Learn more: Loop Trails Tours Ha Giang
Here’s the question I get every single week: “I have 5 days. Should I do Ha Giang Loop twice, or add Cao Bang? What’s actually in Cao Bang that makes it worth the extra money?”
Look, I’m going to be straight with you. Most travel blogs will tell you “Do both! It’s amazing!” without explaining what you’re actually signing up for.
So let me tell you the real story—from someone who’s guided this exact route over 50 times.
The Ha Giang Loop (3 days) is already phenomenal. You see Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van, Lung Cu—the greatest hits everyone talks about. Most travelers leave completely satisfied.
But the 5-day Ha Giang-Cao Bang route? This is different. You’re not just adding “two more days of the same thing.” You’re accessing a completely different region that 90% of Ha Giang tourists never see.
You’ll ride the legendary Me Pia Pass (15 consecutive hairpin turns), stand at Ban Gioc—Vietnam’s most powerful waterfall on the China border, sleep by Lenin Stream in a remote farmstay where locals have barely met Westerners, and ride roads so empty you’ll go 30 minutes without seeing another vehicle.
But here’s what nobody tells you: It’s longer (obviously), more remote (no ATMs or Western food for 2 days), more physically demanding (Day 3 is brutal), and costs $280-1,000 more depending on your tour type.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
Quick answer: Ha Giang-Cao Bang 5-day tour costs $411-439 (motorbike) or $1,195-1,571 (jeep). You’ll see TWO UNESCO Geoparks, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Me Pia Pass, Lenin Stream, and roads 95% of tourists miss. Worth it if you have time and love epic adventures—skip it if you’re budget-tight or prefer comfort.
Learn more: Ha Giang Cao Bang 5 days 4 nights
Let me clear up the biggest misconception: This is NOT “Ha Giang Loop + 2 bonus days.”
Here’s what actually happens:
Days 1-2: The Classic Ha Giang Loop Highlights
You get everything the 3-day tourists see:
Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate
Dong Van Karst Plateau (UNESCO Geopark #1)
Lung Cu Flag Tower (Vietnam’s northernmost point)
Ma Pi Leng Pass & Skywalk
Nho Que River boat trip
Vuong Palace
This part is identical to everyone else’s Ha Giang experience.
Day 3-5: Where 95% of Tourists Turn Back (But You Don’t)
After Meo Vac, the standard 3-day tour heads back to Ha Giang City. You? You keep going east into Cao Bang Province—a region so remote and untouched that locals in villages will stare at you in genuine curiosity.
What changes:
Tourism level drops to near zero:
Ha Giang Loop: 200+ tourists daily
Cao Bang route: Maybe 5 Western tourists per day
Scenery transforms completely:
Ha Giang: Dramatic karst peaks, dry valleys, clifftop roads
Cao Bang: Lush jungle valleys, massive waterfalls, emerald rivers, different geological formations
Infrastructure becomes basic:
Ha Giang: Homestays everywhere, restaurants, English speakers
Cao Bang: Remote farmstays, tiny local eateries, zero English in villages
Riding difficulty increases:
Ha Giang: 4-5 hours daily
Cao Bang extension: 6-7 hours on Day 3 (the toughest day)
The Two UNESCO Geoparks:
You’re riding through TWO of Asia’s most significant geological sites:
Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark (Ha Giang) – Days 1-2
Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark (Cao Bang) – Days 3-5
These aren’t just marketing labels—these are world-recognized geological wonders with 400-500 million year old limestone formations.
The Landmarks Nobody Tells You About:
Everyone knows about Ma Pi Leng Pass. But how many travelers have heard of:
Khau Coc Cha Pass (Khau Coc Cha) – Day 3
15 consecutive switchbacks climbing a near-vertical mountain face
Locals call it “Dragon’s Stairway” or “15-Level Pass”
Less famous than Ma Pi Leng, equally dramatic
You’ll have it almost to yourself
Lenin Stream – Day 3
Crystal-clear mountain stream in Ha Quang
Named after Lenin (yes, really—Ho Chi Minh hid here in 1941)
You’ll swim here, surrounded by jungle, with maybe 2 other tourists total
Ban Gioc Waterfall – Day 4
300 meters wide (wider than Niagara!)
