The Big northern Loop: Sapa, Ha Giang, Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake

Itinerary

Day 0: Hanoi to Sapa

Day 1: Sapa Sightseeing - Tram Ton Pass

Day 2: Sapa Trekking

Day 3: Sapa – Ha Giang

Day 4: Ha Giang City - Dong Van

Day 5: Dong Van - Meo Vac

Day 6: Meo Vac - Cao Bang

Day 7: Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake

Day 8: 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:

  • 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

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)

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, 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.

 

Sapa - Ha Giang - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Ba Be Lake

Day 0: Transfer Hanoi - Ha Giang

Between 20:30 and 21:00, our guide will arrive to assist you with your luggage and escort you to the Hanoi train station, ensuring a seamless transition to your night’s accommodation aboard the Dream Train Express. This overnight train journey offers a unique travel experience.

Dream Train Express from Hanoi to Sapa

Upon boarding, you’ll find the train cabins air-conditioned and styled in a local Sapa theme. Each cabin is fitted with cozy berths where bedding is already neatly provided. Although compact, the berths are designed to maximize your comfort, with ample space underneath to store your luggage securely.

Dream Train Express to Sapa inside 4 berth cabin

It’s important to note that while the sleeper train offers a range of amenities to ensure a restful journey, there is no restaurant carriage available. This means that no food or drinks will be available for purchase once on board. We recommend preparing by bringing along your own snacks and beverages to enjoy throughout the night. As you settle in, the train will begin its journey at 22:00, rocking gently along the tracks as you head towards Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa.

For taller travelers, it’s worth mentioning that the comfort of the berths is generally accommodating, but those over 6 feet may find the space a bit snug for fully stretching out.

Day 1

As you arrive at Lao Cai station early in the morning, a car awaits you to bring you to Sapa. After a brief stop at our office to store your luggage, you’ll be treated to a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant, offering you a taste of regional flavors to start your day.

Fully refreshed, your sightseeing tour officially kicks off at 9:00 AM. The drive through Sapa town reveals a landscape wrapped in a tapestry of mist and lush greenery, setting the tone for the day’s explorations. Your first major destination is Tram Ton Pass, recognized as the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. The route to the pass winds upwards through the mountains, offering ever-changing views that span deep valleys and towering peaks. 

Tram Ton Pass in Sapa

Continuing from Tram Ton Pass, your next visit is to the Love Waterfall, a scenic spot that requires a pleasant 1.1 km walk along the Golden River. The trail through the forest is as enchanting as the destination itself, with the waterfall presenting a serene spot to enjoy the natural beauty and perhaps dip your toes in the cool waters.

Love Waterfall in Sapa

After soaking up the tranquility at Love Waterfall, you’ll make your way back to Tram Ton and proceed to the Silver Waterfall. This impressive waterfall stands 200 meters high and serves as the upstream source of Muong Hoa Stream. Spend about 25 minutes here marveling at the power and beauty of the cascading waters.

Silver Waterfall in Sapa

In the afternoon, you return to Sapa town. This part of the day is left flexible for you to rest or explore further at your own pace. You might choose to roam the quaint streets of Sapa, discovering local crafts and eateries, or opt for a cable car ride up to Fansipan peak. Known as the “Roof of Indochina,” Fansipan offers panoramic views that are truly unmatched, providing a grand finale to your day’s adventures.

Day 2

Your second day in Sapa begins with the invigorating fresh air of the mountains and a quick breakfast before you embark on a day dedicated to trekking through the iconic rice terraces of the region. At 9:00 AM, your guide will lead you on a journey that dives deep into the cultural landscape of Sapa’s ethnic communities.

Starting with a descent to Cat Cat Road, you’ll enter the well-known village of the Hmong minority. This segment provides an intimate look at traditional Hmong architecture and daily life. You will then traverse the hanging bridge over Muong Hoa River and continue your ascent into the lush mountains, threading through a dense bamboo forest. The path reveals some of the most extensive and breathtaking rice terraces in Vietnam, with stunning mountain vistas in the background.

trekking in Sapa

Throughout your trek, you will encounter members of various ethnic groups, often dressed in their vibrant traditional attire, going about their daily tasks in the fields or their homes. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures and lifestyles that make this area so unique.

ethnic people in Sapa

For lunch, you’ll stop in Y Linh Ho village at a small, traditional restaurant run by a local Hmong family, where you’ll sample authentic dishes prepared with local ingredients.

Post-lunch, the trek continues to Lao Chai, an older and larger Hmong village, and then on to Ta Van Village, where the Giay and Hmong minorities live. This part of the trek offers insights into the agricultural practices of the area, such as rice planting or harvesting, depending on the season.

 
Y Linh Ho terraced rice fields in Sapa

The trek wraps up in the late afternoon, and you’ll return to Sapa for another restful evening, enjoying the peace and the cooler mountain air.

Day 3

Rise early for a 6:30 AM departure by limousine bus bound for Ha Giang, a journey that introduces you to even more stunning landscapes. The drive, which takes approximately 6 hours, will provide glimpses of daily life in rural Vietnam and dramatic views of the mountains.

A few scheduled stops along the way allow you to stretch your legs, grab a drink, and take in the scenery.

Upon arrival in Ha Giang around midday, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant, tasting more of the region’s cuisine.

