Two provinces, one ride — from Ma Pi Leng to Ban Gioc Waterfall

The longest tour in our range and the only one that crosses two provinces. The first two days are the legendary Ha Giang Loop — Quan Ba Gate, the H’mong King’s Palace, Lung Cu Flagpole, Lolo Chai village, and the Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Tu San Canyon. Then, instead of turning back, we ride east into Cao Bang: Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary base at Pac Bo, the thundering Ban Gioc Waterfall on the China border, the vast Nguom Ngao Cave, and a sunrise trek to Angel Eye Mountain. Four nights with H’mong, Tay and Dao families — the rawest, most complete journey across the northern limestone plateau.

What Essential means: the same roads, passes and viewpoints as our higher tiers — run with shared-dorm homestays and a joined small group, so the price stays low. Nothing is cut from the route; only the comfort level changes. Want a private en-suite room, a slower pace and extra stops? Ask us about the Classic tier.

What makes this trip

• The complete Ha Giang Loop, then east into Cao Bang
• The 14 hairpin turns of Me Pia Pass
• Ban Gioc, the largest waterfall on the Vietnam–China border
• Nguom Ngao Cave, Pac Bo and Angel Eye Mountain

Day by day

Arrival Night (Night 0): Ha Noi → Ha Giang

Board the overnight cabin bus from Ha Noi (approx. 20:00–21:00). Arrive Ha Giang City around 04:00–05:00 and check in to rest at Ali Hostel (free arrival night included). Bus ticket is NOT included in the tour price — book it with us (see bus ticket prices in the Pricing section).

Day 1: Ha Giang — Quan Ba — Lung Tam — H'Mong King's Palace — Dong Van

08:00 wake up, breakfast at Ali Hostel, and complete any remaining paperwork. 08:30 guide trip briefing (route, safety, gear). 09:00 departure north on National Road 4C. Stop at Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate for the Fairy Bosom Hills, then visit Lung Tam Village to watch H’mong women hand-weave hemp fabric. Lunch en route — a hearty local Vietnamese meal (rice with meat, fresh vegetables and soup). Ride the Tham Ma Pass switchbacks and visit the H’mong King’s Palace (Dinh Vua Mèo) in Sa Phin. Arrive Dong Van Ancient Town, check in to your homestay, explore the stone quarter, then a home-cooked local Vietnamese dinner with the host family.

Day 2: Dong Van — Lung Cu Flagpole — Lolo Chai — Ma Pi Leng — Meo Vac

After breakfast, ride north to Lung Cu, Vietnam’s northernmost point. Climb the 286 steps to the Lung Cu Flagpole (~1,700 m), then pass through Lolo Chai Village of the Black Lolo people beneath the flagpole. Lunch in the Dong Van area. Ascend the Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Tu San Canyon, stopping at the Tu San Canyon viewpoint for the classic view down to the turquoise river far below. Descend into Meo Vac and check in to your homestay. Enjoy a home-cooked local Vietnamese dinner with the host family.

Day 3: Meo Vac — Me Pia (14-Turn) Pass — Bao Lac — Pac Bo

After breakfast, ride to the Me Pia Pass (the famous 14-Turn Pass) and take a short ~1 km trek to the panoramic viewpoint over the stacked switchbacks. Lunch in Bao Lac, then cross from Ha Giang into Cao Bang Province. 14:00 reach Pac Bo — Ho Chi Minh’s hideout (1941–1943) and birthplace of the Viet Minh. Visit Pac Bo Cave, the emerald Lenin Stream, and Coc Bo village (Dao & H’mong community). Dinner and overnight at a Pac Bo homestay.

Day 4: Pac Bo — Ban Gioc Waterfall — Nguom Ngao Cave

After breakfast, drive ~40 km (~1.5 h) to Ban Gioc Waterfall — the world’s 4th-largest transnational waterfall, on the Vietnam–China border. Trek to the falls (~1 km) and take in the views from the base. Lunch near Ban Gioc. 14:30 explore Nguom Ngao Cave (Tiger Cave) — over 2 km of spectacular stalactites and chambers. Dinner and overnight at a Cao Bang / Ban Gioc homestay.

