7 Days Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang – Ba Be National Park Epic Journey

Ba Be National Park, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bang, Ha Giang Loop
4.9 (110+)

Suitable For

Private and shared group of below 10 passengers

Departure

Daily at 8:30 am from Ha Giang City

Duration

7 Days

6 Nights

Mode of Travel

Motorbike with Easy Riders, Self-riding, or Car

Tour Accommodation

Comfortable, well-equipped hostels

Tour meals

Quality family-style meals

Description

Overview: Ever wondered what a full week of Vietnam’s wildest north feels like? This 7-day Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang Tour with Lila Inn & Tours takes you far beyond the familiar loop. Ride through classic highland passes in Ha Giang, then press on into the remote valleys of Bao Lac and Cao Bang—cross the Khau Coc Cha Pass, float on the Quay Son River, marvel at the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, explore the deep caves of Nguom Ngao Cave, and wind your way to the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake for a boat ride among limestone karsts. With intimate homestays, local guides, and hidden-gem detours—this is Northern Vietnam in its rawest, richest form.

Who is the Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang 7 Days 6 Nights for?

Adventure lovers ready for a deep, multi-day exploration in remote terrain
Nature and photography seekers chasing waterfalls, lakes and mountain passes
Culture enthusiasts keen to spend time in ethnic-minority villages off the usual track
Travelers who want a slow, immersive week rather than a rushed highlight trip

Important Note: Lila Inn Team wholeheartedly designed this tour itinerary and will do our best to accompany you in exploring all the listed destinations. However, the duration and stops may be adjusted depending on weather and road conditions. We will inform you if any changes are necessary.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Please arrange your own travel to Ha Giang City before the tour departure.

Lila Inn can assist you with booking a round-trip bus at standard prices from Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, or Cat Ba. Check bus schedules and book here.

We offer free dorm bed for one night prior to the tour. If you would like to upgrade to a private room, check the availability and book here.

7:30 AM Have breakfast, meet your guide/easy rider, and receive tour information at Lila Hostel in Ha Giang City before starting your adventure.

9:30 AM Get to Bac Sum Pass, the longest pass in Ha Giang, often likened to a giant snake slithering along steep cliffs.

10:30 AM Visit Khau Lan Waterfall, nestled within lush tropical forests, preserving its wild and majestic beauty.

12:00 PM Arrive at Quan Ba Heaven Gate and enjoy panoramic views of Tam Son Town.

12:30 PM Have lunch in Quan Ba.

2:00 PM Visit Nam Dam Cultural Village, featuring traditional rammed earth houses of the Dao people.

2:30 PM Visit Linen Cooperative, a long-standing traditional craft village of brocade weaving by the Hmong.

3:30 PM Take in the breathtaking views at Can Ty Viewpoint and sightsee rice terraces at Lao Va Chai.

4:30 PM Get on your way to Yen Minh Town and stay the night here. Enjoy a family dinner, and sing karaoke with the locals.

7:30 AM Have breakfast, then head to Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark.

9:00 AM Reach the legendary Tham Ma Pass, a historical site with continuous hairpin bends.

9:30 AM Continue through picturesque Pho Cao Valley and Sung La Valley along the Nine-Turn Pass.

10:30 AM Visit Lao Xa Village and check out the unique rammed earth houses and the silver carvings of the H’mong people.

11:30 AM Tour the H’Mong King Palace, a national relic showcasing a blend of traditional Chinese and H’Mong architectural styles.

12:30 PM Have lunch in Sa Phin.

2:00 PM Next visit the ‘fairy tale’ Lo Lo Chai Village which boasts the architectural style of the Lo Lo people.

2:30 PM Get to the Vietnam-China Border and the Northernmost Point of Vietnam, enjoy the panoramic view of the vast mountains and rivers below.

3:00 PM Visit Ma Le Village, home to the Giay people, nestled among the rocky mountains.

Then stop to sightsee at Khe Lia Viewpoint.

3:30 PM Pass through Ma U Village, Thien Huong Village, then head towards Dong Van Ancient Town.

4:30 PM Check in to your homestay in Dong Van Town. Enjoy a family dinner, and sing karaoke with the locals.

7:30 AM Have breakfast and visit the Dong Van Ethnic Market (Sunday mornings) to experience local culture and buy unique handicrafts and food.

8:30 AM Conquer the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass, known as the “King of Passes” with extremely sharp hairpin bends for spectacular mountain views.

9:30 AM There are 2 options for you:

Option 1: Hike 5 km to White Cliff for unmatched panoramic views of the Nho Que River, Tu San Canyon and surrounding landscapes.

