Private & Guided

7 Days – 6 Nights Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake

Name: 7 Days – 6 Nights Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake
Brand: TVPalm
Price: 599 USD
Availability: InStock

The Ultimate Northern Heritage Loop by Motorbike or Private Car

7 Days/ 6 Nights

Small group

Local guides

Private rooms

Copy of BÌnh minh cao nguyên đá Đồng Văn

Tour Details

Tour Information

Duration

7 Days/ 6 Nights

Group size

2 - 8 guests

Transport

Motorbike (easy rider )
or Private Car

Difficulty

Moderate

Daily distance

Approx. 120 km - 180 km/day

Language

English / Vietnamese

Start/End

Hanoi – Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Ba Be – Hanoi

Accommodation

Private rooms (Ecolodge, Guesthouse, Homestay)

This 7-day journey takes you through the dramatic landscapes of Hà Giang and Cao Bằng, from the high karst plateaus of Đồng Văn to the powerful Ban Gioc Waterfall and the tranquil waters of Ba Bể Lake. Designed as a slower, more immersive experience, the tour allows time to travel thoughtfully through remote mountain roads and spend meaningful moments with local Dao, Hmong, and Tay communities.

Rather than rushing through highlights, we focus on depth — staying longer in places that matter, traveling at a pace that respects both the land and the people who call it home. Whether you choose to ride by motorbike or travel more comfortably by private vehicle, the journey is guided by those who know these mountains intimately.

Tour Highlights – Why This Tour

This 7-day journey takes you across the karst landscapes of Hà Giang and Cao Bằng, combining mountain passes, powerful waterfalls, and time spent with local communities.

Northernmost Point & Heritage Sites
Reach Lung Cú, Vietnam’s northernmost point, and visit the ancient Lung Khuy Cave, a site rarely included in standard itineraries.
Mountain Passes
Travel the Mã Pí Lèng Pass, known for its dramatic scenery, and the winding Tham Ma Pass with its series of sharp turns.
Ban Gioc Waterfall & Quay Sơn River
Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the major cross-border waterfalls in the region, and paddle along the Quay Sơn River.
Community Experiences
Take part in traditional incense making with the Nùng community and stay overnight in Dao and Tày stilt houses, gaining a closer look at daily life in the mountains.
Responsible Practices
Travel with a strict no-plastic policy and contribute directly to local sustainable tourism through the Tày Côn Lĩnh Sustainable Ecotourism Cooperative.

Who Should Join The Private Ha Giang Loop Tour?

Gear up and receive a safety briefing before hitting the road. (If you already in Ha Giang city, our easy rider will pick you up to the TVPalm Ecolodge)
Conquer the winding Pac Sum Pass.
Reach Heaven Gate (Quan Ba), take photos of the famous Twin Mountains
Savor a delicious lunch in Yen Minh Town featuring local organic ingredients.
Tackle the legendary Tham Ma Pass (9-Turn Pass), a photographer’s favorite and a true test for riders.
Explore the Hmong King’s Palace (Vuong Mansion) in Sa Phin.
Check into your private room in Dong Van Town and freshen up.
Spend your evening exploring the Dong Van Old Quarter or enjoying a coffee at “Café Phố Cổ.”

Spotlight: Conquering the legendary Tham Ma Pass. This zig-zagging masterpiece of mountain engineering offers the most iconic photo opportunity in Northern Vietnam

This 7-day private loop is designed for travelers who enjoy a thoughtful balance of adventure, culture, and meaningful connection with local communities. It is particularly well suited for those who:

Appreciate a mix of scenic mountain rides, moderate trekking on forest trails, and time spent with local people.
Are comfortable with long days on winding mountain roads and occasional hikes of 1.5 to 3.5 hours.
Value slower, more immersive travel over rushed sightseeing.

This tour may be less suitable for travelers who:

Prefer staying in high-end luxury resorts or urban hotels throughout the journey.
Experience significant discomfort with motion sickness or fear of heights on mountain roads.
Are looking for a short, relaxed sightseeing trip rather than an active, nature-based experience.

If you are unsure whether this tour aligns with your preferences or physical comfort, we are happy to discuss the details and help you decide on the most suitable option.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Private rooms at ecolodges and traditional homestays along the route.
Daily Breakfast: Usually served at your accommodation. On some days, we eat at local spots to try regional specialties.
Lunch: Simple, flavorful meals at small local restaurants.
Dinner: Home-style meals prepared at family homestays.

