Highlights
- Admire the karst plateaus of Dong Van Park
- Experience northern Vietnamese village life
- Boat across the serene Ba Be Lakes
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive to Quan Ba from Hanoi | Quan Ba |
| Day 2 | Village Trek & Drive to Dong Van | Dong Van |
| Day 3 | Drive to Bao Lac | Bao Lac |
| Day 4 | Drive to Ba Be National Park | Ba Be National Park |
| Day 5 | Boating in Ba Be Lakes | Ba Be National Park |
| Day 6 | Return to Hanoi, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Quan Ba from Hanoi
Start off your journey bright and early as you make your way north from Hanoi, with stops on the road for sightseeing and snack breaks. You'll take a break in Tuyen Quang town for lunch, then continue on to Tam Son hill town in the Quan Ba district, where you can spend the night in a homestay.
Driving distance: 280 miles (450 km)
Day 2: Village Trek & Drive to Dong Van
Start the morning with a village-to-village trek, passing through rice fields and waterfalls. Make your way down the valley to the Lung commune to visit the village hemp shop and have lunch at a local food stall.
In the afternoon, get back on the road through landscapes of limestone mountains, valleys, and hidden villages. Make a stop at the Vuong Palace before you arrive in Dong Van town.
Driving distance: 96 miles (155 km)
Hiking distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Hiking duration: 4 hours
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Drive to Bao Lac
Spend the morning exploring Dong Van before you depart for your day's route. You'll make your way through the Geographical Park of Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng peak, the Nho Que River, and MeoVac town, taking in the scenery and meeting members of the area hill tribes on your way.
Stop for lunch in MeoVac before you continue to Bao Lac, where you'll spend the evening.
Driving distance: 62 miles (100 km)
Day 4: Drive to Ba Be National Park
Depart for the Ba Be Lakes today, continuing the drive through scenic mountains and rural villages. Getting on the road early should allow you to arrive at a Tay minority village inside Ba Be National Park by midafternoon, where you can participate in a homestay and refresh yourself with a walk around the park or swim.
Once you've gotten settled, take a bicycle or motorbike to the park's cave 9 miles (13 km) away, then head back to the homestay for the evening.
Driving distance: 93 miles (150 km)
Day 5: Boating in Ba Be Lakes
Greet the day among the birdsong of Ba Be as you board a boat to explore the lakes. You'll glide along the lakes and rivers, through a cave, and past a powerful waterfall, where you'll stop for lunch near the cascade. Boat back to the Ba Be Lakes and hop in for a swim, then dry off for a trek through more villages before you return to your homestay.
Day 6: Return to Hanoi, Depart
Start early for breakfast in the village before you depart. You'll stop at a tea plantation on the road for lunch and some of their homemade tea, then continue on your way back to Hanoi. From Hanoi, you can make your way home or onward to your next adventure.
Driving distance: 155 miles (250 km)
More Great Vietnam Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Vietnam? Check out these other Vietnam itineraries, explore different ways to spend six days in Vietnam, and discover the best time to visit Vietnam.
A note on diacritical markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.
Map