Vietnam’s largest waterfall, straddling China border
When it’s flowing (Sep-May), it’s thunderous and magnificent
This alone justifies the extra 2 days for many travelers
God’s Eye Mountain (Thung Mountain) – Day 5
Natural “eye” formation in limestone cliff
One of Cao Bang’s most photographed spots
Remote viewpoint few tourists reach
The Experience in One Sentence:
Ha Giang Loop = World-famous greatest hits album
Ha Giang-Cao Bang = Greatest hits + rare B-sides + secret acoustic session only 100 people witnessed
Both are incredible. But one goes deeper.
Learn more: Ha Giang Loop 4 Days 3 nights
Let me walk you through exactly what each day looks like—the real experience, not the marketing version.
DAY 0: Hanoi → Ha Giang City (Night Bus)
Not technically day 1, but important for planning:
8:00-9:00 PM: Board sleeper bus in Hanoi Old Quarter (we’ll send you pickup location)
Overnight: Sleep on bus (6-7 hours)
3:00-5:00 AM: Arrive Ha Giang City
Morning: Free bed at Loop Trails Hostel to rest (included before tour)
8:00 AM: Wake up for breakfast
8:30 AM: Tour briefing—meet guide, get equipment, meet your Easy Rider (if applicable)
Pro tip: Take the evening bus. You sleep during travel = free accommodation + arrive fresh for Day 1.
DAY 1: Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Lao Xa (Dong Van)
Distance: ~130km
Riding time: 5-6 hours with stops
Difficulty: Moderate (introduction to Ha Giang)
Accommodation: Homestay in Lao Xa village
9:30 AM – Departure: You’re on your bike (or behind your Easy Rider, or in your jeep) leaving Ha Giang City. The first 30 minutes is just getting out of town—nothing special yet.
10:00 AM – Bac Sum Pass: Your first mountain pass. The temperature drops. The views open up. You start to understand why everyone raves about Ha Giang.
10:30 AM – Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate: THE classic photo spot. Twin mountains (Fairy Bosom Mountains) with panoramic valley views. Everyone stops here. Everyone takes the same photo. And you know what? It’s worth it—it’s stunning.
Your guide tells you the local legend: A fairy mother lay down here and her breasts became the mountains. Vietnamese mythology is wonderfully literal.
11:30 AM – Pine Forest Road: Cool, fresh air. Straight road through aromatic pine trees. If it’s sunny, this is magic.
12:30 PM – Lunch in Yen Minh: Local restaurant. Spring rolls, fried rice, vegetables, meat. Simple but good. This is your first real Vietnamese meal on the road.
1:30 PM – Tham Ma Pass: The famous winding road you’ve seen in photos. Dozens of tight curves. If you’re self-driving, this is where you realize Ha Giang is no joke. If you’re Easy Rider, you’re free to look around and go “Holy shit, this is beautiful.”
3:00 PM – Dong Van Karst Plateau: You’ve officially entered UNESCO Global Geopark territory. The landscape changes—more dramatic, more otherworldly. Limestone peaks jut up like dragon’s teeth.
4:00 PM – Lao Xa Village: Your homestay tonight. This isn’t Dong Van town (where most tours stay)—this is a smaller, more authentic village nearby. You’re staying with a local Hmong or Tay family.
Homestay: Basic but clean. Shared room (dorm-style beds), shared bathroom. You drop your bags, shower, rest.
7:00 PM – Dinner: Family-style meal with your group. Rice, meat, vegetables, local specialties. After dinner, rice wine comes out. Your guide teaches you Vietnamese drinking phrases: “Một, hai, ba, dô!” (One, two, three, cheers!)
Evening: Some people explore the village. Most people are tired and go to bed early (9-10pm) because tomorrow’s another big day.
What to expect: This day eases you into Ha Giang. It’s beautiful but not overwhelming. You’re getting used to the rhythm: ride, stop for photos, ride, lunch, ride, arrive at homestay. Your body’s adjusting to sitting on a bike (your butt will be slightly sore—this is normal).
