Itinerary for Nà Khoang Waterfall – Ba Bể Lake – Hua Mạ Cave

Below is a suggested itinerary for 2 days and 1 night: Nà Khoang Waterfall – Ba Bể Lake – Hua Mạ Cave, suitable for going with friends or family to experience Bắc Kạn on the weekend.

Suitable time

It is recommended to go for 2 days and 1 night to have enough time for sightseeing without being too rushed. This route is reasonable because Nà Khoang Waterfall is located in Nà Phặc, Ngân Sơn district, near National Road 3 and the foot of Gió Pass, making it convenient to stop along the way; while Hua Mạ Cave is located near Ba Bể Lake, about a few kilometers from the lake, so it can be combined in the same trip.

Day 01: Departure – Nà Khoang Waterfall – Ba Bể Lake

06:00 – 06:30 | Departure

Depart from Hanoi or the center of Bắc Kạn. If coming from Hanoi, it is advisable to leave early to have more time for stops and sightseeing during the day.

10:30 – 11:30 | Stop at Nà Khoang Waterfall

Visit Nà Khoang Waterfall, also known as Nà Phặc Waterfall, located in Nà Khoang village, Nà Phặc town, Ngân Sơn district. The waterfall has a quite pristine landscape, with water cascading over many rocky layers, surrounded by lush forest trees, making it very suitable for taking photos, resting, and enjoying the fresh air.

Here, you can check-in by the lake at the foot of the waterfall, sit by the stream, or organize a light meal. If the weather is nice, the waterfall is a great spot for picnic-style photos.

11:30 – 12:30 | Lunch at Nà Phặc or on the way to Ba Bể

Lunch in the Nà Phặc area or a suitable stop along the way. You can choose local dishes such as hill chicken, stream fish, forest vegetables, and local pork.

12:30 – 15:30 | Travel to Ba Bể Lake tourist area

After lunch, continue traveling to Ba Bể Lake. On the way, you can admire the mountainous scenery, villages, and terraced fields typical of the highlands of Bắc Kạn.

15:30 – 17:30 | Check in to homestay and rest

It is advisable to choose a homestay in the Pác Ngòi, Bó Lù area or near the Ba Bể Lake pier for convenience in dining, resting, and taking a boat the next day.

17:30 – 19:00 | Stroll around the village, watch the sunset at Ba Bể Lake

In the afternoon, you can stroll around the village, enjoy the lake scenery, take light photos, or relax after the journey.

19:00 – 21:00 | Dinner at the homestay

Enjoy dinner with specialties such as grilled fish from Ba Bể Lake, hill chicken, local pork, forest vegetables, and sticky rice. After dinner, you can socialize, drink tea, or rest early.

Day 02: Ba Bể Lake – Hua Mạ Cave – Return

07:00 – 08:00 | Breakfast

Breakfast at the homestay, prepare personal items, drinking water, comfortable shoes, and a camera.

08:00 – 11:00 | Boat trip to explore Ba Bể Lake

Start the boat trip on Ba Bể Lake. This is the must-have experience when visiting Ba Bể as visitors will get to admire the clear blue lake, limestone mountains, primeval forests, and the peaceful atmosphere characteristic of the lake area.

You can also combine visiting some highlights around the lake such as Bà Góa Island, An Mạ Temple, Tiên Pond, Puông Cave, or nearby points depending on the actual time.

11:00 – 12:00 | Lunch

Lunch at the homestay or a local restaurant. After that, pack your luggage and check out.

12:30 – 14:00 | Visit Hua Mạ Cave

Travel to Hua Mạ Cave, a famous cave located in Ba Bể National Park. The cave is situated halfway up Cô Đơn Mountain, about 6–10 km from Ba Bể Lake depending on the route, with many stalactites, stone columns, and a cool, mystical atmosphere inside.

When visiting the cave, it is advisable to wear sports shoes as there are stairs and the cave floor may be a bit damp. The suitable visiting time is about 60–90 minutes.

14:00 – 18:30 | Departure back

After visiting Hua Mạ Cave, get on the bus to return to the starting point. If there is still time, you can stop to buy Bắc Kạn specialties such as dong vermicelli, dried bamboo shoots, sausage, smoked buffalo meat, and seasonal forest vegetables.