Majestic Northeast Vietnam: Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake 3 Days/2 Nights

Majestic Northeast Vietnam: Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake 3 Days/2 Nights

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Route: Hanoi – Lang Son – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Ba Be – Hanoi

Style: Eco, Cultural Discovery & Nature Exploration

Hosted by: Smile Travel Co., Ltd.

Day 1: Hanoi – Lang Son – Dong Khe – Quang Uyen (Meals: L/D)

Highlights: Mac Citadel, Dong Khe historical site, Nung village homestay

Activities: Light trekking (3–5 km), cultural immersion

A Journey into History and Heritage

7:30–8:00 AM Our professional English-speaking guide picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or at Smile Travel’s Office 140 Hong Tien Street. Settle into a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan for a scenic drive northeast to Lang Son, near the Chinese border.

Our first stop is the Mac Citadel, a 16th-century stone fortress that bears witness to Vietnam’s feudal conflicts between the Mac and Le-Trinh dynasties. Although partially in ruins, it remains an evocative symbol of the country’s turbulent past, surrounded by lush landscapes and panoramic views.

After enjoying a delicious local lunch in Dong Dang, we continue to Dong Khe, a significant battlefield during the First Indochina War. Here, you’ll learn about the decisive Battle of Dong Khe (1950)—a key Viet Minh victory that played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s journey to independence.

By late afternoon, we arrive at Quang Uyen, a peaceful district in Cao Bang Province. You’ll spend the night at a cozy and welcoming Nung ethnic homestay, where you’ll experience authentic northern Vietnamese hospitality, savor a home-cooked dinner, and engage with the rich local culture.

Overnight at Nung ethnic homestay

Day 2: Quang Uyen – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave – Ba Be Lake (Meals: B/L/D)

Highlights: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ba Be Lake

Activities: Photography, cave exploration, cultural interaction

Nature’s Grandeur & Ethnic Charm

Wake up to the peaceful rhythms of rural life before heading to Trung Khanh, nestled near the China-Vietnam border. Visit Phuoc Sen Village, home to the Nùng An ethnic group, renowned for their traditional blacksmithing techniques. You’ll see how farming tools are hand-forged—a living tradition that reflects the community’s agricultural heritage.

From here, travel to the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfall—Vietnam’s most magnificent waterfall, cascading 30 meters high and stretching over 300 meters wide across the Quay Son River. The falls straddle the border with China, offering an unforgettable sight and countless photo opportunities.

Continue your adventure to the Nguom Ngao Cave, a hidden gem sculpted by nature over millions of years. Walk through its 2-kilometer-long cavern adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, each formation more wondrous than the last.

In the late afternoon, we drive through spectacular mountain scenery along the meandering “Snake Pass” to reach the tranquil Ba Be Lake, located within Ba Be National Park. Tonight, relax at a charming Tay ethnic stilt house, enjoy a traditional dinner, and listen to the stories of the forested lake lands.

Day 3: Ba Be Lake Exploration – Return to Hanoi (Meals: B/L)

Highlights: Ba Be boat cruise, An Ma Temple, rainforest hike, tea plantation visit

Activities: Hiking (optional), swimming, cultural storytelling.

Mystical Waters & Sacred Legends

Start the day with a scenic boat trip across the serene Ba Be Lake, gliding through emerald waters surrounded by jungle-clad karst mountains. Disembark on the northern shore for a guided nature hike through the lush rainforest in the heart of Ba Be National Park.

Along the way, discover a prehistoric cave believed to be over 500 million years old and marvel at ancient trees whose trunks and roots twist like sculptures. Keep your eyes open for native birds from a forest fire lookout point.

The hike continues to the An Ma Temple, a sacred site for the Tay people, where legend speaks of a general of the Mạc dynasty and the revered snake god.

Back on the boat, enjoy the calm waters—either take a refreshing swim or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty. Optional stops include Widow Island or shopping at local stalls for handmade crafts.

After a hearty lunch at Ba Be Jungle Houses Restaurant, we begin the return journey to Hanoi, with a peaceful stop at a tea plantation tucked into rolling hills. Arrive in Hanoi by early evening, marking the end of an enriching journey filled with cultural discovery and natural wonders.

Tour Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake 3 Days/2 Nights  Included

• Round-trip air-conditioned transportation with professional driver
• Accommodation at ethnic homestays:
• Nùng House in Cao Bang
• Tay House in Ba Be National Park
• Experienced English-speaking local guide
• Meals as mentions (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
• Bottled water during the tour
• All entrance fees
• Boat trip on Ba Be Lake
• Bamboo raft ride at Ban Gioc Waterfall
• 24/7 hotline support
• Optional: Child car seats & vegetarian/vegan meals

Tour Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake 3 Days/2 Nights Not Included

• Personal expenses, beverages, and souvenirs
• Travel insurance
• International and domestic flights & taxes
• Tips for guides and drivers

What to Bring

• Passport (mandatory)
• Comfortable clothing and shoes for outdoor activities
• Raincoat, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Light backpack for hiking essentials

✨Discover the untamed beauty of Vietnam’s Northeast – where majestic waterfalls, pristine lakes, and ancient culture come alive.

Book your adventure today with Smile Travel Co., Ltd!

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https://smiletravel.net/halong-bay-cruises/