Mountainous Northern Vietnam is undoubtedly most famous for its beautiful rice terraces, magnificent mountain ranges, and home to diverse ethnic tribes. These are the breathtaking sights that you will set your eyes on throughout the trip whether it’s slow-paced hiking or adventurous motorbike ride. What’s particularly appealing about these adventures, is that interaction with locals, tasting scrumptious local cuisine or immersion into the authenticity. What make this region so attractive for all travelers?
Explore and Immerse into the mountainous North East of Vietnam
Ba Be What to do in Ba Be? Leisurely boat excursions around the lakes visit An Ma Pagoda located on an islet in the middle of the lake, and the tunnel-like Puong Cave (300m long, full of stalactites and stalagmites, and a shelter for many bats). Kayaking in Ba Be Lakes offers you various options to immerse into the nature. For short riders, it can be around the lake. The longer options can be short travel to Buoc Lom pier and kayaking along Nang River bordered by the tropical forest, then through Puong cave. A picnic lunch can be highlighted by the waterfalls on the way.
Hiking is as clear as day the impressive activity for adventure travelers. Hiking through the picturesque mountains of Ba Be National Park and villages of Coc Toc, Cam, Cam Ha and Pac Ngoi, discovering the original culture and daily life of the Dzao minority will absolutely color your experiences of northern Vietnam.
Cycling is another active option when exploring Ba Be, the off beaten track. It will take you through the incredible scenery of Ba Be National Park, and offer you opportunities to encounter the diverse culture of the ethnic minorities along the cycling route.
An unforgettable experience to discover the mountainous region must mention a motorbike adventure, it will enable you discover every corner of the area while other means of travel are harder to offer. Glimpsing the boundless beauty of Northern Vietnam with breathtaking landscapes, the tranquil observation daily life of the typical traditional cultures of indigenous people is surely promising.
Who to meet in Ba Be? Ba Be National Park or Bac Kan province is a pristine area which remains its peacefulness and authenticity far from the city lively modern life. The ethnic groups in Ba Be region feature unique cultures. It is home to 5 different ethnic groups.
The Tay people has settled in this region for many years and become the majority ethnic group in Ba Be. They live in the lowlands along rivers and streams around Ba Be lake. The Tay people are famous for their weaving and brocade embroidery. They often use embroidered products to make room dividers, curtains, windows and tablecloths.
The Nung and Dao people came followed the Tay people. The Dao people live halfway up the mountain while the H’mong people live in the high mountains. In Ba Be, H’mong houses are usually built directly on the ground. The main agricultural products of the H’mong people are maize.
Where to stay? A truth retreat and getaway from the bustle city must be a homestay sparsely located around the lake. It’s not only for lodging but also experiencing special touch while tasting local specialties and talking to the homestay host, whose stories will enrich your knowledge of Tay people and their daily life.
Taste local specialty Ba Be’s sausages (looking similar to pre-made sausages sold at supermarkets) with its unique flavor will rock your taste. Ba Be’s sausages are hand-made 100% and spiced by the specific aroma grown on the rocks of the ethnic minorities. Thus, it contains the taste of the highlands, the smell of kitchen smoke,…..yummy. You will hardly forget it from the first bite.
Cao Bang The gorgeous Cao Bang showcases a glimpse into one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes. Cao Bang is also the cradle of the Vietnamese revolution where Ho Chi Minh himself established a revolutionary force in mid-1900s. The diverse ethnic groups inhabiting here have their own distinct cultural traditions, festivals and crafts.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, located right on the border with China and about 80 kilometers from Cao Bang town, is a landmark of Cao Bang Geopark and probably one of Vietnam’s dramatic waterfalls.
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Activities for adventurous travelers Trekking from Quang Uyen, mostly populated by the Thai and Nung ethnic groups, through jungle and forest landscapes is perfect for an adventure. Continuing the trek to Than Giap through a bamboo forest to admire the fabulous scenery of limestone hills, fertile valleys and villages nestling on the slopes of the mountains will vivid your expectations. Once you have reached the Bac Vong river and its waterfall, you will enjoy a cooling swim and reach to your homestay by bamboo rafts.
You can continue your breathtaking journey all the way to Po Tau, then to Ban Gioc waterfall.
Off-road motorbike tours to villages of ethnic hilltribes blaze your mind with amazing views of the surrounding countryside. Conquering the pass, you will see an area hosting huge mountains scenery and adventure your journey all the way to Ban Gioc waterfalls.
When to visit Ba Be & Cao Bang The area can be visited all year-round, however the land is mainly endowed with magnificent outdoor scenery of forests, mountains and natural destinations, so the best time to visit it is from February to May to avoid heavy rains getting wet. The beautiful work of art during harvest season when the picture of mountains are colors with golden rice fields is usually from September to October. The rice blanketing the fields with a bright golden color and making the landscape around even more spectacular is ripe.