Option 2: Enjoy a boat ride (about 30 minutes) on the emerald Nho Que River, sightseeing the Tu San Canyon, the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.

12:30 PM Have lunch in Meo Vac.

1:30 PM Proceed to Cao Bang territory, arriving in Bao Lac Town.

4:00 PM Check in homestay in Bao Lac Town. Enjoy dinner with local foods.

7:30 AM Have breakfast, then continue the journey through Khau Coc Cha Pass, one of Vietnam’s Four Great Passes with 15 vertical levels.

10:00 AM Continue to Cao Bac Pass to admire terraced fields and mist-covered villages.

10:30 AM Traverse the lesser-known Na Tenh Pass, which features 20 gentle curves.

12:30 PM Have lunch in Tra Linh District.

2:00 PM Venture into the Phong Nam Valley or Ngoc Con Valley, where traditional Tay ethnic cultures thrive amidst picturesque paddy fields.

3:30 PM Drop by Co La Waterfall, which has a poetic beauty surrounded by mountains and fields.

4:30 PM Stroll through the 400-year-old Khuoi Ky Stone Village and explore the stone stilt houses of the Tay people.

5:00 PM Check in to the homestay near Ban Gioc Waterfall.

7:30 AM Have breakfast then discover the remarkable limestone grotto Nguom Ngao Cave.

10:00 AM Hike to Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda to enjoy the panoramic view of the waterfall and rolling mountains from above.

11:00 AM Take a boat ride at the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, situated on the jade-blue waters of the Quay Son River flowing from China.

12:00 PM Have lunch in Trung Khanh.

1:00 PM Visit the mysterious Mountain Angel Eyes, nestled in the valley of Thang Hen Lake.

4:00 PM Get to Cao Bang City and check in homestay.

7:30 AM Have breakfast, ride through the vibrant streets of Cao Bang City, then pass by to Cho Ra Town.

12:00 PM Have lunch near Cho Ra Market. Then journey towards Ba Be National Park.

1:30 PM Check in homestay in Ba Be.

2:00 PM Kayak at the pristine Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam.

3:00 PM Return to homestay and enjoy the night.

7:30 AM Breakfast then take a stroll around Ba Be Lake to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lake.

8:30 AM Set off to explore the mysterious and deep Hua Ma Cave, one of the most pristine and untouched caves in Bac Kan.

11:00 AM set out for Na Hang Lake, where you can rest and enjoy the view of the hydropower reservoir.

12:00 PM Lunch and head back to Ha Giang City. Make your way to Sao Village and Ngoc Linh Commune (or Viet Quang Town).

4:00 PM Arrive in Ha Giang City.

Post-Tour Stay & Travel Suggestions (not included in the tour price)

You can consider these 2 options:

Option 1: Stay overnight at LiLa Hostel and leave for other provinces the following morning. Contact us to arrange your room at Lila Hostel.
Option 2: Take a shower at LiLa Hostel (free), enjoy dinner, and board a bus to your next destination: Hanoi, Cat Ba, Ha Long, Sapa, or Ninh Binh.

Ha Giang - Cao Bang Loop Map 7 Days 6 Nights

Tour Package Prices

Motorbike Tour with Easy Rider

Motorbike Self-riding Tour

Car Tour

Packing List

Loved by Our Friends

Esther Wong

Australia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you’re thinking of doing the Ha Giang/Cao Bang loop, look no further than Lila Inn.

We wanted to do Ha Giang and Cao Bang in 5D4N and not many companies offered this. We also wanted to avoid the big companies where they group people in hordes of 20-30, going to packed touristy places/routes with drinking and partying every night.

We are so so glad to have done the loop with them. We had a group of 5 people in total, all like minded people and we visited famous places as well as quiet spots. We even did a little hike on day 2 where there was no one else but us. The first 3 days were the 5 of us with an easy rider each, then the last two days were just my partner and I (basically private tour) as we continued onto Cao Bang and everyone else the rest of Ha Giang.

The easy riders are fantastic too. Very kind, caring and fun people to be with. We felt safe the whole time as they’re great drivers, and it was just a very intimate experience of the loop as we avoided big crowds most of the time.

Special shout out to Ninh, Ngân, Tuyển, Thanh and Lưu who went above and beyond for our trip.

Cristian Besliu

UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Exceptional

Lila Inn gave us cheap and comfortable rooms in a great location in ha giang town. The hosts gave us great advice and helped us book the 4 day ha giang loop motorbike tour including ban gioc waterfall. They also provided one of their own drivers to lead this trip. Ninh was an excellent guide and driver. He ensured we felt safe, welcomed and comfortable. The motorbike tour was one of the most amazing experiences! We highly recommend booking the 4 day ha giang loop including ban gioc waterfall through Lila inn and travel. Everything was perfect 🙂

Axel Molnar

Australia
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

More than just a hotel to sleep. This is motorcycle hire and guided info and an amazing owner who looks after you!

