Northern Frontier Vietnam Adventure | Experience Travel Group

Veer off the tourist trail towards the Chinese border on a journey that unveils Vietnam’s hidden gems: the enchanting Ba Be Lake, Ban Gioc waterfall, and Tuyet Tinh Coc Valley. Immerse in diverse cultures, witness awe-inspiring landscapes and explore geological wonders. From mist-covered lakes to cascading falls, each day promises a new marvel.

From the northern frontiers, you'll head to Halong Bay. Rather than the standard 1-night option, we’ve suggested a two-night cruise here on a spectacular boat (which you might like time to enjoy) which will take you beyond the main route to hidden corners of Cat Ba Island and the equally magnificent (but less visited) scenery of Lan Ha Bay.

This extraordinary journey finishes with a stay near the sacred Yen Tu Mountain in a converted monastery. An unusual end to an extraordinary itinerary.

Highlights Include:

Hike the forests of Ba Be National Park and cruise across the lake on a motorboat.
Visit the spectacular Ban Gioc waterfall, which divides Vietnam and China.
Enjoy a two-night cruise on a beautiful cruise from Halong Bay to Lan Ha Ba with a stop on Cat Ba Island.
Finish at a converted monastery on a sacred mountain. Why not?

As with our suggested itineraries, we can change this holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Please find out about our exclusive Journey Planner here.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Hanoi

Day 2-4 Hanoi

Hanoi is alive with culture, history and local day-to-day life bustling around you. Travelling by jeep and cyclo, you’ll learn a little about the cultural traditions at the Ethnology Museum, get lost in the hidden alleyways of the old quarter and taste some of the street food for which Hanoi is famous.

Day 5 Hanoi to Ba Be Lake

Embark on a 4.5-hour road trip from Hanoi to the captivating Ba Be Lake in Bac Kan province. With its diverse ecosystem, this national park offers a picturesque landscape of waterfalls, rivers, valleys, lakes, and caves. Thirteen villages, primarily inhabited by the Tay ethnic group, dot the area. The Tay are Vietnam’s eldest and largest minority group, relying on fishing and lakeside crop cultivation. The government supports villagers here in preserving the trees and fishing.

Your first day includes forest hiking and visits to tribal villages within the park. Enjoy a warm welcome at the traditional village of Coc Toc. Cool off with a swim after your hike, or opt for a relaxing kayaking session, a perfect way to unwind.

Day 6 Ba Be and Cao Bang

Glide across the lake on a motorboat. Experience the dazzling colours and sounds as you explore limestone mountains and visit fascinating sites like Poung Grotto and Dau Dang waterfall.

After a fresh local lunch, journey to Cao Bang, a province rich in geo-cultural wonders. Arrive in the bustling Cao Bang City, surrounded by rivers and lakes, and settle into your accommodation for the night. Get ready for more adventures tomorrow.

Day 7 Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Cao Bang

Set out early from Cao Bang for the three-hour journey to Ban Gioc waterfall. Along the way, you’ll experience the beauty of Phong Nam Valley, considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful spots. At Ban Gioc, the Quay Son River tumbles dramatically over a 300-meter-wide limestone ledge, forming a natural border between Vietnam and China. The falls themselves straddle both countries. The white cascade is surrounded by foliage and framed by rugged limestone mountains, partly veiled by mist from the spray, creating a spectacular sight.

If time allows, explore Nguom Ngao cave, a geological wonder first discovered in 1921. Surrounded by unique karst terrain, the cave is nestled within a cluster-depression area at an altitude of 400-600m, featuring numerous hanging valleys and sinkholes.

Day 8 Cao Bang

After breakfast, meet your guide and head to the mesmerizing Tuyet Tinh Coc Valley. The valley’s standout feature is Angel Eye Mountain. Around this range lie vast plains and interconnected emerald lakes, the largest being Thang Hen Lake. Nestled amidst mountains and jungle-clad cliffs, Thang Hen Lake maintains its emerald hue year-round, thanks to its pristine water source from an overhead cave.

Day 9 Cao Bang – Lang Son

Set out from Cao Bang for a scenic drive to Lang Son Province. Pause at a local village to gain insight into their livelihoods centred around wet rice cultivation.

Continue to Chi Lang Passage, a natural, historic barrier against Chinese aggressors in Vietnam’s past. Upon arriving in the border city of Lang Son, explore the sacred Vong Phu Mountain, which is rich with historical and cultural relics.

Days10 & 11 Halong Bay

This morning, depart early for your transfer journey to Halong Bay. On arrival, you’ll board your small boat (around ten cabins) for a two-night trip into the beautiful archipelago. Cruise past craggy peaks and small, beach-fringed islands and visit glittering stalactite caves. Dinner is served on board, where you can sit back, relax and watch the sunset behind the karst peaks of the bay.

Day 12-14 Yen Tu Mountain

You’ll cruise back into Halong Bay harbour this next morning and take a short road journey to the Yen Tu Mountain region, where you’ll check in to MGallery Legacy Yen Tu. Meticulously designed by renowned designer Bill Bensley, this is a relaxing retreat in an off-the-beaten-track location at the foot of sacred Yen Tu Mountain and a lovely place to round off your holiday in comfort.