Best of the North-East: Ha Giang, Bang Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake

The Best of the North-East

Embark on an exhilarating 5-day adventure through Ha Giang’s stunning landscapes, the majestic Bang Gioc Waterfall, and tranquil Ba Be Lake, accompanied by expert guides for a deeply authentic and adventurous experience.

 

 

Itinerary

Day 0: Transfer Hanoi - Ha Giang

Option 1: VIP sleeper bus

Option 2: Limousine day bus & Thon Tha Village experience (+1 Day)

Day 1: Ha Giang City - Dong Van

Day 2: Dong Van - Meo Vac

Day 3: Meo Vac - Cao Bang

Day 4: Cao Bang (Ban Gioc Waterfall) - Ba Be Lake

Day 5: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi

Our Guest

Accommodation

Building Future Lodges

We are currently developing three exclusive lodges in Ha Giang City, Dong Van, and Meo Vac to enhance your stay with us. Until these are completed, we offer accommodation in a carefully selected mix of homestays and hotels. This blend ensures you enjoy both the authenticity of Ha Giang and the comfort you expect. Here’s where you might stay:

  • Dong Van: Dong Van Cliffside House
  • Meo Vac: Little Yen Homestay
  • Ban Gioc: Yen Nhi Homestay
  • Ba Be Lake: Ba Be Lake View Homestay

*Accommodations are subject to availability and may change based on the dates of your booking.

Transfers

Option 1

Day Bus + Thon Tha Village

Depart Hanoi in the morning, arrive Ha Giang by afternoon. Enjoy lunch, then visit a traditional Tay village to explore and overnight in a homestay. Your Ha Giang Loop starts the next day.

Option 2

VIP night bus

Travel overnight from Hanoi in a comfortable sleeper bus, arriving early in Ha Giang. Rest upon arrival before beginning your Ha Giang Loop adventure in the morning.

Options & Alternatives

Option 1

Motorbike & Car

Kick off your adventure with an exhilarating two-day Easy Rider motorbike experience in Ha Giang, then switch to a car for the continued journey through Cao Bang and Ba Be Lake. This mixed-mode travel offers the excitement of a motorbike with the comfort and convenience of a car for longer distances.

Option 2

Car only

Traverse the entire route from Ha Giang to Cao Bang and Ba Be Lake by private car. This option ensures comfort and ease, allowing you to experience the rugged beauty and cultural richness of Northern Vietnam in a relaxed and secure setting.

Booking information

Included

Booking process

Book using the form below or contact us for custom tours. Hotel details can be provided later. Confirmation sent within 1 working day after deposit or full payment.

Terms of tour cancellation

Changes or cancellations are possible with potential extra fees. Please refer to our terms & conditions page for details.

Weather

Wondering what to expect on this tour during the month you plan to visit Ha Giang? Select your travel month to see detailed weather and scenery information, ensuring you are well-prepared and can fully enjoy your adventure, no matter when you decide to go.

Preparation

Safety

Safety is paramount on our tours. Our Easy Riders are highly experienced, and we provide top-quality helmets along with arm and leg protection gear.

What to bring

Dress in layers for varying temperatures in the mountains and valleys. Sunglasses are useful against sun and dust, while long sleeves and pants offer sun protection. Read our checklist.

Meals

Enjoy a mix of local and Western cuisine. Contact us in advance for dietary or allergy concerns; we can customize your meals.

 

Weather

Tours operate year-round. We continue in rain but may adjust the itinerary or switch to a car option in case of severe weather.

Prices

Prices Ha Giang by motorbike & Cao Bang by car

1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons 7 persons 8 persons
$1290 ($645 pp) $1605 ($535 pp) $2080 ($520 pp) $2550 ($510 pp) $2970 ($495 pp) $3430 ($490 pp) $3880 ($485 pp)

Prices Ha Giang & Cao Bang by car

1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons 5 persons 6 persons 7 persons 8 persons
$820 $1190 ($595 pp) $1710 ($570 pp) $2180 ($545 pp) $2675 ($535 pp) $3120 ($520 pp) $3570 ($510 pp) $3960 ($495 pp)

Booking & Enquiries

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Please mention any specific requests such as dietary preferences, route options, accommodation types, or other requirements you may have.

Step 1: Request Your Tour

Specify your preferred dates, the number of participants, and any specific desires you might have, such as types of accommodation (homestays or hotels) and transportation (motorbike or car).

Step 2: Receive Your Custom Offer

We will send you a detailed offer based on your requests. This offer can still be customized to ensure it perfectly meets your needs.

Step 3: Make Payment

All payments are processed through PayPal. No account is required to complete the transaction. PayPal provides buyer protection, safeguarding your purchase from booking to tour completion. Please note that a 3% PayPal fee will be added to cover processing costs.

Step 4: Enjoy Your Tour

Once your booking is confirmed, we take care of all the details. We arrange everything from transfers to and from Hanoi, accommodations, meals, guides, and transportation throughout the tour, unless you request otherwise.

FAQ

An Easy Rider is an experienced motorbike rider who acts as your guide throughout the tour. They are not only skilled in navigating the challenging roads but are also knowledgeable about the local areas, culture, and history. Traveling with an Easy Rider offers a unique, personal, and safe way to explore the region’s landscapes and communities.

 

When you choose the motorbike option, you typically ride pillion (as a passenger) with an Easy Rider. This allows you to fully enjoy the scenery without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads. However, if you prefer to drive by yourself, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements, including providing you with a motorbike and ensuring you meet all local driving requirements.

