Private Tour
3-Day Private Tour Ba Be Lake - Ban Gioc Water Fall Best of North
Overview
Available languages
3 days
Mobile ticket
This tour will take you from the vast lakes and chalky karsts of Ba Be National Park to the wild and rugged landscapes of Cao Bang to visit the most spectacular Ban Gioc waterfall in Vietnam.
You will be travelling through the remote areas in the north of Vietnam, brushing along the Chinese border and staying with local families to find out about the unique cultures and customs of Vietnam.
Take a scenic cruise along the Nang River and Ba Be Lake; explore the caves of Puong Grotto; and spend a night at ethnic minority homestay in the Tay village.
Venture further off the beaten track as you admire natural wonders like the Nguom Ngao cave and the Ban Gioc Waterfall, on the border of Vietnam and China.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private trip, you can request for a pickup at your place or go the "meeting point"
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Hanoi - Quang Uyen - Khuoi Ky Stone village
Accommodations
Homestay in Khuoi Ky Stone village
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
Hanoi Opera House
8:00 am Tour guide and vehicle from Paradise Indochina Travel pick you up at your hotels. Enjoying the beautiful scenery of the rural areas on the way. (The Hanoi Opera House is just a meeting point for those who do not need a hotel pickup. It is not a site to visit in the program) Our tour guide and car will pick you up at your hotel or airport. Please note 1. If you request hotel pickup, then give us information about hotel name, hotel address. 2. If you request airport pickup then go straight to Ba Be for the tour, then give us information about flight number, arrival time.
Transfer to Lang Son then drive up towards Vietnam-China border about 4-hour drive. You arrive The Dong Dang Mother temple (Đền Mẫu Đồng Đăng). After lunch at a local restaurant in Dong Dang (lunch is not included in the tour. Your tour guide will help you find a local restaurant on the way. The lunch costs you around 9 USD per person), continue your trip into pass as you visit Mother’s Temple and Dong Khe - the history site where The Battle of Dong Khe was fought during the First Indochina War. The fight took place in Dong Khe, in the Province of Tonkin, during September and October 1950, ending with a Viet Minh victory.
Phuc Sen Forging Village
Once arriving the village, you can hear the resounding sound of hammer strikes permeating every village. The blacksmith craft has existed here for hundreds of years. Unlike many others that are facing the risks of falling into oblivion, the blacksmith craft practised by the Nùng An Community in this region has not only withstood the test of time but also flourished with each passing day. Most products are created manually as relying solely on machinery would compromise their quality. The forged products by Nùng An people are highly diverse, including items such as plow blades, hoe blades, sickles, machetes, shovels, knives, hammers, axes, saws, chisels, and planes. Phúc Sen forged products have established their own brand and are favoured by both local residents and tourists alike. The craft has lifted the people of this area out of poverty, providing them with a more sustainable livelihood.
Khuoi Ky Stone Village
You have dinner and stay overnight in a unique stone village of Khuoi Ky. This will bring you a sweet memory
Khuoi Ky Stone village - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake
Accommodations
Stay overnight in hotel/Homestay in Ba Be National Park
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Ban Gioc Waterfall - Detian Falls
After breakfast at the home-stay, you depart for Trung Khanh which lies on the border with China. You will have the chance to meet the Nung people in the village of Phuoc Sen, a mountainous village famous for its traditional blacksmith craft. The farming tools made here are an integral part of the lifestyle which is evident in the surrounding rice paddies and fields. Nestled in among these amazing landscapes is the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall which spans over 300 meters, half in Vietnam and half in China.
Nguom Ngao Cave
After time to soak up the powerful atmosphere of the Ban Gioc falls and take some fantastic photos before heading to another natural wonder Nguom Ngao Cave. This cave stretches out 2,144 meters underground and is brimming with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.
Ba Be National Park
You will then make your way to return Cao Bang town and going down on snake pass to Ba Be Lake, tonight you will stay overnight on traditional house of Tay ethnic family. At the home-stay, you can relax and unwind from the day and enjoy a meal of home cooked local food.
Ba Be Lake - Hanoi
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Ba Be National Park
Have breakfast in Tay ethnic family. You will do a boat trip in Ba Be lake, you can relax on board, do some wildlife spotting or if you need to cool off, you can jump into the cool, clean waters for a refreshing swim. As you float on Ba Be Lake, you can take in the scenery of the surrounding Karsts decorated with patches of wild vegetation and inhabited by all sorts of interesting creatures. The boat ride along the Nang River, with time to explore the stunning Ba Be Lake, the caves of Puong Grotto where you can explore the stalactites and stalagmites which are a result of the erosion of the river on the karst as well as looking out for the bat colony several thousand strong. Come back to home-stay. Relax for a while before having a wonderful lunch cooked by the host (lunch is not included in the tour. Your tour guide will help you ask the host to prepare the lunch in case you need. The lunch costs you around 9 USD per person). Then pack your things for return to Hanoi.
You will depart for the journey back Hanoi, a drive of approximately 150 miles (230 kilometers). We will stop at some hills tea plantations before returning to your hotel in the bustling city of Hanoi.
