The Best of Cao Bang

Discover the beautiful Gioc Rung Valley

Following breakfast, get ready for a 3-hour trekking adventure through Cao Bang's traditional craft villages. We'll start in Phia Thap, a Nung community that has perfected the art of incense making for over a hundred years. As we continue our trek through scenic fields, we'll reach Lung Ri, where you'll see artisans crafting the distinctive yin-yang roof tiles. The journey concludes with a visit to the Phuc Sen forging village. Tucked away behind dramatic limestone peaks, these villages of the Nung An and Tay ethnic groups feel like peaceful, isolated worlds where ancestral traditions continue to thrive.

Afternoon: Your vehicle will head to a Tay ethnic hamlet nestled in the heart of the Gioc Rung Massif. The village is located in a spectacular valley with expansive rice fields, all traversed by the Quay Son River. A short bike ride through the peaceful landscape offers views of beautiful, chaotic rock formations, which are a favorite of photographers. You will witness the sunset, capture the tranquil scenery, and take stunning photos.

Explore the picturesque Ngoc Con Valley, scenic views along the Quay Son River, immerse in Tay culture Early risers can witness the sunrise around 6:00 AM.

Head to the Ngoc Con Massif situated near the Chinese border in the extreme north of Vietnam. Upon arrival, ascend to the summit of Ngoc Con for a panoramic view of the massifs and a glimpse of the Chinese border on the horizon. Enjoy a picnic breakfast. Then, embark on a short transfer before commencing a hike along the Quay Son River, passing through villages and stunning karst landscapes, including waterfalls. Along the way, stop to visit villages and learn about water wheels used by mountain communities for irrigation. Overnight with the locals.

Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, walk along the Chinese border

Visit to Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the Sino-Vietnamese border. Known for their beauty and ranking fourth globally after Iguazu, Victoria, and Niagara, these falls will leave you spellbound. The best time to visit is during the rainy season (July to October), but they remain breathtaking year-round. Swimming is possible during certain periods.

Optional: Take a short bamboo raft ride on the Quay Son River for an up-close view of Ban Gioc Falls.

Take a walk to visit Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda for a panoramic view of Ban Gioc Falls. Then head to Nguom Ngao Caves, situated 3 km from the falls. With stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, these caves are considered some of the most beautiful in Vietnam after those in Phong Nha and Ke Bang. Your guide will then take you near the Chinese border, tracing historical trade routes locals used to transport goods between China and Vietnam. En route to Ha Lang. Overnight in Ha Lang.

Start the day with breakfast. Embark on a hike to the magnificent Burnt Grass Hill, a unique landscape that changes with the seasons. From November to April, it's covered in golden grasses, while the rest of the year it becomes a vibrant green carpet.

Afterward, we'll begin our drive back to Hanoi, making our way through the province of Lang Son.