We strike directly north, skirting the border city of Lang Son then we join the legendary 'Highway 4' where the Viet Minh forces carried out numerous raids over uncountable passes in this remote border region. We follow the border all the way to Vietnam's major city in the north-east: Cao Bang (literal translation: 'High Plateau'). Overnight in Cao Bang.

* Cao Bang: At 300 kilometres north of Hanoi, Cao Bang is used as a base camp for all our expeditions to destinations close to the Chinese border. The region north of Cao Bang is dominated by limestone. Hence its scenery is similar to that of Ha Long Bay or Guilin (China) and offers unprecedented driving enjoyment amongst some of the most spectacular surroundings in Vietnam.

Day 3: Cao Bang – Ba Be, ~160 km, ~5 hours, (B, L, D)

We move south-west from Cao Bang and breach several passes on route in an area hosting huge mountain scenery. The Cao Bac Pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Descending the pass we see hillsides carpeted with apiaries, Vietnam's most famous honey-producing areas. In the afternoon we arrive at Ba Be Lake in the heart of a National Park. Overnight with a family in a Tay minority stilt house on the shores of the lake.

* Ba Be Lake: This pristine mountain lake, arguably Vietnam's most beautiful lake, is situated 240 kilometres north of Hanoi. Surrounded by primary jungle and limestone cliffs, the surrounding areas are inhabited principally by Thai and Hmong peoples.


Day 4: Ba Be – Bac Kan, ~90km, ~ 3hours (B, L, D)

Take a boat trip to visit the lake, swim then come back to the village for lunch. A small dirt road takes us out of National Park to Cho Don. Easy ride to Bac Kan. Overnight in Bac Kan Hotel.

Day 5: Bac Kan - Hanoi, 180km, ~7hours (B, L)

Staying off the main road for as long as possible we head back towards the Red River Delta, passing through areas inhabited by Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung minority peoples. A mixture of both challenging track and glorious sealed road all the way back to Hanoi.