Ba Be
3 days 2 nights
Paddle boarding, camping, hiking
6/10
5 (0 Customer rating)
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Tour overview

With 3 days of immersive exploration in Ba Be National Park, you'll embark on the most thrilling adventure imaginable: SUP paddling along the dramatic Nang River, gliding through the majestic Puong Cave, trekking through lush primordial forests, camping under the stars by the serene Ba Be Lake, and countless other unforgettable experiences.

This isn't just a standard SUP tour or ordinary outdoor trip—it's a captivating journey deep into nature, discovering one of the most stunning and pristine regions in Northern Vietnam.

Highlight

  • Paddle boarding on the scenic Nang River
  • Paddle through the majestic Puong Cave
  • Camping by the river 
  • Paddle and swimming in pristine Ba Be Lake
Summary

  • Departure from: Hà Nội

  • Min: 5 people

  • Destination: Ba Be

  • Max: 15 people

  • Duration: 3 days 2 nights

  • Best season: Year-round

  • Activities: Paddle boarding, camping, hiking

  • Level: 6/10

Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Cho Ra Town – Ba Be NP – Campsite

06:30 Departure from Hanoi to Bac Kan Province. Enjoy the scenic drive northward, with a short break en route in Thai Nguyen for coffee or snacks.

12:00 Lunch in Cho Ra town, savoring local Vietnamese dishes to fuel up for the adventure ahead.

13:00 Transfer to Bo Luom boat dock. Here, we gear up and begin our exciting SUP paddling adventure downstream along the breathtaking Nang River toward Puong Cave and Ba Be Lake.

The Nang River is narrow with a swift current, creating an exhilarating yet manageable paddle. The scenery is incredibly diverse and majestic: towering steep cliffs on one side, opening up to lush narrow valleys and golden cornfields on the other. The absolute highlight? Paddling straight through Puong Cave – a massive, awe-inspiring river cave that the Nang flows directly through. Thanks to the strong downstream current, the distance feels effortless despite covering significant ground.

15:30 As we emerge from the dramatic darkness of Puong Cave back into the sunlight, we pull over for a delightful refreshment stop on a small riverside island along the Nang River. Continue paddling toward the confluence where the Nang River meets Ba Be Lake. We'll then switch to a motorboat for a smooth cruise into the lake. In warmer months (especially summer), the boat stops for a refreshing swim in Ba Be's crystal-clear, emerald waters.

Arrival at the exclusive Umove Adventure campsite near Pac Ngoi village. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink, check into your cozy tent, freshen up with showers, and relax before dinner.

19:00 Dinner at the campsite, featuring delicious local specialties. Afterward, gather around the campfire for joyful moments – stories, laughter, and stargazing with new friends before a peaceful night.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner  

Day 2: Campsite – Fairy Pond – Dau Dang Waterfall – Homestay

07:30 Wake up to the serene sounds of Ba Be Lake and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the lakeside camping area, with fresh local ingredients and stunning morning views over the water.

08:30 Gear up for an exciting day of SUP paddling as we explore the emerald expanses of Ba Be Lake. Following the dramatic limestone cliffs along the shoreline, we'll paddle to sacred An Ma Island (home to the ancient An Ma Temple) before continuing onward to the hidden gem of Ao Tien (Fairy Pond) – a magical, secluded fairy pond nestled in the forest.

12:00 Arrive at Fairy Pond for a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by pristine nature. Savor delicious packed meals while taking in the tranquil beauty of this hidden spot.

After lunch, paddle back toward the Nang River to conquer its most spectacular and wildest section – a breathtaking stretch lined with towering majestic cliffs, lush vegetation, and dramatic karst formations that make it one of the highlights of the entire trip.

After about an hour of immersive paddling, we reach the dock near Dau Dang Waterfall. Leave the SUP boards behind and embark on a scenic ~1km walk through the forest to the cascading waterfall. Time to relax, swim in the refreshing pools, take photos, and soak up the magical atmosphere.

Return to the dock and board the support motorboat back across Ba Be Lake. If time and weather permit, we'll make stops for free swimming in the lake's crystal-clear waters.

16:30 The motorboat transfers us to charming Pac Ngoi village, a traditional Tay ethnic community right on the lakeshore. Tonight, we’ll check into a welcoming traditional Tay stilt-house homestay, where you’ll experience genuine hospitality.

18:30 Enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner featuring authentic Tay specialties (grilled fish, sticky rice, local vegetables). Relax and immerse in the warm hospitality of your homestay family.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 3: Homestay – Hiking – Return to Ha Noi

07:30 Start the final day with a delicious breakfast at your homestay, enjoying traditional local dishes while taking in the peaceful morning atmosphere of Pac Ngoi village and the glistening lake.

08:30 After breakfast, we begin with a gentle stroll through Pac Ngoi village, passing traditional stilt houses and greeting friendly locals, before setting off on a scenic 2-hour forest hike to An Ma Island.

