Overview
Itinerary
Cao Bang City → Phia Thap Incense Village → Dia Tren Paper Village → Ba Quang Hills → Trung Khanh → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Nguom Ngao Cave → Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda
A full day of cultural immersion and natural wonders — start with traditional Nung An craft villages, ride past the dreamy Ba Quang grass hills, then reach Vietnam's most spectacular border waterfall and underground cave system. Approx. 120 km of riding.
Pick-up & Tour Briefing
Driver picks you up from your accommodation or meet at Com Na Can Homestay (3/10 Str. Na Can) in Cao Bang City. Safety briefing and start your Cao Bang Loop adventure.
Phia Thap Incense Village (Làng Hương Phia Thắp)
Visit the traditional Nung An incense-making village. Watch the locals craft fragrant incense sticks using ancient techniques passed down through generations.
Dia Tren Paper Village (Làng Giấy Dìa Trên)
Continue to Dia Tren village — home to the Nung An paper-making craft. See how traditional do paper is made by hand from tree bark, water, and centuries of know-how.
Ba Quang Burned-Grass Hills (Đồi Cỏ Cháy Ba Quảng)
Ride to the dreamy Ba Quang grass hills — rolling golden meadows that look like a painting. Perfect for photos under the late morning light.
Lunch in Trung Khanh
Local lunch at a family-run restaurant. Try the famous Cao Bang sour pho (phở chua) and Trung Khanh chestnuts (in season).
Ban Gioc Waterfall (Thác Bản Giốc)
Vietnam's largest waterfall and one of Asia's most spectacular border falls. Hop on a sampan boat for a front-row seat to nature's show, with the falls thundering on both the Vietnam and China sides.
Nguom Ngao Cave (Động Ngườm Ngao)
Explore this underground wonderland spread across 3 mountains. Look out for stalactites and stalagmites that resemble animals, plants, and human figures. Your jaw may drop at the cave's beauty!
Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda (Chùa Phật Tích Trúc Lâm)
End the day with a mini workout — 300 steps up to the pagoda overlooking Ban Gioc. The panoramic sunset view is worth every step. Inside, learn the history and spiritual significance of the pagoda.
Arrive Ban Gioc Homestay
Check in to a cozy local homestay near Ban Gioc. Dinner with traditional Cao Bang dishes and "happy water" (rice wine) with the host family.
Ban Gioc → Ngoc Con Viewpoint → Angel Eye Mountain → Tra Linh Fossils → Pac Bo Historical Site → Lenin Stream → Coc Bo Cave → Me Farmstay
A day rich in geology and revolutionary history — hike to Ngoc Con's viewpoint over the Quay Son River, stop at the iconic Angel Eye Mountain, marvel at 260-million-year-old fossils in Tra Linh, then walk through the cave where modern Vietnamese history was born. Overnight at the cozy Me Farmstay in Pac Bo.
Breakfast & Check Out
Rise and shine! Breakfast at the homestay, then pack up and check out.
Hike to Ngoc Con Viewpoint (Đỉnh Ngọc Côn)
Ngoc Con is the headwater of the Quay Son River. Hike to the mountain top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the emerald valley below. The trail is moderate — perfect for those who enjoy light, scenic hikes.
Angel Eye Mountain (Núi Mắt Thần)
Stop at one of Cao Bang's most photographed landmarks — the iconic "eye" of Angel Eye Mountain. A short easy hike or seasonal kayak/sampan boat (April–October) lets you enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding limestone karst countryside. The natural rock arch through the mountain is a geological wonder you won't see anywhere else in Vietnam.
Tra Linh — 260-Million-Year-Old Fossils
Stop in Tra Linh to see one of Cao Bang Geopark's most extraordinary geological treasures: marine fossils that are 260 million years old. A rare glimpse into the Earth's deep past, embedded in the limestone of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark.
Lunch en Route
Lunch at a local restaurant — try authentic Cao Bang dishes like vit quay 7 vi (7-spice roast duck) or banh cuon Cao Bang.
Pac Bo Historical Site (Khu Di Tích Pác Bó)
Arrive at the historically significant Pac Bo — a UNESCO-recognized site and one of the most important locations in modern Vietnamese history.
