Cao Bang is located in Vietnam’s rugged north near the Chinese border and is home to different ethnic minorities including the Tay, Nung, Dao and H’mong. This exciting new trek will bring you into contact with several of these groups. Spend four full days exploring the dramatic countryside in and around Cao Bang and enjoy the hospitality of the Tay and Red Dao ethnic groups.
Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be Lake
Depart Hanoi early in the morning and head north towards Ba Be Lake. Along the way stop at the Thai Nguyen Ethnology Museum before continuing on to Ba Be.
Day 2: Ba Be Lake
After breakfast you will be driven to the jetty to board your private boat for a cruise on the lake and the chance to visit some caves. Tonight will be spent in Pac Ngoi village, populated by the Tay minority group.
Day 3: Ba Be – Cao Bang
This morning take to the road again for the 90km drive to Cao Bang. The H’mong, Dao, Tho and Nung ethnic minority people all live in the surrounding area. After lunch, you will visit Pac Bo Cave, the hideout used by Ho Chi Minh during the war. In the late afternoon, head back to Cao Bang to spend the night.
Day 4: La Village (Trek 15 km)
Today you will be driven to the Ta Lung border with China for lunch. Later you will begin trekking with a 15km walk to the Tay village of La where you will stay overnight in a homestay.
Day 5: Na Mieng Village (Trek 16 km)
Today trek from La village to Na Mieng village, another Tay community which is nestled in a beautiful valley amidst a dramatic mountain range. Enjoy a peaceful night as guests of the Tay in Na Mieng.
Day 6: Pac Khoang Village (Trek 15 km)
Enjoy another day’s trekking as you travel through several minority hamlets. Stop for lunch at the village of Dong Khe before venturing on to the Red Dao settlement of Pac Khoang.
Day 7: Na Pang village (Trek 17 km)
A final full day of trekking will take you to the Tay village of Na Pang, which is a 17km hike away. Stay overnight in the village and enjoy the hospitality of the Tay.
Day 8: Cao Bang – Hanoi (Trek 12 km)
Leave your hosts this morning and trek for a further 12kms until you reach the village of That Khe. After lunch in the village you will meet up with your vehicle, which will transport you back to Hanoi.