DAY 2: Lao Xa → Lung Cu → Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng Pass → Meo Vac
Distance: ~90km (shortest day by distance, longest by stops)
Riding time: 5-6 hours with all activities
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard (most spectacular day, challenging roads)
Accommodation: Homestay in Meo Vac
8:00 AM – Breakfast & depart: You leave Lao Xa heading toward Dong Van area.
9:00 AM – Vuong Family Palace: The “Hmong King’s Mansion.” This Hmong family became incredibly wealthy/powerful in the early 1900s trading opium (yes, really). The mansion is Chinese-influenced architecture—ornate carvings, multiple courtyards. Your guide explains the controversial history.
Entrance fee: Included in tour
10:30 AM – Lung Cu Flag Tower: You’re riding to Vietnam’s northernmost point. The road climbs to the top of a hill. At the summit: a massive Vietnamese flag tower. On clear days, you look into China. The views are spectacular—360° panorama of mountains fading into haze.
You take obligatory photos. You buy corn on the cob from local vendors (20,000 VND). You feel like you’ve reached the end of the world.
12:00 PM – Lunch in Dong Van: Dong Van Old Quarter. This is the tourist hub—stone houses, market, restaurants. Lunch at a local spot.
1:00 PM – THE BIG MOMENT: Ma Pi Leng Pass: This is what you came for. The “King of Passes.”
You ride along a road carved into a cliff face, 1,000+ meters above the Nho Que River. Hairpin turns, sheer drops, clouds below you. It’s dramatic, it’s terrifying (in a good way), it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Ma Pi Leng Skywalk: Glass platform jutting out over the canyon (optional stop, small fee ~40,000 VND). Some people love it, some think it’s touristy. Your choice.
2:00 PM – Nho Que River Boat Trip (Optional): You descend from Ma Pi Leng to the river below. Small boats take you through Tu San Canyon—the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia (800m deep). The water is emerald green. The limestone walls tower above you. It’s surreal.
Cost: 100,000-150,000 VND ($4-6), optional but recommended
Weather dependent: If river’s too high or rain, boats don’t run.
4:00 PM – Ride to Meo Vac: You wind down from Ma Pi Leng through valleys. The riding is easier now—you’re descending. By 5pm you roll into Meo Vac town.
5:00 PM – Arrive Meo Vac homestay: Meo Vac is smaller, less developed than Dong Van. The homestay is more basic. But you’re too happy to care—you just rode Ma Pi Leng Pass.
7:00 PM – Dinner & celebrate: Everyone’s buzzing about Ma Pi Leng. Someone has photos on the skywalk. Someone else got drone footage. You share beers (or rice wine). This is the night everyone bonds.
What to expect: This is THE day. If you only remember one day of Ha Giang, it’ll be this one. Ma Pi Leng is everything you’ve seen in photos and more. The boat trip is magical. But you’re also exhausted—5-6 hours of intense riding and activities. You’ll sleep hard tonight.
For 3-day tours, Day 3 is the return to Ha Giang. But you? You’re continuing to Cao Bang…
DAY 3: Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Me Pia Pass → Xuan Truong → Lenin Stream → Ha Quang
Distance: ~140km
Riding time: 6-7 hours (LONGEST riding day)
Difficulty: HARD (remote, mountainous, exhausting but epic)
Accommodation: Farmstay in Ha Quang
THIS IS THE DAY THAT SEPARATES 3-DAY TOURISTS FROM 5-DAY ADVENTURERS.
8:00 AM – Early departure from Meo Vac: You leave the Ha Giang Loop behind. From here, you’re heading east into Cao Bang Province. Within an hour, you’ll see what I mean about “remote.”
9:00 AM – Mau Due Road: Incredibly scenic back road through valleys. Almost zero tourists. Just you, the mountains, and occasional ethnic minority villages. This is when you start to feel like you’ve discovered a secret.
11:00 AM – Bao Lac Valley: Emerald rice paddies, limestone peaks, Hmong villages. You stop for photos. Local kids wave excitedly (they don’t see many Westerners).
