It was a valuable 10-day experience for me in April 2023, along with my friends. They are professional runners, while I am just someone who exercises regularly (2-3 times a week). However, thanks to the trip with them, I truly had the opportunity to broaden my horizons with the breathtaking natural landscapes of Vietnam.

We started our journey from Hanoi to Ba Be – a place known for Vietnam's largest freshwater lake, located in Ba Be National Park. After savoring the local cuisine at a market and visiting a famous cave, we embarked on our first day of hiking. We covered a distance of 7km through the local village to admire the panoramic view of the village of "Cam Tau" from above and engage in conversations with the locals.

We spent the first 2 nights of the trip resting at a local house and immersing ourselves in all the local activities. It was the home of an ethnic resident, and the hostess cooked delicious meals using the freshest ingredients from her garden. After a long day of activities, I was captivated by the flavors of “Chả lát lốt” (grilled minced meat in betel leaf) and “Canh Chua” (sour soup) that she prepared. I fondly remember the hiking trip in Ba Be National Park, passing through a Dao ethnic village, and concluding the journey with a refreshing swim in the heart of the lake. It was truly a memorable and emotional experience.

The following eight days left me with numerous memories, with each day offering a unique and exciting experience. It's truly challenging to encompass everything in a single article like this. I'm sharing the highlights that I believe everyone should experience along this route at least once. It's suitable for a wide range of people, including young children and the elderly. You don't necessarily need to be an athlete. All you need is to be someone who enjoys hiking and appreciates stunning scenery.

The day I want to recount, which I believe is suitable for many people, is the 8th day – nearing the end of our 10-day journey. On that day, we bid farewell to “Khuoi Khon Village,” an ancient village of the Lô Lô ethnic group in Cao Bang (Cao Bang is a UNESCO-recognized global geopark). Speaking of the impressions of Khuoi Khon, it's an old village with 60 households, characterized by pleasant and refreshingly cool weather. This place is also where a documentary film titled "Forgotten Lands" was filmed.

We left “Khuoi Khon Village” with fond memories in the morning to travel to another village in Cao Bang. What's worth mentioning here is the scenery along the road from “Khuoi Khon Village” to Cao Bang. The first impression is the lush green mountain peaks standing closely together, beneath which stretch vast expanses of green grasslands. This captivating view undoubtedly charms nature enthusiasts and scenery admirers. We had the opportunity to experience the 15-tier pass known as Me Pia Pass.

The image above depicts Ban Gioc Waterfalls, which was also one of the highlights of our journey. After visiting the waterfall, we continued on to two traditional villages: Phuc Sen Village, known for its knives that delight chefs and cooking enthusiasts, and Zó Paper Village, where we not only marveled at the Nung ethnic group's houses but also observed the fascinating process of making Zó paper. This unique type of paper is crafted from tree bark and has various practical uses in daily life, such as creating matchstick covers, lanterns, cards, and calendars.

As you can see, recounting a single day in detail involves engaging in a multitude of diverse activities. Visiting must-see attractions, immersing ourselves in the culture of craft villages, participating in experiential activities, conversing with local residents, and, of course, enjoying the scenic beauty were all part of the experience.

As you can see, recounting a single day in detail involves engaging in a multitude of diverse activities. Visiting must-see attractions, immersing ourselves in the culture of craft villages, participating in experiential activities, conversing with local residents, and, of course, enjoying the scenic beauty were all part of the experience.

The morning activities of the 8th day didn't tire us out; we still had plenty of energy to continue our exploration with an afternoon village walk, covering a distance of 6km. The path was mostly level, with some sections paved with concrete and others not. With terrain and length like this, it was particularly suitable for a variety of people, from young children to elderly individuals who enjoy leisurely scenic walks, especially in places that are still pristine and less frequented by tourists like this. The route we took was from Phuc Sen Village to Phia Thap Village.

The road to the village had many winding stretches alongside the mountain ranges. Along the way, we paused to take photos and engage in conversations with local residents. The sensation was incredibly intimate and rustic.

I'm not good at remembering the names of tree species, but the scenery and the love for nature are undoubtedly ingrained within me. Who wouldn't cherish moments of leisurely walking in the cool air of such a peaceful countryside village?

On the final day, as we concluded our journey, we continued to enjoy leisurely walks while admiring the scenery. Visiting a historical landmark, the emotions I experienced at that moment are still vivid in my mind even now.

A 10-day journey filled with a range of emotions and experiences. For me, traveling is more than just a trip; it's a priceless experience shared with friends and family. These are moments that I truly cherish with my dear ones.

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