This was a fantastic tour and well worth the long journey to get to Ban Gioc. Our tour guide, Loi, was excellent and made the journey interesting with several impromptu stops for photographs, walking through isolated villages, rice fields etc. Loi was always willing to take group photos and help with any requests. The scenery was amazing and the stay at Ba Be lake was beautiful, loved the boat trip, too! We were a little concerned about "Homestays" before the tour, but both homes were excellent and our hosts did everything to make the stay enjoyable. Leave your suitcase at the hotel and travel light. Mattresses at the first Homestay were a bit hard, but the food was excellent and early morning views over the rice fields and hot showers made it worthwhile. The Homestay at Ba Be lake was more like a hotel (we booked a private room, even had air con!). Shared bathrooms were functional with plenty of hot water.

The three-day experience out at Ba Be was a little expensive, but given that we were pampered, the only customers in the van, among very few people at the quiet home stay at Ba Be Lake, and got to bike and hang out with the charming Mike (Minh Tu?), it was more than worth it. Compliments to Mr. Khung for safe driving, over 500 kilometers. Compliments to the homestay managers for good food and just the right amount of service — affable, but not in your face too much.

Ba Be is a placid lake with great bird life, and idyllic rice paddies and villages. Development does seem to be increasing, with many new tourist structures going up. There are almost too many motor boats on the water. Enjoy while it lasts. Two nights was plenty for my husband, but I’d gladly idle away a week or more there, exploring caves and kayaking on the lake.

This is an excellent tour. Here are what you can expect.

1. The tour takes you to places that others do not go to. This means that its going to be a long drive, long walk and long quiet silence into places that are not touristy.

2. Don't expect to be shopping. to be staying in 5 star hotels and to be eating western food. Expect to stay with the locals (clean and quiet place) Expect to eat local food (Vietnam/chinese mixture of vegetable and meats)

3. Dont expect 100% english speaking guides that are able to converse with you and have a joke. Do expect English Speaking guide that are doing their UPMOST BEST to help you have a smooth trip.

4. This is a great tour, great trip towards area and places that you won't be able to visit unless you research thoroughly or are very travel savy.