12:30 PM – Lunch in small town: Basic restaurant. Don’t expect English menus. Your guide orders for you. Pho or com (rice with sides). Simple, authentic, delicious.
1:30 PM – HIGHLIGHT: Me Pia Pass (Khau Coc Cha):
This is Cao Bang’s answer to Ma Pi Leng. Locals call it “Dragon’s Stairway” or “15-Level Pass.”
What it is: 14-15 consecutive hairpin switchbacks climbing a nearly vertical rock face. The road zigzags up the mountain like a lightning bolt. From below, it looks impossible.
The experience:
If you’re self-driving: This is technical, challenging, thrilling
If you’re Easy Rider: You watch the drama unfold as your driver expertly navigates each hairpin
If you’re in a jeep: You trust your driver and take photos
The views from the top: 360° panorama. Jungle valleys stretching to the horizon. Often you’re above the clouds.
Reality check: Me Pia is less famous than Ma Pi Leng, but many riders say it’s equally spectacular—just without the crowds. You might have it to yourself.
3:00 PM – Remote mountain roads: After Me Pia, you’re deep in Cao Bang highlands. The roads wind through jungle. You pass tiny villages barely on any map. Phone signal is spotty. You’re truly off the grid.
4:30 PM – Xuan Truong Valley & Na Tenh: More stunning valleys. By now you’re getting “scenery fatigue”—everything’s so beautiful you’re almost numb to it.
5:30 PM – Lenin Stream: You arrive at this crystal-clear mountain stream. If it’s warm enough and you have energy, you can swim. The water is cold and refreshing. You’re in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by jungle.
Historical note: This area was where Ho Chi Minh crossed back into Vietnam in 1941 after 30 years abroad. Hence “Lenin Stream” (Vietnamese communists named everything after communist heroes).
6:00 PM – Arrive Ha Quang farmstay: Ha Quang is a tiny settlement. Your accommodation tonight is a farmstay—even more basic than previous homestays. You’re staying with a family on their property.
Facilities: Very basic. Shared bathroom, bucket showers (sometimes), mattress on floor (sometimes). This is as authentic as it gets.
7:00 PM – Dinner: Home-cooked meal by the family. You’re eating what they eat—rice, local vegetables, maybe chicken or pork if they slaughtered something. Incredibly authentic.
Evening: No WiFi. No bars. Just you, your travel group, and the stars. Some people love this simplicity. Others find it challenging.
What to expect: This is the hardest day physically and mentally. 6-7 hours of riding. Your butt is sore. Your legs are tired. Your back hurts. The accommodation is basic. BUT this is also the day where you feel like a REAL adventurer. Me Pia Pass is incredible. The remoteness is exhilarating. You’re seeing Vietnam few tourists see. This day separates casual tourists from true travelers.
The people who quit: This is the day people realize 5-day tour isn’t for them. If you’re not mentally prepared for remote, basic conditions, this day will be rough.
The people who thrive: Adventure lovers LOVE this day. This is what they came for—the challenge, the remoteness, the epic scenery, the authenticity.
DAY 4: Ha Quang → Tra Linh → Trung Khanh → Ban Gioc Waterfall
Distance: ~120km
Riding time: 5-6 hours + lots of stops
Difficulty: Moderate (easier riding, but long day with activities)
Accommodation: Homestay or guesthouse near Ban Gioc
8:00 AM – Depart Ha Quang: You’re sore from yesterday. But today’s riding is easier—better roads, less intense climbs.
9:30 AM – Pi Pha Viewpoint (Ngoc Con Valley): Panoramic viewpoint over Ngoc Con valley. Rice terraces, limestone peaks, morning mist. Classic Northern Vietnam scenery.
11:00 AM – Tra Linh area: You’re riding through Cao Bang’s limestone country. The landscape is gentler today—wider valleys, more farmland, fewer sheer cliffs.
12:00 PM – Lunch in Trung Khanh: Small border town. Lunch at local restaurant. You’re close to China now—you can feel it in the architecture and the goods in shops.
