Overview
The Ha Giang Cao Bang 5 days 4 nights tour is our most complete Northern Vietnam road adventure combining the legendary Ha Giang Loop with the hidden wonders of Cao Bang. In just five days, you'll ride iconic mountain passes, explore ethnic villages, trek dramatic viewpoints, and finish at the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall.
This ha giang cao bang 5 days 4 nights itinerary is designed for travelers who want more scenery, more culture, and a better pace. You'll experience the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, the Nho Que River & Tu San Canyon, and then continue into Cao Bang for Pac Bo historical site, countryside backroads, caves, craft villages, and unique limestone landscapes.
Travel with experienced local guides and a well-planned route with plenty of photo stops and rest breaks. Choose an Easy Rider (sit back as a passenger), Self-driving or go by Jeep with your group for extra comfort. Either way, this is the best way to experience Ha Giang and Cao Bang in one unforgettable journey.
Itinerary
Hanoi → Ha Giang (Night Sleeper Bus)
Your Ha Giang Cao Bang 5 days 4 nights adventure begins with a comfortable night sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Arrive early the next morning, check in at Loop Trails Hostel, and recharge before the road trip begins.
Depart Hanoi
Pick up from Hanoi (Old Quarter or My Dinh area). Settle into your sleeper bed and rest as you travel north through the night.
Arrive Ha Giang & Rest
Arrive in Ha Giang City, check in at Loop Trails Hostel, shower, grab a coffee, and rest before your briefing.
Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Lao Xa (Dong Van)
Day 1 of the ha giang cao bang 5 days 4 nights tour takes you into the heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Ride iconic passes, visit a former Hmong royal residence, and end the day in Lao Xa — a peaceful village known for its traditional stone houses.
Breakfast & Loop Briefing
Enjoy breakfast at Loop Trails Hostel. Your guide will review the route, safety notes, and expectations for the trip.
Ride Bac Sum Pass & Heaven Gate
Begin the journey through Bac Sum Pass, then stop at Heaven Gate (Quan Ba) for panoramic views of the Twin Mountains and valleys below.
Lunch in Yen Minh
Traditional local lunch in Yen Minh, then continue deeper into the geopark with scenic stops along the way.
Geopark Highlights
Photo stops at Tham Ma Pass, visit Lao Sa / Lao Xa area villages, and explore the impressive Vuong Palace (the former residence of the Hmong King).
Arrive Lao Xa & Homestay Night
Check in to a local homestay in Lao Xa. In the evening, enjoy dinner, local games, traditional music, and a taste of the famous "happy water".
Lao Xa → Lung Cu → Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng → Nho Que River → Meo Vac
Today is the visual highlight of your ha giang cao bang 5 days 4 nights journey. Visit Vietnam's northernmost point at Lung Cu Flag Tower, ride the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, trek the Skywalk, then cruise the emerald Nho Que River through Tu San Canyon.
Breakfast in Lao Xa
Enjoy breakfast at the homestay, pack your bags, and get ready for an epic riding day.
Check Out & Hit the Road
Depart Lao Xa and ride toward Dong Van's dramatic highlands.
Vuong Palace (Hmong King's Palace)
Learn about regional history and architecture at the former residence of the Hmong King.
Lung Cu Flag Tower
Reach the northernmost area of Vietnam and climb to a panoramic viewpoint over borderland landscapes.
Lunch in Dong Van
Return to Dong Van for lunch, then prepare for the most famous pass of the entire trip.
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Ride Ma Pi Leng — one of Vietnam's Four Great Passes — with unforgettable viewpoints over the Nho Que River far below.
Ma Pi Leng Skywalk Trek
Optional trek along the Skywalk for dramatic cliffside views (pace adjusted to your group's comfort level).
Nho Que River Boat Tour & Tu San Canyon
Cruise the turquoise river through Tu San Canyon — one of the deepest canyons in the region — surrounded by towering limestone walls.
Arrive Meo Vac (Hotel Night)
Check in to a hotel in Meo Vac for your second night. Dinner with the group and free time to explore the local town atmosphere.
Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Khau Coc Cha Pass → Pac Bo → Ha Quang
Day 3 transitions from Ha Giang into the quieter roads of Cao Bang. Expect breathtaking passes, peaceful valleys, and meaningful history at Pac Bo — a key site in Vietnam's revolutionary story.
Breakfast in Meo Vac
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and take a few moments to soak up the mountain air before departure.
Ride Toward Bao Lac
Hit the road for a scenic ride across remote highland landscapes and dramatic mountain passes.
Lunch in Bao Lac
Refuel with lunch in Bao Lac, then continue into one of the most photogenic roads of the trip.
Khau Coc Cha Pass (15-Step Pass)
Stop at Khau Coc Cha Pass — famous for its "15 steps". Optional short hike to a viewpoint overlooking the full pass and the peaceful Xuan Truong Valley.
Xuan Truong Valley
Visit the serene Xuan Truong Valley for photos and a calmer glimpse of local countryside life.
Na Tenh Pass Photo Stop
Quick scenic stop at Na Tenh Pass before heading to a historical highlight of Cao Bang.
Pac Bo Historical Site
Explore the Pac Bo historical site, known for its natural beauty and its importance in Vietnam's modern history.
