HIGHTLIGHTS
Travel Style: Active Tours
Trip length: 3 days
Step off the beaten path and immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural mountain lake. This 3-day journey takes you deep into the heart of the Tay ethnic minority villages, where traditional stilt houses, lush rice fields, and warm hospitality await.
Cruise along the emerald waters of Ba Be, trek through jungles, and marvel at limestone cliffs, hidden caves, underground rivers, and roaring waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll share meals with locals, learn about ethnic cultures, and experience life at a slower, more authentic pace.
Whether it’s kayaking on the tranquil lake, trekking through pristine jungle, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature, Ba Be offers the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. A journey here is not just travel—it’s an unforgettable connection with people, land, and traditions.
- Enjoy a homestay experience in Bo Lu Tay village.
- Boat trip across Ba Be Lake & Nang River with stunning karst scenery.
- Hike to Dau Dang Waterfall – a dramatic cascade in the jungle.
- Discover Pac Ngoi village with preserved traditional houses.
- Explore Hua Ma Cave, one of the region’s largest dry caves.
ITINERARY
Day 1. Hanoi – Ba Be Lake (L, D)
Meet our guide at your hotel and depart for Ba Be Lake (250km, 6h driving). On the way to stop in Thai Nguyen to visit the marvelous Museum of the Culture of the Ethnic Minorities of Vietnam, followed by lunch at a restaurant.
Then we leave the main road to take a smaller one snaking through the mountains and tea plantations, and arrive in the Tay ethnic village of Bo Lu, where you will be welcomed by friendly Tay family in their traditional house. You will completely unwind from the hassle of Hanoi. Evening, you can join with local host to prepare the dinner. The night, you will have a choice to discover Bo Lu stream. An experience with fisherman before comeback your homestay for overnight.
Day 2. Boat Trip and Easy Trekking (B, L, D)
Breakfast, then get on a boat sailing through the entire length of the 3 connected lakes (Ba Be means 3 bays), through some spectacular scenery and the stunning limestone cliffs that frame the lake and up the Nang River, to an astonishing site: Dong Phuong, an enormous tunnel (300m long by 30m high) that the river has cut through a lime mountain. We hike around small villages and along the riverfront where you can observe the peaceful life of the Tay, H’mong people among the green rice fields. The boat then goes up river to the small village of Hua Tang. Lunch is served in a local house alongside the river.
After lunch, a short walk through the jungle takes you to the very scenic Dau Dang Waterfalls, a series of spectacular cascades between sheer rock walls. You may continue the trail to arrive in a large river bend full of colourful local life, with a small “harbour”. Here the locals unload goods to bypass the falls by motorbike and then reload them on boats to go through the lake. Return by boat for another delightful evening at your Tay family.
Day 3. Ba Be – Hanoi (B, L)
After breakfast we will stroll along the riverfront, visit some lovely Pac Ngoi village where most Tay people keep traditional houses and hike the upper reaches of the lake, in an area marked by massive limestone cliffs and mountains. Say goodbye to the local host and our car takes you to amazing Hua Ma cave, a dry cave with thousands of stalactites and over the pass, so you can take amazing photos of the terraced fields. Stop for lunch in Cho Ra town. We continue our journey back to Hanoi.
End the trip around 5.00pm.
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE
The price (USD/person) is quoted for a private tour based on the group sizes, you can send us your inquiry to make up a personalized itinerary and quotation.| Tour Category | 2 pax | 3-5 pax | 6-8 pax | 9 pax up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestay | $268 | $219 | $162 | $138 |
| Private Bungalow Room | $287 | $240 | $184 | $160 |
Not fit your requirement? Feel free to contact us to plan this trip and get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
INQUIRY
Other information
- Itinerary may be adjusted for weather/road conditions.
- Trekking is easy-moderate; bring comfortable shoes.
- Homestay is basic but authentic—expect rustic charm, not luxury.
- Vegetarian meals available upon request.
- Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. (insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat…)
Tour Includes
- Bus/Private car transfer as program,
- Home-stay with daily breakfast and meals,
- Experienced English speaking guide,
- Boat trip,
- Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner),
- All sightseeing tickets,
- Mineral water
Tour Excludes
- Beverages
- Personal expenses, and tips
- Travel insurance
- Other services not mentioned above..
+ Kayaking on day 2 +$10/person (please let us know at the time of booking)
+ Private room +$20/person