1:30 PM – THE MAIN EVENT: Ban Gioc Waterfall:
This is what you came to Cao Bang for.
The approach: As you ride closer, you hear it first—a deep rumble. Then you see mist rising above the trees. Then you turn a corner and…
Ban Gioc Waterfall:
300 meters wide (wider than Niagara Falls!)
Multi-tiered cascades
Straddling Vietnam-China border (half in Vietnam, half in China)
Surrounded by limestone karsts and jungle
When it’s flowing (September-May): thunderous and magnificent
Even in dry season (June-August): still impressive
What you do here:
Walk around the viewpoints (multiple angles)
Optional boat ride to base of falls (~100,000 VND, ~$4)
Take approximately 10,000 photos
Just sit and stare in awe
Time here: 1-2 hours. You could spend all day here—it’s that beautiful.
3:30 PM – Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda: Hillside Buddhist pagoda overlooking Ban Gioc. Climb the steps for panoramic waterfall views. This is one of the best photo spots—waterfall below, China beyond.
5:00 PM – Check into accommodation near Ban Gioc: Either homestay or simple guesthouse in the area. You’re near the border, so accommodation is more developed than Ha Quang (but still basic by Western standards).
7:00 PM – Dinner: Local food. By now you’re a pro at Vietnamese meals—you know how to use chopsticks, you know what com tam is, you can order by pointing.
Evening: Early night. Tomorrow’s the final day.
What to expect: This is the “reward day.” After yesterday’s grueling ride, today feels easier. And Ban Gioc is the payoff—one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Most people say Ban Gioc alone justified the extra 2 days. You feel accomplished. You’re tired but happy. One more day to go.
DAY 5: Ban Gioc → Quang Uyen → Cao Bang City
Distance: ~80km
Riding time: 4-5 hours with stops
Difficulty: Easy (shortest day, good roads, multiple stops)
Accommodation: Night bus back to Hanoi OR hotel in Cao Bang City (your choice)
8:00 AM – Leisurely breakfast & depart: No rush today. Final morning near Ban Gioc. Some people wake up early to see the waterfall at sunrise (stunning).
9:00 AM – Nguom Ngao Cave: Massive 300-million-year-old limestone cave system. Stalactites, stalagmites, underground chambers. Well-lit walkways. Spent 30-45 minutes exploring.
Entrance fee: Included
Fun fact: “Nguom Ngao” means “Tiger Cave” in Tay language. Legend says tigers used to hide here.
11:00 AM – Quay Son River Waterwheels: Traditional wooden waterwheels (norias) used for irrigation. Picturesque, peaceful. Good photos.
12:00 PM – Phuc Sen Village: Traditional blacksmith village. Watch artisans forge knives, machetes, and tools using centuries-old techniques. You can buy handmade knives (200,000-500,000 VND) as souvenirs.
Next door: Paper-making village. See how traditional paper is made from tree bark. More artisan crafts.
1:00 PM – Lunch: Local restaurant in the area.
2:00 PM – God’s Eye Mountain (Thung Mountain): The Instagram-famous spot. Natural “eye” formation in limestone cliff. You hike up to viewpoint (15-20 minute walk). The photos are incredible—looks like a giant eye watching over the valley.
3:30 PM – Arrive Cao Bang City: You’ve made it. Five days, 600+ kilometers, two provinces, countless memories.
Cao Bang City: Actual city (population ~50,000). After 5 days in remote areas, it feels like New York. There are hotels, restaurants, ATMs, WiFi!
Your options:
Option A: Night bus back to Hanoi (most common)
8:00 PM: Board sleeper bus
Sleep on bus (7-8 hours)
4-6 AM: Arrive Hanoi
Cost: 400,000-700,000 VND ($16-28) depending on bus type
Option B: Stay in Cao Bang City
Rest an extra night
Explore Cao Bang City (nice lakeside promenade, night market)
Next day: Continue to Ba Be Lake (2 hours away) or bus to Hanoi
Most people choose Option A (sleep on bus, save accommodation cost).
