Accommodation

Na Khan: homestay (1 night)
Ba Be: homestay (1 night)
Quang Hoa: homestay / hotel (2 nights)

Please note that the hotels mentioned in this list are for reference only. Depending on availability and your preference, they can be changed. If we are unable to book any hotel, it will be replaced by another hotel at least of equivalent standard and value.

Program

Day 1: Hanoi to Na Khan (180 kilometers / 112 miles, 8 hours)

Today will be quite a long but easy drive (early departure is better) from Hanoi to Na Khan. The road is sealed all the way until Bac Kan, and the last part from Bac Kan to Na Khan is wild and a little bumpy. Na Khan (Chiem Hoa, Tuyen Quang) is a Tay village lost in the middle of a primitive forest. Mr. Lo, the chief of the village, will welcome you to his house. Lunch and dinner will be provided.

Day 2: Na Khan to Ba Be National Park (50 kilometers / 31 miles, 2 hours)

You will have a short drive from Na Khan to Ba Be National Park on a bumpy road. Lunch will be at the captain's house. Enjoy easy boating on the lake and river. If you arrive during the day, go to the market. Stop at Widow Island for a jump and a beautiful swim. You could visit the village and a small school (only a few pupils during the summer) then return home where you will enjoy dinner. You will spend the night at their friend's stilt house. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.

Day 3: Ba Be National Park to Quang Uyen (170 kilometers / 106 miles, 8 hours)

Cross Ba Be lake to return to the captain's house. Then have a beautiful ride up to Cao Bang province. There are a few passes from where you can dominate the area. The road is easy but with many curves. You can stop a lot. Altogether, stop for drinks and food because it should be an eight-hour journey. Then ride one more hour to reach the beautiful village of Quang Hoa in the middle of a mountain cirque. This is the territory of the Nung An people. Spend the night at their friend's house. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.

Day 4: Quang Uyen (100 kilometers / 62 miles, 2 hours or 30 kilometers / 19 miles, 1 hour)

Today, you have two options. First, having obtained permission from the border police, you can make your way through spectacular scenery to Vietnam's most impressive waterfalls. Weather permitting, you can swim right up to where the 50-meter-high falls hit the river.

For your second option, you can visit Na Tau. It is a completely unknown area that can be discovered by raft and motorbike. Rivers and waterfalls everywhere are extremely beautiful and wild. It is only 15 kilometers from Quang Hoa.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.

Day 5: Quang Uyen to Hanoi (300 kilometers / 186 miles, 9 hours)

Ride from Quang Hoa to Hanoi via Lang Son. Have lunch in Lang Son. The road is asphalted most of the way, and it takes nine hours to ride back to Hanoi. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Skill level required for this tour: intermediate

Intermediate

can ride for three to four hours
average riding experience
little assistance required
comfortable with extreme curves and leans
average experience with unsurfaced roads
steep ascents and descents

International drivers license is required to attend this tour.

Included excursions

Cruise along the mystical Ba Be Lake

In the heart of Ba Be National Park is Ba Be Lake, which is the largest and highest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam. The lake is made up of three smaller lakes and is surrounded by limestone karsts some of which open up into magnificent caves. The park also features many caves which have formed over years of erosion, some of which have only been discovered recently.

Explore Widow's Island

A spot shrouded in local legend, Widow’s Island sits in the middle of the lake, inviting you to explore its tangle of rocks, roots, and branches. The large chunk of rock topped with a thick green forest has an air of mystery surrounding it as it sits alone in the middle of the lake. The name of the island originates from the story of a kind widow and her son who once lived on the island. It is believed that they saved many people from the natural disaster that created Ba Be using only two husks of rice from a fairy.

Instructors

Tran Khac Cuong

Mr. Cuong is a local guide in the northern mountainous region in Vietnam since 2010. He is an expert in paths and passionate in conquering the most zigzag roads of Vietnam. He graduated in Tourism and has a deep local knowledge where he can take travelers to the off-the-beaten-tracks. He is also an expert in repairing motorcycles with skills to support travelers in dangerous situations, Mr. Cuong is confident in guiding international travelers who are passionate about off-road adventures.

Location

This motorcycle tour will take place in Vietnam, covering Hanoi, Na Khan, Quang Uyen District, and Ba Be National Park. Ba Be National Park sits peacefully in the northeast province of Bac Kan, a haven of extraordinary scenery, fascinating biodiversity, and rich culture. The ethnic minority communities live in small hamlets throughout the and still maintain a simple way of life, living off the land and fishing from the lakes and rivers.

As you adventure through the national park, you will have the chance to meet the local people and discover their history and culture. The many different areas of the national park are steeped in mystery and legends, the stories handed down through many generations. The name Ba Ba translates as "Three Lakes," referring to the three parts of the lake, Pe Leng, Pe Lu, and Pe Lam.

The lake is the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam spanning over 500 hectares. It is also the highest, sitting at 150 meters above sea level. The vast lake is surrounded by impressive karst peaks that make up the Pia Booc mountain range and thick, evergreen forests.

