Bac Kan
2 days / 1 night
AH-BB03
6/10
$241 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This meticulously crafted itinerary is an exceptional offering for adventure enthusiasts and experiential travelers seeking an immersive journey into Ba Be National Park. Combining stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), caving, wilderness camping, and local cultural insights, this tour delivers a comprehensive, multi-activity exploration of one of Northern Vietnam’s most stunning natural reserves.

 Highlights

  • Multi-Sport Adventure: Seamlessly blends paddling on the Nang River, wilderness trekking, and cave exploration.
  • Lakeside Camping: An exclusive overnight camping experience by the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake, away from the crowds.
  • Epic Cave Exploration: A unique SUP journey through Puong Cave and an adventurous trek into the wild Tham Phay Cave.
  • Cultural Immersion: Touches upon local heritage with a visit near Pac Ngoi, a traditional Tay stilt-house village.
SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 2 days / 1 night

  • Destination: Bac Kan

  • Group Size : 2 - 20 pax

  • Best Season: Sep - Jun

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

  • Activities: Caving, Paddle Boarding (SUP)

ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi - Cho Ra - Ba Be NP

07:00 Meet your tour guide at the hotel lobby in Hanoi. Depart and head towards Bac Kan. Along the way, the group will stop for a short refreshment break in Thai Nguyen.

12:30 Arrive at Cho Ra and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, a short drive brings us to the Boc Luom boat dock, the starting point of our aquatic adventure.

Afternoon Embark on an exciting SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) journey downstream along the Nang River. This narrow, dynamic river winds through spectacular landscapes—ranging from dramatic sheer cliffs to serene valleys and local cornfields.

The ultimate highlight of the afternoon is paddling directly through Puong Cave, a colossal limestone tunnel carved out by the river. Thanks to the favorable downstream current, you can enjoy a thrilling and extensive paddle with moderate physical effort.

Continue paddling to the confluence of the Nang River and Ba Be Lake, where we will transfer to a traditional motorboat to venture further into the lake. During the summer months, the boat will anchor in the middle of the lake for a refreshing swim in Ba Be's crystal-clear waters. This "Chill Time" is perfected with fresh fruits and cold drinks served onboard amidst the pristine nature. The boat will then head towards the Ba Be Tourist Dock, where a your vehicle awaits to transfer you to your hotel.

17:30 Check in to your hotel in Ba Be. You will have free time to freshen up, unpack, and relax.

19:00 Savor an authentic dinner at a premium local restaurant, featuring regional specialty dishes. The rest of the evening is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the lake area. Overnight at a hotel in Ba Be.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 5hrs/ Paddle boarding & swimming 3 hours/ Lunch break 1 hr

* Meals included: Lunch , Dinner

Day 2: Ba Be NP - Tham Phay Cave - Hanoi

08:00 Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel restaurant and check out.

09:00 Board the private vehicle for a scenic 20-minute drive to the expedition starting point. Upon arrival, your expert adventure guide will provide a comprehensive safety briefing, walking tips, and distribute premium caving equipment (helmets, headlights, and life vests).

10:00 Begin the trek through the lush limestone forest towards Tham Phay Cave. The trail offers an engaging terrain with rolling hills, winding paths, and hidden valleys, showcasing the raw biodiversity of Ba Be.

11:00 Arrive at the cave entrance and step into the subterranean world of Tham Phay. Often referred to as a hidden gem of the North, the cave features two massive branches of underground rivers.

Over the next 4 hours, you will navigate through narrow passages, overcome rocky climbs, and marvel at the colossal domes. The cave interior is dramatically adorned with unique calcite formations, vibrant moss, and prehistoric algae, offering spectacular photography opportunities.

13:00 Savor a unique picnic lunch set deep inside the cave chamber. Afterward, continue the expedition into the second branch of the cave system to witness magnificent, millions-of-years-old stalagmites and stalactites.

14:00 Conclude the cave exploration and trek back to the entrance, heading toward the initial pick-up point where our vehicle is waiting.

15:00 Transfer back to a homestay where you will have time to freshen up, shower, and change into dry clothes before boarding the bus.

16:30 Depart Ba Be for the drive back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi in the evening (20:30), marking the end of an unforgettable wilderness adventure.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 5hrs/ Caving 3 hours/ Lunch break 1 hr

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

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Inclusion:

  • Round-trip vehicle: Hanoi – Ba Be NP – Hanoi
  • Inflatble SUP and equipment
  • Trekking & caving gear 
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • 01 night of hotel accommodation (based on twin or double sharing rooms)
  • Drinking water & snack provided daily during the tour
  • Entrance fees & tickets
  • Domestic travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

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Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Inflatble SUP
  • Life jacket
  • Trekking poles
  • Helmet
  • Headlamp
  • Dry bag
  • First-aid kit. 

What to bring: 

  • Water shoes (avoid sandals or open-toe footwear)
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothing
  • Rash guard for caving
  • Lightweight rain jacket.
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pocket knife or multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. SUP Paddling Notes

  • Safety Equipment: Participants are required to wear a life jacket and a safety leash at all times while on the water. For experienced paddlers and strong swimmers, life jackets may be temporarily secured to the board only under the guide's direct supervision and clear river conditions; however, keeping the safety leash fastened is strictly mandatory.
  • River Navigation: While paddling along the river, please maintain high alertness and strictly follow the guide’s line to avoid fast-flowing eddies, low-hanging branches, submerged rocks, or other natural debris.

2. Tham Phay Cave Exploration Notes

  • Duration & Terrain: The subterranean expedition inside Tham Phay Cave lasts approximately 4 hours. The terrain is highly engaging but manageable, requiring no technical climbing gear or ropes. However, participants should expect to wade through underground river sections with water levels reaching up to 1.2 meters deep.

3. Food & Water

  • Meals: All meals showcase authentic, hearty local cuisine designed to replenish your energy after active outdoor sessions. 
  • Water & Energy: Clean, safe drinking water and energy-boosting snacks (such as fresh fruits or local treats) are supplied daily during the tour. 

4. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable bottle (minimum 1L capacity). You can refill it throughout the day from our large water jugs.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

5. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Physical Fitness: Practice running or kayaking/SUP 1–2 weeks in advance. Each week, run 2 sessions, 3–5 km per session. Or paddle SUP/kayak 2–3 sessions per week, approximately 5 km per session.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.