What‘s Included
Private transfer whole tour
Accomodation (3star hotel/Homestay) for 2 nights
English speaking guide whole tour
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Tour Rate (by group size)
Pickup included
Reviews
20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience of local culture, food and beautiful scenery
Global29503049264,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a marvelous tour. Three days in northern Vietnam was a wonderful break from the chaos of Hanoi. The scenery was beautiful. None of the sights we visited were crowded so we could really enjoy our visit. Our guide, Pink, and our driver, Vuong, were both excellent. Pink made sure to teach us about local culture and food. We made impromptu stops at roadside shops to try snacks that the area was known for. She also made sure we had good photo ops. Vuong was a careful driver, and we never once felt anxious on the winding mountain roads. They both spoke English very well. At the end of the tour Pink took us to her home where we met her family and shared the best meal we had in Hanoi cooked by her parents. She took us on a walk around her neighborhood so that we could get knowledge of Hanoi culture and how people lived. This is not something she does for all tours, but it is an example of how much she cares that visitors learn about Vietnam. The first night’s homestay accommodation was beautiful, clean and comfortable. Dinner and breakfast tasty. The second night's hotel accommodation was just ok. The visit to the knife making village was disappointing as we did not see any demonstrations but we did purchase knives at very reasonable prices so it was worth the stop. This tour includes a lot of driving as it is six hours from Hanoi and the sites are two to three hours apart. We spent a lot of time in the car but took enough stops to stretch our legs and for bathroom breaks. If you have the time to spend three days away from Hanoi, this is a great choice.
Too much travelling
Rinaldo B,Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The way the trip was explainer made it sound so good, but for me the only good things were the caves and waterfall on Day 2. The weather was unexpectedly cold so that dampened the mood. But if I had understood the travelling involved I don't I would have gone. Our guide and driver were good, though communication could have been better. The accommodation were both in 'homestays' not in hotel as advertised. The second one was very basic. Though food made byvtheblocak family was good, so a nice experience. Organisation I felt was a bit chaotic, I was chasing for a contact up to the night before worried if the trip was going ahead and when we started we had the guide had been given the wrong itinerary. 3 stars because the guide tried his best and the caves and waterfall were wonderful.
Discover the best of Northern Vietnam
dustinpT1562DN,Dec 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 3-day private tour to Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall was unforgettable. Ban Gioc , The most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam, took our breath away with its majesty, while the serene beauty of Ba Be Lake was like a fairy tale. The tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable and communicated well, making the experience even more enriching. Highly recommend this tour
Amazing trip at Ba Be Lake
613beatyt,Dec 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was unforgettable! Tuan, our tour guide, was amazing, he was very knowledgeable about the local way of life. Tuan was meticulous in every detail, ensuring the safety and health of our group and especially always creating a fun atmosphere throughout the trip. He was great with us, constantly stopping to admire the scenery and we always felt excited in every moment
Discover the beauty of Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc waterfall
wallae2024,Nov 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Our 3-day tour to Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall was an unforgettable experience. These northern gems of Vietnam are breathtaking, with serene lake views and majestic waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery. The tour guide was fantastic, speaking fluent English and providing fascinating insights into the local culture and history. Every moment felt magical, from rowing on Ba Be Lake to admiring the majesty of Ban Gioc. The trip was perfectly organised, with comfortable accommodation and delicious local food. If you are looking for adventure and stunning scenery, this tour is a must-do
Perfect Service
cabanm2024,Nov 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 3 day trip to Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall with Best of North was truly memorable. From the tranquil beauty of the lake to the breathtaking majesty of the waterfall, every moment felt magical. Knowledgeable guides , impeccable service, made the trip a perfect adventure
A trip to remember
flambr2024,Nov 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.003 wonderful days exploring Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall. The serene beauty of Ba Be Lake captivated us, with its calm waters surrounded by lush forests. Ban Gioc Waterfall, the most stunning destination in Northern Vietnam, left us inawe with its majestic waterfalls. Each stop offered breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Our tour guide was fantastic, providing fascinating insights and ensuring a smooth trip for our group. It was the perfect combination of nature, culture and relaxation
Highly recommend
nolla682,Nov 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00During my 3-day Best of North trip to Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall, I was captivated by nature’s charm. Ba Be’s tranquil waters, nestled amid lush mountains, offered serenity, while Ban Gioc’s cascading falls left me awestruck. Our guide ,Kind and knowledgeable, enriched every moment.
Great guide
mareklI2719SS,Nov 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 3 -day private tour of Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall was a breathtaking journey through the natural and cultural wonders of Vietnam . From the karst limestone mountains of Ba Be National Park to the rugged landscapes of Cao Bang , we explored the stunning landscape, took a boat trip on the Nang River, visited Phuong Cave and stayed with warm Tay families, immersing ourselves in local traditions. A big thank you to our guide Quan , who had so much positive energy and enthusiasm, always creating a lively atmosphere and inspiring us throughout the long tour, truly thank you Quan
3 days of great Northern Vietnam
hyingc2024,Nov 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Explore the tranquil beauty of Ba Be Lake by boat, víist the mysterious Puong Cave and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Tay ethnic village. Experience the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Vietnam, close to the Chinese border. Knowledgeable guides will provide insights into local culture, history and traditions, ensuring a memorable journey. Ideal for nature lovers
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Operated by Paradise Indochina Travel