The CAO BANG loop

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Buckle up for a 6-day, 5-night motorbike journey through Vietnam’s most jaw-dropping landscapes, from the rugged peaks of Ha Giang to the epic waterfalls and hidden caves of Cao Bang. With expert local guides leading the way, you’ll conquer winding mountain passes, cruise along misty ridges, and cross suspension bridges over emerald rivers. Dive deep into authentic village life, meet friendly ethnic communities, and savor mouthwatering regional dishes every day. From watching unforgettable sunsets over ancient towns to exploring the legendary Ban Gioc Waterfall and Angel Eye Mountain, this isn’t just a tour, it’s an adrenaline-pumping, soul-stirring adventure you’ll never forget. Get ready to ride, explore, and experience Vietnam at its wildest and most beautiful!
An international or Vietnamese driving license are needed to self-ride, but if you cannot ride, then get an experienced Easy Rider to take you, giving you time to really enjoy the views

WHAT IS THE CAO BANG LOOP?

The Cao Bằng Loop is a scenic motorbike or road trip route in northern Vietnam that takes you through some of the country’s most breathtaking and untouched landscapes. This lesser-known loop winds past dramatic limestone mountains, remote ethnic minority villages, dense forests, and rice terraces. Highlights include the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall—one of the largest in Asia—and the magnificent Tu San Gorge. Ideal for adventurous travelers, the Cao Bằng Loop offers a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path alternative to the Ha Giang Loop, with equally spectacular natural beauty.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Ha Giang City – Quan Ba – Du Gia Village ( 110km )

7:15 AM: Wake up and personal preparation.

7:30 AM: Breakfast, coffee, and trip briefing.

8:30 AM: Departure.

9:00 AM: Bac Sum Pass: Enjoy panoramic views of the serrated mountain range extending to China.

10:30 AM: Travel through ethnic villages and remote valleys along the border.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Horizon Restaurant, Tam Son Town, with locally sourced organic dishes.

1:00 PM: Quan Ba Heaven Gate & Twin Fairy Mountain: Explore terraced fields and the Red Dzao tourism village.

2:00 PM: Can Ty Pass: Climb Vietnam’s most winding pass with surreal views.

3:00 PM: Linen Weaving Cooperative: Learn the flax weaving process and local craftsmanship. Listen to our tour guide’s presentation and watch local women demonstrate some of the 49 steps needed to complete a handcrafted product from flax.

4:00 PM: Scenic Observation Point: Dramatic views of narrow valleys and mountain layers.

4:30 PM: French Fort Ruins: Explore 100-year-old ruins with panoramic views.

5:00 PM: End of the Day: Relax at the homestay by the pool with a pleasant view of the fields.

7:00 PM: Enjoy a cozy family dinner with delicious local food and happy water to soothe the stomachs after a thrilling first day of ascending and descending the spectacular passes of the Ha Giang loop.

Day 2: Du Già Village – Mậu Duệ – Đồng Văn Town ( 100km )

7:30 AM: Breakfast at the homestay, enjoy some coffee.

8:30 AM: Departure for Đồng Văn.

9:00 AM: Magical Morning in Du Già: Marvel at the fairy-tale-like scenery with clouds swirling around the mountains, sunlight piercing through the mist.

9:30 AM: Mountain Ridge Trail: Explore and take a 20-minute walk along the trails perched on the mountain ridges with panoramic views stretching tens of kilometers.

10:00 AM: Entering the Stone Kingdom: Conquer winding mountain passes nestled between towering cliffs.

11:00 AM: Dinosaur Back Rock Formation: Witness the rock formation resembling the back of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, with multiple peaks jutting out.

12:00 PM: Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant nestled among towering rocky mountains.

1:00 PM: Visit Indigenous Villages: Experience the daily life of H’Mong people in local villages.

2:00: PM Conquer Thắng Cố Pass – Thẩm Mã Pass: Visit this famous tourist spot and engage with H’Mong children.