What to expect: Bittersweet final day. You’re relieved it’s over (your body needs rest). But you’re also sad—you bonded with your group, your Easy Rider/guide became friends, and this adventure is ending. You exchange Facebook/Instagram with everyone. You promise to share photos. Some people are already planning to come back.
Learn more: Ha Giang Loop 3 days 2 nights
Alright, let’s talk about what this actually costs—not just the tour price, but your TOTAL trip expense.
Base Tour Prices:
Tour Type | Price (VND) | Price (USD) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
Self-Drive | 10,290,000 | $411 | You ride, guide leads |
Easy Rider | 10,990,000 | $439 | Local driver + guide |
Jeep (2 pax) | 29,890,000 | $1,195 total = $598/person | Private jeep |
Jeep (3 pax) | 34,690,000 | $1,387 total = $462/person | Private jeep |
Jeep (4 pax) | 39,290,000 | $1,571 total = $393/person | Private jeep |
What’s Included in Tour Price:
✅ Vehicle:
Self-drive: Honda Wave/Blade 110cc motorbike + fuel
Easy Rider: You ride passenger, local driver, + fuel
Jeep: Private 4-seater, professional driver, + fuel
✅ Accommodation: 4 nights
Night 1: Lao Xa homestay (dorm bed)
Night 2: Meo Vac homestay (dorm bed)
Night 3: Ha Quang farmstay (basic, dorm)
Night 4: Near Ban Gioc guesthouse/homestay (dorm bed)
✅ Meals:
5 breakfasts (every morning)
5 lunches (every day)
4 dinners (all except final night)
1 bottle water per day
✅ Activities & Entrance Fees:
Vuong Palace
Lung Cu Flag Tower
Ma Pi Leng Skywalk
Nho Que River boat trip
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Nguom Ngao Cave
All viewpoints and stops
✅ Guide: English-speaking throughout
✅ Equipment: Helmet, rain poncho
What’s NOT Included (Where You’ll Spend Extra):
1. Bus Tickets Hanoi ↔ Ha Giang ↔ Cao Bang:
You need TWO bus tickets:
Hanoi → Ha Giang (start)
Cao Bang → Hanoi (end)
Bus options & prices:
Regular sleeper: 250,000-300,000 VND each = 500,000-600,000 VND total ($20-24)
VIP sleeper: 350,000-750,000 VND each = 750,000-1,500,000 VND total ($30-60)
Cabin sleeper: 300,000-550,000 VND each = 600,000-1,100,000 VND total ($24-44)
We can book these for you through our system.
2. Private Room Upgrades (If You Want Privacy):
Standard tour = dorm beds (4-8 people sharing). Want your own room?
Private room upgrade cost:
Who upgrades:
Who stays in dorms:
3. Drinks, Snacks & Extra Food:
Daily expenses:
Budget per day: 100,000-200,000 VND ($4-8)
Total for 5 days: 500,000-1,000,000 VND ($20-40)
4. Tips (Optional but Appreciated):
Suggested amounts:
Total: 500,000-1,200,000 VND ($20-48)
Reality: Most people tip. These guys work hard, become friends. Tipping feels natural by Day 5.
5. Souvenirs & Optional Purchases:
Budget: 300,000-1,000,000 VND ($12-40)
6. Bike Upgrades (Self-Drive Only):
Standard bike included: Honda Wave 110cc
Upgrade options:
Do you need to upgrade? Honestly, the basic bike works fine for most. Upgrade if you’re tall (180cm+) or experienced rider wanting more power.
TOTAL TRIP COST – Real Numbers:
Budget Traveler (Self-Drive, Dorms, Minimal Extras):
Tour: $411
Cabin sleeping bus tickets: $24
Snacks/drinks: $20
Tips: $20
No souvenirs: $10
TOTAL: ~$485
Mid-Range Traveler (Easy Rider, Private Room, Moderate Spending):
Comfort Traveler (Jeep for 2, Private Room, Liberal Spending):
Comparison: 3-Day vs 5-Day Tour Costs:
Factor | 3-Day Ha Giang | 5-Day Ha Giang-Cao Bang | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
Easy Rider | $159 | $439 | +$280 |
Buses | $24 (round trip to HG) | $28 (HN→HG, CB→HN) | +$4 |
Total days | 3 | 5 | +2 days |
Per day cost | $61/day | $93/day | +$32/day |
Total budget (mid-range) | ~$200 | ~$500 | +$300 |
So the 5-day tour costs about $300 more total than the 3-day tour.
