Hanoi to Ba Be National Park

Hanoi - Ba Be National Park. Arrive in Hanoi before 6 AM on day 1 or arrive in Hanoi the day prior to the start of the tour. You will have the option of being collected from your hotel or within Hanoi’s Old Quarter at 7:30 AM, and we’ll begin our journey north to Bac Kan. From here, we continue onwards to Ba Be National Park, a scenic five-hour drive with a stop for lunch en route.

At Boc Lom pier, we learn the basics of kayaking on the river before continuing by boat along the Nang River to explore the impressive Puong Cave by kayak. We then cross the Nang River and make our way through striking karst scenery, passing steep terrain and sharp cat ears cliffs. Finally, we return to Ba Be Lake by motorboat, with the option to swim in its clear waters. We will then make our way to our accommodation, where we will enjoy a BBQ dinner.

Please note: We strongly recommend you arrive in Hanoi the day before your tour starts. You will be collected early on day 1. Pick up can be arranged from any hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, and you must inform us in advance of your tour where you wish to be collected from. Packing essentials include your passport, light comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a small day pack, insect repellent, sun cream, a raincoat and a sun hat.

This morning, we’ll be picked up between 7 AM and 7.30 AM for a short briefing and help with preparations from our guide. We will then drive for around 30 minutes to reach the trailhead for Tham Phay Cave. The hike begins with a steep climb through forested terrain, followed by rocky ground and a second incline before descending into a quiet valley. Turning west, we scramble over a patch of large rocks, guided by our safety team, before reaching the cave entrance at the edge of the forest. We stop for a quick snack before heading inside.

Tham Phay is a striking stream cave, home to two underground river branches. As we explore, we navigate narrow passages, deep pools, and jagged limestone formations, with excellent photo opportunities throughout. Calcite walls, algae-covered surfaces, a dome ceiling, and layered rock patterns give the cave its distinctive appearance.

We spend about five hours exploring the 5 km-long system, discovering unique features such as ancient stalagmites, sinkholes, and thermal flows deep within the second passage. After completing the circuit, we return to the entrance and hike back to our accommodation.

An eco-friendly toilet will be provided and set up by our porter during the Tham Phay Cave Expedition

Ba Be National Park - Hanoi. After our final breakfast at our homestay at 7.30 am, we will hike from Bo Lu village to explore Ba Be National Park on foot. Along the way, our guide shares insights into the region’s rich biodiversity, highlighting native wildlife and plant life as we walk through dense forest. We follow trails leading to Tham Khit, an ancient cave, then continue around the lake to a lookout near the ranger station, known for its animal observation huts.

Our hike continues for another 2 kilometres to An Ma Temple, a significant spiritual site for the Tay people that honours mountain and lake deities, as well as historical generals. We’ll pause here for lunch and some free time to enjoy the tranquil surroundings we begin our return journey to Hanoi, arriving between 17:00 - 17:30. You will be dropped in the Old Quarter and can continue your journey independently.