If you're looking for breathtaking nature, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path adventure, a trip to Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang is an excellent choice. These two destinations in northern Vietnam offer stunning landscapes, ethnic villages, and unique outdoor activities, making them ideal for an immersive journey. To truly appreciate their beauty, four days is the perfect amount of time to explore Ba Be’s serene waters and lush forests before heading to Cao Bang’s dramatic waterfalls and limestone caves.

In this guide, you’ll find a detailed itinerary covering what to do in Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang for 4 days, from boat trips and cave explorations to cultural encounters in remote villages, that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

About Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang

Ba Be Lake is located in Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan province, about 230 km from Hanoi. It is Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, surrounded by limestone mountains, dense forests, and small ethnic villages. The lake is known for its turquoise waters, hidden caves, and rich biodiversity. This is a paradise for nature lovers, offering opportunities for boat trips, kayaking, trekking, and cultural experiences with the Tay ethnic minority.

Further north, Cao Bang province is famous for its rugged karst mountains, stunning waterfalls, and traditional craft villages. The most well-known attraction is Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Vietnam, located on the border with China. The region is also home to Nguom Ngao Cave, an impressive limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as ethnic villages that preserve age-old traditions such as incense-making and blacksmithing.

Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang 4 days itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be

Day 2: Ba Be - Cao Bang

Day 3: Cao Bang

Day 4: Cao Bang - Bac Son - Vo Nhai - Hanoi

Highlights

This four-day journey takes you from the tranquil waters of Ba Be to the breathtaking beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall, with stops at ethnic villages, caves, and local markets. Along the way, you’ll meet warm-hearted locals, experience traditional cultures, and explore landscapes that feel untouched by time.

What to do in Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang for 4 days?

Day 1: Hanoi - Ba Be

Leaving Hanoi early in the morning, you’ll travel north through winding roads toward Bac Kan. It’s a long journey, but the changing scenery makes it an enjoyable ride. By noon, you’ll arrive at Pac Ngoi, a small Tay ethnic village nestled on the edge of Ba Be Lake. Staying in a homestay here is a great way to experience the local way of life. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose to sleep in a traditional stilt house or a private room.

After a home-cooked lunch, you’ll head to Hua Ma Cave, one of the most impressive caves in the region. The climb to the entrance can be a bit tiring, but the view inside is well worth it. In the evening, you’ll return to the homestay for a traditional Tay dinner. If you're lucky, your hosts might arrange a Tay folk music performance, which is a beautiful way to end the night.
 

Day 2: Ba Be - Cao Bang 

After breakfast, you’ll start the day with a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, one of Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lakes. The morning mist hovering above the water makes for a magical atmosphere. You’ll first stop at Widow Island (Dao Ba Goa), a small limestone island that comes with a local legend about a widow who saved the village from a flood.

From there, you’ll continue to Dau Dang Waterfall, a powerful cascade hidden deep in the jungle. This is a great spot for nature lovers, and the surrounding forest is home to many bird species. If you enjoy trekking, a short hike around the area will reveal more beautiful views.

Lunch will be served at a local house near the waterfall before you depart for Cao Bang in the afternoon. When you arrive, you’ll check into your hotel and have time to explore Cao Bang city. The night market and walking street are worth visiting, offering delicious street food and local crafts.
 

Day 3: Cao Bang 

Your third day starts with a visit to Phja Thap village, a small community known for making handmade incense. The entire village smells of spices and wood, and you can watch locals skillfully craft incense sticks using traditional methods.

Next, you’ll visit Phuc Sen village, famous for its blacksmithing tradition. This village has been making knives, tools, and farming equipment for centuries. Watching the blacksmiths at work, using simple but effective techniques, is fascinating. If you’re interested, you can even buy a handmade knife as a unique souvenir.