This hike is relatively easy and enjoyable – with minimal elevation gain and a well-defined trail that winds through lush jungle, offering beautiful views of the lake and surrounding karst mountains along the way. No steep or rugged sections, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

At the end of the trail, we arrive at An Ma Island, the largest island on Ba Be Lake and a place of spiritual significance. We’ll visit the sacred An Ma Temple, a serene and historic site nestled among the trees, where locals come to pray and honor the lake’s protective spirits.

After exploring the temple, we’ll pick up our SUP boards for a short, relaxing paddle across to the opposite shore of Ba Be Lake, heading toward our lunch spot.

11:30 Upon reaching the far shore, we’ll have time to freshen up with a quick shower and change into dry clothes at a local facility. Then enjoy a hearty farewell lunch at a lakeside restaurant, savoring one last taste of authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, we transfer to the pickup point and board the comfortable vehicle for the return journey to Hanoi. Along the way, reflect on the incredible memories from this unforgettable adventure as the landscapes roll by. Expected arrival in Hanoi: around 19:00

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

Inclusion & Exclusion

​

Inclusion

  • Motorboat transfer in Ba Be lake
  • Round-trip bus: Hanoi – Ba Be – Hanoi
  • Inflatble SUP & accessories 
  • Homestay
  • Caving gears
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Tour guide
  • Daily drinking water
  • Entrance fees
  • Local travel insurance

Exclusion

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

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Departure schedule
Departure day Finish day   Tour cost
Difficulty of the activity

Difficulty Level (6/10): Most people can participate in the tour, children from 6 years old and above also can join with parents. It will be easier and more comfortable for you to experience outdoor activities if you have good preparation for physical training before the trip. The duration of each trip is 2 days generally. With those trekking tours at this level, it might take 2 – 3 hours/day to do the trek with the quite easy terrain. At the same level, the kayaking and SUP tours, 2 – 3 hours/ days paddling with the large water surface, and plenty of times to take photos and rest as well.

Suggested physical training: Practice running or kayaking/SUP 1 - 2 weeks in advance. Run twice a week, each session 3 - 5km every night. Or paddling from 2- 3 times, each time is 5 km.

Equipment

Equipment provided by UA:

  • SUP & accessories
  • Caving gears
  • Life jacket 
  • First aid bag  
  • Insect repellent 

 

Essential stuff you need to bring: 

  • Reuseable 1L water bottle
  • Walking shoes
  • Flip-flop or sandals
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Personal toiletries 
  • Phone, camera & accessories 
  • ID card or passport

Optional items to bring:

  • Personal medicines
  • Folding knife or multi-tool
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Sun screen, hat, sunglasses 
Umove Adventure equipment provided
Essential info

1. Travel insurance

2. Referring to the postpose policy, and cancel the tour in the requirement and instructions here. 

3. Reading and signing the exclude all liability before departing

  • The customers who buy adventure tours from Umove Adventure have enough awareness about the level of challenge as well as other physical challenges and other potential dangers during the tour. Hence the customer is asked to read and sign the Exclude all Liability form before departing. Find the form below and read it carefully.
  • Download and review the Release of Liability Form [here]

4. Notes on the SUP & Hikking Route

  • On the first day, we will paddle about 8 km from the Boc Luom wharf to the river junction where the Nang River meets Ba Be Lake. On the second day we paddle about 12km from the Ba Be wharf to Dau Dang Waterfall. The entire paddle is downstream with a fairly fast current. Physical fitness is not an issue; however, for those who do not have much experience paddling SUP in strong currents, it may be a bit concerning at first. You need to wear a life jacket, attach a leash, and should not stand on the SUP right from the starting point. After paddling about 1-2 km and feeling more comfortable with the water, you can start standing up to paddle.
  • While paddling on the river, you need to pay attention to avoiding areas with swift currents or obstacles like branches and stones. Please note, if you can swim and have considerable paddling experience, you may take off your life jacket and secure it on the SUP, but you must not remove the leash.
  • Our hiking route is quite gentle with a short walking time, easy trails, and no significant elevation gain. However, you still need to have suitable sports or walking shoes for a safe and comfortable hike in the forest.

5. Food & Drink

  • Lunch will be provided at the camping site and local restaurants with a diverse range of dishes featuring many "local flavors." Dinner and lunch mainly consist of dishes made from fish, chicken, pork, and seasonal vegetables and fruits. Breakfast at the camping site usually includes chicken noodle soup, pork rib noodles, or instant noodles with eggs.
  • If you have dietary restrictions or are vegetarian, please inform the UA team in advance so they can prepare suitable food for you. In cases where you have special dietary requirements that we cannot accommodate (due to health, medical, or religious reasons, etc.), we recommend that you prepare your own food to bring along.
  • Drinking water will be provided daily. UA encourages customers to limit the use of single-use plastic and nylon products; therefore, we suggest you bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the large container we provide.
  • Alcoholic beverages are not allowed while paddling SUP, kayaking, or trekking. Alcohol and soft drinks are not included in the meal.

6. Protecting the environment together

  • Umove Adventure supports and practices Leave No Trace principles in each program and outdoor activities itself. We also encourage our customers and partners to apply to Leave No Trace principles when traveling in the outdoor environment. See details about the Leave No Trace tại đây
  • In order to limit the use of single-use plastic, Umove Adventure encourages each of us to prepare for ourselves a bottle of water with a 1L capacity for daily water refilling.
  • On the tour, tourists comply with the instructions and regulations on environmental protection at the destination. 

