Day 1: Hanoi to Ba Be
In the morning, we drive through typical northern countryside to Thai Nguyen where the finest green tea in Vietnam is grown. In the afternoon, drive on to the Ba Be district in Bac Kan province. Here we stay in one of the traditional wooden houses in the Tay Hamlets of spectacular Ba Be National Park. The scenic landscape of the park is unequalled in Vietnam. It is home to hundreds of species of wild animals, many registered in Vietnam's Red Book of Rare and Valuable Animals and Plants. We may even see a Tibetan bear or a "turn-up nose" primate... Dinner is delicious local fare cooked over a wood fire by the lady of the house. We are welcomed like members of the family in this comfortable and airy home.

Day 2: Ba Be to Cao Bang
In the morning, we take a beautiful boat ride across three big, deep, startlingly green lakes that lie nestled in limestone mountains formed over 200 million years ago. We visit an impressive cave and a romantic waterfall. After lunch, we cruise back to the quay and drive to Cao Bang. Overnight in Cao Bang.

Day 3: Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfalls and Lang Son
This drive takes in the most stunning vistas of the mountainous area where Ho Chi Minh first returned to Vietnam after 30 years travelling the world. Here he began the struggle on his native soil for the liberation of Vietnam from French colonial rule. Drive to the Chinese border where we see the superb Ban Gioc Water Falls marking the border between Vietnam and China. After a picnic lunch, we head on to Lang Son. Overnight in Lang Son.

Day 4: Lang Son to Hanoi
We visit an enchanting complex of little shrines from the 18th century, hidden away in caves. We see how the Vietnamese people practice Buddhism in the traditional way. We then return to Hanoi by road arriving late afternoon.