By late morning, you’ll arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall, the most famous site in Cao Bang. This massive waterfall sits right on the Vietnam-China border and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Asia. You can take a raft close to the falls for a better view and feel the mist on your skin. The water is crystal clear, and during the right season, the surrounding rice fields turn a golden color, making it a dream location for photography.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant near the waterfall before you continue to Nguom Ngao Cave in the afternoon. This cave is filled with impressive rock formations, and its large open chambers make it feel like an underground palace.

After exploring the cave, you’ll return to Cao Bang for dinner and another night in the city.
 

Day 4: Cao Bang - Bac Son - Vo Nhai - Hanoi

On the final day, you’ll start your journey back to Hanoi, but not without a few more scenic stops. The route passes through Bac Son Valley, a hidden gem with rice fields, limestone mountains, and small ethnic villages. If you visit during the right season, the valley is covered in stunning golden rice fields, creating a picture-perfect view.

A lunch stop in Bac Son gives you a chance to enjoy more local flavors before continuing through Vo Nhai in Thai Nguyen province. The drive is long, but the landscapes make it an enjoyable ride. By evening, you’ll arrive back in Hanoi, marking the end of your four-day adventure.

How to visit Ba Be National Park?

Ba Be National Park is located in Bac Kan province, about 230 km from Hanoi. You can get there by bus, motorbike, or private car.

By Bus

You can take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station (Hanoi) to Bac Kan City (4-5 hours). From Bac Kan, take another local bus or taxi to Ba Be Lake (1.5-2 hours). Buses to Bac Kan cost around 200,000 - 300,000 VND ($8-12 USD), while a taxi from Bac Kan to Ba Be can cost 400,000 - 600,000 VND ($16-25 USD).

By Motorbike

If you're an adventurous traveler, you can rent a motorbike in Hanoi and ride to Ba Be. The roads can be rough, especially in the rainy season, so this is best for experienced riders.The route via Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan - Ba Be offers scenic mountain views.

By Private Car or Tour

The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Ba Be is by booking a private car or joining an organized tour from Hanoi. The drive takes around 5-6 hours, depending on road conditions. A tour package also includes transport, accommodation, meals, and activities like boat trips and village visits.

How to get around in Ba Be and Cao Bang

Getting around the 2 cities requires a combination of transportation methods. 

• You can rent a private car with a driver or opt for a tour. 
• You can also rent a bicycle to explore within town (50,000 - 100,000 VND/day) or a motorbike (150,000 - 250,000 VND/day) to explore the surrounding villages and rice fields. 
• Those who want to fully immerse in nature can explore the region on foot. Ba Be and Cao Bang offer many hiking trails that lead to caves, waterfalls, and ethnic villages. Some treks require a local guide, which can be arranged through your homestay or tour provider.
   

Best time to visit Ba Be and Cao Bang

The best time to visit Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.

March - May (Spring): The weather is warm and pleasant, making it perfect for boat trips, trekking, and exploring villages. The lake is calm and reflects the lush green surroundings beautifully.

June - August (Summer - Rainy Season): This is the rainy season, so the forests are the greenest, and the waterfalls (like Dau Dang and Ban Gioc) are at their most powerful. However, heavy rains can make some trekking trails muddy and difficult.

September - November: The most beautiful season, especially in Cao Bang and Bac Son Valley, where the rice fields turn golden. The weather is cool and dry, ideal for trekking and photography.

December - February (Winter): The temperatures can drop to 5-10°C, especially in Cao Bang. The misty landscapes create a peaceful and mystical atmosphere, but it can be quite cold for boat trips and trekking.

For the best experience, plan your trip between October and April when the weather is comfortable, and the landscapes are at their most stunning.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to do in Ba Be Lake and Cao Bang for 4 days, it’s time to make your dreams a reality. For a seamless and stress-free experience, consider booking a tour with Vietnam Original Travel, where local experts will ensure you get the most out of your adventure. Start planning your trip today and uncover the hidden gems of northern Vietnam!

>>> From Northeast to Northwest Vietnam 9 Days

>>> Top 10 best things to do in Cao Bang