Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi.
You will be greeted at Noibai airport in Hanoi by Lotussia local guide and driver and transferred then to your hotel in town. The rest of day is free at leisure to recover after your long flight. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 02: Hanoi - Mau Son.
After breakfast we saddle up and make the break out of the city limits and the lowlands and plains of the Red River Delta. We pass through clusters of limestone as we head out north-east before leaving the main road and climb up to the peak of Mau Son mountain. Mau Son was ravaged during war with the Chinese and the buildings have recently been rebuilt in traditional style. A winding road leads us to the summit and at over 1,500 metres altitude we enjoy fantastic views out over China and down towards Ha Long Bay. Overnight in Mau Son.
Day 03: Mau Son - Cao Bang.
Dropping down from the heights of Mau Son we strike directly north, skirting the border city of Lang Son, visiting the Dong Dang 'Friendship Gate' on the Chinese border, then we join the legendary 'Highway 4' where the Viet Minh forces carried out numerous raids over uncountable passes in this remote border region. We follow the border all the way to Vietnam's major city in the north-east: Cao Bang. Overnight in Cao Bang.
Day 04: Cao Bang.
We explore into the magical region of the far north-east with its impressive limestone karst scenery. We meander around and through the countless rock monoliths all the way to the huge Ban Gioc Waterfall which sits on the Chinese border. We can swim under the falls and picnic on bamboo rafts. Then in the afternoon we loop back to Cao Bang past even more spectacular karst scenery. Overnight in Cao Bang.
Day 05: Cao Bang.
In the morning we strike north-west to the border, marked by a massive range of peaks, and pass over to Pac Po Cave where Ho Chi Minh made his return to Vietnam in 1941. Then we head straight up on challenging road, pass through deep, remote karst country and rest at a secluded lake deep in the forest. Late afternoon ride on sealed road back to Cao Bang and a soothing massage. Overnight in Cao Bang.
Day 06: Cao Bang - Ba Be National Park.
We move south-west from Cao Bang and breach several passes on route in an area hosting huge mountain scenery. The Cao Bac Pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Descending the pass we see hillsides carpeted with apiaries, Vietnam's most famous honey-producing areas. In the afternoon we arrive at Ba Be Lake in the heart of a National Park. Overnight with a family in a Tay minority stilt house on the shores of the lake.
Day 07: Ba Be National Park.
A day to explore at Ba Be Lake, take in some markets, enjoy a boat cruise, go fishing, explore caves, dine with friends at the edge of a waterfall, enjoy the hospitality of the minority peoples who inhabit this area. We will take a boat up the seven-kilometre length of the lake to the Dau Dang waterfalls on the Gam River and also visit the 300m Long Phuong Cave. During the war the cave was one of the rare natural shelters for the local population hiding from the bombing. Overnight with a family in a Tay minority stilt house on the shores of the lake.
Day 08: Ba Be - Hanoi.
Staying off the main road for as long as possible we head back towards the Red River Delta, passing through areas inhabited by Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung minority peoples. A mixture of both challenging track and glorious sealed road all the way back to Hanoi.
Day 09: Hanoi Departure.
Free at leisure till transfer to the aiport for your onward flight back home. End.
| Please note that Lotussia Travel is known for customized adventures trips and the above itinerary is only one suggestion. That can be flexible, customizable and subject to weather conditions and other circumstances. The price listed here can be higher or lower depeding on the group size, itineraries, and bike options you take. If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact us here. |
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