Hotel is great and breakfast is really nice too. For the price it’s honestly a really solid option and it’s not full of a heap of young backpackers. The real hero is Thuan. Just an absolute legend, organised us motorbikes and sent a Google map itinerary for us to do the loop ourselves. Had proper good helmets and protective gear. Helped us translate in some rural remote towns ( part of his itinerary and it was amazing) his recommendations felt like a really genuine experience not just the touristy areas. At the end of the trip he took me to get money out, booked my bus transfer and even let my partner and I shower before getting on the bus even though we weren’t staying at the hotel that night. Excellent service. Thanks heaps Thuan, you made my trip such a memorable experience and I’m really grateful!

Annette McGovern

UK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Simple but Fabulous.

Liem was awesome, such a nice guy, made me feel welcome and went above and beyond to help me with any request. He booked my bus to Cao bang last min and then kindly dropped me off at bus stop as it was about to leave. Such a gent. The room was simple but clean and bed really comfortable. I stayed 2 nights before and after my trip. I had dinner one evening and there was so much food for the guests it’s was super hospitable for the price. I did the 3 day tour and it was epic. I felt really safe with my drivr Daí. On the road he also went out of his way to make my trip enjoyable. My group was just 3 me and a nice couple and im so glad as we got to experience so much more as a small group. Thanks guys!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Alisia Sciacca

US
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I can’t say enough good things about LiLa Inn, especially the staff. When we arrived we had the intention of driving the loop ourselves. Being from the USA, we unfortunately did not have the proper license to do. The front desk went over every possibility for us and took 2 hours of their time to figure everything out. They will hold your hand through the process, and that is worth the stay alone. We’re actually staying with them again when we head back to Ha Giang once we’re done with the loop.

This was an amazing trip I had with Lila, what I expected for years to visit Ha Giang. As a Vietnamese person living abroad and far away from my family and country. I always want to visit the north of VN anytime I visit my family. This time I chose Ha Giang. Going with Lila was a great experience, because I like small group, and feel safe with the driver. I am a bit low key, so the trip had enough time for me to enjoy the quiet place, met local people and also chill. One day was rainy and gloomy, not perfect to see the view on the road, but other days were sunny and cool, it was interesting to have different weather too with wonderful mountainous landscapes surrounding.

Tip: if you worry about the weather, just ask Lila, they are informative and supportive, they will give you some good tips for the trip.

The Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam 🇻🇳 with Lila Tours. There aren’t quite enough words to fully capture how incredible the past four days have been—but I’ll try.Riding on the back of a motorbike through some of the most breathtaking landscapes I’ve ever seen, I felt completely immersed in the beauty, culture, and spirit of northern Vietnam. We travelled through towering mountains, lush fields, winding roads, hidden caves, waterfalls, tiny villages, and vibrant local markets. Every turn brought something new—goats, chickens, butterflies, rivers, bridges, and countless warm smiles from the local people.Each night we stayed in the most welcoming homestays, where we were treated to delicious, fresh, home-cooked meals that tasted like love on a plate. In the evenings, we joined in with karaoke sessions or local town parties—laughing, dancing, singing, and connecting with both locals and fellow travellers in the most heartwarming way.The Ha Giang Loop is home to a rich tapestry of ethnic groups, including the H’mong, Tay, Dao, Nung, Lo Lo, and Giay. We had the chance to meet some of them, witness how they live, and learn about their traditions—an experience that was humbling and eye-opening.I want to give a huge shoutout to Tuyen, my Easy Rider, who went above and beyond every single day to make sure I was okay. He kept me safe, well-fed, and upright (even when I nearly toppled over!). He was a true angel—gentle, attentive, and kind—and not once did I ever feel at risk.I’m so glad I chose Lila Tours. Our small group of three, each paired with a local pro rider, made the experience even more personal and special. This was one of the most magical experiences of my life. I could honestly write a book or make a short film about everything we saw, did, and felt. I’ve never felt more alive, more peaceful, or more connected to the world around me.These are the kinds of moments that remind you to live deeply, to chase experiences that expand your heart and mind, and to reflect on the life you truly want to create. I’m filled with gratitude—for the journey, the people, and the privilege to witness such beauty.If you’re an adventurous soul heading to Vietnam, please put the Ha Giang Loop on your list. I promise—it will change you.

