Seen the highlights already, or allergic to crowds? The northeast is the emptiest, least visited corner of Vietnam, and public transport barely reaches it. By private car it becomes an easy 8 day loop from Hanoi.
The route
Day 1: Hanoi to Ba Be Lake. 5 to 6 hours. Sleep in a Tay stilt house by the water.
Day 2: Ba Be. Boat across the biggest natural lake in Vietnam, through Puong cave, past waterfalls.
Day 3: Ba Be to Cao Bang. 4 hours through the mountains.
Day 4: Ban Gioc and Nguom Ngao. Bamboo rafts under the biggest waterfall in Vietnam, then the lit paths of Nguom Ngao cave next door.
Day 5: Cao Bang. A slow day: mountain passes, small villages, good coffee.
Days 6-7: Bac Son valley. 4 hours south. Climb the 1,200 steps of Na Lay hill for the famous patchwork view, cycle the flat valley roads.
Day 8: Bac Son to Hanoi. About 3.5 hours, back by mid afternoon.
Why a car is the only real option here
Buses reach the towns, but every sight lies far from the bus station, and connections are thin. Travellers who try this loop by public transport spend more time arranging rides than travelling. With one driver the whole loop just flows. Prices for this loop are on request, they depend on your exact route, see the route page.
Want more?
Add Y Ty in the far northwest for the cloud sea, or connect this loop to Ha Giang. Both add 3 to 4 days.
Prices on this page were correct when we wrote it. They can change a little over time, for example when fuel prices change. We do our best to keep this page up to date, and we always confirm the exact price before you book.
Make this trip yours
- This is an example, not a fixed package. We adjust every route to your dates, pace and budget.
- Send us your travel dates and group size. We reply the same day with a plan and one clear price per transfer.
- No prepayment. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before each pickup. You pay per ride, in VND, USD or euro.
Send us your dates, or read how one driver for your whole trip works.
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