Ride along the Happiness Road toward Ma Pi Leng Pass. At 2,000m elevation, this is the most majestic part of the Loop.
Continue along the secretive and scenic M-Road, bypassing the main routes to reveal untouched landscapes and vibrant tribal life.
Lunch in Yen Minh. Refuel in a quiet town surrounded by pine forests and rice fields.
Ride back through Quan Ba, passing the familiar mountain silhouettes and rural life scenes, before descending into Ha Giang city.
17:00 – Arriving back in Ha Giang City. Return to TVPalm Ecolodge to shower, relax, and store your gear.
19:00 – 21:00: Depending on your schedule, board your luxury sleeper bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

Spotlight: Standing atop the 2,000m-high Ma Pi Leng Pass. Gaze down at the turquoise Nho Que River carving through Tu San Canyon—the deepest canyon in Southeast Asia.

Responsible Travel & Community Impact

This tour is operated in partnership with the Tày Côn Lĩnh Sustainable Ecotourism Cooperative. A portion of the revenue is used to support the following initiatives:

Zero Waste: No single-use plastic is used during the tour.
Reforestation: Part of the revenue contributes to our annual tree-planting program in the region.
Local Capacity Building: We provide training in tourism skills and basic English for community members in the area.

Investment

Tour Pricing

7 Days and 6 Night

Option 1

From $735

Limousine
Standard motorbike
Private room
Start: TVPalm Ecologe

Option 2

From $812

Limousine
Private car (SUV)
Private room
Best offer

Option 3

From $869

Private car (SUV)
Private car (SUV)
Private room
Premium experience

Booking & Payment

Advance booking is required to secure your spot. Once your reservation is received, our team will send an invoice via email within 1 business day. To confirm your booking, please complete a 30% deposit within 72 hours.

Accepted Payment Methods

Bank Transfer (VND or USD)
PayPal
Revolut
Wise

Recommended Low-Fee Options for International Guests To avoid high international bank fees, we recommend using Revolut or Wise. Both platforms offer fast transfers at significantly lower costs than traditional banks.

How to Pay via Revolut

Open the Revolut app → go to Exchange and convert your currency (EUR/GBP/USD) to VND first (to get better rates).
Tap Transfer → New → Add Bank Recipient.
Select Business and choose Vietnam as the destination country.
Make sure to select VND as the sending currency.
Enter the account details from your invoice and include your Invoice Number + Full Name in the reference.
Complete the transfer and send us a screenshot or PDF of the confirmation.

How to Pay via Wise

Open Wise → start a new transfer to Vietnam in VND.
Enter the bank account details provided in your invoice.
In the reference field, include your Invoice Number and Full Name.
Complete the transfer and send the confirmation to us.

After Payment

Send proof of payment (screenshot or PDF) to info@tvpalm.com or via WhatsApp.
Within 24 hours of receiving your confirmation, we will issue an official booking confirmation email with your final itinerary, packing list, and trip details.

Important Notes

The 30% deposit is non-refundable but transferable to another TVPalm tour within 6 months (subject to cancellation policy).
All payments must be completed before the tour departure date.

Cancellation, Postponement, and Refund Policy (EU-Friendly)

We understand that plans can change. Our policy is designed to be fair to both our guests and our local team, who commit time and resources to prepare every journey.

1. Standard Cancellation

30+ days before departure: Full refund (minus non-refundable deposit and transaction fees).
15–29 days before departure: 70% refund of the total tour price.
7–14 days before departure: 50% refund of the total tour price.
Less than 7 days before departure or No-show: No refund. All logistics, guides, vehicles, and permits are already confirmed and paid for.

2. Flexible Postponement (Recommended)

15+ days before departure: Free postponement. You may reschedule your tour within 6 months at no additional cost.
7–14 days before departure: Postponement is possible with a 30% adjustment fee to cover changes in guides and logistics.

3. Force Majeure In the event of circumstances beyond our control (such as natural disasters, floods, landslides, road closures, epidemics, or serious health issues supported by medical documentation), guests may choose either:

A full refund (minus bank transaction fees of approximately 2–5%), or
A free postponement to a later date.

4. Deposit Policy A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour value is required to confirm your booking. This deposit can be transferred to another TVPalm tour or ecolodge stay within 6 months, provided cancellation is made at least 15 days before the original departure date.

5. Special Conditions

International travelers: If you can provide proof of flight changes, we offer an additional 3-month postponement window.
Repeat guests: You are entitled to one free postponement and priority rescheduling.
All cancellation and postponement requests must be submitted in writing (email or confirmed message).

Important Note Our local team and partners begin preparations well in advance. Late cancellations directly impact their income and our operational costs. We appreciate your understanding.

