Hidden North & Cave Kingdom Expedition

Embark on an epic journey from Vietnam’s vibrant heart to its serene frontiers. Immerse yourself in Hanoi’s ancient pulse, trace heroic history in Lang Son, and stand in awe before the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall. This adventure culminates with the world wonder of Halong Bay, the epic caves of Phong Nha, and the authentic rural joy of Bong Lai Valley for an unforgettable tapestry of culture, nature, and discovery.

OVERVIEW

ROUTE
Hanoi - Lang Son - Cao Bang - Halong Bay Overnight Cruise - Quang Binh
DURATION
10 days
TRANSPORT
Air-conditioned bus, 4 or 5 stars cruise, domestic flight (not included in the price)
LANGUAGE
English (Other languages available: Spanish/Portuguese/Russian/France...for an additional fee)

HIGHLIGHTS

Kayak & Cruise Through Iconic Landscapes: Paddle through the emerald waters of Halong Bay and the jungles of Phong Nha on an overnight cruise and river kayaking adventure.
Explore World-Class Caves: Discover the awe-inspiring underground realms of Paradise Cave (Asia’s longest dry cave) and the magnificent Phong Nha Cave system.
Witness Natural Wonders: Stand before the mighty Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most spectacular waterfalls.
Immerse in Authentic Culture: Experience true local life with homestays in Tay and Nung ethnic villages and a scenic walk through their traditional communities.
Unique Hands-On Fun: Enjoy one-of-a-kind activities like the signature Duck Leader and Duck Spa in Bong Lai Valley and the adventurous Dark Cave mud bath and zipline.

Shared Twin/ Double/ Triple room with AC and private bathroom (4-stars hotel or depending on selection)
Meals as per program
2 bottles of mineral water per day on the bus
Entrance fees
24/7 support

From 980USD/PERSON (group of 15 persons)

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI – ARRIVAL (-/-/)

Noi Bai Airport – Hotel in City Center (31km/ 45 minutes)

All guests are warmly welcomed upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport by our local guide then transfer to check in the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 2: DAY 2: HANOI - LANG SON - QUANG UYEN (B/L/D)

07:30 Our tour guide will pick you up by car at your hotel in Hanoi old quarter, transferring you by sharing bus to Lang Son. We will start by driving in the direction of the Chinese border for about 3 hours, before stopping at Chi Lang Pass, a 20kmlong gorge created from a narrow valley between two mountains.

This place occupies an important position in Vietnamese history, being the place of many victories against various Chinese invasions over the centuries and millennia, as far back as 981AD. As such it bears the reputation of Vietnam’s strongest citadel and bastion. Here you will have roughly an hour to walk around and explore the area around the Quy Mon Quan Gate, which translates as “The Gate of Monsters”, named for the many invasion forces that would spill through the pass over the course of history only to be beaten back by stalwart Vietnamese defenders.

After lunch at a local restaurant in Dong Dang, you will continue your trip into the pass, stopping to visit Mother’s Temple and Dong Khe – an important historical site where The Battle of Dong Khe was fought during the First Indochina War. In fact, this was the very first battle of the Indochina Wars, and the fighting here took place through September and October 1950, ending in a resounding victory for the Viet Minh.

In the evening you will get to enjoy dinner and overnight rest in a local homestay owned and operated by a local Nung family.

Highlights and activities: Chi Lang pass, Quy Mon Quan gate, Dong Khe battle site, ethnic villages, and a 3-5km walk

DAY 3 : CAO BANG - BAN GIOC WATERFALL - BA BE NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)

After enjoying breakfast at the homestay, you will depart for Trung Khanh which lies right on the border with China. Here you will have another chance to meet and interact with the local Nung people living in the village of Phuoc Sen, a mountainous village famous for its traditional blacksmithing. The farming tools made here are an integral part of the lifestyle which is evident in the surrounding rice paddies and fields.

Nestled amongst these amazing landscapes is the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall which spans over 300 meters, split half and half between Vietnam and China. You’ll get some time here to simply take in the amazing atmosphere surrounding the falls, which presents an excellent opportunity for some fantastic photography.

Once you’ve finished at the falls, it’s time to head over to Nguom Ngao Cave, for a very different, but no less impressive natural wonder. The cave stretches for 2,144 meters underground and is brimming with incredible stalactites and stalagmites.

You will then return to Cao Bang town and head down the “snake pass” to Ba Be Lake, where you will stay overnight in a homestay constructed in traditional Tay fashion and owned and operated by a local Tay family. Here you can relax and unwind from the day and enjoy a delicious and authentic home cooked meal.

Highlights and activities: Ban Gioc waterfall, Nguom Ngao cave, Ba Be National Park, ethnic villages.

DAY 4: BA BE LAKE - HANOI (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will board a boat to cross the lake to the north shore. From here you will start a hike in the rainforest of the central area of the Ba Be National Park. Along the shores of the lake, you will reach a prehistoric cave dating back 500 million years, hidden in an ancient forest composed of rare and hard wood trees, as strong as steel.

A little further, a fire station allows us to observe the birds.

