Ban Gioc waterfall and Ba Be national park

Let’s embark on a journey through the mesmerizing landscapes of Vietnam with the Vietnam In 7 Days discovery tour. Our adventure commences in the colonial charm of Hanoi, where elegance harmonizes with the city’s bustling energy. Glide through emerald waters, surrounded by the majestic peaks of Vietnam’s renowned bay. Delight in the panoramic splendor of Hoalu – Tam Coc, nestled in Ninh Binh province, often hailed as the “Inland Halong Bay.”

As our exploration continues, we’ll venture into the vibrant heart of southern Vietnam, immersing ourselves in the dynamic atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the banks of the mighty Mekong River, we’ll witness the riverside life of local communities, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural tapestry. Join us on this unforgettable voyage as we uncover the diverse treasures and enchanting beauty of Vietnam in just 7 days, courtesy of Sister Le Journeys.

Our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel at around 7:30 am, transferring you to Lang Son. We will start by driving in the direction of the Chinese border for about 3 hours, before stopping at Chi Lang Pass – a 20-km-long gorge created from a narrow valley between two mountains.

This place occupies an important position in Vietnamese history, being the place of many victories against various Chinese invasions over the centuries and millennia, as far back as 981AD. As such it bears the reputation of Vietnam’s strongest citadel and bastion. Here you will have roughly an hour to walk around and explore the area around the Quy Mon Quan Gate, which translates as “The Gate of Monsters”, named for the many invasion forces that would spill through the pass over the course of history only to be beaten back by stalwart Vietnamese defenders.

After lunch at a local restaurant in Dong Dang, you will continue your trip into the pass, stopping to visit Mother’s Temple and Dong Khe – an important historical site where The Battle of Dong Khe was fought during the First Indochina War. In fact, this was the very first battle of the Indochina Wars, and the fighting here took place through September and October 1950, ending in a resounding victory for the Viet Minh.

In the evening you will get to enjoy dinner and overnight rest in a local homestay owned and operated by a local Nung family.

Stay the first night in Cao Bang.

After enjoying breakfast at the homestay, you will depart for Trung Khanh which lies right on the border with China. Here you will have another chance to meet and interact with the local Nung people living in the village of Phuoc Sen, a mountainous village famous for its traditional blacksmithing. The farming tools made here are an integral part of the lifestyle which is evident in the surrounding rice paddies and fields.

Nestled amongst these amazing landscapes is the breath-taking Ban Gioc Waterfall which spans over 300 meters, split half and half between Vietnam and China. You’ll get some time here to simply take in the amazing atmosphere surrounding the falls, which presents an excellent opportunity for some fantastic photography.

Once you’ve finished at the falls, it’s time to head over to Nguom Ngao Cave, for a very different, but no less impressive natural wonder. The cave stretches for 2,144 meters underground and is brimming with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.

You will then return to Cao Bang town and head down the “snake pass” to Ba Be Lake, where you will stay overnight in a homestay constructed in traditional Tay fashion and owned and operated by a local Tay family. Here you can relax and unwind from the day and enjoy a delicious and authentic home-cooked meal.

Stay the second night in Ba Be.

After breakfast, we’ll kick the final day of the tour by boarding a boat and setting off onto the lake. It’s up to you how to spend your time on the boat, whether it’s relaxing and enjoying the views or going for a swim in the cool waters to refresh yourself. The views consist of stunning karst formations all around you covered with patches of wild vegetation and rich wildlife.

The boat will then continue along the Nang River, giving you a chance to explore the caves of Puong Grotto where you can marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites created through river erosion, as well as observe the thousands-strong bat colony that lives here.

After your exploration of the lake, you will have the chance to rest as we drive you back to Hanoi, taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the way before arriving in Hanoi at about 05:30 PM when it’s time to say your goodbyes to your guide, driver, and tour group.

End of the wonderful journey!