Ha Giang & Cao Bang

Ha Giang & Cao Bang: a journey to the heart of the most beautiful landscapes of North Vietnam

On the borders of North Vietnam, where mountains stand like stone cathedrals and valleys seem sculpted by the wind, the provinces of Ha Giang and Cao Bang reveal the most spectacular landscapes of the country. Vertiginous roads, karstic peaks as far as the eye can see, remote villages and unchanging rural scenes: here, every turn, every encounter and every panorama tell the deep soul of mountainous Vietnam.

The mythical road of Ha Giang winds between the limestone peaks, crosses Hmong hamlets perched above the clouds and runs along impressive canyons, including the legendary pass of Ma Pi Leng. Further east, Cao Bang captivates with its emerald rivers, perfectly geometric rice fields and one of the most majestic natural wonders of the country: the Ban Gioc waterfall, where water unfolds in a grandiose setting.

Exploring these two regions means moving away from classic circuits to dive into an authentic Vietnam, still preserved from mass tourism. It is to meet Hmong, Dao, Tay or Lolo communities whose traditions still shape daily life, share a meal in a house on stilts, cross silent valleys and be surprised by nature of raw beauty.

This trip to Ha Giang and Cao Bang is an intense, exotic and deeply human experience - a unique adventure to live at least once in your life.

Planning of the Ha Giang & Cao Bang loop

Day 0 : Hanoi - Ha Giang

Around 4 p.m., transfer by minibus from Hanoi to Ha Giang where you arrive around 10:30 p.m. and overnight at the Silk River, Phuc Lam Hotel.

Day 1 (B, L, D) - Ha Giang - Pho Bang

After breakfast, around 8 a.m., meet our English-speaking guide and departure by car.

Leave the plains and enter the mountainous region of Quan Ba. Discover the Heaven Gate, built by the French to prevent foreigners from entering this land filled with opium.

Visit the H'mongs women’s cooperative in Lung Tam, where families still grow hemp, to make handmade clothes with their traditional symbols and designs before lunch.

Stop at the iconic Tham Ma Pass and walk through the border villages of Pho Cao and Pho Bang, with traditional architecture houses made of compacted earth and yin-yang tiles.

Dinner and overnight at Sung Home in the surroundings of Pho Bang.

Day 2 (B, L, D) : Pho Bang - Dong Van

After breakfast explore the palace of King H'mong with its many references to opium, Chinese culture and feng shui.

Then start on a road through mountains to the northernmost point of Vietnam, Lung Cu where a tower proudly carries the national flag. Then visit the village of Lo Lo Chai, where the Lo Lo live, which has managed to preserve its essence and traditional architecture. Lunch on the way.

Finally go down into the valley, passing through remote villages like Ma Le, to reach Dong Van. Dinner and overnight in Cliffside, City of the Hmong Hotel, Dong Van.

Day 3 (B, L, D) : Dong Van - Pac Bo

After breakfast, join the pass of Ma Pi Leng, the most beautiful pass of Vietnam, with a view on the turquoise river of Nho Que then take the snail road famous for its sharp turns.

Continue through the town of Bao Lac, entering the province of Cao Bang. Lunch on the way in Bao Lac. Arrival finally in Pac Bo, a peaceful valley surrounded by a peaceful river for dinner and night at Me Farmstay.

Day 4 (B, L, D) : Pac Bo - Ban Gioc

After breakfast start the day toward Thung Mountain, known as the "Eyes of God", a giant hole then small hike to admire the landscapes of the region.

Continue the route via Trùng Khánh, crossing peaceful valleys and small ethnic villages to Ban Gioc waterfalls.

Lunch near the waterfall, then visit the impressive Nguom Ngao Cave.

Dinner and overnight at Lan’s Homestay near Bản Gioc.

Day 5 (B, L) : Ban Gioc - Hanoi

After breakfast, leave the waterfalls to head south, following the river through quiet villages and limestone cliffs. Visit the blacksmith village of Phúc Sen, where artisans still make knives by hand using techniques passed down from generation to generation.

Then continue to the remote valley of Phía Thap, where the Nùng An people live in stone houses and still make incense from forest bark. Then cross the picturesque pass of Ma Phuc, one of the most emblematic, before arriving at Cao Bang.

Lunch in Cao Ban then around 4 p.m., minibus to Hanoi.

Price 2025

2 pax: 15.200.000 VND / pax

3 pax: 13.450.000 VND / pax

4 pax: 12.450.000 VND / pax