Day 1: Hanoi – Cao Bang City – Nung Tri Cao Temple – Global Geopark Highlights (Boc Cave, Stone Garden) – Cao Bang City – Local Culture & Cuisine
FREE MOTORBIKE PROVIDED TO JOIN OUR TOUR (PRIVATE RIDER/PRIVATE CAR NEEDS TO BE ARRANGED IN ADVANCE)
5:50 AM – 6:00 AM: Pick up by Limousine or Sharing Car from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter (7:30 AM – 8:00 AM if by sharing car).
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Arrive in Cao Bang City. Welcome by the Vietnam Northern Travel Team, check in to your Hotel/Homestay, followed by lunch and a short rest.
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM: Your Tour Guide will take you to visit Nung Tri Cao Temple. He was a revered King and Hero of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups in the Cao Bang area during the 11th century.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Explore the village of the Tay and Nung people in the mountainous Lam Son area and Boc Cave. This is where Uncle Ho secretly worked with key associates such as General Vo Nguyen Giap and Prime Minister Pham Van Dong. Afterwards, we'll visit H'mong villages, who played a significant role in supporting the early Viet Minh revolution. You'll also have the opportunity to see the lush green fields alongside the gentle and poetic Bang River, with majestic mountains standing proudly in the distance, safeguarding our country.
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Discover the beautiful and intriguing hidden gems of the Cao Bang Global Geopark, including the Stone Garden, De Dong Temple, and Slua Cave. These are key highlights showcasing the unique geological features of the region.
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Enjoy the scenic Cao Bang flat plain stretching along the Bang River with its picturesque paddy rice fields, verdant trees, and flowing water. We'll then explore Cao Bang City and its walking street along the Bang River, offering a chance to appreciate the beauty of a city nestled in a mountainous area.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Savor the most unique delicacies of Cao Bang, such as Cao Bang Sausage, 7 Flavors Roast Duck, Meat-Stuffed Bamboo, Sautéed Pork with Black Canary, Cao Bang Fresh Vegetables, and River Fish Fried with Tomatoes. SEASONING FOOD SERVING.
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Immerse yourself in the local culture by learning about the people and enjoying traditional Dan Tinh music and Cao Bang "Si Luon" singing (requires advance booking with a fee).
9:00 PM: Enjoy a peaceful night's rest at your homestay/hotel, with the beautiful natural landscape of the day lingering in your mind.
Day 2: Experience the Global Geopark – Traditional Craft Village – Ngao Cave – Truc Lam Pagoda – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Hanoi
FREE MOTORBIKE PROVIDED TO JOIN OUR TOUR (PRIVATE RIDER/PRIVATE CAR NEEDS TO BE ARRANGED IN ADVANCE)
6:15 AM – 6:45 AM: Enjoy local specialties such as Cao Bang Rice Paper Rolls, Duck Noodle Soup, and Sour Noodles.
6:45 AM – 8:00 AM: Travel along a picturesque route within the Global Geopark, from Cao Bang City to Ma Phuc Pass. Then, follow the village roads of ethnic minority communities, where you can observe old stilt houses and hear the laughter of children on their way. Admire the fairyland-like scenery. If you feel thirsty or hungry, your tour guide will provide water and local cakes such as Peng Va, Banh Den CB, Banh Te, Banh Ngo, and Banh Bo, ensuring you continue your trip energized and happy.
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Visit a traditional paper-making village or a forging village of the Cao Bang people. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enter stilt houses, learn about the paper-making/forging process, and gain insights into the lives of the local people.
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Continue on a unique and beautiful route with minimal truck and container traffic. Journey through the villages of the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups, and immerse yourself in the wonderful natural scenery that this place has been blessed with.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Explore Ngao Cave (Tiger Cave), considered one of the best-preserved pristine caves. Marvel at the natural stone columns formed over hundreds of millions of years, and the diverse and beautiful stalactites and stalagmites shaped by nature into forms resembling tigers, lotus flowers, boats, cacti, jellyfish, and magic wands.
12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Have lunch at Ban Gioc Waterfall Restaurant, where you can relax and enjoy the specialized cuisine of Cao Bang in general and Ban Gioc in particular.
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM: Visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Cao Bang. Climb up to the pagoda for a panoramic view of Ban Gioc Waterfall and the surrounding stunning landscape where mountains and water meet. On the other side, you'll see the Chinese Glass Bridge, while on this side, the peaceful and poetic Vietnamese rice fields unfold.
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, where the cascading water flows down from above, creating a white curtain across the river. Adjacent to it is a fragrant rice field with a refreshing cool breeze. Take a boat closer to the waterfall and feel the invigorating spray of water – it might even give you goosebumps! Situated in the middle of the river is the border between Vietnam and China, an incredibly rewarding feeling after traveling nearly 100km to reach this magnificent place.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Return to Cao Bang via an alternative route, ensuring a varied and engaging tour schedule. This scenic drive features mountains and hills appearing in the distance, while below, you'll see the vibrant green fields diligently tended by local farmers.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Arrive back in Cao Bang City and have dinner at a renowned local eatery to try regional specialties such as duck noodle soup or Cao Bang's sour noodles.
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Return to the hotel to collect your luggage while awaiting your transfer by VIP Sleeper Bus or Sharing Car.
9:00 PM – 5:00 AM: A Limousine or Private car will pick you up and drop you off at the bus station. Upon arrival in Hanoi, a taxi arranged by the Vietnam Northern Travel Team will take you back to your hotel.
Thank You and See You Again!