From Thac Ba lake to Lam Thuong valley – The places where local life reigns
Explore two off-the-beaten-path destinations that are far away from usual tourist hotspots.
The first destination is Thac Ba Lake, which is the largest man-made lake in Vietnam. You can enjoy a boat trip, discover jungle products, have a picnic near a waterfall, and watch a Dao dance show. This is a place where local life thrives, and it is not affected by tourism. You can learn about the daily lives of the Dao people here.
The second destination is the hidden valley of Lam Thuong, where you can find yourself surrounded by lush greenery, vast rice plantations, untouched forests, and gorgeous waterfalls. You can meet hospitable Tay people and immerse yourself in their rich and authentic culture.
La vie Vu Linh – Thac Ba Lake
Highlight
Discover the healing power of jungle products with Dzao White Pants;
Wallow yourself in Tay and Dzao culture with stilt houses by the stream, delicious food, and incredible folk music;
Witness the beauty of precious stones at the market and workshop;
Set sail on an adventure across North Vietnam’s largest artificial lake;
With your trip, you support the local community through community and sustainable development tourism.
Things you shouldn’t expect on this trip:
Luxurious and convenient accommodation
A schedule filled with many activities
The hidden valley of Lam Thuong
Destination
Thac Ba Lake & Lam Thuong Valley
Included
01-night stay in Tay traditional house-on-stilt by Thac Ba Lake
01-night stay in Tay traditional house-on-stilt of the community-based tourism project Lam Thuong CBT by KPF
Meals as specified in the program
Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
The services of an experienced English-speaking tour guide/French-speaking tour guide
The services of local guides in Lam Thuong & in Thac Ba Lake
All activities and tickets in the program
Excluded
Hotel in Hanoi
Beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses
Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc…)
Trekking gear (backpack, shoes, etc …)
Individual Insurance
VAT and other taxes
Travel by car
What to bring
Sun & rain gear (including sunscreen and brimmed hat)
Warm clothes in winter (mid-November to early March)
Swimsuit
Insect repellent
Walking shoes/sandals
Toiletries, towel, and flashlight
Original passport
Price per person based on a private tour for the group of
1 person
2 people
3 people
4 people
5 people
6 people
7-10
14,076,000
8,388,000
6,790,000
5,610,000
4,940,000
4,490,000
4,110,000
Private room surcharge
Double room
Single room
Lake View double at Lavievulinh
515,000
788,000
Stream view Double with bathtub in Lam Thuong
515,000
660,000
Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at
lam@dcttravel.vn or send us inquiry through the contact form
Details
01
Day 1: Hanoi - Thac Ba Lake, 260 km ~ 5 hours
Meal: lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Shared traditional house-on-stilt of Dzao peopleEmbark on an inspiring journey to Thac Ba Lake, starting from Hanoi at 8 a.m. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding areas. Enjoy a delicious local lunch at the La Vie Vu Linh Ecolodge, and then relax in your room.
Embark on an inspiring journey to Thac Ba Lake
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with a guided jungle tour. Discover the wonders of medicinal plants and visit a nearby farm. The tour ends at the Ecolodge, where you can enjoy a peaceful evening with the friendly and welcoming Dao hosts.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with a guided jungle tour
In the evening, experience the warmth of the Dao hosts as they invite you to dine with them. Discover the unique culture and traditions of their community as you share stories and laughter together. After an exhilarating day of adventure, rest well and wake up refreshed for another day of unforgettable experiences.*LaVieVuLinh is not your typical hotel, but rather a community project that embodies the spirit of a guest house and a lodge. The staff consists of young indigenous individuals from nearby villages. By staying at LaVieVuLinh, you'll have the opportunity to directly engage with the villagers and project staff. You'll be able to exchange cultures by sharing simple moments and daily activities, such as meals, walks, seasonal ceremonies, and even day-to-day tasks, like caring for the orchard.
02
Day 2: Thac Ba lake - Lam Thuong Valley, 80km ~ 2.5 hours
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Shared traditional house-on-stilt of Tay peopleAfter breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour boat trip to explore Thac Ba Lake at 8 a.m.. This is one of the largest lakes in the region, boasting over 1,300 green islands and a beautiful cave system hidden deep within the limestone mountains. On a traditional boat, you will either learn about Dao fishing techniques, visit a fishing farm, or land on an island, and walk to its top to discover the local fauna and flora while enjoying the breathtaking lake view. You will return to the lodge by 10 a.m. for checkout.
Embark on a two-hour boat trip to explore Thac Ba Lake
Next, we will head to Lam Thuong, where you will enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at a local family restaurant. Fresh ingredients for your meal will be harvested from their garden, providing a truly authentic culinary experience that connects you to the natural bounty of the region.
Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at a local family restaurant
In the afternoon, you will hike through a palm forest and then a bamboo forest to reach the Nam Chan waterfall. Take a break to relax before walking to the homestay, where you will have dinner and spend the night with a Tay family. This traditional Tay house-on-stilt offers a cosy family atmosphere and an opportunity to embrace the local pace of life.
Nam Chan Waterfalls in Lam Thuong
03
Day 3: Lam Thuong - Luc Yen gemstone market - Hanoi, 260 km ~ 5 hours
Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: Not anyOn the final day of your trip to the land of the Tay people, you will say goodbye to your host family after breakfast and head to the unique natural gemstone market in Luc Yen. Your local tour guide for the day, a skilled gemstone craftsman, will accompany you and reveal the story of the market, including the origin of this special market, the methods used to extract the stones, and the health benefits of gemstones.
Gemstone market in Luc Yen
You will also visit a multi-generational jewellery workshop, where you can learn about the techniques of making jewellery with gemstones. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with a lcal family while admiring the view of a lush green garden before returning to Hanoi, which concludes our services.If you wish to extend your tour, we offer Sapa or the Ha Giang package for your convenience.
Travel by car 
Embark on an inspiring journey to Thac Ba Lake
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature with a guided jungle tour
Embark on a two-hour boat trip to explore Thac Ba Lake
Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at a local family restaurant
Nam Chan Waterfalls in Lam Thuong
Gemstone market in Luc Yen