 

 

Yes, you can start the tour on a motorbike in Ha Giang for a thrilling experience. However, due to the longer distances and challenging terrain in Cao Bang, we recommend switching to a car for the remainder of the tour to ensure comfort.

 

You will stay in a combination of hotels and homestays. Hotels provide comfort and modern amenities, while homestays offer a deep dive into local culture and cuisine.

 

Pack light but include layers for varying temperatures, rain gear, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal necessities. Don’t forget your camera for the stunning landscapes and cultural moments!

 

The tour includes local Vietnamese cuisine, featuring regional specialties. We cater to dietary restrictions if notified in advance.

 

While the motorbike portion requires a basic level of fitness, the car segments are less physically demanding. Moderate fitness is enough to enjoy the tour fully.

 

Daily travel times vary, with approximately 4-6 hours of driving each day, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.

 

Yes, charging facilities are available in hotels and most homestays, but it’s a good idea to bring additional power banks for long days of exploration.

 

Ha Giang - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake

Day 0: Transfer Hanoi - Ha Giang

Option 1: VIP Sleeper Bus

Set off from Hanoi in the comfort of a VIP sleeper bus, traveling overnight to Ha Giang.

 
VIP sleeper bus to Ha Giang

Upon arrival, a short rest at our partner hotel ensures you’re refreshed and ready to embark on a four-day motorbike tour through the captivating regions of the Ha Giang Loop.

Option 2: Limousine Day Bus & Thon Tha Village

Depart Hanoi by limousine bus, enjoying the daytime views en route to Ha Giang. 

 
Hanoi to Ha Giang by limousine bus

Arrive for lunch and then continue to Thon Tha Village, where you can soak in the authentic lifestyle of the Tay people. 

stilt houses of Tay minority between the rice fields in Thon Tha Village

Spend the afternoon exploring before kicking off your motorbike tour the following day.

Day 1: Ha Giang City - Dong Van

Start your journey from Ha Giang city, either by Easy Rider or car, and embark on the Ha Giang Loop. Your first challenge will be Bac Sum Pass, offering modest views to ease you into the stunning landscapes ahead.

Bac Sum Pass on the Ha Giang Loop

As you ascend to the more dramatic Heaven Gate Pass, take a moment to enjoy a drink and the expansive views. 

 

view from top of Quan Ba Heaven Gate (Quan Ba Pass)

Descend to explore the Twin Mountains viewpoint, where two identical peaks rise side by side. The route continues through diverse landscapes and past several ethnic minority villages, each presenting a unique cultural tapestry. 

The iconic Twin Mountains in Ha Giang (Quan Ba) view from Quan Ba Pass

Next, traverse Tham Ma Pass and Chin Khoanh Pass, experiencing winding roads with breathtaking vistas. 

 
Zigzag road on the Ha Giang Loop called the Tham Ma Pass

Journey through the picturesque Sung La Valley and visit the Hmong King Palace to delve into the rich history of the region. 

 
the entrance of Hmong King Palace in Dong Van District in Ha Giang

Conclude your day in Dong Van, where you can explore the cozy and atmospheric old quarter in the evening.

The square of Dong Van Old Quarter

Day 2: Dong Van - Meo Vac

If your visit coincides with a Sunday, start with the vibrant Dong Van market, bustling with locals trading goods and livestock. 

Ethnic minority people walking with small pigs on Dong Van Market

Continue your journey to Lung Cu, driving along one of the most scenic routes in Ha Giang, dotted with striking mountain views and local minority villages. 

views from the Ha Giang Loop in Dong Van district
Lung Cu Lake View hometsay in Ha Giang

At Lung Cu, ascend to the flag tower for panoramic views of Vietnam and China.

Lung Cu Flag Tower on top of a hill, Vietnam's northmost point

Return through Dong Van en route to the highlight for many travelers: the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Spend time driving over the pass and making stops for photos, and if you’re feeling adventurous, undertake a short trek on the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk. 

 
Ha Giang Loop at the Ma Pi Leng Pass

Optionally, descend to the Nho Que river for a boat ride through Ma Pi Leng canyon. Your day ends in Meo Vac.

boat tour on Nho Que River

Day 3: Meo Vac - Cao Bang

Morning in Meo Vac offers another chance for market exploration if it’s Sunday. 

 
ethnic minority people holding pigs at the Meo Vac Market on Sunday

Depart for Cao Bang province, where the journey reveals a shift in the landscape to picturesque valleys and remote areas seldom visited by travelers. 

 
Cao Bang

Arrive in Cao Bang city by late afternoon, preparing for the next day’s adventures.

Cao Bang

Day 4: Cao Bang (Ban Gioc Waterfall) - Ba Be Lake

After breakfast, travel north towards the Chinese border to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the region, nestled among rice fields and mountains.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Enjoy ample time for photos and relaxation. 

 
woman standing in front of the Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang province

Nearby, explore Nguom Ngao Cave to see impressive stalactites and stalagmites. 

 
Nguom Ngao Cave

Later, travel to Ba Be National Park for an overnight stay at a homestay near Ba Be Lake, immersing yourself in the peaceful natural surroundings.

Day 5: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi

Start the day with a boat tour on Ba Be Lake, surrounded by lush jungle and local minority villages. 

 
Ba Be Lake boat tour

Visit a large cave that the lake flows through, and enjoy the serene environment. 

 
cave at Ba Be Lake

After lunch, begin your journey back to Hanoi, where you’ll arrive around 6:30 PM, bringing your memorable tour to a close.