7 days, 6 nights

Ha Giang + Cao Bang

The two most famous mountain loops of northern Vietnam in one journey.

Ha Giang + Cao Bang

Hanoi
Ha Giang
Quan Ba – Yen Minh
Dong Van
Ma Pi Leng – Meo Vac
Bao Lac
Khau Coc Cha Pass
Cao Bang city
Ban Gioc – Phong Nam

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Distance (estimate): ~900 km · 3 – 4 hours of driving a day on average
Best time: Sep – Nov; Mar – May
Good for: Motorbike loop · Photography seasons

Distances and driving times are estimates; mountain roads are often 30 – 50% slower than maps suggest.

Highlights

Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Dong Van old quarter
Ma Pi Leng Pass and the Nho Que River
Bao Lac and Khau Coc Cha Pass
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Phong Nam – Ngoc Con valley

Detailed itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi → Ha Giang city
~300 km · 6 – 7 hours
Travel up to Ha Giang by coach or private car.
Food: On the road
Overnight: Ha Giang city
Day 2
Ha Giang city → Quan Ba → Yen Minh
~100 km · about 3 hours
Quan Ba Heaven Gate, the Twin Mountains and the pine forests of Yen Minh.
Food: Lunch in Quan Ba
Overnight: Yen Minh
Day 3
Yen Minh → Dong Van
~50 km · about 2 hours
The stone plateau and Dong Van old quarter; optional detour to Lung Cu flag tower.
Food: Dong Van old quarter
Overnight: Dong Van
Day 4
Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng Pass → Meo Vac
~25 km · about 1 hour (without stops)
Ma Pi Leng Pass above the Nho Que canyon; a slow afternoon in Meo Vac.
Food: Meo Vac
Overnight: Meo Vac
Day 5
Meo Vac → Bao Lac (Cao Bang) → Khau Coc Cha Pass
~50 km · about 2 – 3 hours of mountain road, plus about 50 minutes each way to the pass
Cross the mountains into Cao Bang and have lunch in Bao Lac. In the afternoon ride up Khau Coc Cha Pass in Xuan Truong commune and hike to Pac Thoc peak to see all 15 tiers, then rest by the Gam River.
Food: Bao Lac
Overnight: Bao Lac
Day 6
Bao Lac → Nguyen Binh → Cao Bang city
~130 km · about 4 hours
Follow the national road via Nguyen Binh to Cao Bang city, with stops along the way.
Food: Lunch in Nguyen Binh; dinner: roast duck
Overnight: Cao Bang city
Day 7
Cao Bang city → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Phong Nam
~85 km · about 2 hours, plus ~26 km into Phong Nam
Ban Gioc and Nguom Ngao Cave, then Phong Nam Valley in the afternoon. Stay in the valley or return to the city for a night bus to Hanoi.
Food: Around the falls
Overnight: Phong Nam, or night bus to Hanoi

The stops on a map

Open the full map

What international travellers say about Cao Bang

What travellers praise

Local guides are knowledgeable and patient – they are named in review after review.
It feels quiet and authentic, “less touristy than Ha Giang”.
Careful drivers, even for first-timers on the back of a motorbike.
Local food and nights in village homestays.

Good to know before you go

It’s a long way from Hanoi (about 6 hours), and the Ban Gioc day is a long one.
Ask about extra charges in advance: VAT, single supplements, border-area permits.
The falls carry less water in the dry season; trails are slippery in the rains; January is very cold.
Homestay mattresses are often firm and rooms have no air-conditioning: bring insect repellent and warm layers.

Independent travelTravelling on your own: getting around, safe driving, papers and 2–4 day itineraries.

Tips

Before you set off

Long mountain roads: don’t ride at night and allow extra time, as roads are usually slower than maps suggest.
Riding yourself requires a valid licence (international visitors: IDP).
Back to Hanoi: sleeper bus from Cao Bang city, about 6 – 8 hours.