Resume your hiking to reach the An Ma temple (a sacred temple of the Tay people venerating the snake god and military general of the Mac dynasty).

It is now time to choose how to spend your time on the boat: relax and admire the landscape or take a dip in the fresh waters of the lake? Anyway, enjoy the scenery with its beautiful karst formations lined with jungle.

Note: visitors who do not wish to participate in the walk can ask to stay on the boat to join Widow Island or do some shopping

Return to restaurant for lunch before ending the tour, you will be taken about 230 km back to Hanoi and stop at a tea plantation located among rolling hills. When we arrived in Hanoi, it was time to say goodbye, creating lifelong memories and bonds.

Return to Hanoi. Dinner.

Check in hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 5: HANOI - HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT CRUISE (B/L/D)

Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km): 2.5 – 3.0hrs

After breakfast, you will enjoy the 2.5 – 3.0hrs drive to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage site! The name ‘Ha Long’ means ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’ and owes its origins to a Vietnamese myth. The towering limestone karsts represent the dragon’s back, surrounded by jade green water creating an unforgettable site. There are more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets with di erent shapes jutting out from the sea.

Arrive at the Halong Bay jetty around noon and proceed with check-in formalities before boarding a boat for an unforgettable overnight cruise on Halong Bay. After being welcomed onboard, a lunch of Vietnamese food is served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight on board the boat in Halong Bay (private cabin on-board the join-in boat cruise).

DAY 6: HALONG BAY CRUISE - HANOI - QUANG BINH (B/L OR BRUNCH/D) (DOMESTIC FLIGHT IS NOT INCLUDED)

Halong Bay to Hanoi (160 km): 2.5 – 3.0hrs

Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning, and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi.

Arrive Hanoi, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for flight to Dong Hoi..

Arrive Dong Hoi, transfer to check in hotel. Dinner. Overnight in hotel.

The cost of domestic airfare is not included in the current package. The final price for this airfare will be provided when you make your booking.

DAY 7: PHONG NHA CAVE – CHAY RIVER – DARK CAVE EXPERIENCE (B/L/D)

After breakfast, depart for your journey into the “First Wonder” of Phong Nha.

Board a boat and cruise along the peaceful Son River, passing village life, rice fields, and green riverbanks before entering Phong Nha Cave—the longest water cave in Southeast Asia. Explore its spectacular underground river, the Fairy Cave and Royal Palace chambers, and admire thousands of unique stalactite formations shaped by nature over millennia. Lunch

In the afternoon, continue to Chay River – Dark Cave. Enjoy kayaking on the emerald Chay River, known for its calm jade water and dramatic karst towers. For adventure lovers, optional activities include water games, ziplining over the river, and ziplining directly to the cave entrance.

Explore Dark Cave, a wild and pristine branch of the Phong Nha system. Walk through narrow passages, admire rugged rock formations, and enjoy a natural mud bath deep inside the cave.

Return to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Quang Binh.

DAY 8: PARADISE CAVE – MOOC SPRING EXPERIENCE (B/L/D)

This morning, your guide picks you up at the hotel for a scenic 70 km drive along the Ho Chi Minh Trail into the heart of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park.

Arrive at Paradise Cave, the longest dry cave in Asia. Take the electric buggy to the mountain foot, then walk a short path to the cave entrance. Follow the wooden boardwalk deep inside to admire extraordinary stalactite formations illuminated naturally yet subtly—shapes resembling lotus towers, mythical creatures, and heavenly palaces. Lunch.

In the afternoon, continue to Mooc Spring, a turquoise jungle stream surrounded by limestone cliffs. Enjoy a refreshing time in nature with activities such as swimming, relaxing in the cool water, or kayaking on the emerald-blue spring. The lush forest backdrop offers perfect photo opportunities.

Return to your hotel in Dong Hoi and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner. Overnight in Quang Binh.

DAY 9: BONG LAI VALLEY – THE DUCK STOP EXPERIENCE – RURAL LIFE (B/L/D)

Today brings a playful and unforgettable immersion into the countryside of Quang Binh. Upon arrival at The Duck Stop, you may wait briefly for the next guided session—light local peanuts are often offered while you relax. Once the tour begins, an English-speaking guide leads you through the farm and helps capture fun photos along the way.

Start by feeding the ducks with unhusked rice, scattering it around as a cheerful flock rushes toward you. This is where you become a “duck leader,” surrounded by dozens of excited ducks while posing at humorous photo spots that make the experience even more memorable.

Next, enjoy the signature duck spa, a lighthearted moment as the ducks gently peck around your feet for treats, creating a ticklish and relaxing sensation. Clean, well-cared-for ducks and helpful guides ensure a fun and safe experience.

For an extra adventure, you may choose to ride the resident water buffalo (optional at your own expense). Calm and slow-moving, the buffalo offers a unique countryside ride and great photo opportunities amid the peaceful fields. Lunch.

End the visit with a leisurely stroll around the surrounding farms and rice paddies, taking in the fresh air and quiet rural scenery of Bong Lai Valley.

Return to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight in Quang Binh.

DAY 10: QUANG BINH – DEPARTURE (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to Dong Hoi Airport for your onward flight.