, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a warm welcome at your homestay, relaxing in the tranquil surroundings.
  
  - A 5-7km trek .
Day 5: Trung Khanh Trekking (B/L)
- Embark on a one-day hiking adventure from Phong Nam Commune to Ngoc Con in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang. The journey begins with a walk through rice paddies, the Quay Son River, and Tay and Nung ethnic villages. As the trail ascends into rugged limestone mountains, enjoy panoramic views of verdant valleys before entering the dense forests of the Trung Khanh Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Area, home to the critically endangered Cao Vit gibbon. Stop for a packed lunch amidst the serene forest, listening for the gibbons’ unique calls and marveling at the region’s biodiversity. The descent leads you through shaded forest paths and opens into peaceful terraced fields near Ngoc Con, where you’ll visit local villages, observe traditional crafts, and learn about the unique customs of the Tay and Nung people. The hike concludes in Ngoc Con, where you can relax and reflect on an unforgettable day of nature, wildlife, and culture. Our car will pick you up for the return to the homestay for dinner and an overnight stay.
  
  - A 5-7 km walk.
Day 6: Trung Khanh - Lang Son (B/L/D)
- After breakfast at your homestay, depart from Trung Khanh to Lang Son via Dong Khe and That Khe for a day of scenic and historical discovery. Travel along winding roads through lush valleys and limestone peaks, stopping at Dong Khe, a significant site from the First Indochina War, to visit the Victory Monument. Continue to That Khe, passing terraced fields and traditional villages, with opportunities to interact with the Tay and Nung communities. Along the way, visit natural attractions such as the Ban Bo Cave. Upon arriving in Lang Son, explore landmarks like Tam Thanh Cave, known for its ancient inscriptions, and the vibrant Ky Lua Market, which reflects the beauty and culture of Vietnam’s northern border region. Overnight at a hotel in Lang Son.
  
  A 10-12km trek.
Day 7: Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay (B/L/D)
- Journey from Lang Son to Cat Ba Island, traveling via the Ben Got Ferry to reach this secluded paradise nestled between Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Steeped in history, Cat Ba Island has been a haven for fishermen for generations. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted warmly and introduced to your private traditional wooden boat, where you'll check in and prepare for an unforgettable voyage.
  Set sail and savor a delectable seafood lunch as the boat glides through the sparkling emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. This hidden gem, with its striking limestone cliffs and karst formations, offers a more tranquil and intimate experience than the bustling Ha Long Bay. The day unfolds with opportunities for kayaking and swimming in the calm, clear waters.
  Continue your adventure by navigating the quiet border between Lan Ha and Ha Long Bay, discovering untouched landscapes and paddling through three enchanting lagoon caves. As the sun sets, sit back and marvel at the magnificent colors reflecting off the bay. Your evening is complete with a sumptuous seafood dinner onboard, followed by a chance to try squid fishing before resting for the night on your cozy vessel.
  
  ► More info : Halong Bay, UNESCO Heritage
  ► Book on line your cruise in Ha long Bay
Day 8: Cat Ba island - Hanoi (B/L/D)
- Begin your day with a serene sunrise breakfast on the tranquil bay. After breakfast, the anchor is lifted, and the journey continues to Viet Hai Port. From there, enjoy a scenic cycling trip to Viet Hai fishing village, followed by a hike to Military Peak, offering stunning panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.
  
  Return to the boat and cruise further to visit a local fish farm, where you can learn about the variety of fish cultivated in the bay. Next, head to Van Boi Beach for a refreshing swim before the boat gently makes its way back to Beo Wharf. Savor a leisurely brunch onboard before disembarking at 11:45 and returning to Cat Ba.
  
  Our car will then pick you up from Ben Beo to transfer you via Highway 5, bringing your adventure to a close as you return to Hanoi.

Includes:

Professional vehicle transportations and commercial vehicle insurance. Professional driver
(Optional) 4×4 car with material insurance
Private door to door pick-up drop-off services
Accommodation at ecolodges, hotels, homestays as mentioned
Experienced English-speaking guide
Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
(Optional) Vegetarian and vegan food is available
Bottled water
All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
Bamboo raft tour on Ban Gioc waterfall
Trekking tour in Ba Be National Park
1-day cruise trip in Lan Ha Bay
Trekking tour in Cao Bang
Motor-boat with floating jackets in Ba Be
Nguom Ngao Cave walking tour
All Taxes and Fees
No extra charge after confirmation
24/7 hotline support guaranteed
(Optional) Child seats are required

Excludes:

Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
International flights and taxes
Beverage
Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc.

What To Take:

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking
It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...

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Accommodation List

Please note that the hotels mentioned in this list are for reference only. Depending on availability and your preference, they can be changed. If we are unable to book any hotel, it will be replaced by another hotel at least of equivalent standard and value.

Mr Kim's Homestay

Address: Phia Thap Village, Quoc Dan, Quang Uyen, Cao Bang province

Mr Kim’s Homestay stands out in green rice paddy fields of Phia Thắp Village, home to 50 families from the Nùng ethnic minority in Cao Bằng Province.
The traditional structure of Kim’s stilt house is still preserved. The house’s first floor, which used to be a cattle holding area, has been extended to make a cozy living room with wooden tables and chairs. The well-organised second floor is where tourists can sleep, providing more than 20 mattresses and eco-friendly decoration. Each mattress is well prepared with a pillow, a mosquito net, a lamp and an electricity socket.

Ba Be Jungle Houses

Address: Coc Toc village, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province

A step up in amenities to Ba Be's homestays, this lakeside place in Coc Toc village takes the form of six small, spic-and-span, wood-panelled private rooms, and a dorm. Visitors are well looked after by friendly English-speaking staff.

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Sherine

Wrote a review 12 - 2025

Cat Ba and Ba Be trek five day tour

Review of: Northern frontier adventure to Cat Ba Island 8 days 7 nights

The tour was very spectacular and felt very raw and authentic. More importantly this trip would not have been the same without our incredible guide Lam. He is very knowledgable about plants which made the walks that more interesting and is always very happy and positive. The tour is well organised and everywhere we stayed was very nice.

Date of experience: 12 2024

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Northern frontier adventure to Cat Ba Island 8 days 7 nights

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Accommodation List

Mr Kim's Homestay

Ba Be Jungle Houses

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