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Vietnam Travel Guide
Ha Giang - Cao Bang with Ban Gioc Waterfall & Ba Be Lake - A 5 Day private tour
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Overview
Explore northern Vietnam on this private Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake tour, a spectacular journey along mountain passes, remote villages, and some of the country’s most impressive natural landscapes. You experience the highlights of the Ha Giang Loop, travel through the rugged scenery of Cao Bang, and visit the powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall and the peaceful Ba Be Lake. With a mix of comfortable transfers, short walks, and authentic local encounters, this route is ideal for travelers who want more than just Ha Giang and are looking for a complete, varied road trip.
Highlights
- Ha Giang Loop by Easy Rider, car, or jeep – Iconic mountain passes, deep valleys, and quiet backroads explored by motorbike or private vehicle.
- Cao Bang off the beaten track – A scenic route via Bao Lac and Me Pia Pass, passing through silent valleys and villages rarely visited by travelers.
- Visit to Ban Gioc Waterfall – Vietnam’s largest and most impressive waterfall, located directly on the Chinese border.
- Boat trip on Ba Be Lake – Relax on Vietnam’s largest natural lake, surrounded by caves, jungle, and Tay villages along the shore.
- Pure nature and local culture – A balanced combination of dramatic landscapes, ethnic minority communities, and authentic experiences along the way.
All options explained
This Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Ba Be combination tour offers several travel and comfort options.
1. To Ha Giang
Limousine bus + 1 day (recommended)
Daytime travel and an extra night in a Tay homestay in an ethnic village.
VIP cabin sleeper bus
Private or double cabins; the tour starts immediately upon arrival.
2. Transport
Car (most popular)
Sedan or SUV for maximum comfort.
Jeep
Modern or classic jeep for a more adventurous experience.
Easy Rider
Ride on the back of a motorbike with an experienced driver.
3. Accommodation
Comfort & unique (recommended)
Stay at our own lodge in Ha Giang combined with quality accommodation in Cao Bang.
Budget & Homestays
Simple accommodation with a local atmosphere.
Tailor-made
Fully adjustable to your preferences and comfort level.
4. Optional
Day trek from our lodge
A full day of walking through quiet valleys and villages rarely visited by other travelers.
Not sure which options suit you best? Ask us here.
Welcome to
Ha Giang Aya Lodge – by Local Vietnam
- A truly local experience – Located in a Hmong mountain village, fully surrounded by nature and far from other hotels
- 100% Hmong team – Hosted by our own local staff from the village: warm, welcoming, and genuinely authentic
- Modern comfort & quality – High-quality mattresses, air conditioning (hot/cold), a stylish restaurant, and a cozy bar
- Wood-fired hot baths – Exclusive wood-fired hot water baths with mountain views
- Epic panoramic scenery – Uninterrupted views over valleys, rice fields, and mountain peaks
- Activities & local workshops – Weaving demonstrations, short village walks, longer treks, and cultural encounters
What to expect (the route)
Day 0: Hanoi – Ha Giang
- Daytime limousine bus the day before + overnight stay at a Tay homestay in Thon Tha village
- VIP cabin night sleeper bus
Day 1: Start of the Ha Giang Loop
Morning
Bac Sum Pass & Quan Ba Heaven Gate
After breakfast, your Ha Giang Loop journey begins. You travel by car, jeep, or on the back of a motorbike with an Easy Rider, driving via Bac Sum Pass to Quan Ba Heaven Gate. From here, you enjoy views of the Twin Mountains and the first karst landscapes of the region—a striking start to the day.
Afternoon
Yen Minh, M-Shape Pass & Aya Lodge
The road towards Yen Minh is quiet and winds through green valleys and small villages. You stop at the M-shaped Pass for panoramic views before continuing to Ha Giang Aya Lodge by Local Vietnam. In the afternoon, you take a short, relaxed walk through peaceful villages and rice fields. Dinner and sunset are enjoyed at the lodge.
Day 2: Aya Lodge → Tham Ma Pass → Hmong King Palace → Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng Pass → Meo Vac → Bao Lac
Morning
Tham Ma Pass & Hmong King Palace
After breakfast, you leave Aya Lodge and head to Tham Ma Pass, an iconic S-shaped road with wide valley views. You then visit the Hmong King Palace (Vuong Family Palace), a historic site that offers insight into the power and culture of the Hmong in this region.
