Cao Bang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights – Tour Overview
Your tour start date = Day 1 in Cao Bang City
Example: if you book a tour start date of 10 October, take the bus to Cao Bang on 9 October.
The Cao Bang Loop is the quiet, green alternative to the Ha Giang Loop. It's a 3-day ride through the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, with far fewer tourists, emerald rivers, rice valleys and Tay and Nung villages along the Vietnam–China border. It starts and ends in Cao Bang City, so there is no backtracking.
This Cao Bang Loop 3 days itinerary covers the region's best-known sights. You'll visit Phia Thap incense village, Dia Tren paper village, the Ba Quang grass hills, Ban Gioc Waterfall by sampan boat and Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda. You'll also see Nguom Ngao Cave, the Ngoc Con viewpoint, 260-million-year-old fossils at Tra Linh, the Pac Bo historical site with Lenin Stream and Coc Bo Cave, and the famous God's Eye Mountain. You'll spend two nights in local homestays, near Ban Gioc and in Truong Ha, with home-cooked Tay and Nung food and "happy water".
The tour starts at 07:30 on Day 1 in Cao Bang City. Travel up the day before (Day 0) by day bus or night bus. Your Day 0 night at Com Na Can Homestay is included. Ride as a passenger with an Easy Rider, ride your own motorbike behind a guide, or travel in comfort by Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The stops, meals and homestays are the same whichever you choose.
Easy Rider
Sit back on the back of a motorbike while an experienced local driver handles every road. Best for first-timers and photographers.
Self-drive
Ride your own semi-automatic or manual motorbike in the group, with a guide leading the way. Requires riding experience and a valid licence.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Same route and stops in a modern 4x4 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (not an old army jeep), with a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Great for couples, families and non-riders.
Why Ride the Cao Bang Loop
The best of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark in 3 days, far from the crowds.
Ban Gioc Waterfall by sampan boat
Get up close to Vietnam's largest waterfall, which falls on both the Vietnam and China sides of the border.
Nguom Ngao Cave & Ngoc Con viewpoint
A huge cave system under three mountains, then a hike above the emerald source of the Quay Son River.
Pac Bo historical site
Lenin Stream, Karl Marx Mountain and Coc Bo Cave, where Ho Chi Minh lived after returning to Vietnam in 1941.
God's Eye Mountain
Cao Bang's most famous landmark, a limestone mountain with a giant hole you can see straight through.
Living Nung crafts
Watch incense sticks being rolled in Phia Thap and paper being made from tree bark in Dia Tren.
Ba Quang hills & 260-million-year-old fossils
Rolling grass hills straight out of a painting, and marine fossils in the limestone at Tra Linh.
Cao Bang Loop 3 Days Itinerary
Your tour start date = Day 1 in Cao Bang City
Example: if you book a tour start date of 10 October, take the bus to Cao Bang on 9 October.
Travel to Cao Bang · The Day Before Your Tour Starts
Day 0 is not a tour day. It is the day you travel to Cao Bang City, the day before your Cao Bang Loop starts. Take a day bus (departures from 06:00) and arrive the same afternoon or evening, or a night bus (departures until about 20:30) and arrive in the early morning. Either way, check in to your dorm bed at Com Na Can Homestay (3/10 Na Can Street, Cao Bang City; this night is included) and rest before the tour begins at 07:30 on Day 1.
Pick-up points to Cao Bang
Bus types
Cao Bang City → Phia Thap → Dia Tren → Ba Quang Hills → Quang Uyen → Ban Gioc Waterfall
Day 1 of the Cao Bang Loop 3 days starts with two traditional Nung An craft villages and the dreamy Ba Quang grass hills. In the afternoon you reach Ban Gioc Waterfall on the China border.
Tour Starts · Pick-up & Briefing
After breakfast, your driver picks you up from your accommodation in Cao Bang City, or you meet at Com Na Can Homestay (3/10 Na Can Street). Helmet and pads fitting, safety briefing, and your Cao Bang Loop begins.
Phia Thap Incense Village
Visit the traditional Nung An incense-making village and watch locals craft fragrant incense sticks by hand, using techniques passed down through generations.
Dia Tren Paper Village
Continue to Dia Tren, home of the Nung An paper-making craft. See how traditional dó paper is made by hand from tree bark and water.
Ba Quang Grass Hills
Ride to the Ba Quang hills, rolling golden meadows that look like a painting. Perfect for photos in the late-morning light.
Lunch in Quang Uyen
Local lunch at a family-run restaurant in Quang Uyen.
Ban Gioc Waterfall Boat Trip Boat
Ban Gioc is Vietnam's largest waterfall and one of Asia's most spectacular border falls. Hop on a sampan boat for a front-row seat, with the falls thundering down on both the Vietnam and China sides.
Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda Climb
A mini workout: about 300 steps up to the pagoda overlooking Ban Gioc. The panoramic view is worth every step, and inside you'll learn about the pagoda's history and meaning.
Ban Gioc · Homestay Night
Check in to a cosy local homestay near Ban Gioc. Dinner with traditional Cao Bang dishes and "happy water" (rice wine) with the host family.
Ban Gioc → Nguom Ngao Cave → Ngoc Con → Trung Khanh → Tra Linh → Truong Ha
A day of caves, border roads and deep geology. You'll explore Nguom Ngao Cave, hike to the Ngoc Con viewpoint and see 260-million-year-old fossils in Tra Linh. The night is spent in Truong Ha, close to Pac Bo.
Breakfast at the Homestay
Breakfast near Ban Gioc, then pack up and check out.
Nguom Ngao Cave
Explore this underground wonderland that stretches under three mountains. Look out for stalactites and stalagmites shaped like animals, plants and human figures.
Border Country Road to Ngoc Con
Ride a quiet country road along the Vietnam–China border to the Ngoc Con valley.
Hike to Ngoc Con Viewpoint Hike
Ngoc Con is the source of the Quay Son River. Hike up for a breathtaking panoramic view of the emerald valley below. The trail is moderate, ideal if you enjoy short scenic hikes.
Lunch in Trung Khanh
Lunch at a local restaurant in Trung Khanh, famous for its chestnuts.
Tra Linh – 260-Million-Year-Old Fossils
After an afternoon ride through the karst countryside, stop in Tra Linh to see marine fossils that are 260 million years old. They are one of the most remarkable treasures of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.
Optional Swim in Truong Ha Optional
Cool off with a swim in the clear water of Truong Ha, near the Pac Bo historical site (weather and season permitting).
Truong Ha · Homestay Night
Check in to a local homestay in Truong Ha. Home-cooked dinner with your hosts and a taste of local rice wine.
Truong Ha → Pac Bo → Ha Quang → Tra Linh → God's Eye Mountain → Cao Bang City
The final day of the Cao Bang Loop 3 days 2 nights. You'll walk through one of the most important places in modern Vietnamese history, ride the karst backroads of Ha Quang and Tra Linh, and finish at God's Eye Mountain.
Breakfast & Check-out
Breakfast at the homestay in Truong Ha.
Pac Bo Historical Site
In January 1941, Ho Chi Minh crossed back into Vietnam at Pac Bo after 30 years abroad. He lived and worked in Coc Bo Cave and the nearby forest, and in May 1941 he founded the Viet Minh here. Walk along the clear Lenin Stream and see Karl Marx Mountain, both named by him, then visit Coc Bo Cave and its simple stone bed and table.
Ha Quang & Tra Linh Backroads
Ride small country roads through Ha Quang and Tra Linh, with rice fields, villages and the limestone landscapes of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark all around.
Lunch in Tra Linh
Farewell lunch at a local restaurant in Tra Linh.
Ride to God's Eye Mountain
Continue down through the countryside toward God's Eye Mountain.
God's Eye Mountain (Mat Than) Optional hike
Visit Cao Bang's most unique mountain, a limestone peak with a huge natural hole you can see straight through. There's an option to hike around the area.
Arrive Cao Bang City · End of Tour
The tour ends in Cao Bang City. Take a limousine bus back to Hanoi or on to your next destination.
Cao Bang Loop Route Map
Cao Bang City → Phia Thap → Dia Tren → Ba Quang Hills → Quang Uyen → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Truc Lam Pagoda → Nguom Ngao Cave → Ngoc Con → Trung Khanh → Tra Linh → Truong Ha → Pac Bo → Ha Quang → God's Eye Mountain → Cao Bang City
Getting to Cao Bang & Onward Travel
What's Included in the Cao Bang Loop 3 Days Tour
Included
- Professional drivers & local English-speaking guideEasy Rider, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon driver and English-speaking guide
- 3 nights accommodation (dorm beds)2 nights on tour (homestays near Ban Gioc & in Truong Ha) + 1 night before the tour at Com Na Can Homestay, Cao Bang City
- All meals on tour: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinnersLocal home-cooked food; vegetarian & dietary needs on request
- Vehicle for the whole tripMotorbike for Easy Rider & Self-drive · Jeep Wrangler Rubicon for the Jeep Tour
- Fuel for the entire journeyMotorbike or Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, no extra fuel costs
- Entrance tickets & activities in the itineraryIncl. Ban Gioc Waterfall & sampan boat, Nguom Ngao Cave, Pac Bo historical site and the craft villages
- Safety gearHelmet, knee & elbow protective pads, raincoat
- Drinking waterOne 1.5 L bottle per person, per day
- 24/7 support throughout the trip
- Basic travel insuranceWe recommend you also carry your own comprehensive travel insurance
Not Included
- Bus tickets to / from Cao Bang Add-onNot in the listed tour price. Add at checkout
- Private room upgrade Add-onTour price includes dorm beds. Upgrade at checkout
- Border area permit: 260,000 VND / personRequired for the border zone. We handle the paperwork for you
- Personal expensesSnacks, extra drinks, souvenirs, laundry
- Tips for drivers & guideOptional, always appreciated
Cao Bang Loop Reviews
"Did the Cao Bang Loop 3 days with Loop Trails. Angel Eye Mountain at sunrise was unreal, and Khau Coc Cha — the 15-floor pass — was the most jaw-dropping road I've ever ridden. The Pac Bo farmstay felt like stepping back in time."
