The view from Me Pja Pass Viewpoint - Seeing the 14 sharp turns of the pass carved into the mountain

View of Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful natural highlights of Vietnam.

Aerial view of Phong Nam Valley with a river running through a valley surrounded by rice fields and mountains.

Two Red Dao ethnic minority woman inside a house cooking on an open fire in Cao Bang

Cao Bang Loop Tour: Off The Beaten Experience in 4 Days

Overview

Discover one of Vietnam’s most underrated regions on this Cao Bang Loop Tour, a 4-day off-the-beaten-path journey through breathtaking mountain passes, remote ethnic villages, and natural wonders few travelers ever reach. Whether you travel by motorbike with an easy rider or in a comfortable car, this tour is all about authentic connections, scenic landscapes, and deep cultural insight. From incense-making villages to the legendary Ban Gioc Waterfall and historic Pac Bo Cave, every day brings a new adventure through Northern Vietnam’s wild and untouched beauty.

Highlights

Visit Ban Gioc, Vietnam’s most spectacular waterfall on the Chinese border
Stay with Nùng, Tày, and Lô Lô families in remote mountain villages
Learn the traditional craft of incense-making in Phia Thap and Phúc Sen
Cross dramatic mountain passes like Mẻ Pia (Khau Cốc Chà) with panoramic views
Enjoy a worry-free Cao Bang Loop Tour with all transport, meals, and accommodations included

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BOOKING SUMMARY

Cao Bang Loop Tour: Off The Beaten Experience in 4 Days

Starting Date: Apr 18, 2025

Package:

TRAVELLERS

Total: $0

Questions or Special Requests?

Not sure about something, or want to customize this tour? We’re happy to help—just reach out!

Vietnamese Travel Agency

Book directly with a local Vietnamese travel agency

Secure payment

Safe payment via well-known payment gatewaysy

Local Support

Local team in Vietnam for questions and on-site assistance

Highly rated

Boek direct bij een lokaal Vietnamees reisbureau zonder tussenpersoon

Itinerary

Day 01 :

From Crafts to Waterfalls

Morning :

Depart Cao Bang City

After breakfast, meet your guide at 9:30 AM and kick off your Cao Bang Loop Tour with a drive through quiet rural roads heading northeast of the city.

Visit Phia Thap and Phúc Sen, two traditional incense-making villages where Nùng and Tày artisans handcraft aromatic sticks used in homes and temples across Vietnam. Learn about this age-old tradition and see the production process up close.

Late morning :

Scenic Ha Lang District

Continue to Ha Lang, a peaceful district known for its untouched landscapes and agricultural life. This is a great spot to take in views of rice fields and traditional stilt houses scattered across the hills.

Afternoon :

Nguom Ngao Cave & Ban Gioc

Explore Nguom Ngao Cave, an underground labyrinth filled with stunning limestone formations. Afterward, arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall — a breathtaking natural border between Vietnam and China. Check in at your nearby homestay and enjoy a warm dinner with your host family.

Day 02 :

Morning :

Phong Nam Valley

Have breakfast at the homestay, then start your journey with scenic stops across 120 km of quiet mountain roads.

Head into Phong Nam Valley, one of the most beautiful and least-visited spots in the Cao Bang region. Surrounded by rice paddies and limestone peaks, it’s an ideal place to slow down and experience rural life.

Late morning :

Nui Thung “Angel Eye” Mountain

Stop to see the unique circular cave through the middle of Nui Thung Mountain — a striking geological feature known as “the Angel Eye.” It’s a popular photo spot with incredible surroundings.

Afternoon :

Le Nin River & Pac Bo Village

End the day at Pac Bo, where Ho Chi Minh once lived and worked during the revolution. Walk along the Le Nin River and visit Pac Bo Cave before checking in at your next homestay in the village.

Day 03 :

Mountain Passes & Ethnic Villages

Morning :

Historic Trails from Pac Bo

After breakfast, begin a scenic ride through the northern mountains, stopping first to visit Pac Bo Cave if not done the day before.

Late morning :

Na Tenh Pass & Mẻ Pia (Khau Cốc Chà)

Wind your way through mountain roads with spectacular views. Cross Na Tenh Pass and the dramatic Mẻ Pia Pass (also known as Khau Cốc Chà), one of the most iconic zigzagging roads in Vietnam.

Afternoon :

Lô Lô or Tày Village Stay

Arrive in either Khuoi Khon Village (home to the Lô Lô minority) or Kha Rao Village (home to the Tày). Settle into your ethnic homestay, enjoy a local dinner, and take in the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Day 04 :

Completing the Cao Bang Loop Tour

Morning :

Village Life & Viewpoints

Enjoy breakfast with your host family, then begin the final leg of your Cao Bang Loop Tour heading back toward Cao Bang City.