Afternoon
Dong Van Old Quarter & Ma Pi Leng Pass
You continue to Dong Van, where there is time for lunch and a short walk through the small Old Quarter. After that, you drive along the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s most famous mountain roads, with a stop at the Skywalk overlooking the deep Tu San Canyon.
Via Meo Vac, you continue south towards Bao Lac in Cao Bang, passing quiet valleys and small villages. Overnight stay in Bao Lac.
Day 3 – Bao Lac → Me Pia Pass → Angel Eye Mountain → Ban Gioc Waterfall
Morning
Me Pia Pass (14-level Pass)
From Bao Lac, you drive towards the famous Me Pia Pass, known for its 14 sharp hairpin bends zigzagging up the mountainside. From the viewpoint, you overlook one of the most impressive road sections in northern Vietnam.
Afternoon
Angel Eye Mountain & onward to Trung Khanh
In the afternoon, you visit Angel Eye Mountain (Nui Thung), a unique circular opening in a green limestone mountain, located in the UNESCO Geopark of Cao Bang—an open landscape of grasslands, karst formations, and small lakes.
You then continue towards the Ban Gioc Waterfall area on the Chinese border. Overnight stay in Trung Khanh, near Ban Gioc.
Day 4 – Ban Gioc Waterfall → Nguom Ngao Cave → Ba Be Lake
Morning
Ban Gioc Waterfall
After breakfast, you visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. This wide and powerful cascade lies directly on the border with China and offers countless photo opportunities.
Afternoon
Nguom Ngao Cave & drive to Ba Be
Not far from the waterfall is Nguom Ngao Cave, an impressive limestone cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. After the visit, you drive towards Ba Be National Park, where you stay overnight in a lodge or homestay near the lake.
Day 5 – Boat trip on Ba Be Lake → Return to Hanoi
Morning
Boat trip on Ba Be Lake
You start the day with a boat trip on Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam. You cruise past dense jungle, Tay villages, and visit a cave where the river flows through.
Afternoon
Drive back to Hanoi
After the boat trip, you begin the drive back to Hanoi. You arrive in the early evening, marking the end of your five-day road trip through Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Ba Be Lake.
From
Included / Excluded
- Car or jeep with driver or Easy Rider (motorbike with experienced driver)
- Fuel and vehicle maintenance
- All accommodation during the tour, including 1 night at Ha Giang Aya Lodge by Local Vietnam and selected quality stays in Cao Bang and Ba Be
- Meals during the tour
- All transfers as described in the itinerary, including transport to and from Ha Giang
- Short trek exclusive to our tour
- Local support and assistance
- Meals and services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Tour informatie
Best time to travel
Overall best period: September–November and February–April.
These months offer the most stable weather, clear views, and comfortable temperatures—ideal for both the mountain passes of Ha Giang and Ban Gioc Waterfall.
What to expect by season:
Spring (February–April): Mild, mostly dry, and not too hot. Ideal for mountain roads and short walks. Rice fields are still bare, but travel conditions are very comfortable.
Summer (May–August): Warm, with the highest chance of rain—usually short and heavy showers. Between showers there is plenty of sunshine. Landscapes are at their most dramatic: green valleys, a powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall, and lush rice terraces in Ha Giang and Cao Bang.
Autumn (September–November): Dry and pleasant. Nature is fresh green in early autumn and turns golden later on. One of the most popular periods to visit both Ha Giang and Cao Bang.
Winter (December–January): Cooler and mostly dry. Morning mist can occur in the mountains; visibility may be limited at times, but it often creates atmospheric panoramas.
Bagage
- Car/jeep tour: full luggage can be taken along.
- Easy Rider: backpacks can be carried on the motorbike; large suitcases can be stored free of charge at our office in Ha Giang City.
Distances & driving time
Hanoi → Ha Giang
- Limousine bus / night bus: ± 5 hours
Driving time during the tour
- Day 1: ± 3.5 hours
- Day 2: ± 4.5 hours
- Day 3: ± 5.5 hours
- Day 4: ± 5 hours
- Day 5: ± 5 hours
(Driving time is spread throughout the day with photo stops, viewpoints, and walking breaks, so no day feels like one long ride.)
Trekking
The tour includes a short trek of around 4 km, suitable for almost everyone.