7. Medical assistance

  • If you have cardiovascular disease or bone and joint diseases (knees, ankles, shoulder joints, etc.), you should consult your doctor before deciding to join the trip. 
  • We only provide first aid during the tour and do not provide any oral medication so if you have any health problems that require precautionary medication please bring your own.
Q&A
What is the best time to go on this program?

Ba Be Lake is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique charm and experiences. The ideal period for this program is March to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant:

  • Perfect for cooling off with swims in the crystal-clear waters of Ba Be Lake.
  • Lush greenery and vibrant natural scenery at their peak.
  • In spring (March–May), the landscape bursts into color with red peach blossoms and white cotton flowers set against the brilliant blue sky—a truly picturesque backdrop for paddling and camping.

From November onward, temperatures cool down significantly (often 15–22°C), making it an excellent time for:

  • Comfortable SUP paddling and trekking without excessive heat.
  • Crisp, clear days ideal
What is the minimum age for children to join this tour?

This SUP adventure is suitable for children aged 12 and older, who must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times.

  • Participants under 18 require parental consent and supervision.
  • Younger children (under 12) are not permitted due to safety considerations, including the downstream river current on the Nang River, paddling through Puong Cave, and the physical nature of the trekking and camping activities.
  • All participants (regardless of age) must be able to swim confidently and follow the guide's safety instructions.

If you're traveling with younger children or have specific questions about family suitability, please contact us—we're happy to discuss alternatives or private tour options!

Can I join this tour if I have no paddle boarding experience?

Yes! This SUP adventure is designed to be beginner-friendly and suitable for those with little or no prior paddle boarding experience.

The SUP segment on day 1 & day 2 is entirely downstream on the Nang River with a gentle-to-moderate current that does most of the work for you — minimal physical effort required. Our professional guides provide a full safety briefing and basic SUP instruction before you start paddling, including how to balance, paddle efficiently, and handle the board.

The calmer waters of Ba Be Lake is ideal for relaxed paddling and building confidence.

Can I join this tour if I’m going alone?

Yes, definitely! This join-in SUP adventure is perfectly suitable for solo travelers.

  • Many of our guests join individually and end up making new friends around the campfire, during paddling, or on the hike.
  • The group size is small (typically 6–15 participants), creating a friendly and social atmosphere.
  • You'll be paired with others for shared tents (same-gender unless otherwise requested) or can upgrade to a single tent for an additional fee (subject to availability—please inquire when booking).
  • Our professional guide and team ensure everyone feels included, safe, and supported throughout the trip—no prior companions needed.

 

How much do I need to deposit when registering? When is the remaining amount due?

Deposit requirement to secure your booking, a 50% deposit of the total tour price is required at the time of registration.

Payment Methods:

  • Bank transfer
  • Credit/debit card via OnePay (secure online payment gateway)

Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid no later than 1 day before the departure date, using the same payment methods (bank transfer or OnePay).

Important note: Umove Adventure will only confirm your booking once the deposit has been received. You will receive a confirmation email with full details shortly after payment.

We recommend completing payment early to guarantee your spot, especially during peak seasons!

Can I postpone/cancel the tour before the departure date?

Depending on how far in advance you cancel or postpone compared to the departure date, you may have to pay a fee. If you wish to change your departure date or switch to another tour, Umove Adventure will reschedule your departure and may charge a fee (or not). For details, please refer to our cancellation policy.

If I am vegetarian (or have a dietary restriction), can the tour accommodate this?

Please inform Umove Adventure of any vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary requirements/restrictions (e.g., allergies, halal, gluten-free) at the time of booking or as early as possible.

We will verify with our local partners and suppliers at the Ba Be tour destination to confirm whether your specific needs can be fully accommodated. You will be notified promptly regarding availability.

In most cases, vegetarian options are readily available throughout the tour (including homestay meals, picnics, and campsite dinners). However, due to the remote nature of Ba Be National Park and reliance on fresh local ingredients, some specialized diets may have limited variety.

To ensure the best possible experience, early notification allows us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

 

 

Can I bring my pet (dog/cat) along?

Umove Adventure does not organize pet-friendly tours as standard, due to the nature of the activities (SUP paddling on rivers and lakes, camping, group trekking, and shared transportation).

However, in exceptional cases and only for small, well-behaved pets, we may consider your request subject to the following strict conditions:

  • Unanimous consent from all other participants in the group must be obtained in advance.
  • You (the owner) take full responsibility for your pet’s behavior, safety, cleanliness, and any waste disposal throughout the tour.
  • The pet must not interfere with activities, other guests, or wildlife (e.g., no barking/disturbance during camping or paddling).
  • Additional requirements may apply (vaccination records, leash, carrier, etc.).

To request permission, please contact us as early as possible when booking. We will check with the group and confirm feasibility.

For the comfort and safety of all guests, we generally recommend leaving pets at home or arranging separate pet care.

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