From Hanoi: Ha Giang & Cao Bang 5-Day Guided Loop Tour

Hanoi Old Quarter, Vietnam



Discover Northern Vietnam on a 5-day guided loop tour from Hanoi. Visit the H'mong King’s Palace, cruise along the Nho Que River, and explore the Nguom Ngao Cave.

Highlights

  • Discover the beauty of Northern Vietnam on a 5-day guided loop tour from Hanoi
  • Cruise along the emerald Nho Que River and through the Tu San Canyon
  • Visit the ancient H'mong King’s Palace and experience local village hospitality
  • Explore the intricate formations of Nguom Ngao Cave (Tiger Cave)
  • Enjoy a boat trip on Ba Be Lake and take in the pristine jungle reflections

Description

Day 0: Night Sleeper Bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang
Begin your adventure with a night sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Get picked up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter and depart aboard a comfortable sleeper bus. Arrive in Ha Giang City and check into a cozy dorm room to rest before your journey begins.

Day 1: Ha Giang – Gateway to the Highlands – Dong Van
Enjoy breakfast, attend a brief safety briefing, check out, and gear up for the start of the loop. Wind through the dramatic curves of Bac Sum Pass and Can Ty Pass. Stand atop Quan Ba Heaven Gate and marvel at the famous Twin Mountains (Fairy Breast Mountains). Test your photo skills at the iconic Tham Ma Pass. Step back in time at the century-old H'mong King’s Palace (Dinh Nua Vuong). Enjoy an authentic local lunch on the way. In the evening, check into your homestay/hostel in Dong Van or Meo Vac. Enjoy a hearty family-style dinner and raise a glass with local 'Happy Water' (corn wine).

Day 2: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Nho Que River Boat Cruise – Cao Bang
Fuel up with breakfast, check out, and set off toward Cao Bang province. Traverse the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam's 'Four Great Passes' along the famous Happy Road. Peer down into the deep abysses of the Meo Vac Sinkhole. Hop on a boat for a stunning cruise along the emerald Nho Que River, passing through the awe-inspiring Tu San Canyon (Southeast Asia's deepest canyon). Enjoy lunch served at a local restaurant along the route. In the evening, arrive in Cao Bang, check into your homestay/hostel, relax, and savor dinner.

Day 3: Cao Bang – The 14-Story Me Pia Pass – Ban Gioc Waterfall
After breakfast, depart into the heart of Cao Bang's karst landscapes. Tackle the famous Me Pia Pass (Khau Lieu), a mind-bending 14-tiered winding road cut into the mountainside. Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest and most breathtaking international waterfalls in the world. Take a raft/boat trip right up to the cascading spray. Enjoy lunch at a local spot en route. In the evening, check into a peaceful homestay near the waterfall area and enjoy a restful evening with dinner.

Day 4: Nguom Ngao Cave – Ba Be Lake
After breakfast, check out and head off to explore subterranean wonders. Venture inside Nguom Ngao Cave (Tiger Cave), renowned for its incredible stalactites, underground rivers, and giant limestone lotus formations. Journey onward to the lush green mountains surrounding Ba Be Lake. Enjoy a local lunch along the way. In the evening, check into your homestay near Ba Be Lake, soak in the tranquil lake views, and enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal.

Day 5: Ba Be Lake Boat Tour – Return to Hanoi
Enjoy a morning boat trip on Ba Be Lake taking in the pristine jungle reflection and calm waters. After lunch, board the comfortable return transport back to Hanoi Old Quarter, wrapping up your epic 5-day northern expedition.

Includes

  • Round-trip sleeper bus transport (Hanoi – Ha Giang / Cao Bang – Hanoi)
  • 4 nights homestay/hostel accommodation + Day 0 early morning rest dorm
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • Boat trips on Nho Que River and Ban Gioc Waterfall
  • Entrance fees to all listed sightseeings and caves
  • English-speaking tour guide

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes transportation, guided visits to Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Nguom Ngao Cave, Nho Que River cruise, Ba Be Lake boat trip, and accommodation as stated on the booking page.
The tour begins with a night sleeper bus from Hanoi Old Quarter to Ha Giang, with hotel pickup provided in Hanoi.
Internet access may be limited in remote areas like Ha Giang and Ba Be Lake, so plan accordingly.
Accommodation varies from guesthouses to basic hotels along the route; check the booking details for specifics.
The tour involves moderate walking and some boat trips; it is generally suitable for active travelers but check if you have specific mobility concerns.
The boat trip occurs on Ba Be Lake, located in Bac Kan Province, known for its scenic jungle reflections and limestone peaks.
The tour includes visits to local ethnic villages, the ancient H'mong King’s Palace, and opportunities to interact with local communities in Northern Vietnam.
The tour operates year-round, but weather conditions in Northern Vietnam can affect accessibility; check the website for current availability.
Yes, the itinerary includes exploring the Nguom Ngao Cave, also known as Tiger Cave, located near Cao Bang.
The tour spans 5 days, including travel by sleeper bus and guided excursions through Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces in Northern Vietnam.

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