Bac Son Valley Escape to Peaceful Countryside, Mountain Peaks & Authentic Ethnic Culture
Overview
Trip Highlights
Experience the Beauty of Bac Son Valley: A Day Trek Adventure
Nestled in Lang Son Province, Bac Son region is renowned for its role in the Bac Son Revolution against the Japanese and French in the 1940s. Today, it offers nature and adventure enthusiasts a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the valley’s unspoiled beauty. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush green valleys, this region is home to various ethnic groups, each with its own distinct culture. On a Bac Son Valley day tour, you’ll explore off-the-beaten-path locations, escape the bustle of the big city, and experience the pristine landscapes and vibrant cultures of the local tribes.
The hike to Na Lay peak & Bac Son valley view
Although just a day tour, the entire journey is a captivating experience filled with majestic mountains, deep valleys, and fascinating farming activities. You’ll be transferred through stunning landscapes and participate in different Bac Son Valley activities. These include enjoying lunch with a local family, strolling through Quynh Son Village of the Tay ethnic group, and trekking to the famous Na Lay Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Bac Son’s green paradise.
Highlights of the Bac Son Valley Day Trip
- Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the pristine natural beauty of mountain and valley landscapes.
- Discover the rich culture and daily life of the Tay ethnic group.
- Savor an authentic local lunch prepared by a family in Quynh Son Village.
- Trek to the top of Na Lay Peak for a picturesque panorama of the Bac Son region
Itinerary
7:30 AM: Begin your day trip to Bac Son Valley with a scenic drive from your hotel to Bac Son District, a rural area in Lang Son Province. The 4-hour journey takes you through the fertile Red River Delta and the scenic hilly terrain of Thai Nguyen Province, offering plenty of opportunities to stop for photos of the stunning landscapes and local farming activities.
Around noon, arrive at Quynh Son Cultural Village, a charming hamlet nestled in Bac Son Valley. Take some time to relax at a local homestay, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch prepared by the host family. If you’re up for it, sample some rice wine and engage in conversation with the friendly Tay ethnic locals to learn about their unique culture.

Lunch in a local homestay
After lunch, enjoy a short walk around Quynh Son Village, home to the Tay ethnic group. You’ll have the chance to observe their daily life, admire the traditional stilt houses with yin-yang tiled roofs, and chat with the welcoming villagers.
Next, head to the base of Na Lay Mountain for an adventurous trek to the summit, which stands about 600 meters above the valley floor. As you ascend through the forested slopes, the landscape becomes increasingly breathtaking. Upon reaching the peak, marked by a cell phone tower, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Bac Son Valley—an awe-inspiring sight of vast green valleys encircled by majestic, forested mountains

The hike & view of Bac Son valley from Na Lay peak
Before descending, take plenty of photos to capture this unforgettable moment. Once you’ve made your way back down the mountain, your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi.
8:00 PM: Arrive at your hotel, concluding your memorable day trip to Bac Son Valley.
What’s Included :
- Private transportation in a new, air-conditioned vehicle
- Expert English-speaking guide (other languages available upon request)
- Lunch (L) as specified in the itinerary
- Admission fees and permits where applicable
What’s Not Included:
- Pre- and post-trip accommodation
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Tips and gratuities to tourguide & driver
- Travel insurance
Price
Important information
Children Policy
- Infants under 5 years old can join the tour free of charge. Any additional expenses incurred during the trip will be the responsibility of the parents.
- Children from 5 to 8 years old are charged 75% of the adult rate.
- Children aged 9 years and above are charged at the full adult rate.
- Policy applies to 1 child sharing services with 2 adults. From the second child onward, 50% of the adult price will be applied.
Notes
- Guests are recommended to bring personal essentials such as cash, mobile phone, camera, sunscreen, raincoat or umbrella, and suitable clothing depending on weather conditions and tour activities. Comfortable trekking shoes are advised for hiking activities, while long-sleeved clothing and long pants are recommended when visiting temples or religious sites.
- Tour timing may be adjusted slightly due to traffic, weather, or actual operating conditions.
- The itinerary sequence may be changed by the tour guide for the best operational arrangement while ensuring all attractions are covered.
- If you have any medical conditions, food allergies, or special requests, please inform us before the departure date.
- Pick-up and drop-off services are available from hotels located within Hanoi city center
Frequently Asked Questions
The undisputed highlight is the panoramic view from the summit of Na Lay Mountain. After a moderately challenging hike of about 1,200 stone steps, you are rewarded with a 360-degree vista of the entire valley. From here, the limestone karsts appear to float above a patchwork of colorful rice fields and the winding Bac Son River—a scene widely considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Vietnam.
To capture the iconic “Golden Season,” the best time to visit is during the two harvest seasons: late July and late October/early November. Unlike other regions, Bac Son’s rice fields are not planted at the same time, creating a unique mosaic of different shades of green and gold simultaneously. However, the valley is lush and photogenic year-round.
The hike is considered moderately challenging but accessible for most travelers with a basic level of fitness. It takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to reach the summit. The path consists of steep stone steps that can be slippery after rain, so Golden Holiday Travel recommends wearing sturdy trekking shoes and starting the climb early in the morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
The tour features a visit to Quynh Son Village, a traditional settlement of the Tay ethnic minority. Travelers can walk through the village to see over 400 traditional stilt houses that all face the same southern direction. You will have the chance to enjoy an authentic lunch prepared by a Tay family, featuring local specialties like black sticky rice, grilled stream fish, and bamboo shoots.
Bac Son Valley is located about 160 km northeast of Hanoi. With the new expressway, the drive takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours each way. Because of the travel time and the physical activity involved in the hike, a private tour with Golden Holiday Travel is the most efficient way to maximize your time and ensure a comfortable return journey.
While the day tour focuses on the valley and Na Lay Peak, travelers with more time can extend their trip to visit Dang Mo Waterfall, located about 20 km away. This poetic cascade is a perfect spot for a refreshing swim or a picnic. For those on a longer “Northeast Loop,” Bac Son serves as a perfect gateway before heading further north to Ban Gioc Waterfall or Ba Be Lake.
Good to Know
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.

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Bac Son Valley Escape to Peaceful Countryside, Mountain Peaks & Authentic Ethnic Culture