"Cao Bang is Vietnam's hidden gem. This Cao Bang Loop tour packed everything: Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao Cave, the dreamy Ngoc Con valley, and the historical Coc Bo. Far less touristy than Ha Giang — and that's exactly what we wanted."
"The Ba Quang grass hills were a complete surprise — looked straight out of a fantasy movie. Our guide knew every backroad and stopped at all the hidden viewpoints other tours skip. Highly recommend pairing this with the Ha Giang Loop."
Cao Bang Loop – FAQs
Choose the date of Day 1, the first riding day. The tour starts at 07:30 on Day 1 in Cao Bang City, with pick-up from your accommodation or at Com Na Can Homestay. You need to travel to Cao Bang the day before (Day 0). Take a day bus (departures from 06:00, arriving the same day) or a night bus (departures until about 20:30, arriving in the early morning). Your dorm bed at Com Na Can Homestay for the Day 0 night is included. For example, if your tour start date is 10 October, take the bus to Cao Bang on 9 October.
Yes. The Cao Bang Loop 3 days covers the region's main highlights at a comfortable pace: Phia Thap and Dia Tren craft villages, the Ba Quang hills, Ban Gioc Waterfall by boat, Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, Nguom Ngao Cave, the Ngoc Con viewpoint, the Tra Linh fossils, Pac Bo, and God's Eye Mountain.
The Cao Bang Loop is greener, gentler and far less touristy than the Ha Giang Loop. Instead of high rocky passes and H'Mong villages, you'll find rice valleys, emerald rivers, caves, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Tay and Nung communities. Cao Bang also has unique sights such as Pac Bo and God's Eye Mountain. If you want both, our Ha Giang – Cao Bang 5-day and 6-day tours combine them.
Choose Easy Rider if you've never ridden mountain roads, since you sit behind an experienced local driver. Choose self-drive only if you're a confident motorbike rider with a valid licence. Choose the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon tour if you prefer comfort, are travelling with family or older travellers, or don't want to ride. It's a modern 4x4 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, not an old army jeep. All three options follow the same itinerary, stops, meals and homestays.
Buses to Cao Bang depart between 06:00 and 20:30. You can be picked up at Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai), Hanoi Old Quarter, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Cat Ba or Ha Giang. Choose from Limousine bus, VIP cabin sleeper, cabin sleeper or regular sleeper bus. Bus tickets are an add-on you select at checkout, and your Day 0 night at Com Na Can Homestay in Cao Bang City is included in the tour.
Yes. Foreign visitors need a border area permit because the loop runs close to the Vietnam–China border, including Ban Gioc, Ngoc Con and Pac Bo. The fee is 260,000 VND per person and is not included in the tour price. We handle all the paperwork for you. Just bring your passport when you check in.
The tour price includes dorm beds for 3 nights: 1 night at Com Na Can Homestay in Cao Bang City before the tour, then 2 nights in local homestays near Ban Gioc Waterfall and in Truong Ha. If you prefer more privacy, you can add a private room upgrade at checkout.
Yes. The roads are quieter and gentler than in Ha Giang, and most guests choose the Easy Rider or Jeep Wrangler Rubicon option. The walks are short: about 300 steps to Truc Lam Pagoda, and a moderate hike to the Ngoc Con viewpoint. Every rider gets a helmet, knee and elbow pads and a raincoat. Basic travel insurance is included and we offer 24/7 support.
The Cao Bang Loop runs all year. June to October is when Ban Gioc Waterfall is at its fullest and the valleys are greenest, though summer has afternoon rain. September to November brings golden rice fields and clear skies. The Ba Quang grass hills turn golden in late autumn and winter. December to February is cool (around 8–15°C in the early mornings), so bring warm layers.
Pack light in a small backpack: a warm layer, long trousers, comfortable closed shoes for the Ngoc Con hike and pagoda steps, swimwear for the optional swim in Truong Ha, sunscreen, sunglasses, a power bank, your passport (needed for the permit) and some cash for personal expenses. We provide the helmet, knee and elbow pads, raincoat and daily drinking water.
Once you have a confirmed travel date, book as soon as you can. Most guests book 1–3 months in advance, especially for September–November. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon availability is limited compared with motorbikes, so book the jeep tour early so we can arrange everything properly.