Pass through Lung Pan Village and continue to several scenic viewpoints, including the famous Z-shaped mountain road near Nguyen Binh — perfect for photos and a final taste of the wild northern landscapes.

Afternoon :

Back to Cao Bang City

Arrive back in Cao Bang City around 4:30 – 5:00 PM. You can freshen up and relax at the hostel before a group dinner.

Evening :

Night Bus to Hanoi

At around 8:00 PM, board the night bus back to Hanoi — ending your adventure through one of Vietnam’s most spectacular and underrated regions.

Included / Excluded

Private Cao Bang Loop Tour by motorbike (with easy rider) or by car with driver
Transport from Hanoi to Cao Bang and back (sleeper bus or daytime bus)
3 nights accommodation in local homestays (near Ban Gioc, Pac Bo, and Lo Lo/Tay villages)
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
All activities and entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary (e.g. Ban Gioc Waterfall, Pac Bo Cave, Nui Thung, Nguom Ngao Cave)
Local tour guide or rider (as implied by the motorbike/car format)

Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
Travel insurance
Tips for guide or driver
Drinks during meals
Additional services not listed in the itinerary

Tour information

Difficulty level

This tour includes light walking and short hikes, making it suitable for most travelers. If you choose the motorbike option, you should be comfortable riding on the back of a motorbike for extended periods across mountain roads. If you have any concerns about physical comfort or mobility, we can adjust the itinerary or recommend the car option for a more relaxed experience.
Best time

The Cao Bang Loop Tour is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, while summer brings lush landscapes and dramatic waterfalls, ideal for swimming and photography. Winter is dry and peaceful, but temperatures can be chilly—bring warm clothes.
Wifi and internet

Most accommodations along the route provide free wifi, though connections in remote areas can be weak or unstable. A Vietnamese SIM card is useful for mobile data, but don’t expect full coverage in every location, especially in the mountains.
Luggage details

If you're traveling by car, bringing your full luggage is no problem. For the motorbike tour, it’s best to pack light and leave bulky suitcases in Hanoi or your hotel. We’ll help coordinate luggage storage or transfer if needed.
Dietary options

This tour can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or allergy-specific meal requests. Please let us know your preferences in advance so our local hosts can prepare accordingly.
Weather considerations

The tour runs in all weather conditions. Expect a mix of sun, clouds, and occasional rain, especially in summer. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and layers to adapt to the mountain climate.
What to bring

Bring sturdy walking shoes, a small backpack, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, swimwear (especially in summer), insect repellent, and warm clothes if traveling in winter. If doing the motorbike version, sunglasses and a windbreaker are also helpful.
Accommodation options

You’ll stay in a series of locally owned homestays in ethnic minority villages. Each is chosen for its authenticity and hospitality. If you have preferences for comfort or private rooms, we can customize the stay.
Minimum Age

6
Maximum Age

99

FAQ

What’s better — doing the Cao Bang Loop Tour by motorbike or by car?

It depends on your travel style. The motorbike option (with an easy rider) offers a more adventurous experience and allows you to feel the mountain road thrill. The car option is more comfortable, especially in bad weather or for families. Both follow the same route and include the same experiences.

Does the car tour follow the exact same route as the motorbike version?

Yes, the car and motorbike versions follow the same itinerary and visit the same villages, viewpoints, and landmarks. The experience and pacing are nearly identical, with the car offering more comfort and the motorbike more immersion.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour runs in all weather. For the motorbike version, light rain is manageable with rain gear, but if conditions become unsafe, we’ll adjust the route. The car option is less affected by weather and more comfortable during rainy days.

I’ve never been on the back of a motorbike for this long — is it safe and comfortable?

Our easy riders are experienced, and the bikes are well-maintained. You’ll ride on scenic but winding roads, so we only recommend the motorbike option if you’re comfortable sitting on a bike for several hours a day. If you're unsure, the car is the better choice.

Can I switch from motorbike to car during the tour if I’m not comfortable?

In most cases, we recommend deciding before the tour starts. However, if you're part of a private tour and feel uncomfortable, we’ll do our best to support a mid-tour switch depending on availability and location.

Are the homestays suitable for travelers who prefer some privacy?

The homestays are authentic and communal by nature, but private rooms can be arranged on request. Let us know your preferences when booking.

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An Epic Himalayan Adventure!

By Sarah Johnson
from United States
August 3, 2023
I just returned from the Everest Base Camp trek, and WOW! It was absolutely breathtaking. The stunning Himalayan vistas, warm Sherpa hospitality, and the sense of accomplishment made it an unforgettable journey. Highly recommended!

Date of Experience: August 03, 2023

Cao Bang Loop Tour: Off The Beaten Experience in 4 Days

Overview