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours
- Level: easy
- Trails: wide and well maintained, even after rain
- Location: villages and valleys without vehicles or tourists
This trek is one of the highlights of the tour.
Dietary requirements
Vegetarian, vegan, allergies, or other preferences?
Our team is happy to adjust meals—please inform us in advance so kitchens in the mountains can prepare.
Safety
Safety is always the priority.
- Drivers are careful and know every mountain pass and side road in Ha Giang and Cao Bang.
- We work with a permanent Local Vietnam team based in Ha Giang, allowing us to closely monitor road and weather conditions.
- Routes are adjusted if needed due to mist, rain, or roadworks.
- Personal stops are always possible; this is a private tour.
In case of extreme weather, the tour is rescheduled or you receive a 100% refund.
What to bring
- Hiking shoes with good grip (heavy boots not needed)
- Warm clothing for winter and cool evenings in spring/autumn
- Light clothing for summer
- For Easy Rider: long trousers, T-shirt, and wind jacket
- Cash for personal expenses in villages and markets
- Clothing and toiletries for ± 5 days
- Small daypack for rides and short walks
Frequently Asked Questions
Your lodge is remote—how does Aya Lodge fit logically into this route to Cao Bang and Ba Be Lake?
Aya Lodge fits this route exceptionally well.
Most Ha Giang + Cao Bang tours follow a fairly straight C-shaped route, meaning you see less of Ha Giang. Our route follows an S-shape, allowing you to cover both the classic highlights and several quieter, more scenic alternative roads.
Staying at Aya Lodge actually lets you see more of Ha Giang than on standard routes, without adding extra driving time to a single day. From there, you continue logically via Meo Vac towards Cao Bang, exactly as the route should flow.
Is the Ha Giang + Cao Bang section better by Easy Rider or by car/jeep?
Both options follow the same route, but the experience is different:
- Easy Rider: in Ha Giang, this is often the most enjoyable and adventurous option. You are closer to nature and the landscape feels more intense.
- Car/Jeep: for the stretch between Ha Giang and Cao Bang, this is often more comfortable. Distances here are longer than in Ha Giang, making a car or jeep easier on your back and energy levels.
Many travelers therefore choose: Easy Rider in Ha Giang → car/jeep for the longer stretches towards Cao Bang.
What about safety on the road, and what if I’m sensitive to motion sickness?
Safety always comes first. Our drivers ride and drive carefully, know the area in detail, and adjust the pace whenever you wish. As this is a private tour, you can always stop for a short break, photos, a drink, or fresh air.
If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend:
- sitting in the front or choosing an Easy Rider
- taking regular short breaks
- letting us know in advance if you prefer gentler driving
As we are locally based in Ha Giang, we always have up-to-date information on road and weather conditions and adapt accordingly.
Is this tour fully private, or are parts shared with other travelers?
The tour itself is completely private.
Only the Hanoi ↔ Ha Giang transfers are shared bus rides (limousine bus or night bus).
Possible minor shared elements:
– the short trek from Aya Lodge may be shared with other lodge guests
All core parts—Easy Rider, car/jeep, the Ha Giang route, and the Cao Bang route—are fully private.
How demanding is this 5-day road trip in terms of travel time and distances?
Travel days in Ha Giang and Cao Bang are intensive, usually around 4–5 hours of driving per day.
That’s why we optimized the route carefully, including:
- a stop and overnight stay in Bao Lac, avoiding one extremely long day
- frequent short walks, photo stops, and village visits, so driving never feels like one long stretch
- a light trek near our lodge to add variety
This keeps the tour balanced and comfortable, despite the longer distances.
What makes this Ha Giang–Cao Bang tour better than other tours to Ban Gioc and Ba Be Lake?
This tour is fully optimized by us based on local experience.
Key differences compared to standard routes:
- the most scenic S-shaped version of the Ha Giang Loop
- quiet alternative roads rarely used by other tours
- logical daily distances thanks to the overnight stay in Bao Lac
- a stay at Ha Giang Aya Lodge, the best base to explore less-visited parts of Ha Giang
- a short, exclusive trek without other travelers
You see all the highlights, but with a route that is more scenic, quieter, and better balanced than standard Ha Giang–Cao Bang tours.
More questions?
Use this form for:
- Enquiries about the tour
- Customization Request
- Questions about booking
Or contact us through:
+84 32 801 9395
@localvietnamtravel
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