Day 1: Hanoi – Tra Linh
Our guide will meet you at your hotel at 7:30 am. After a warm greeting and a brief overview of the trip, we’ll travel by private vehicle to Cao Bang city, and then continue to Tra Linh district. The journey will take approximately 7 hours, but the roads are easy, and we’ll have short breaks along the way to appreciate the beautiful scenery. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll arrive in Tra Linh in the afternoon and start exploring this lush and tranquil area. We’ll have the opportunity to visit Thang Hen Lake, enjoy the scenic surroundings, and even try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) as an optional activity. We’ll spend the night in a local homestay.
Day 2: Tra Linh – Dam Thuy
After breakfast, our vehicle will pick you up, and we’ll continue our journey along the border region, exploring the remote areas of the province. We’ll pass through Phong Nam, Ngoc Khe, and Ngoc Con, taking in the breathtaking views of rice paddies, mountains, and flowing rivers. We’ll find a scenic spot for a picnic lunch amidst nature, where we can sit among the farm animals and interact with locals. After lunch, you’ll have the option to embark on a trek or go for a SUP rowing adventure on Quay Son River. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, which sits on the border between Vietnam and China. With its three tiers, measuring 53 meters in height and 300 meters in width, the waterfall offers a picturesque spectacle. Later, we’ll check into a rustic homestay in the Rock Village, a unique village with ancient houses built from rocks by the Tay ethnic people. We’ll spend the night in the homestay.
Day 3: Dam Thuy – Hanoi
We’ll start the day by heading to Ha Lang, another district of Cao Bang province that shares three sides of its border with China. Ha Lang boasts a rich topography of high mountains, deep valleys, and magnificent caves. It has long been home to the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, known for their rich culture and customs. We’ll embark on a trek to the grasslands of Ha Lang, a terrain that offers a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere. We’ll enjoy the panoramic views and fresh air before continuing our journey. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll make our way back to Hanoi and expect to arrive at around 5 pm, marking the end of our journey.
This 3-day tour to Tra Linh and Dam Thuy will provide you with an immersive experience in the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local way of life in these remote regions of Cao Bang province.
What to bring
- Sun & rain gear (including sun scream and brimmed hat)
- Insect repellent
- Walking shoes/sandals
- Original passports