Ha Giang – Cao Bang & Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake in 5 Days

After arriving in Ha Giang Town (via limousine, sleeper bus, or private transfer), your journey through northern Vietnam’s mountains begins. Today’s route heads deep into the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO-recognized geopark known for its limestone cliffs and winding roads.

Your first scenic stop is at Quan Ba Heaven Gate — a high mountain pass with panoramic views across the surrounding valleys. Not far from here, you’ll see the “Twin Mountains” (also known as the Fairy Breasts), two rounded hills that sit side by side in the middle of a lush valley.

Continue the drive through stunning highland scenery, crossing Tham Ma Pass and Chin Khoanh Pass. These steep zigzag roads offer excellent photo opportunities. You’ll pass through Sung La Valley, dotted with small villages and colorful farmland.

In Xa Phin village, visit the historic residence of the last H’mong king. Built in a mix of Chinese and French styles, this hilltop home reflects the former wealth and influence of the H’mong people in this region.

Reach Dong Van in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel or local homestay, then enjoy dinner and some free time to explore the charming Old Quarter — a small town with a mix of colonial and traditional H’mong architecture.

If it’s Sunday, you’ll have the chance to visit Dong Van’s vibrant market, where ethnic minority groups gather to trade food, livestock, and handmade goods. It’s a colorful and authentic scene that’s worth waking up early for.

After breakfast, head north to Lung Cu, Vietnam’s northernmost point. Climb the steps to the top of the flag tower for sweeping views over the mountains and across the border into China.

Continue your drive along the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass — a jaw-dropping road that snakes along steep cliffs above the Nho Que River. This is one of the most scenic stretches in all of Vietnam. You’ll have time to stop and take photos at key viewpoints.

Arrive in Meo Vac around 5:00 PM. Settle into your hotel or homestay for the night and enjoy dinner. The evening is free to rest or walk around this quiet mountain town.

After breakfast, set out on a long but rewarding drive from Meo Vac to Cao Bang. Today takes you through some of the most remote regions in Northern Vietnam, far from typical tourist routes.

Stop for lunch around Bao Lac. As you cross into Cao Bang Province, the landscape softens into wide valleys, peaceful rivers, and lush rice fields. It’s a quieter beauty compared to the jagged peaks of Ha Giang.

Reach Cao Bang around 5:00 PM. Check in to your accommodation (hotel or homestay), have dinner, and rest up for the big day ahead.

After breakfast, head north to Ban Gioc — Vietnam’s most impressive waterfall. Located right on the border with China, it cascades down wide rock steps into a jade-green river. You’ll have time to take photos and walk around the area.

Just a short drive away, visit Nguom Ngao Cave. Follow a well-lit path through the cave’s massive chambers filled with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It’s cool, quiet, and otherworldly inside.

After lunch, begin the journey south to Ba Be Lake, a peaceful region within Ba Be National Park. The drive winds through small ethnic villages and forested hills.

Arrive in the late afternoon and check in at a homestay near the lake, usually run by local Tay families. Dinner is served at the homestay, and the evening is yours to relax by the water.

Start your day with a calm boat ride across Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam. Surrounded by jungle and limestone cliffs, the lake is home to various bird species and fishing villages. You’ll stop to visit a large riverside cave along the route.

After the boat tour and lunch, begin your transfer back to Hanoi by car. Expect to arrive at your hotel in the city around 6:30 PM.