3:00 PM: H’Mong King Royal Palace: Discover the ancient architecture and hear fascinating stories of the H’Mong King.

4:30 PM: Enjoy sunset at one of the best view in hagiangloop behind ĐồngVăn town. “You will never forget this destination, nor the sacred moment of this sunset”

5:00 PM: End the day at the homestay, at a perfect location to watch the sunset.

7:00 PM: Evening in Đồng Văn Ancient Town: Enjoy a delightful dinner and the vibrant atmosphere of Đồng Văn’s ancient streets.

Day 3: Đồng Văn Town – Khâu Vai ( 50km )

7:30 AM: Breakfast and coffee.

8:30 AM: Visit the Sunday market (if available). A vibrant cultural event where locals trade goods and meet friends and family.

Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes,” offering breathtaking views of steep cliffs and the emerald green Nho Que River below.

Admire the Tu San Gorge, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia, with slopes of 70-90 degrees and a height of 800 meters.

Stop at the Happiness Road Monument, a tribute to the laborers who built the road by hand. Enjoy a panoramic viewpoint to take in the majestic natural landscape.

12:00 PM: Lunch in Meo Vac town at Vietnamese rice restaurant.

Continue the journey to the most beautiful and least-visited area of the Ha Giang Loop.

Arrive at the End of the World Road, a challenging route with dramatic scenery.

Stop at the Stone Desert Viewpoint, a rare geological site showcasing the wilderness and grandeur of the “Stone Kingdom.”

Visit the Khâu Vai Love Market, where you can learn about the unique love festival and rich traditions of the H’Mong people.

5:00 PM: End the day at a homestay, relax, and join outdoor activities with local children.

7:00 PM: Enjoy a special dinner featuring fish hotpot and fresh organic vegetables.

Day 4: Khâu Vai – Hà Quảng ( 100km )

7:30 AM: Breakfast and coffee (visit the local market if it’s market day).

8:30 AM: Depart from Khâu Vai.

9:30 AM: Boat Tour of Khâu Vai Canyon, load motorcycles onto the boat for a scenic river journey.

Bamboo Raft Crossings: Witness locals using bamboo rafts to transport motorcycles, goods, and livestock across the river.

Navigate Vietnam’s steepest mountain passes like Khâu Cốc Chà (15 tiers) and Bà Bán Phở (40-degree inclines).

Explore the 20-tier pass with incredible landscapes and bamboo forests.

Stop at the Sóc Giang Border Gate to view China just across the fence.

5:00 PM: Arrive at Mế Farm Stay (Mế means mother in the Tày ethnic language) , relax at a beautiful eco-resort.

7:00 PM: Enjoy A Delicious Dinner With Local Specialties Prepared By Talented chefs.

Day 5: Hà Quảng – Trùng Khánh ( 80km )

7:30 AM: Breakfast and coffee. Departure at 8:30 AM.

Scenic Border Road: Journey through a remote mountainous area along the border, admiring the breathtaking scenery.

Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark: Explore the geopark’s rolling hills, lush fields, and crystal-clear rivers that resemble award-winning landscape photography.

Trung Khanh: A picturesque area in Cao Bang filled with fairy-tale-like scenery, from nature to villages, homes, people, and animals.

12:00 PM: Lunch in Trung Khanh followed by a visit to Ban Gioc Waterfall.

Bản Giốc Waterfall: The largest and most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam, also the sixth-largest border waterfall in the world.

Ancient Villages: Visit rare villages that still retain their ancient atmosphere, featuring stone houses, old walls, and faded tile roofs.

Visit Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc ancient pagoda, whrere we will caught a breathtaking scenery at epic panoramic spot with Bản Giốc waterfall, the green field and sharp moutains below

Explore the stunning Nguom Ngao Cave, the most beautiful cave in North Vietnam

4:30 PM: Visit ancient villages en route to the sunset viewpoint. Watch the river winding through the valley, glowing like a fiery dragon in the late afternoon sun, with surrounding mountains resembling a dragon’s lair.

