Day 1: HA NOI- BA BE (250km/ 6h drive)
08H00. Departure by road for Ba Be through the mountainous regions of Tonkin. Stunning wild mountain scenery with terraced rice paddies, bamboo paddlewheels on both river banks. Lunch en route, then arrive at the pier Puocluong, boat trip on the Nang River which sneaks into a cultivated countryside before entering a landscape of Ba Be limestone cliffs, on the flank of which cling small wild gardens from which hang lianas and long roots in search of land. Sometimes earthy mounds are swallowed by the jungle, stained with blood-red cannas, marbled with silvery trunks, and old trees twist to lean over the river. The other attraction of navigation is the spectacle of fishing. Nasses line the course of the river, men throw the sparrowhawk, others hit the rocky banks to dislodge tiny shrimps. We enter the Puong cave-tunnel bank. The river runs only on one side, leaving a bank to admire on foot the stalactites of this avenue. Continuation of a boat trip in the enchanting scenery of Ba Be Lake; the lake "of the three seas" which stretches for 9 km long and a width of 100 to 1800 m, is at 145 m above sea level. It is at the end of 3 valleys that meet in an arc. Ba Be is not only a site for the imaginative, but also for nature lovers. Nearly forty species of mammals live there, as well as over a hundred species of birds and many butterflies. Visit Dau Dang waterfalls. Then continue boat to the village Pac Ngoi des Tay located not far from the lake on the hillside. The Tays who settled there live from fishing, rice growing and maize. Their houses on stilts, with thatched roof, pleasantly decorate the austere surrounding landscapes. Dinner and overnight at the inhabitant.
Day 2: BA BE- HA NOI (250km/ 6h drive)
After breakfast at home, walk to the village of Pac Ngoi des Tay. Then departure by road to visit a beautiful cave Hua Ma located 7 km from the lake. Continuation of road to Hanoi. Stops at pleasure to extend the legs, take pictures, or make contact with the villagers. Lunch en route Arrival and end of the excursion.