Bac Kan
3 days, 2 nights
AH-BB02
6/10
$165 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

This tour is a great choice for travelers who want a true multi-day outdoor adventure in Ba Be. It combines some of the most exciting experiences of the area in one journey: paddling downstream on the Nang River, passing through the dramatic Puong Cave, camping by the peaceful lakeside, exploring Ba Be Lake by SUP, discovering the wild beauty of Dau Dang Waterfall, and ending with a scenic trek and cultural experience around Pac Ngoi Village and An Ma Island. It is the perfect mix of adventure, nature, relaxation, and local character, making it ideal for guests who want more than a typical sightseeing trip. Puong Cave is a major cave on the Nang River, and the river route connects key landmarks including Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, and Ba Be Lake.

Highlights

  • Experiencing the majestic natural landscapes of the Nang River, Ba Be Lake, and Dau Dang Waterfall.
  • Having boat that support us for whole trip
  • Having professional tour guide
  • Camping with a super nice view
SUMMARY

  • Departure Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

  • Destination: Bac Kan

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking

  • Min : 5 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 15 people

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

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

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

13:00 Having lunch in Cho Ra town.

14:00 Boarding the vehicle to the Bo Luom boat dock. This is where we will start paddling SUP downstream along the Nang River to 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 many sections running along steep cliffs and others opening up to narrow valleys or cornfields. The most attractive highlight is when we paddle through Puong Cave, a gigantic cave that the river flows through. With its strong current and us going downstream, we won't exert ourselves much despite the considerable paddling distance.

16:30 After exiting Puong Cave, we will take a break on a small island in the river to enjoy Relax Time*, including fruits and cold drinks, amidst the beautiful natural scenery. We will continue paddling to the confluence of the Nang River and Ba Be Lake.

We will board a motorboat and head into the lake. In the summer, the boat will stop so we can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Ba Be. Our stop today will be at the camping area, staying at right side of the lake and not far from the Pac Ngoi village. Upon arriving at the camping area, we will enjoy a welcome drink and receive our tents. After showering and resting, we will have dinner.

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

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner  

* Relax Time is organized at different locations depending on the season's weather.

 

Day 2: Camping Area – Ao Tien – Dau Dang Waterfall – Homestay

08:00 Having breakfast at the camping area.

09:00 After breakfast, we will begin paddling to explore Ba Be Lake. Following the cliff, we will reach An Ma Island and then continue paddling to Ao Tien.

12:30 Having a picnic lunch at Tien pond before paddling back to the Nang River. This afternoon, we will conquer the most beautiful and wildest stretch of the Nang River with its majestic high cliffs. After about an hour of paddling on the river, we will reach Dau Dang Waterfall. We will leave the SUPs at the dock and walk about 1 km to the waterfall. Take a break and take photos at Dau Dang Waterfall before returning to the dock. We will board the motorboat and return to Ba Be Lake. If time allows, we will swim freely in the crystal-clear waters of Ba Be.

17:00 The motorboat will take us to Pac Ngoi village, where we will have dinner and spend the night at a homestay in the village.

19:00 Having dinner. Staying overnight at the homestay.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: Homestay – Ba Be National Park Trekking – Return to Ha Noi

08:00 Having breakfast at the homestay.

09:00 After breakfast, we will walk through Pac Ngoi village and trek through the forest for about 2.5 hours to reach An Ma Island. This trek is quite easy as the elevation is not high, and most of the time we will be walking along a trail that is not too rugged. 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 the sacred An Ma Temple. We will visit An Ma Temple and then paddle SUP to the lunch spot on the opposite shore of Ba Be Lake.

12:00 Taking a shower, changing clothes, and having lunch at the restaurant before moving to the pickup point to board the vehicle back to Hanoi. We will arrive in Hanoi around 19:30. End of the wonderful adventure.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi – Ba Be – Ha Noi 
  • Motorboat
  • SUP & trekking gear
  • Homestay
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary
  • Tour guides & local guide
  • Daily drinking water & snack
  • 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 3-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.