Cao Bang is located in Vietnam's rugged north near the Chinese border and is home to nine different ethnic minorities including the Tay, Nung, Dao and Hmong. This exciting new trek brings us into contact with these fascinating and colorful tribes. We spend four full days exploring the dramatic countryside in and around Cao Bang where we will stay as guests of the Tay and Red Dao tribes. Aside from its natural beauty the area is also very important to the Vietnamese people. Ho Chi Minh lead a hermit-like life in the caves of Pac Bo as he prepared his army for battle against the French.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be. Departing Hanoi in the morning, we drive north towards Ba Be Lake. This drive of 270 km, which will take approximately seven hours, takes us through the flatlands of the Red River Delta and up into the mountain areas north of Hanoi. Along the way we will visit the Thai Nguyen Ethnology Museum before arriving at the National Park Guest House in Ba Be. Arriving in Ba Be town by around 1630 we will check into our Guest House and then head out for a bit of exploration before the sunsets. (L/D)
Day 2: Ba Be. After breakfast we drive the short distance to the jetty where we board our private boat for a cruise on the lake. We visit the Puong cave and the Dau Dang waterfall. Following lunch we continue cruising along the lake, before docking at the village of Pac Ngoi. Home of the Tay minority people where we will spend the night. (B/L/D)
Day 3: Ba Be - Cao Bang. This morning we drive 90km drive to Cao Bang. En route, we are passing numerous villages of H'mong, Zao, Tay and Nung ethnic minority people, all living in harmony. We will arrive at Cao Bang slightly before lunchtime and spend a little exploring this little town, and visiting the local market. After lunch we will visit Pac Po, the hideout used by Ho Chi Minh when he came back to Vietnam after 30 years of self-imposed exile. It was here that he organized his resistance army against the French. Late this afternoon we drive back to Cao Bang for our overnight stay at the local hotel. (B)
Day 4: Cao Bang Trek. We drive to Ta Lung border, the border of China, for lunch. Later we begin our trek with a 15km walk to the Tay village of La and stay overnight in a local home stay. (B/L/D)
Day 5: Cao Bang Trek. Today we trek from La village to Na Mieng village, another Tay community. The trek is approximately 16 kms long. Overnight in Na Mieng. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Cao Bang Trek. Another serious day's trekking through several minority hamlets. We stop for lunch at the village of Dong Khe before venturing on to the Red Dao settlement of Pac Khoang. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Cao Bang Trek. Our final full day of trekking takes us to the Tay village of Na Pang, a 17km trek. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Cao Bang - Hanoi. Bidding our hosts farewell, we continue walking a further 12kms until we reach the village of That Khe. After lunch in the village we meet up with our vehicle, which will transport us back to Hanoi. (B/L)
Depart from: Hanoi
Return to: Hanoi
Activities: Boat trip, Trekking, cultural exchange
Grade: Moderate to challenging
Recommend Bringing:
- Good trekking boots
- Rainwear
- Warm clothes in the winter
- Camera and film
- Flash light
- Medicine for personal use
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Included:
- English speaking guide
- All transportation and transfers by A.C bus, A.C soft sleeper train
- Hotel accommodation in Ba Be & Cao Bang
- Homestays in villages
- Meals as indicated in itinerary
- All admission fees and permits
- Drinking water during the trek
- Local supporting team during the trekking (porter, cook ...)
Not Included:
- Pre/post trip arrangement
- Meals not indicated
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses
1 person US$689
2 persons US$408
3 persons US$353
4 persons US$297
5 persons US$274
6 persons US$249
7 persons US$238
8 persons US$224
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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