We had an unforgettable experience doing the Hà Giang Loop with Lila Inn Tour Group! Our guides were incredibly kind and knowledgeable — they knew the roads inside out and made sure we got to see everything we asked for, including the stunning Mã Pí Lèng Pass, Nho Quế River, and Mạc Lẻo.

I don’t eat meat, and they made sure all my meals — lunch and dinner — matched my dietary needs. One night, my family was craving lẩu, and they made it happen with no problem.

We only had 2 days and 1 night, but the guides worked around our schedule and delivered exactly what we wanted. We’re so happy with the experience and will always remember our guides with so much appreciation.

I also want to thank Lila Inn for refunding my deposit the week before when I had to cancel last minute due to rain. Their understanding and flexibility meant so much.

My family is already planning to come back for a 5D4N trip next time we’re in Vietnam. So, so happy!

Thank you so much Lila Inn & Tours

What an incredible experience! I can not recommend doing the Ha Giang Loop and booking through Lila Inn.

They ensured our experience was the best and were very helpful throughout. The small group size was the best and ensured a very intimate experience. We saw many hidden gems.

The accommodation the evening before starting and the bag storage is a great additional benefit! We also booked transport to and from Hanoi through them (also worked out very well – I would recommend the VIP sleeper bus!)

The easy riders were the best. They took such great care of us and really know what they are doing. We considered driving on our own, but it was the best decision to take an easy rider. Some of the roads are quite technical and also the police were quite strict!

Overall, 10/10 to Lila Inn, their easy riders, and the Ha Giang Loop!

If you’re thinking of doing the Ha Giang/Cao Bang loop, look no further than Lila Inn.

Special shout out to Ninh, Ngân, Tuyển, Thanh and Lưu who went above and beyond for our trip.

FAQs

faq-icon-classFrequently Asked Questions for 7 Days Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang – Ba Be National Park Epic Journey Expand All

What kind of motorbikes do your easy riders use?
All of our easy riders use 150cc motorbikes that not only look cool but also have powerful engines, ensuring a safe ride on Ha Giang's challenging roads.
Can your Easy Riders speak English?
We arrange for at least one rider who can speak basic English to lead the group. While most of our Easy Riders don’t speak English (though some know basic words), you can easily communicate with them using Google Translate, just as thousands of our customers have done.

For a deeper experience, you can also hire an English-speaking guide for an additional fee. This guide knows Ha Giang inside out and can share insights into local culture, history, and traditions.
What payment methods do you accept?
For the deposit, you can pay using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover,... when booking on our website.

For the remaining balance, payment is made at Lila Hostel before the tour. We accept both card (add 2% for the bank transfer fee) and cash.
What do the rooms on the tour look like?
We carefully select homestays run by ethnic minority families, offering a genuine cultural experience and warm local hospitality.

What to Expect:
- Simple Comfort: Choose between dorms or private rooms-basic but cozy and restful.
- Home-Cooked Meals: Enjoy traditional dishes with rice, vegetables, and meats.
- Heartfelt Welcome: Language barriers fade with the hosts’ kindness, making you feel right at home.
What do the foods served during the tour look like?
We offer a variety of shared family-style made from local fresh ingredients. A typical meal will include grilled or stir-fried meats, vegetables, soups, herbs and condiments, fruits, and aromatic tea to provide nutrition and replenish your energy.

Take a look at the types of dishes we offer to our guests here.
Can you accommodate Vegans and Vegetarians on your tours?
Yes! We carefully select restaurants that serve fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes. For a glimpse as to the type of dishes click on the link HERE.
I don’t want to join a group. Do you offer private tours, and what is the surcharge?
Yes! We can arrange a private tour for you with the same price as a shared group tour. Please leave us a note about choosing private tour when you book via our website.
Can I store my big luggage at your place?
We offer free luggage storage for our guests who want to travel light on the loop. You can leave your large (full-size) luggage at Lila Inn Hostel's storage until you return. Please prepare a padlock to securely store your belongings.

For valuable items such as laptops, iPads, etc., you should inform us so we can store them in our safe room.
Where can I stay if I arrive in Ha Giang City early before the start of the tour?
We offer free dorm beds for you the day before the tour starts, if you want to upgrade to a private room, please check the availability and book via our Booking.com page here to secure your room.
Are your tours kid friendly?
Absolutely! We warmly welcome children on our tours and can customize the experience to suit your family’s needs. Parents trust Lila Inn to provide the safest possible experience, as our Easy Riders are among the most skilled in the business!

Children’s Tour Fee Policy:
- Children aged 5–11: 80% of the adult fare
- Children under 4: Free of charge (any additional expenses not related to the tour are the responsibility of the parents)