This is the perfect place for any keen adventurer. There you can trek through the thick jungle, explore mystical caves, kayak down the rivers, and swim in the lakes. The incredible range of terrain will keep you on your toes and keep your excitement piqued. The national park itself was only established in 1992, making it feel as if you are exploring unchartered areas. Many caves have only been discovered recently and are providing new information about the geography and biodiversity of the area.

Aside from the incredible scenery, this national park is home to a staggering 1,268 species of flora and fauna, some of which are rare species. This really is a paradise for any nature lovers. Researchers have discovered 65 species of mammals, including Chinese pangolins, flying squirrels, macaques, langurs, and bears.

Apart from the incredible mammals living in the area, researchers have discovered 106 species of fish, 223 varieties of birds, and well over 300 types of butterfly. You could easily while away your time simply looking for these incredible creatures.

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Food

The price includes four breakfasts, five lunches, and four dinners. All foods are cooked by the local people using fresh, healthy ingredients with the aim of offering customers the most delicious and traditional taste of each region's specialty.

Because of Ba Be’s favorable farming and fishing conditions, the food is varied and fresh. From locally grown vegetables to free-range meat and fish from the lakes and rivers, the feasts you will enjoy with your hosts are sure to leave you wanting more. Vegetarians will also be catered for, but please request this at the time of booking.

Food and drink in Ba Be National Park

One such dish is Lon Cap Nach, which translates to "pig carried under the arm." It is called that way because of the size of the pigs. These pigs are around just 10 kilograms in weight and are raised wild in the surrounding fields and forests and have sweet and tender meat. There you will smell the fragrant spices as the meat is grilled or roasted ready for the evening meal.

All meals are served with freshly prepared, nutritious vegetables. One such side dish is chayote served with sesame. The mild sweetness of the green vegetable beautifully complements the earthy, nutty flavor of the sesame.

Another accompanying dish, eaten en masse across Asia is, of course, rice. There you can find the northern specialty of com lam. For this dish, young bamboo is stuffed with a mixture of rice, water, and sometimes coconut water. The package is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked on a fire. The end result is fragrant, sweet, and sticky rice, which is the perfect accompaniment to succulent meats and fresh vegetables.

After a delicious and satisfying feast, when the sun has faded over the mountain, it is time to relax and enjoy a cup or two of Noc Suong, the local rice wine. This powerful homebrew is a popular way to unwind and bond after a hard day's work. Served from plastic water bottles while you sit atop tiny chairs, this clear spirit will keep you warm on the coldest of nights and make for an unforgettable night!

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Regular (typically includes meat and fish)

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

One of the best ways to experience the incredible beauty of Ba Be is from the water. From there you can explore the rivers, lakes, and caves that make up this area of stunning beauty. You can take a boat trip on one of the small boats to take in the highlights of Ba Be, or if you are feeling more adventurous, you can take a kayak and explore the area. Kayaking has the added benefit of being able to get closer to nature which will give you a more intimate experience.

One of the places to visit on your waterborne adventure is An Ma Temple, which sits peacefully next to the lake creating a serene ambiance. There you can bathe in the relaxing atmosphere and learn about the religion and rituals of the local people.

Another peaceful spot on the lake is known as Fairy Pond, which is situated in the third section of the lake. The name is well suited to the area as it certainly has a magical feel to it. Legend has it that some fairies, who had been bathing in the secluded waters, lured a local huntsman and put a spell on him. The local fishermen, however, are not put off by this mystical tale and often enjoy fishing peacefully in the waters.

What's included

Honda XR150 motorcycle rental
All petrol (gasoline)
Rain gear and helmets
Motorbike jacket
Boat trip on Ba Be Lake
Services of a local English-speaking guide
4 nights accommodation
4 breakfasts
5 lunches
4 dinners
All entrance fees and permits to visit the frontier area

What's not included

Visa to Vietnam
Any other transportation not mentioned in the itinerary
Insurance
Drinks
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tip for guide
Other personal expenses
1000 USD security deposit for the bike rental

How to get there

Recommended Airports

HAN

Noi Bai International Airport

135 km

Transfer available for additional US$ 26 per person

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flight to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Airport transfer is available at an additional cost of 26 USD.

Airport: Noi Bai International Airport Airport transfer available: Noi Bai International Airport (US$ 26 per person) Additional charges may apply. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.

Explore

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Glad to have you!

Day 1: Hanoi to Na Khan (180 kilometers / 112 miles, 8 hours)

Day 2: Na Khan to Ba Be National Park (50 kilometers / 31 miles, 2 hours)

Day 3: Ba Be National Park to Quang Uyen (170 kilometers / 106 miles, 8 hours)

Day 4: Quang Uyen (100 kilometers / 62 miles, 2 hours or 30 kilometers / 19 miles, 1 hour)

Day 5: Quang Uyen to Hanoi (300 kilometers / 186 miles, 9 hours)