Overnight in Ha Quang (Me Farmstay)
Arrive and check in at Me Farmstay for your third night. Enjoy dinner and a relaxed countryside evening.
Ha Quang → Tra Linh → Trung Khanh → Ban Gioc Waterfall
Day 4 of the ha giang cao bang 5 days 4 nights tour is all about Cao Bang's countryside magic — green valleys, quiet backroads, viewpoint hikes, and the iconic Ban Gioc Waterfall near the Vietnam–China border.
Depart Me Farmstay
After breakfast, depart for a scenic ride through the countryside of Cao Bang.
Tra Linh Visit
Stop in Tra Linh for local views and a glimpse of daily life in this remote border region.
Lunch in Trung Khanh
Enjoy lunch in Trung Khanh — the gateway district to Ban Gioc Waterfall and many of Cao Bang's best natural sights.
Hike to Pi Pha Viewpoint (Ngoc Con)
Short hike to Pi Pha viewpoint for sweeping views over limestone hills and rice fields (seasonal).
Countryside Shortcut to Ban Gioc
Ride a beautiful countryside backroad in Trung Khanh — a hidden highlight with peaceful scenery and minimal traffic.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia's most impressive waterfalls. Enjoy viewpoints and time for photos.
Optional: Refreshing Swim (Seasonal)
Optional stop near Rock Village for a refreshing dip when conditions are safe (seasonal and weather dependent).
Overnight Near Ban Gioc
Check in near Ban Gioc Waterfall (Rock Village area) for your final night. Dinner and a relaxed countryside evening.
Ban Gioc → Nguom Ngao Cave → Phuc Sen → God's Eye Mountain → Cao Bang City
On the final day of your ha giang cao bang 5 days 4 nights tour, explore Cao Bang's most famous cave, visit traditional craft villages, and end with one of the region's most unique landscapes — God's Eye Mountain — before returning to Cao Bang City.
Nguom Ngao Cave
Explore Nguom Ngao Cave — one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Cao Bang, filled with impressive stalactites and chambers.
Quay Son River Views
Stop for peaceful views of the Quay Son River as it winds through green valleys near the border.
Phuc Sen (Dia Tren) Craft Village
Visit the famous craft village in Phuc Sen to learn about local traditional production (seasonal activities may vary).
Phia Thap Incense Village
Discover Phia Thap incense village and learn how the Nung people make traditional incense sticks by hand.
God's Eye Mountain
Visit God's Eye Mountain — one of the most unique limestone formations in Cao Bang, famous for its natural "eye" opening.
Arrive Cao Bang City
Return to Cao Bang City. Optional: take a night bus back to Hanoi or continue to your next destination.
Route Map
Route overview: Hanoi → Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Lao Xa (Dong Van) → Lung Cu → Ma Pi Leng → Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Ha Quang → Trung Khanh → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Cao Bang City
What's Included
Included
- Professional local guide (Easy Rider or Jeep driver)
- 5 nights dorm bed accommodation (upgrade to private room available)
- 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Quality helmet and rain poncho
- Fuel for the entire journey
- Bottled water during rides
- All entrance fees and permits
- 24/7 support throughout the tour
Not Included
- Bus tickets Hanoi → Ha Giang and/or Cao Bang → Hanoi (can arrange on checkout)
- Personal expenses and snacks
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips for guide (appreciated)
- Single room or private room upgrade
- Alcoholic beverages
Reviews
"We joined the Ha Giang Cao Bang 5 days 4 nights tour and it was the highlight of our Vietnam trip. Ma Pi Leng and the Nho Que River were unreal, and Cao Bang felt peaceful and authentic. Ban Gioc Waterfall was the perfect finish."
"Incredible route and well organized. The pacing of the ha giang cao bang 5 days 4 nights itinerary was spot on — lots of stops, great food, and the guides were super professional. The Skywalk + boat ride was a must-do."
"Best multi-day road trip I've ever done. I chose Easy Rider and felt safe the entire time. Cao Bang surprised me the most — caves, craft villages, and those green valleys near Ban Gioc. Highly recommended!"
FAQs
Absolutely! Most guests choose the Easy Rider option — you ride as a passenger while an experienced driver handles the mountain roads, making this tour comfortable even for first-timers.
Pack light but plan for changing mountain weather. Essentials: a warm layer, rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable closed shoes, a small backpack, camera/phone, charger, and cash for personal expenses. We provide helmets and rain ponchos.
Ha Giang can be chilly, especially in winter (November-February). Temperatures range from 8-25°C depending on season. Bring a warm jacket and consider gloves if you get cold easily.
Yes! We can arrange comfortable sleeper bus tickets from Hanoi to Ha Giang (Day 0) and help arrange your onward transportation from Cao Bang City after the tour. Just let us know when booking.
Safety always comes first. If weather conditions are unsafe, we may adjust the route or modify the itinerary. Our experienced guides will make the best decisions for your safety.
Yes — this route is designed to cover the major highlights of Ha Giang and Cao Bang with a good balance of riding, sightseeing, and rest time. If you prefer an even slower pace or more trekking, ask us about custom extensions.
We typically arrive in Cao Bang City around 4:30–6:00 PM on Day 5, depending on the day's stops and road conditions. This timing works well for a night bus to Hanoi or an overnight stay in Cao Bang.
