From Ba Be, Cao Bang to Halong Bay

Breakfast with the host family, then depart by vehicle to Ban Gioc, located near the Chinese border in the far north of Vietnam.

Our first stop is Co La Waterfall where you will do a short scenic walk along the Quay Son River, enjoy the tranquility of this picturesque place amid limestone peaks covered with vegetation. Discover the terraced fields, and Tay ethnic villages. If you're interested in colonial military history, you can visit the village where Camp No. 1 was established, which held French officers captured by the Viet Minh between 1950 and 1954. Overnight in Ban Gioc.

Morning: Discover the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfalls and the stunning Nguom Ngao Cave. Considered the most beautiful falls in Vietnam and the fourth longest in the world after Iguazu, Victoria, and Niagara, Ban Gioc is especially impressive during the rainy season (July to September), though breathtaking year-round. Swimming is possible during certain periods.

Optional: Bamboo raft ride on the Quay Son River for a close-up view of the falls.

Explore the Nguom Ngao Cave with its remarkable stalactites and stalagmites.

Afternoon: Depart by vehicle to the Gioc Rung massif near the Chinese border. Upon arrival, take a walk through a remote Tay hamlet nestled in a scenic rice valley along the Quay Son River.

Optional: Climb to a hilltop for panoramic views of mountains and rice fields—perfect for photography and enjoying a peaceful sunset.

Continue on to Quang Uyen, a region of a thousand green karst peaks, located at 500m altitude and home to the Nung An ethnic group.

Overnight homestay with Nung An family

Quang Uyen Handicrafts Villages – RC4 Road – Lang Son

After breakfast, you'll discover Phia Thap, a Nung An village renowned for its incense stick production. You'll then explore a village specializing in traditional paper making and another in blacksmithing. Your final stop is Lung Ri, a village famous for its yin-yang roof tiles.These villages, home to the Nung An and Tay ethnic groups, are tucked away behind towering limestone peaks, largely untouched by modern life. The Nung An people, residing in traditional stilt houses with distinctive yin-yang tiled roofs, have deliberately preserved their ancestral way of life. Stepping into these communities feels like entering a peaceful, isolated world.

Optional: Depending on your preference and physical condition, you can choose a 3-hour walk to explore the handicraft villages of Quang Uyen from Phia Thap to Lung Ri.

Afternoon: Follow the historic RC4 road, which traces the Chinese border and played a key role in Vietnam’s military history. Pass through Dong Khe and That Khe, sites of major battles with French forces in October 1950. Stops are planned at Luang Phai Pass, Bascou Bridge, and That Khe.

After visiting the remains of a French fort, you will start a walk at the foot of a mountain to reach the village of Duc Long, which once housed Ho Chi Minh's command post. Before hitting the road again, continue your walk in the surrounding countryside.

You will arrive in Lang Son in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

Cruise in Halong Bay, overnight on board.

Early departure for Halong Bay passing through the sites of Dinh Lap and Tien Yen.

Arrival in Halong around noon, then embarkation on board a splendid junk.

Lunch on board while cruising through Halong Bay toward Luon Cave and Titop Island. Enjoy authentic Vietnamese dishes with views of emerald waters and towering karst peaks.

2:30 PM – Get ready for a swim at Titop Beach. Climb to the island’s summit for panoramic views or relax on the beach, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.

4:00 PM – Cruise to Tunnel Cave Lagoon. Explore the hidden lagoon by traditional rowing boat (shared) or by kayak (2 people per kayak).

5:30–6:00 PM – Return to the boat. Enjoy a sunset party and take part in a floating sticky rice cake cooking demo while soaking in the stunning landscape.

7:30 PM – Dinner on board. Afterward, try night squid fishing.

Overnight stay on board in a quiet anchorage.

6:15 AM: Wake up at dawn, Tai Chi class on the upper deck.

6:30 AM - 7:00 AM: Light breakfast at the restaurant.

7:30 AM: Visit Surprise Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay, featuring magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Return to boat. Relax.

9:30 AM: Cabin check-out. Please place your luggage in the corridor.

10:00 AM: Enjoy your brunch served in the restaurant while the boat sails towards the port.

11:00 AM: Disembarkation. Back to Hanoi