After lunch, you will be taken to Thon Tha Village for your homestay experience. Thon Tha is known for its traditional architecture and the warmth of its Tay ethnic community.

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

Spend your afternoon exploring the village, interacting with locals, and perhaps taking a swim at a nearby waterfall if the weather permits.

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

Dinner will be a communal affair with your host family, offering a chance to engage more deeply with local traditions and stories.

Day 4

The adventure continues as you depart from Ha Giang city after breakfast, heading towards Dong Van through the mesmerizing landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop. Your first major pass of the day is Bac Sum, providing a gentle introduction to the spectacular mountain roads.

Bac Sum Pass on the Ha Giang Loop

Next, you’ll ascend Heaven Gate Pass, where you’ll stop to enjoy some of the most dramatic panoramas in Vietnam.

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

Following the descent, you’ll visit the viewpoint for the Twin Mountains, marveling at their symmetrical beauty.

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

Your route then takes you through several ethnic minority villages, where you can observe and learn about local customs and traditional ways of life.

ethnic Hmong woman weaving linen in Lung Tam Village in Ha Giang

Another highlight is Tham Ma Pass, with its picturesque s-shaped road.

Drive through Chin Khoanh Pass, navigating the series of sharp bends known as the 9 ramp pass, then continue through the scenic Sung La Valley.

Chin Khoanh Ramp along the Ha Giang Loop

Here, you’ll visit the Hmong King Palace, a significant historical site that offers insights into the region’s past.

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

You’ll end your day in Dong Van, exploring its charming old quarter and relaxing after a day filled with breathtaking sights and cultural encounters.

the square with coffee shops in Dong Van Old Quarter

Day 5

Begin the day with the possibility of experiencing the vibrant Dong Van Sunday market, if your visit aligns with the day. This market is a focal point for local residents and offers an extraordinary array of local products, including textiles and livestock, providing a colorful glimpse into local trade practices and social interactions.

Ethnic minority people walking with small pigs on Dong Van Market

After soaking in the market atmosphere, your journey continues towards Lung Cu, which boasts some of the most scenic roads in the Ha Giang loop. The drive itself is an adventure, offering spectacular mountain views and opportunities to visit local minority villages with traditional yellow clay houses.

views from the Ha Giang Loop in Dong Van district

Once at Lung Cu, ascend to the flag tower, the northernmost point of Vietnam, which provides a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside and into China. This is a proud symbol of Vietnamese sovereignty and a significant landmark.

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

Afterward, you’ll head back through Dong Van and towards the Ma Pi Leng Pass. This pass is a highlight for many travelers, known for its breathtaking views and precarious roads. Make time for a short trek along the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk for an even more immersive experience of this dramatic landscape.

Ha Giang Loop at the Ma Pi Leng Pass

Optionally, your guide can take you down to the Nho Que River for a boat ride through the Ma Pi Leng canyon, offering a unique perspective of the towering cliffs above.

 
boat tour on Nho Que River

The day concludes in Meo Vac, where you’ll stay overnight, relaxing after a day filled with cultural and natural exploration.

Day 6

Depart Meo Vac after breakfast, perhaps catching the bustling Sunday market if you’re there on the right day. This market is the largest ethnic minority market in Ha Giang, providing another colorful and vibrant trading scene.

lot of ethnic minority people on the Meo Vac Market on Sunday in Ha Giang

As you leave Meo Vac, the journey takes you through increasingly remote areas, revealing the true rural beauty of Northern Vietnam. The route to Cao Bang is dotted with small villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups and framed by rolling hills and deep valleys.

Cao Bang

Midway, you’ll cross into the stunning landscapes of Cao Bang province, where fewer tourists venture, offering a more untouched and authentic experience.

 
Cao Bang

Enjoy the serenity and the scenic views of terraced fields and traditional homes as you make your way to the city of Cao Bang, arriving in the late afternoon for an overnight stay.

Day 7

The day starts with a drive to one of the most picturesque natural wonders in Vietnam, the Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the border with China. The falls are among the largest in Southeast Asia and are especially striking due to their location amidst lush rice fields and against a backdrop of steep, forested mountains.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Spend ample time at Ban Gioc, enjoying the sights and sounds of the water cascading down multiple levels, creating a mist that adds a mystical quality to the surrounding landscape. Capture photos or simply soak in the serene atmosphere.

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

Next, visit the nearby Nguom Ngao Cave, an impressive karst formation filled with stalactites and stalagmites. A guided walk through a portion of the cave reveals its vast chambers and natural art forms, created over millennia.

 
Nguom Ngao Cave

After exploring the cave, you’ll head towards Ba Be National Park, where you’ll spend the night in a homestay near Ba Be Lake, nestled in one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural parks.

Ba Be Lake

Day 8

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural lake, and set out for a morning boat tour. This serene journey takes you across the lake, flanked by limestone cliffs and lush forests, to various islands and an impressive cave that the lake flows through.

Ba Be Lake boat tour

During the boat ride, you’ll have the opportunity to stop and explore local attractions, including the cave, which provides a dramatic backdrop for understanding the geological and cultural history of the area.

cave at Ba Be Lake

After the boat tour, return to your homestay for a final meal with your hosts, enjoying traditional dishes and reflecting on your journey. In the early afternoon, begin your return to Hanoi, arriving back at your hotel by approximately 6:30 PM, bringing your expansive Northern Vietnam adventure to a close.