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Hanoi, Ba Be, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, Lang Son and Ha Long Bay

Departure: Hanoi

Destinations: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Lang Son – Ha Long Bay

Trip overview

A photography-focused expedition through Vietnam’s dramatic northeastern borderlands. From Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the journey continues to the karst lake and homestays of Ba Be, the Red Dao smithy village of Phuc Sen, Nguom Ngao Cave and the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, before the historic frontier city of Lang Son. An overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay brings a graceful close to a trip built around capturing the region’s hill-tribe culture and mountain scenery.

Starts Hanoi
+ 4 Destinations Thong Nguyen, Ba Be Lake, Bao Lac, Dong Van
Ends Ha Long Bay
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome Dinner

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be met and privately transferred to your hotel, where you will enjoy a welcome drink and a briefing on the days ahead.

After time to check in and refresh, take an in-depth orientation walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a Vietnamese dinner at an authentic restaurant. The rest of the evening is yours.

Meals: D    Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 2
Hanoi Highlights

An early start to visit Hanoi’s flower and fresh-food markets and to take in the morning activity around Hoan Kiem Lake, before returning to your hotel for breakfast and time to rest.

In the afternoon, explore the railway track and the Old Quarter, followed by dinner at an authentic restaurant. The rest of the evening is yours.

Meals: B/L/D   Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 3
Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Ba Be Lake – Easy Cycling – Hua Ma Cave

After breakfast, drive toward Ba Be Lake, stopping at the Thai Nguyen Museum of Ethnology along the way.

On arrival, check in with a local family for refreshments, then take an easy cycling tour and visit Hua Ma Cave. Return to the family home to wander the village for photographs at dusk or join in preparing dinner — always a memorable experience — followed by dinner together. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: L/D  Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 4
Ba Be Lake Discovery – Cao Bang

Rise early to capture photographs at sunrise, then after breakfast board a motorboat for a scenic cruise on Ba Be Lake, visiting Fairy Cove, Bat Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall, with the opportunity to swim in the lake.

Return to your host family for lunch, then take a scenic drive along a stunning off-the-beaten-track road toward Cao Bang. On arrival, check in to your hotel, with the rest of the day yours.

Meals: B/L/D Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 5
Cao Bang – Hill Tribe Villages – Nguom Ngao Cave – Ban Gioc Waterfall

A scenic drive along an off-the-beaten-track road with abundant photo opportunities, stopping at Phuc Sen, a Red Dao smithy village, Nguom Ngao Cave, and a Buddhist temple set atop a hill.

Continue to Ban Gioc Waterfall for a leisurely walk to the falls, with as much time as you wish to enjoy the scenery, before transferring to a nearby hotel. The rest of the day is yours — you may like to return at dawn for further photography.

Meals:—     Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 6
Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang – Dong Khe – Lang Son

Drive toward Lang Son, stopping at the historic towns of Dong Khe and That Khe for insight into Vietnam’s history during the Indochina War, before continuing along the scenic mountain road to Lang Son.

On arrival, check in to your hotel, with the rest of the day at your leisure.

Meals: B/L/D   Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 7
Lang Son City Tour – Ha Long City

Lang Son is Vietnam’s gateway to China and has long been a key point for cross-border trade, as well as the site of several historic confrontations, including three French defeats during the colonial era.

After breakfast, tour the city’s most notable sites, including Tam Thanh Pagoda and the Mac Dynasty Citadel, before a scenic drive to Ha Long City. On arrival, check in to your hotel, with the rest of the day yours.

Meals: B    Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 8
V

An early transfer to a fishing village for a leisurely walk around the harbour, a sampan ride through the floating village and market, and a stroll through the Hon Gai seafood market, before breakfast.

Around noon, check out and transfer to the harbour to board a traditional boat, enjoying lunch while cruising among the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, before anchoring at a quiet spot for the night. Dinner on board.

Meals: B/L/D     Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 9
Ha Long Bay – Transfer to Hanoi

Rise early for Tai Chi on the top deck and a light breakfast, then disembark for a gentle exploration of a nearby cave. Return to the boat, check out of your cabin, and enjoy brunch while sailing back to shore.

On arrival at the harbour, board your private transfer back toward Hanoi, visiting Ba Vang Pagoda and a ceramics factory along the way, time permitting. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Meals: B/L    Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Day 10
Hanoi – Departure

You are free until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B    Hotel: subject to availability, or similar standard

Trip Inclusion

Included in every programme

  • Transportation throughout in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • Accommodation at the hotels listed, or similar, on a twin, double or triple share basis
  • Meals as indicated in the programme (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
  • Entrance fees to all sights specified in the programme
  • English-speaking guide (other languages available on request)
  • Two bottles of mineral water per person per day while touring
Trip Exclusions

Not included

  • International and domestic flights, and international airport taxes
  • Meals other than those specified in the programme, and all drinks
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Single room supplements and peak season surcharges
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Early check-in and late check-out beyond that stated in the programme
  • Optional tours and any activities taken during free time
Thing To Carry

Will be update each tour

Cancellation Policy

Will be update each tour

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