5:00 PM: End the day at a homestay near the sunset viewpoint or at a hotel in town.

7:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring Cao Bang’s unique cuisine.

Day 6: Trùng Khánh – Angel Eye Muontain – Cao Bằng City( 70 Km )

5:30 AM: Sunrise at the viewpoint.

Sunrise at Famous Photography Spot: Witness the dawn in a stunning valley reminiscent of the famous Chinese painting “A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains.”

7:30 AM: Breakfast.

8:30 AM: Departure for Cao Bang city.

Cultural Day: Explore traditional highland craft villages and ancient villages, where life remains untouched by modern chaos.

Phja Pjot (Angel Eye Mountain): Discover this unique and scenic area, featuring ancient villages, meadows, and the surreal seasonal lake Thang Hen, a growing destination for tourism and healing.

( You have two time options for returning to Cao Bang City )

11:30 AM: If you need to travel to another city on the same day.

4:30 PM: If you have enough time, we recommend this option as it allows you to have a wonderful, fulfilling last day, visit Angel Eyes Mountain, and experience the local cuisine and nightlife in Cao Bang City.

After arriving, you will have the opportunity to rest, use towels, and shower for free before boarding the bus.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

INCLUSIONS

Lunch x 6
Breakfast x 6
Dinner x 5
New generation semi-automatic motor-bike* (can be upgraded with a small fee)
Tickets for sightseeing
Gasoline for vehicles
Motorcycle damage insurance
Air-conditioned vehicle
Round-Trip transfer to and from Hanoi. Transfer to Ha Giang is about 6 hrs so bus must be taken the night before the tour. One night accomodation before tour also included if wanted
Accomodation for 5 nights in a homestay dorm. Single rooms available for a fee
Helmet and protection

EXCLUSIONS

Medical insurance
Tips and other discretionary spending
Extra snacks and refreshments
Single room upgrades can be requested for a fee
Self ride option does not include the Easy Rider. For self-ride you must have a Vietnamese or International driving license and experience riding a motocycle. If not then you can choose the easy Rider option and have an experience driver ride the bike for you.

Prices

PRICING CALENDAR


information

Transfer to Ha Giang (Tour begins in Ha Giang)

Transportation Options: Limousine, Sleeper bus.

Duration: 6–9 hours depending on departure location.

Pickup Location: The car or bus will pick you up near or directly at your hotel/homestay, ensuring a smooth departure to Ha Giang. No worry, my friends

Departure & Arrival Times:

By Car: Flexible departure time suited to your schedule.

By Bus:

From Hanoi & Sapa (6 hours): Buses run throughout the day and night.

From Ninh Binh, Cat Ba, Ha Long (8–9 hours): Sleeper and Cabin buses, departing in the evening.

  • Important Notes:

– Night buses arrive in Ha Giang around 2 a.m. – 4 a.m., with drivers ensuring drop-off at your hotel or homestay.

– For departures from Hanoi and Sapa, we recommend daytime travel, especially by morning limousine, arriving early afternoon. This allows you to rest and join our complimentary countryside half-day tour, showcasing stunning waterfalls, terraced fields, and one of Vietnam’s top 10 peaceful villages with a magical sunset view toward China.

Transfer from Cao Bang

If you choose the option that includes drop-off at other cities, the bus will pick you up from Cao Bang between 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM. You have two departure choices:

  • Departure between 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: A limousine or sleeper bus will take you to your selected city by the evening of the same day.
  • Departure between 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: You will sleep overnight while traveling in a Cabin or Sleeper bus and arrive at your destination city between 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM.

more info

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any questions please contact us

If you have any questions at all about this tour or any other, or you just want some advice about what is the best for you to do when travelling around North Vietnam, then please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help.