Ha Giang – Cao Bang & Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake in 5 Days

Overview

This 5-day Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Ba Be tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the most scenic and culturally rich regions of Northern Vietnam. Starting from Ha Giang, you’ll cross mountain passes, visit ethnic minority villages, and explore remote landscapes few travelers ever reach. Highlights include the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, a peaceful boat ride on Ba Be Lake, and the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass. With all logistics handled, you can fully enjoy the adventure — without the hassle.

Highlights

  • Drive Vietnam’s most scenic mountain passes, including Tham Ma and Ma Pi Leng
  • Visit Ban Gioc, the largest and most stunning waterfall in Vietnam
  • Stay with H’mong, Tay, and Dao families in remote villages
  • Explore Lung Cu Flag Tower, the H’mong King’s Palace, and Nguom Ngao Cave
  • Enjoy a fully organized trip with all transport, meals, and stays included
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BOOKING SUMMARY

Ha Giang – Cao Bang & Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake in 5 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

After arriving in Ha Giang Town (via limousine, sleeper bus, or private transfer), your journey through northern Vietnam’s mountains begins. Today’s route heads deep into the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO-recognized geopark known for its limestone cliffs and winding roads.

Your first scenic stop is at Quan Ba Heaven Gate — a high mountain pass with panoramic views across the surrounding valleys. Not far from here, you’ll see the “Twin Mountains” (also known as the Fairy Breasts), two rounded hills that sit side by side in the middle of a lush valley.

Lunch

Continue the drive through stunning highland scenery, crossing Tham Ma Pass and Chin Khoanh Pass. These steep zigzag roads offer excellent photo opportunities. You’ll pass through Sung La Valley, dotted with small villages and colorful farmland.

In Xa Phin village, visit the historic residence of the last H’mong king. Built in a mix of Chinese and French styles, this hilltop home reflects the former wealth and influence of the H’mong people in this region.

Reach Dong Van in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel or local homestay, then enjoy dinner and some free time to explore the charming Old Quarter — a small town with a mix of colonial and traditional H’mong architecture.

Dinner

If it’s Sunday, you’ll have the chance to visit Dong Van’s vibrant market, where ethnic minority groups gather to trade food, livestock, and handmade goods. It’s a colorful and authentic scene that’s worth waking up early for.

After breakfast, head north to Lung Cu, Vietnam’s northernmost point. Climb the steps to the top of the flag tower for sweeping views over the mountains and across the border into China.

Breakfast

Continue your drive along the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass — a jaw-dropping road that snakes along steep cliffs above the Nho Que River. This is one of the most scenic stretches in all of Vietnam. You’ll have time to stop and take photos at key viewpoints.

Lunch

Arrive in Meo Vac around 5:00 PM. Settle into your hotel or homestay for the night and enjoy dinner. The evening is free to rest or walk around this quiet mountain town.

Dinner

After breakfast, set out on a long but rewarding drive from Meo Vac to Cao Bang. Today takes you through some of the most remote regions in Northern Vietnam, far from typical tourist routes.

Breakfast

Stop for lunch around Bao Lac. As you cross into Cao Bang Province, the landscape softens into wide valleys, peaceful rivers, and lush rice fields. It’s a quieter beauty compared to the jagged peaks of Ha Giang.

Lunch

Reach Cao Bang around 5:00 PM. Check in to your accommodation (hotel or homestay), have dinner, and rest up for the big day ahead.

Dinner
Hotel

After breakfast, head north to Ban Gioc — Vietnam’s most impressive waterfall. Located right on the border with China, it cascades down wide rock steps into a jade-green river. You’ll have time to take photos and walk around the area.

Breakfast
Late Morning :
Nguom Ngao Cave

Just a short drive away, visit Nguom Ngao Cave. Follow a well-lit path through the cave’s massive chambers filled with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It’s cool, quiet, and otherworldly inside.

Lunch

After lunch, begin the journey south to Ba Be Lake, a peaceful region within Ba Be National Park. The drive winds through small ethnic villages and forested hills.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at a homestay near the lake, usually run by local Tay families. Dinner is served at the homestay, and the evening is yours to relax by the water.

Dinner

Start your day with a calm boat ride across Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam. Surrounded by jungle and limestone cliffs, the lake is home to various bird species and fishing villages. You’ll stop to visit a large riverside cave along the route.

Breakfast
Afternoon :
Return to Hanoi

After the boat tour and lunch, begin your transfer back to Hanoi by car. Expect to arrive at your hotel in the city around 6:30 PM.

Lunch
  • All accommodation described in the itinerary
  • All meals described in the itinerary
  • All transfers described in the itinerary
  • English-speaking local guide
  • Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)
  • Personal expenses
  • This is a relaxed road trip suitable for most travelers. You’ll spend several hours per day in a car or on the back of a motorbike. Light walking is included at various sights. If you have concerns about mobility or comfort, let us know — we can adjust the experience.
  • This tour runs year-round, but the best conditions are from March to May and September to November, when the weather is dry, cool, and ideal for views and outdoor activities.
  • Most hotels and homestays provide wifi, but signal can be weak in remote areas. We recommend using a Vietnamese SIM card for more reliable access.
  • Vegetarian, vegan, and other special diets can be accommodated — just let us know in advance so we can notify our hosts and restaurants.
  • Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, power bank, hat, sunglasses, and a small daypack for daily use.
  • You’ll stay in a mix of homestays and hotels, selected for cleanliness, comfort, and authentic local experience. Private rooms are included wherever possible. Let us know if you have any specific preferences.
  • This tour is available year-round with daily departures. Custom start dates and private tours can be arranged on request.
  • 6
  • 75

FAQ

What kind of vehicle is used for the tour?

You can choose between a private car with driver or traveling on the back of a motorbike with an experienced local driver. Both options include an English-speaking guide.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

Yes, this tour is suitable for families and older travelers, especially if traveling by car. The pace is flexible, and walking is mostly light and optional.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour runs rain or shine. Rain is common in the summer months but usually light. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket. Routes may be adjusted for safety in severe weather.

Is it possible to combine this tour with Sapa or Ninh Binh?

Absolutely. We offer custom extensions to Sapa, Ninh Binh, or even Halong Bay. Let us know your plans and we’ll help connect the routes smoothly.

Will I have free time during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have downtime each evening to relax, explore the villages, or enjoy quiet time at the homestay or hotel. The schedule is flexible and not rushed.

Can I change my travel dates after booking?

Date changes are possible depending on availability. Please contact us as early as possible if you need to adjust your travel plans.

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  1. user
    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

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