What you get for that $300:
2 extra days of adventure
Ban Gioc Waterfall (Vietnam’s best)
Me Pia Pass (15 hairpins)
Lenin Stream
God’s Eye Mountain
Cao Bang UNESCO Geopark
Remote roads 95% of tourists never see
2 nights accommodation
6 more meals
Bragging rights
Is it worth $300? That depends on you…
Need a motorbike: Ha Giang Motorbike Rental
This is the real question, right? Should you spend the extra $320 and 2 days?
Let me give you perspectives from both sides people who loved it AND people who wished they’d stuck with 3 days.
People Who Say “ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT”:
Profile 1: Adventure Junkie, 28, Australia
“I’ve done Patagonia, Iceland, Nepal. The 5-day Ha Giang-Cao Bang ranks in my top 3 road trips ever. Ban Gioc was spectacular. Me Pia Pass was epic. The remoteness of Day 3 was exactly what I wanted. Worth every penny.”
Why it worked: He loves multi-day adventures, had time, had budget, valued going off-the-beaten-path.
Profile 2: Couple, 32 & 34, UK
“We had 2 weeks in Vietnam. We did Ha Giang-Cao Bang (5 days), Hanoi (2 days), Hoi An (4 days), Saigon (2 days). The Ha Giang-Cao Bang was our favorite part of the entire trip. Ban Gioc alone was worth the extra cost.”
Why it worked: They had time, weren’t rushing, valued natural landmarks, comfortable with basic conditions.
Profile 3: Photography Enthusiast, 29, Germany
“I’m an amateur photographer. The 5-day tour gave me locations 90% of photographers never reach. My portfolio from this trip—Me Pia Pass, Ban Gioc, Lenin Stream, God’s Eye—is incredible. For photography, the extra 2 days were essential.”
Why it worked: Unique photo locations justify cost for hobbyist photographers.
People Who Say “3-DAY WOULD’VE BEEN ENOUGH”:
Profile 1: Backpacker, 23, Sweden
“I’m traveling for 6 months on $25/day budget. The 5-day tour blew my budget for a week. Ha Giang (Days 1-2) was amazing. Cao Bang (Days 3-5) was nice but not $320 nicer. If I did it again, I’d do 3-day Ha Giang and spend those extra days/money in Hoi An.”
Why it didn’t work: Tight budget, the extra cost hurt, preferred to spread money across more destinations.
Profile 2: Casual Traveler, 35, USA
“Days 1-2 (Ha Giang Loop) were spectacular—Ma Pi Leng, Lung Cu, all incredible. Day 3 to Ha Quang was brutal—6 hours riding, very basic accommodation, exhausting. By Day 4-5 I was ready to be done. Ban Gioc was beautiful, but I could’ve seen it on a separate trip.”
Why it didn’t work: Not prepared for the physical demand of Day 3, the basic farmstay was too rough.
Profile 3: Time-Pressed Traveler, 31, Canada
“I only had 10 days total in Vietnam. I spent 5 on Ha Giang-Cao Bang, which left me only 5 days for everything else. I missed Ha Long Bay. Looking back, 3-day Ha Giang + 2 days Ha Long Bay would’ve been better for my schedule.”
Why it didn’t work: Limited total Vietnam time, the 5-day tour ate too much of the itinerary.
My Honest Take After 50+ Tours:
Cao Bang IS genuinely different from Ha Giang. It’s not just “more of the same.” Ban Gioc, Me Pia Pass, the remote roads—these are unique experiences.
BUT the 3-day Ha Giang Loop is already spectacular. You won’t feel like you “missed Vietnam” if you skip Cao Bang.
