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Vietnam Travel Guide
Cao Bang Small Loop Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems in 3 days
Overview
The Cao Bang Small Loop Tour is a 3-day journey through Northern Vietnam’s most scenic and culturally rich landscapes. Designed for travelers who want to explore both famous sights and hidden gems, this Cao Bang tour includes natural wonders like Ban Gioc Waterfall, the unique Angel Eye Mountain, and the peaceful Phong Nam Valley. Whether you travel by motorbike with an easy rider or by car with a local driver, this small loop offers a compact yet immersive experience through remote villages, mountain passes, and authentic local culture.
Tour Video Preview
Watch a short video preview of this trip, Cao Bang Small Loop Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems in 3 days, to get a visual impression of the places and experiences included in this tour. This video is meant to give you an overall idea of the trip, though some details may vary depending on the season or your personalized itinerary.
Highlights
- Stand beneath the powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall at the Vietnam–China border
- Hike to the stunning Angel Eye Mountain, a dramatic hole-in-the-rock formation
- Take in the beauty of Phong Nam Valley, surrounded by limestone peaks and rice fields
- Discover traditional ethnic villages and learn about local crafts
- Enjoy a smooth and flexible Cao Bang tour by either motorbike or private car
Price & Availability
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Itinerary
Day 01 :
Villages, Grass Hills & Waterfalls
Morning :
Craft Villages & Cultural Traditions
Start your Cao Bang Small Loop Tour with breakfast in the city, then hit the road toward the eastern highlands. Visit Phia Thap, a village famous for incense stick making passed down through generations. Continue to Dia Tren, home of a traditional paper-making craft unique to the Nùng An ethnic group. Then stop at Pac Rang forging village, where blacksmiths produce high-quality tools using time-honored methods.
Early Afternoon :
Ba Quang Burn Grass Hill
After lunch in Quang Uyen town, drive toward Ha Lang district to visit Ba Quang Burn Grass Hill (also known as Vinh Quy Grass Hill). This wild, windswept area is a favorite among photographers for its wide-open slopes, golden grass, and panoramic mountain views.
Late Afternoon :
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall — one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural landmarks, straddling the border with China. Take time to admire the powerful cascades and soak in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding valley.
Evening :
Homestay in Khuoi Ky Village
Check in at a homestay in Khuoi Ky Stone Village, known for its rare stone stilt houses and serene setting near the waterfall. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your host family, try a sip of “happy water,” and settle in for a peaceful night.
Day 02 :
Valleys, Caves & Mountain Views
Morning :
Nguom Ngao Cave & Truc Lam Pagoda
After breakfast, visit Nguom Ngao Cave — considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful caves — with dramatic stalactites and a cool underground atmosphere. Then hike up to Truc Lam Pagoda for sweeping views of the Ban Gioc region and a moment of quiet reflection.
Early Afternoon :
Explore Phong Nam Valley
Travel to Phong Nam Valley, a remote and little-visited treasure tucked between limestone cliffs. With its lush rice paddies, scattered farms, and timeless atmosphere, this is one of the most picturesque and peaceful landscapes in all of Cao Bang.
Late Afternoon :
Discover Angel Eye Mountain
Continue to Angel Eye Mountain (Núi Thủng), a natural marvel with a giant circular hole through the limestone peak. Part of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark, this surreal location is one of the visual highlights of the entire loop.
Evening :
Overnight near Angel Eye
Depending on availability, spend the night at a local homestay near Angel Eye Mountain or in a hotel in nearby Hung Quoc town. Dinner and breakfast are included.
Day 03 :
Sunrise at Angel Eye & Return
Morning :
Angel Eye & Scenic Morning
Wake up early to enjoy the peaceful morning light at Angel Eye Mountain. This quiet and surreal landscape is part of the UNESCO-recognized Global Geopark and offers one of the most photogenic moments of the Cao Bang Small Loop Tour.
Late Morning :
Return to Cao Bang City
After breakfast, begin your short return drive to Cao Bang City. On arrival, enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional dishes from the north.
Afternoon :
Limousine Transfer to Hanoi
At around 2:00 PM, board the limousine bus back to Hanoi — ending your 3-day Cao Bang tour filled with dramatic landscapes, cultural encounters, and hidden gems far from the usual tourist trail.
The prices shown below are estimated and may vary depending on the season, availability, and changes from our local partners. Final pricing can also be influenced by any customizations you request for this tour.
Estimated Price Per Person (USD)
Prices shown are per person, based on the number of people in your group.
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
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What’s the difference between the motorbike and car option?
Both options follow the exact same route and include the same highlights. The motorbike version is more adventurous and gives you an open-air view of the landscape, while the car option is more comfortable and better suited for those who prefer a relaxed ride, especially in cold or wet weather.
Can I drive a motorbike myself on this tour?
Yes, but only if you have a valid motorbike license from your home country along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). If you don’t meet this requirement, you are not allowed to drive yourself. In that case, you’ll ride as a passenger with one of our experienced easy riders. Contact us if you want to join as a self-rider — we’ll review your documents and confirm availability.
What are the accommodations like during the tour?
Most accommodations are local homestays or small guesthouses, offering a simple but authentic experience. While comfort and privacy can vary, we choose places based on positive feedback from past travelers. If you prefer a higher level of privacy or comfort, just let us know — we’re happy to customize the stay.
Is this tour suitable for travelers who don’t want to walk too much?
Yes, the tour includes short walks and light hikes, but nothing strenuous. If you prefer to skip certain activities like cave visits or hilltop pagodas, we can adjust the itinerary to fit your pace.
Are private rooms available at the homestays?
Some homestays offer private rooms, while others are more communal. If privacy is important to you, especially for couples or families, we can prioritize accommodations that offer private sleeping areas.