Day 5: Ban Gioc — Angel Eye Mountain — Cao Bang — Ha Noi

After breakfast, drive to Angel Eye Mountain (Mat Than Nui) and trek to the summit (~45 min) — a circular rock arch with sweeping views of the Cao Bang plateau and the Quay Son River. 11:30 return to Cao Bang · 12:00 Lunch. Afternoon / Evening: 13:30 depart on the scenic drive to Ha Noi (mountain roads, small towns, green rice fields), arriving ≈19:00–20:00. End of program. (Private Car option: return by your tour car — included. Easy Rider option: bus Cao Bang → Ha Noi — ticket not included, contact us for a quote.)

What’s included

• Return drive Cao Bang → Ha Noi by your tour car on Day 5 (Private Car option only)
• 4 nights homestay — shared dorm (private room on request, see surcharge)
• Meals as per itinerary: 5× breakfast | 5× lunch | 4× dinner (home-cooked local meals) — Day 1 breakfast is served at Ali Hostel before departure.
• Drinking water: 1.5 L per person per day
• English-speaking local guide throughout (Ha Giang & Cao Bang specialist)
• Motorbike + fuel for the whole in-province route (Easy Rider option) / car + driver + fuel + tolls (Car option)
• Entrance fees for all scheduled attractions (Quan Ba, Vua Meo Palace, Lung Cu, Pac Bo, Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao, Angel Eye)
• Helmet & protective gear for Easy Rider (pillion) guests
• Travel insurance INCLUDED for every guest (BIC, up to 50,000,000 VND/incident)
• Free arrival night at Ali Hostel (if arriving the evening before) + free luggage storage during the tour
• 🚌 Bus ticket Hanoi → Ha Giang (both options) and bus Cao Bang → Hanoi (Easy Rider option — contact us for a quote) — bookable with us: sleeper 250,000 VND/way, luxury/limousine from 300,000 VND, VIP cabin from 350,000 VND (see bus ticket table in Pricing). (Private Car option: return to Hanoi by tour car already included.)
• Border-area permits — paid directly by the guest on site (government regulation): TWO permits required on this two-province route — (1) Ha Giang permit $10 per person, and (2) Cao Bang permit $10 per person (≈ $20 total per person).
• Personal expenses, drinks other than the included water, shopping
• Tips for guide / driver / homestay hosts
• Premium insurance upgrade (100M VND cover): +50,000 VND/day/person
• VAT invoice if requested (+8%)
• Any service not listed in the itinerary

Not included

• 🚌 Bus ticket Hanoi → Ha Giang (both options) and bus Cao Bang → Hanoi (Easy Rider option — contact us for a quote) — bookable with us: sleeper 250,000 VND/way, luxury/limousine from 300,000 VND, VIP cabin from 350,000 VND (see bus ticket table in Pricing). (Private Car option: return to Hanoi by tour car already included.)
• Border-area permits — paid directly by the guest on site (government regulation): TWO permits required on this two-province route — (1) Ha Giang permit $10 per person, and (2) Cao Bang permit $10 per person (≈ $20 total per person).
• Personal expenses, drinks other than the included water, shopping
• Tips for guide / driver / homestay hosts
• Premium insurance upgrade (100M VND cover): +50,000 VND/day/person
• VAT invoice if requested (+8%)
• Any service not listed in the itinerary

Good to know

What does the 5-day add over the 4-day?

A whole second province — Cao Bang: Pac Bo, the giant Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave and the Angel Eye Mountain trek — plus a fourth homestay night. The most complete journey across the northern plateau.

How fit do I need to be?

Moderate–challenging: short daily treks (1–2 km) and a summit walk. Comfortable for active travellers; not ideal for those who want a relaxed pace (choose the 3N2Đ or 4N3Đ).

Easy Rider or private car?

Either. Easy Rider — you ride pillion behind an experienced local guide-driver (no licence needed, the classic adventure feel). Private car — a 4-seat car with driver plus an English-speaking guide (more comfort and privacy, best for couples, families or anyone who prefers not to be on a motorbike). No self-drive on this long cross-province route.

Dorm or private room?

Price includes a clean shared dorm; private room +300,000 VND/room/night.

Booking: a $20 deposit per person (500,000 VND) confirms your seat — that is all you pay online. The balance is settled on departure day. We keep the online deposit small so you pay less in card fees. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure — 100% refund. WhatsApp / Zalo (+84) 787 652 333 · info@hagiangalitravel.com