The 5-day tour is worth it IF:
You have 10+ days in Northern Vietnam (not rushing)
You can afford $600-700 total comfortably
You love multi-day adventure trips
You’re physically capable (Day 3 is tough)
You want to go where few tourists go
Waterfalls excite you (Ban Gioc is world-class)
The 3-day tour is smarter IF:
You’re on a budget (<$400 total is your target)
You have limited time in Vietnam (<10 days)
You prefer more developed tourism infrastructure
You’re not confident about 5 consecutive days of riding
You want the “greatest hits” and that’s enough
Both are right answers. Just different ones.
Let me make this really simple. Answer these questions honestly:
The 3-Question Test:
Question 1: “Do I have 10+ days in Northern Vietnam?”
Yes → Consider 5-day (you have time)
No → Do 3-day Ha Giang (don’t rush)
If you’re trying to do: Hanoi (2 days) + Ha Giang-Cao Bang (5 days) + Ha Long Bay (2 days) + fly south in 10 days total—you’re rushing. Do 3-day Ha Giang instead.
Question 2: “Can I afford $600-900 total without stress?”
If $700 means you’re eating instant noodles for the next month, skip the 5-day. The 3-day loop is amazing and $300 cheaper.
Question 3: “Am I okay with 5 days of basic conditions?”
Day 3 farmstay in Ha Quang = bucket showers, mattress on floor, zero WiFi, squat toilets (sometimes). If that sounds adventurous, great. If that sounds miserable, stick with 3-day.
If You Answered “YES” to All 3:
Book the 5-day Ha Giang-Cao Bang tour. You have time, budget, and the right mindset. You’ll love it.
If You Answered “NO” to Any:
Book the 3-day Ha Giang Loop. It’s equally incredible, more manageable, and you won’t feel like you missed out.
Special Cases:
Families with Kids:
3-day jeep tour: Yes, doable
5-day tour: Only if kids are 12+ and adventure-hardy. Otherwise too long/remote.
Honeymooners:
3-day tour: Perfect, romantic, manageable
5-day tour: Only if you’re adventurous couple. Day 3 is tough, accommodation is basic.
Solo Travelers:
5-day is great for meeting people (you’ll bond with your group over 5 days)
Budget solo travelers: 3-day makes more sense financially
Over 50:
3-day Easy Rider or jeep: Very doable
5-day: Only if you’re fit and okay with long riding days. Day 3 is physically demanding.
Photography Enthusiasts:
5-day gives you unique locations (Me Pia, God’s Eye, Lenin Stream) that 3-day tourists don’t get
Worth it for serious hobbyists
My Final Recommendation:
For 80% of travelers: The 3-day Ha Giang Loop is perfect. Spectacular scenery, manageable time/cost, complete experience.
For 20% of travelers: The ones with time, budget, and adventure spirit—the 5-day Ha Giang-Cao Bang tour is one of the best trips you can do in Southeast Asia.
I’ve guided both. Both are incredible. Choose honestly based on YOUR situation, not what sounds cooler.
Ready to Book?
5-Day Ha Giang-Cao Bang Tour
Start: Ha Giang City (Day 1, 8:30 AM)
End: Cao Bang City (Day 5, 3:30 PM) → Night bus to Hanoi
Prices:
Easy Rider: 10,990,000 VND ($439)
Self-Drive: 10,290,000 VND ($411)
Jeep (2-4 people): $598-393 per person
Includes: 4 nights accommodation, all meals (except last dinner), guide, all entrance fees, equipment, support
Highlights: Ma Pi Leng Pass, Lung Cu, Me Pia Pass (15 hairpins), Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Lenin Stream, God’s Eye Mountain
Prefer the 3-Day Classic?
3-Day Ha Giang Loop
Start & End: Ha Giang City
Prices:
Easy Rider: 3,990,000 VND ($159)
Self-Drive: 3,390,000 VND ($135)
Still Not Sure Which to Choose?
We’ll help you decide honestly based on:
Your total time in Vietnam
Your budget
Your experience level
What you want from Ha Giang
We won’t upsell you. We’ll tell you which tour actually makes sense for YOUR situation.
Last Updated: December 2025 | Author: Loop Trails Team
Word Count: ~6,400 words
