The Big northern Loop: Sapa, Ha Giang, Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake
- Experience the diverse landscapes of Northern Vietnam, from Sapa's mist-covered mountains and Ha Giang's craggy peaks to Cao Bang’s waterfalls and Ba Be’s placid waters.
- Engage with multiple ethnic groups across four provinces
- Combine thrilling drives with trekkings and boat rides
Itinerary
Day 0: Hanoi to Sapa
- Embark on an overnight journey aboard the Dream Train Express, equipped with cozy, air-conditioned sleeper cabins.
- Enjoy the authentic local décor and comfortable bedding in your private cabin.
Day 1: Sapa Sightseeing - Tram Ton Pass
- Drive through Sapa to the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, Tram Ton Pass, with breathtaking views.
- Explore the serene Love Waterfall and the majestic Silver Waterfall.
- Spend the afternoon at leisure in Sapa town, exploring local shops and eateries.
Day 2: Sapa Trekking
- Trek through local roads to visit traditional Hmong villages.
- Admire expansive rice terraces and mountain landscapes.
- Lunch and interactions with a local Hmong family in Y Linh Ho village.
- Continue trekking to Lao Chai and Ta Van Village, learning about local ethnic minority cultures.
Day 3: Sapa – Ha Giang
- Travel from Sapa to Ha Giang in a comfortable limousine bus, enjoying rural vistas.
- Have lunch in the city before transferring to your homestay in Thon Tha Village.
- Engage with a local Tay family and explore rural village life.
- Stay in authentic stilt homestay in Thon Tha Village
Day 4: Ha Giang City - Dong Van
- Traverse multiple mountain passes, including Bac Sum and Heaven Gate, with stunning views.
- Visit traditional ethnic minority villages and the historical Hmong King Palace.
- Drive through the picturesque Sung La Valley and over the renowned Tham Ma Pass.
- Discover the charm of Dong Van’s old quarter, enjoying local hospitality and crafts.
Day 5: Dong Van - Meo Vac
- If it’s Sunday, start with the colorful Dong Van market.
- Experience one of the most scenic drives in Ha Giang to the northernmost point of Vietnam.
- Visit the Lung Cu flag tower for stunning 360-degree views.
- Journey over the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass with optional trekking on the Skywalk.
Day 6: Meo Vac - Cao Bang
- Explore the largest ethnic minority market in Ha Giang if it’s Sunday.
- Drive through picturesque and seldom-visited villages in the transition to Cao Bang province.
- Enter the lush landscapes of Cao Bang with fewer tourists and more authentic interactions.
- Settle into Cao Bang city, preparing for the next day’s waterfall adventures.
Day 7: Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake
- Visit this breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall on the China border, surrounded by natural beauty.
- xplore Nguom Ngao Cave’s impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
- Journey through the countryside to Ba Be National Park for a homestay experience.
- Spend the night at a traditional homestay near Ba Be Lake, enjoying local hospitality.
Day 8: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi
- Experience the tranquility of Vietnam’s largest natural lake on a boat tour.
- Visit an extensive cave and other local attractions around the lake.
- Enjoy a final meal with your homestay hosts before departing.
Our Guest
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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:
- Sapa: Maison De Sapa
- Ton Tha Village: Cay’s Homestay
- 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
Train options
4-berth cabbin
Travel comfortably to Sapa aboard the Dream Train Express, where you’ll stay in a 4-berth cabin designed for comfort and privacy. For those seeking a different experience, we offer a variety of tourist trains and cabin options upon request, ensuring your journey to Sapa meets your preferences and needs.
Options & Alternatives
Option 1
Car tour
Experience a seamless journey through Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Ba Be Lake entirely by private car. This comprehensive and comfortable tour option is perfect for those seeking a stress-free way to explore the extensive scenic and cultural highlights of Northern Vietnam.
Option 2
Motorbike & Car tour
After exploring Sapa, embark on a motorbike adventure through Ha Giang with an Easy Rider, then transition to a car for the segments through Cao Bang and Ba Be Lake. This option blends the thrill of motorbiking with the comfort of car travel, catering to those who desire a bit of adventure followed by relaxation.
Booking information
Included
- Easy Rider or Car driver (English Speaking Guide)
- Helmet and extra protection (for motorbike tour)
- Motorbike/Car and gas
- All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
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
| 1 person | 2 persons | 3 persons | 4 persons | 5 persons | 6 persons | 7 persons | 8 persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1350 | $1740 ($870 pp) | $2565 ($855 pp) | $3340 ($835 pp) | $4125 ($825 pp) | $4890 ($815 pp) | $5635 ($805 pp) | $6320 ($790 pp) |
- Dynamic Pricing: Prices are subject to change based on availability and specific tour requirements.
- Currency Conversion: Prices are displayed in United States Dollar (USD) for convenience. Please note that fluctuations in currency exchange rates may affect the final cost slightly.
- Customization Costs: Adjustments to standard packages, such as upgrades in accommodation or transportation, may affect the overall price.
Booking & Enquiries
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, it is possible to do Ha Giang by motorbike (Easy Rider), but for the longer trips in Cao Bang and Ba Be Lake, we recommend switching to a car for comfort and safety due to the extended travel distances.
Accommodations include a mix of comfortable hotels in urban areas and charming homestays in rural settings, providing a blend of modern conveniences and authentic local experiences.
Meals feature a variety of local Vietnamese dishes, prepared to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions if noted in advance. You’ll experience the true flavor of each region through its cuisine.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended as the tour includes various outdoor activities such as trekking in Sapa and exploring rural landscapes on foot or by bike.
Guides speak English and Vietnamese, with comprehensive knowledge of local cultures, geography, and history, enhancing your tour experience.
Driving times vary, generally ranging from 4 to 6 hours per day, including scenic stops, cultural visits, and meal breaks.
