Bac Kan
2 days, 1 night
AH-BB01
5/10
$116 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want a truly adventurous outdoor escape in one of northern Vietnam’s most beautiful lake landscapes. The journey combines some of the most memorable highlights of Ba Be in one experience: paddling downstream on the Nang River, passing through the dramatic Puong Cave carved by the river itself, camping by the peaceful lakeside, and exploring Pac Ngoi Village and An Ma Island, home to a sacred temple on Ba Be Lake. It offers the perfect balance of adventure, nature, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable trip for anyone who loves SUP, trekking, and scenic wilderness. Puong Cave is one of Ba Be’s best-known natural landmarks, with the Nang River flowing through it, and An Ma Temple is a well-known spiritual site on an island in Ba Be Lake.

Highlights

  • Paddling SUP on Nang river 
  • Paddling SUP through Puong Cave
  • Camping by the river
  • Paddling SUP and swimming in Ba Be Lake

 

SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Bac Kan

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 5/10

ITINERARY
Day 1: Ha Noi – Cho Ra – Ba Be – Camping

08:00 Departing for Bac Kan. Along the way, we will stop for a break in Thai Nguyen.

13:30 Arriving at Cho Ra for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will take a short drive to the Bo Luom boat dock. This is where we will start paddling SUP downstream along the Nang River to reach Puong Cave and Ba Be Lake. The Nang River is quite narrow with a strong current. The scenery along the river is diverse and majestic, with sections running alongside steep cliffs and others opening up to narrow valleys or cornfields. The most exciting highlight is when we paddle through Puong Cave, a massive cave through which the river flows. Due to the strong current and our downstream paddling, we won’t exert much energy despite the long distance we cover. 

After exiting Puong Cave, we will take a break on a small land island in the river to enjoy Chill Time, which includes fruits and cold drinks, in a beautiful natural setting. We will continue paddling to the confluence of the Nang River and Ba Be Lake. We will then board a motorboat and head into the lake. In the summer, the boat will stop so that we can freely swim in the year-round clear waters of Ba Be. Our stop for today is the camping area, staying at the right side of the lake and not far from Pac Ngoi village. Upon arrival at the camping site, we will enjoy a welcome drink and receive our tents. Freshen up and relax before dinner.

19:30 Having dinner at the campsite. After a delicious dinner at the camping site, we will enjoy a fun moment by the campfire with friends before going to sleep.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 2: Camping Area – An Ma Island – Return to Ha Noi

08:00 Having breakfast at the camping area. After breakfast, we will walk through Pac Ngoi village and trek through the forest for about 1 hour to reach An Ma Island. This trekking route is relatively easy as the elevation is not high, and most of the time we will be walking along a non-treacherous trail. At the end of the trek, we will arrive at An Ma Island, the largest island on Ba Be Lake. On the island, there is a very sacred An Ma temple. After visiting the An Ma temple, we will paddle SUP to the lunch spot on the opposite shore of Ba Be Lake. Freshening up, changing clothes, and having lunch at a restaurant before moving to the pickup point to board the bus back to Hanoi. We will arrive in Hanoi around 

19:00 End of the adventurous journey.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi – Ba Be – Ha Noi
  • Motorboat
  • SUP & trekking gear
  • Camping
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary 
  • Tour guides 
  • Daily drinking water
  • Fee for entrance tickets
  • Travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Other kinds of beverage unlist in the tour program
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Beverages during meals

     

 

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking pole
  • Insect repellent
  • First-aid kit
  • SUP board and accessories
  • Life jacket
  • Tent and camping equipment
  • Reusable bottle
  • Dry bag

      What to bring: 

  • Hikking shoes / walking sandals
  • Backpack (10L–30L)
  • Water bottle
  • Long-sleeved clothing, hat/cap, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen, etc.
  • Personal medications
  • Electronics (Mobile phone, camera, power bank...), appropriate waterproof cases
  • ID or passport 

  Also recommended:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Clothingfor a 2-day tour
  • Multi-tool

 

TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Distance: The paddling route is approximately 8 km per day and 4 km for trekking route.
  • Terrain: we will paddling approximately 8 km along Nang river. The entire paddling route follows a downstream current with a relatively fast flow. Physical fitness is generally not a major concern; however, for those with limited experience paddling SUP in moving water, it is normal to feel a bit uneasy at the beginning. The trekking route is relatively easy, with a short walking duration, well-defined trails, and minimal elevation gain.
  • Suitability: This route is ideal for most fitness levels, including beginners. Families are welcome, children from 12 years old are eligible to participate.

2. Camping.

  • VAH provides shared 4-person tents (2 guests per tent), along with sleeping mats and sleeping bags. In addition, VAH supplies tables, chairs, and tarps to enhance comfort and convenience during the forest camping experience.

3. SUP Paddling and trekking notes

  • Participants are required to wear a life jacket and a safety leash at all times, and should not stand on the board immediately from the starting point. After paddling approximately 1–2 km, once you feel more comfortable and confident with the current, you may begin standing up to paddle.
  • While on the river, please pay close attention to avoid fast-flowing sections and obstacles such as tree branches, rocks, or other debris. If you are a strong swimmer and have significant SUP experience, you may remove your life jacket and secure it to the board; however, wearing the safety leash at all times is strictly mandatory.
  • Participants are required to wear appropriate sports shoes or walking shoes to ensure a safe and comfortable trekking experience in the forest.

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 water bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • 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.