Discover the stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage of Northeast Vietnam on this 5-day, 4-night adventure through Ha Giang, Dong Van, Cao Bang, and Ba Be Lake. Start your journey along the legendary “Happiness Road” with scenic stops at Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the poetic Twin Mountains. Explore the ancient streets of Dong Van and visit the H’mong King’s Palace. Continue to Lung Cu Flag Tower – Vietnam’s northernmost point – and experience the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass, overlooking the Nho Que River.
In Cao Bang, be amazed by the grandeur of Ban Gioc Waterfall – one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia – and the mysterious beauty of Nguom Ngao Cave. Travel to the historic Pac Bo site, where President Ho Chi Minh once lived, before heading to the tranquil Ba Be Lake. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake, visit Widow Island, and discover the peaceful lives of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
This tour is a perfect combination of majestic landscapes, cultural exploration, and local experiences — ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and natural beauty.
Summary itinerary
DAY 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Dong Van
DAY 2: Dong Van – Lung Cu – Meo Vac – Cao Bang
DAY 3: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom cave
DAY 4: Cao Bang – Pac Po – Bac Kan – Ba Be
DAY 5: Ba Be Lake – Bac Me – Ha Giang City (~186 km)
Detailed itinerary
DAY 1: Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Dong Van
After breakfast, we went on the “Happiness Road” and started driving north out of Ha Giang city to the Dong Van rock plateau, the way to Quan Ba opens between two sides of high-quality cliffs, crossed the bend, went up Pac Sum pass. The delegation stopped to admire and take photos at Bac Sum slope.
Up to Quan Ba Heaven Gate, you can see the poetic Tam Son town. Quan Ba Twin Mountain appears among the rolling rocky mountains and terraced fields with the shape and stance that make visitors surprised by the magnificent beauty of the Creator. The two mountains associated with the legend of “Co Tien Mountain” are very poetic.
We continue to depart to the beautiful drawings of pine hills between the two sides, then stop for lunch in the small town. Yen Minh. After lunch, continue to visit Pho Cao, with typical yellow earth-colored houses, wooden gates located in stone fences – a feature of the rocky plateau with four ethnic groups of Mong, Han, Dao, and Pu Peo. From Yen Minh direction to Dong Van town, to Pho Bang junction, when reaching the top of the pass where the fork goes to Pho Bang, visitors can see the whole scene of Sung La below the valley. Looking down from the sky-crossing road, you have the opportunity to admire a peaceful and beautiful picture of nature. Go to Sung La to visit the H’mong We went to the relic of the king of the H’mong people, Vuong Chi Sinh, a mansion of an ancient emperor with more than a hundred years old, a work with beautiful, rare and very unique architecture of Ha Giang. To Dong Van town, accommodation is usually a combination of hotel and homestay; you are free to explore the miniature old town. (enjoy the evening and breakfast).
DAY 2: Dong Van – Lung Cu – Meo Vac – Cao Bang
After breakfast, visit the ancient fortress built by the French during the war to control the town of Dong Van district before leaving to visit Lung Cu Flag Tower, a scenic spot of Vietnam. Then, you visit the village of Lo Lo people (Lo Lo people are one of the least common ethnic minorities in Vietnam), we will have Lunch with them. Then drive to Ma Pi Leng pass, which is said to be one of the four most beautiful peaks in Ha Giang and the whole of Vietnam, Ma Pi Leng is located in the middle of Dong Van rock plateau, on one side is the high cliff of Ma Pi Leng. and one side is the poetic Nho Que River. Then have lunch in the small town of Meo Vac, if on the right occasion of the market (opened every Sunday), is the convergence of cultural quintessence of the ethnic minorities in the rocky highlands of Ha Giang, Sau Then continue to depart to Cao Bang to have dinner at a homestay and receive accommodation
DAY 3: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom cave
After breakfast, we continue to visit Ban Gioc waterfall – located at the border between Vietnam and China, you can feel the majestic nature and charming scenery, Ban Gioc waterfall is one of the three natural waterfalls. The most beautiful 3 floors in Southeast Asia. Then we have lunch with the people here. After lunch, continue driving to visit Nguom Ngao Cave, a limestone cave formed 300 million years ago BC. Over time, the stalactites and stalagmites have created vivid and interesting scenes that make people admire and be amazed. We spent the night at a Nung homestay and enjoyed a traditional home-cooked dinner.
DAY 4: Cao Bang – Pac Po – Bac Kan – Ba Be – Approx. 127km Drive (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
After breakfast, visit Pac Po relic, where President Ho Chi Minh chose to live after more than 30 years of traveling abroad to return to his homeland to directly lead the Vietnamese revolution with Bo Bam cave, Co beach. Rac, Coc Po cave, Lenin stream, Mack mountain, Nam stream. and enjoy lunch with the people here. After lunch continue driving to Ba Be Lake. Here we check out a beautiful Homestay by the lake and which will provide us with a great dinner, lodge and breakfast..
DAY 5: Ba Be Lake – Bac Me – Ha Giang City – Approx 186 km Drive (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
We will spend the day on and around the lake. After breakfast, we will sail and explore the lake and surrounding area.
We got off the boat to explore the amazing natural scenery of Ba Be Lake – which is likened to a miniature Ha Long Bay of Bac Kan province and learn about the life of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups. Stop at Widow Island, a lovely small island located right in the heart of the lake, associated with the formation of the lake. Lunch at the Homestay. After lunch, we continue to drive to Bac Me district – Ha Giang city.
Includes
Entrance fees, tickets
Local tour guide
Dormitory for 3 nights in homestay
Motorbike, motorbike insurance, and gasoline
Meals (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners)
Karaoke Singing, “Happy Water”
1 Easy-Rider (If buying Easy-Rider Package)
Excludes
Tip for staff
Drink by order
Personal expenses
Surcharge holidays/New Year/Lunar New Year/Christmas
Note: The tour starts and ends at Ha Giang city. You can travel to Ha Giang city on your own or contact us to arrange transportation. If you need more information, please contact us Mail: zgotravelvietnam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: +84 9766 09451.
By the way, check this out on Get Your Guide: https://www.getyourguide.com/hanoi-l205/from-ha-noi-ha-giang-loop-4-day-tour-self-drivingeasyrider-t772560/