5-Day Northeast Vietnam Loop: Bac Son Valley, Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake
Overview
Trip Highlights
Overview of Northeast Vietnam Tour to Bac Son valley, Ba Be lake, Ban Gioc waterfall & Lang Son
The mountainous region of Northeast Vietnam captivates with its stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic mountains, lush valleys, and tropical forests. This area is also home to various hill tribes, each with their own distinctive cultures. This Northeast Vietnam tour is meticulously crafted for travelers eager to explore unspoiled natural beauty and immerse themselves in local traditions. You’ll experience the region’s highlights, including the picturesque Bac Son Valley, Ba Be Lake, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and historical sites in Lang Son such as Dong Khe, Chi Lang Pass, and the Mother’s Temple. Each destination offers its own unique charm, combining to provide an unforgettable travel experience.
Special Highlights in this Northeast Vietnam Adventure
- Join in an exhilarating trek offering breathtaking panoramic views of Bac Son Valley, a lush green paradise.
- Gain a deep understanding of the Tay ethnic group’s culture by visiting Quynh Son and Pac Ngoi villages, interacting with locals, enjoying traditional meals, and staying in their homes.
- Explore Thai Nguyen’s Ethnology Museum, the second most fascinating museum on ethnic groups in Vietnam.
- Enjoy a delightful boat tour on Ba Be Lake and Nang River, including stops at An Ma Temple, and the natural Puong Cave.
- Take in stunning views of the northeast mountains and valleys, and witness the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall and the natural grottoes of Nguom Ngao in Cao Bang Province.
- Discover Vietnamese history through visits to notable historical sites in Lang Son.
- Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine with meals at homestays and local restaurants throughout the trip.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Itinerary will be updated soon.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Two nights homestaying with local family in Bac Son valley & in Ba Be lake and two nights in hotel in Cao Bang city
- Air-conditioned private car following the itinerary.
- English-speaking guide
- Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
- Sightseeing admission fees of mentioned places as specified in the program
- Boat ride in Ba Be lake
- Bottle of mineral water : two bottles /pax/day.
- Drinks
- Tips & gratitudes to guide & driver
- Visa to enter Vietnam, domestic and International airfares
- Travel insurance
- Personal expences & extra travel services…
- Personal expenses and other services not mentioned above
Essential Information
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.