Lenin Stream (Suối Lê-nin)
Walk along the picturesque Lenin Stream — a serene, crystal-clear brook named by Ho Chi Minh after the Russian revolutionary. Take in the peaceful beauty and learn the story behind the name.
Coc Bo Cave (Hang Cốc Bó)
Explore Coc Bo Cave where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked after returning from 30 years abroad. See the simple living conditions that shaped his revolutionary ideas and hear fascinating stories about this pivotal period in Vietnamese history.
Arrive Me Farmstay (Mế Farmstay)
Check in to the cozy Me Farmstay in Pac Bo. Take a stroll around the village, meet the chickens and ducks, and relax in the rural quiet.
Dinner & Cultural Exchange
Gather for a mouth-watering home-cooked meal. Share stories with your hosts, learn about local Tay and Nung life, and enjoy some "happy water" (rice wine) by the fire.
Me Farmstay → Na Tenh Pass (Vietnam–China Border Road) → Khau Coc Cha Pass (15 Floors) → Cao Bang City → Hanoi
The most dramatic riding day of the loop — ride along the Vietnam–China border road through Na Tenh Pass, then conquer the legendary Khau Coc Cha "15-floor pass" before returning to Cao Bang City. Two bus options to Hanoi in the afternoon.
Breakfast at Me Farmstay
Start your day with a hearty breakfast surrounded by Pac Bo's quiet morning mist.
Na Tenh Pass — Vietnam–China Border Road (Đèo Nà Tềnh, đường biên giới Việt–Trung)
Begin the day on Na Tenh Pass, a remote mountain road that runs along the Vietnam–China border. Sweeping limestone valley views, quiet villages, and multiple photo stops where you can see China just across the ridge.
Khau Coc Cha Pass — Đèo 15 Tầng
The legendary "15-floor pass" — one of the most dramatic switchback roads in Vietnam. Each level offers a higher viewpoint of the karst peaks. Stop at the top for unforgettable photos and a moment to soak it all in.
Final Lunch
Enjoy a final taste of Cao Bang cuisine at a local restaurant en route back to the city.
Arrive Cao Bang City
Arrive back in Cao Bang City. Free time to relax, freshen up, and grab a coffee before your bus to Hanoi. We can also arrange buses to other destinations including Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, or Cat Ba Island — just ask.
Choose your bus back to Hanoi:
Hanoi → Cao Bang (Night Sleeper Bus)
Your Cao Bang Loop adventure begins with an overnight transfer from Hanoi to Cao Bang. Choose between two pick-up options:
Route Map
Hanoi → Ha Giang → Quan Ba → Yen Minh → Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng Pass → Du Gia → Ha Giang
What's Included
Included
- Professional local guide (Easy Rider or Jeep driver)
- 2 nights accommodation (local homestays/guesthouses)
- Meals as per itinerary: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 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
- Sleeper bus tickets Hanoi ↔ Ha Giang (can arrange)
- Personal expenses and snacks
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips for guide (appreciated)
- Single room or private room upgrade
- Alcoholic beverages
Reviews
"We did the Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights tour and it was the best thing we did in Vietnam. Ma Pi Leng was unreal, and the Skywalk views were insane. Du Gia was the perfect peaceful night."
"Amazing route and great pacing for 3 days. This Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights itinerary covered all the highlights without feeling rushed. The guides were professional and super fun"
"Loved the mix of epic passes and village life. The homestays were cozy, and the Du Gia waterfall swim was a highlight. Highly recommend Easy Rider if you want to relax and enjoy the views."
""We did the Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights tour and it was the best thing we did in Vietnam. Ma Pi Leng was unreal, and the Skywalk views were insane. Du Gia was the perfect peaceful night.""
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 for Day 0, and help arrange your return bus from Ha Giang back to Hanoi after the tour. Just tell us your preferred dates 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 — 3 days 2 nights is enough to see the signature highlights (Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Skywalk viewpoints, and Du Gia). If you want more village time and slower riding days, choose the 4-day option.
We typically arrive back in Ha Giang City around 4:00–5:30 PM on Day 3, depending on stops and road conditions. This timing works well for a night bus back to Hanoi.
