3D2N Discover Northeastern Vietnam, Cao Bang

Estimation distance & transfer time: 280 km; around 7 hours.

Depart from Hanoi around 08:00 for a 1.5 hr drive to Thai Nguyen City. Along the way, stop at the Museum of Cultures of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups (closed on Mondays and from 11h30 to 13h30). The museum was originally founded to study and share the culture and history of ethnic groups based in the northern area during the Indochina War. Nowadays the museum gathers an interesting selection of exhibits representing the culture of major hill tribes living in Vietnam. After the visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon continue driving on towards Cao Bang city, the capital city of the mountainous province of Cao Bang which is home to various ethnic minority groups including the Tay, Nung, Dao, and Hmong.

Arrive in Cao Bang in the late afternoon; if time allows, enjoy a stroll around town.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

Estimation distance & transfer time: 280 km; around 7 hours.

Estimation distance & transfer time: Approx 180 km; around 4-5 hours driving time.

Start the day around 08:00 at a busy market of Cao Bang for a simple but tasty breakfast. Take this opportunity to sample some famous local dishes such as ‘Pho Bo’ or ‘Banh Cuon’ before driving north towards the Chinese border.

On the way, stop in a picturesque hamlet of a Nung ethnic group specializing in homemade incense sticks. Walk through the village to experience the daily life and to interact with the locals. Continue to the scenic blacksmith village of Pac Rang, famous in Vietnam for its knives in wrought iron made by a Nung community.

Upon arrival to the Sino-Vietnamese border, discover Ban Gioc waterfall, on the Quay Son River, considered as one of the biggest waterfalls of Vietnam. Here the river acts as a natural border between the 2 countries.  Enjoy a late lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue to Nguom Ngao cave, one of the most interesting and impressive limestone grottos of the Northern provinces. Upon entering the grotto, walk for around 1 km to admire the spectacular natural formations.

In the late afternoon return to Cao Bang town.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

Note: Authorisation and passport are required to visit Ban Gioc waterfalls. During the dry season, the level of the water can be minimized.

Estimation distance & transfer time: 370 km; around 8-9 hours.

Depart around 07:00 for the drive north towards the Chinese border to visit the former hideout of the late president Ho Chi Minh. See how he lived and worked for 4 years to mastermind the 1954 independence from French colonialists. Along the way see the giant water wheels which make a fantastic sight against the surrounding mountains.

Return to Cao Bang Town for lunch. After lunch, start the journey back to Hanoi, arriving in the early evening. For those who wish to extend another night for a visit to Ba Be Lakes National Park, please consult us further.

Notes: During some months (June – September) the itinerary might be changed based on the day, weather & road condition