Terms & Amendments

Our policies are designed to be clear, fair, and practical for both guests and our local operations.

Deposit A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour value (or a minimum of VND 500,000 for day tours) is required to confirm the booking and cover preparation costs. This deposit can be transferred to another TVPalm tour within 6 months if cancellation is made at least 15 days before the original departure.

Notification All changes, cancellations, or postponements must be submitted in writing (via email or confirmed message) to ensure proper documentation and timing.

Insurance We strongly recommend that all guests purchase personal travel insurance. TVPalm provides basic tour insurance covering accidents and emergency medical treatment during the trip. However, this does not cover trip cancellation or personal reasons for not joining.

Policy Updates Terms may be updated seasonally (particularly during the rainy season from June to September) or in accordance with Vietnamese tourism regulations. Guests are advised to review the latest policies on our website before confirming a booking.

Amendments & Adjustments

Written requests for date changes or service customizations made more than 15 days before departure are free of charge.
Requests made within 15 days may incur an adjustment fee of VND 1,000,000 to cover additional logistics and coordination costs.

Participant Substitution You may transfer your booking to another person free of charge, provided the request is made at least 3 days before departure and the new participant meets the tour’s health and fitness requirements.

Family & Special Needs We are happy to accommodate families with children or seniors. In many cases, we can arrange a switch from motorbike to private car tours to ensure safety and comfort. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

During the Tour If a guest is unable to continue due to health reasons, our guides will assist with a safe return. Please note that unused portions of the tour are non-refundable.

Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Heaven Gate – Lung Khuy Cave – Nam Dam Village

06:45 – 07:00: Pick-up by luxury limousine van from your Hanoi hotel.

(2026 INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE: The completion of the Hanoi – Ha Giang Expressway has slashed travel time to just 4- 4.5 hours. Enjoy a faster, safer, and more comfortable transition from the capital to the mountains.)

Arrival at TVPalm office in Ha Giang. Enjoy a light refreshment
The adventure begins. Feel the temperature drop and the air thin as you transition from the lowlands to the dramatic stone gateway of the plateau.
From this 1,500m viewpoint, the “Twin Mountains” emerge from the mist.
Walk along a mountain-side path with panoramic views of the valley before entering the “First Cave of the Plateau.”
Arrive at Nam Dam. Settle into a traditional Dao homestay built from rammed earth (thick clay walls)
Feast on “Black Pig” smoked pork, wild bamboo shoots, and local greens. Try the famous corn wine—the “Happy Water” of the highlands
20:45 onwards: The village has no city noise, only the sound of the wind and distant forest life.

Day 2: Nam Dam – Tham Ma Pass – King’s Palace – Lung Cu – Dong Van

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and check your gear for a day of iconic passes.
Conquer Tham Ma Pass. This legendary zig-zag road was once used to test the strength of horses.
Experience Doc 9 Khoanh (Nine-Turn Slope).
Pao’s House. Step into a cinematic world in Sung La Valley.
H’Mong King Palace. Explore the Palace of the Vuong family.
Lung Cu Flag Pole. Stand at the “North Pole” of Vietnam.
Settle into Dong Van Ancient Town, check-in hotel/homestay, fresh up, explore architecture and the bustling night market.
Dinner in Dong Van, taste Buckwheat Cakes, a local delicacy.

Gear up and receive a safety briefing before hitting the road. (If you already in Ha Giang city, our easy rider will pick you up to the TVPalm Ecolodge)
Conquer the winding Pac Sum Pass.
Reach Heaven Gate (Quan Ba), take photos of the famous Twin Mountains
Savor a delicious lunch in Yen Minh Town featuring local organic ingredients.
Tackle the legendary Tham Ma Pass (9-Turn Pass), a photographer’s favorite and a true test for riders.
Explore the Hmong King’s Palace (Vuong Mansion) in Sa Phin.
Check into your private room in Dong Van Town and freshen up.
Spend your evening exploring the Dong Van Old Quarter or enjoying a coffee at “Café Phố Cổ.”

Spotlight: Conquering the legendary Tham Ma Pass. This zig-zagging masterpiece of mountain engineering offers the most iconic photo opportunity in Northern Vietnam

Day 3: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Meo Vac – Bao Lac

Ma Pi Leng Pass: This is the “King” of Vietnam’s pass. We will trek the Sky Path, walking along the spine of the mountain for a dizzying view of the Tu San Canyon
Observe the daily trade of the Hmong people in Meo Vac Town.
The “Wild Road.” Travel toward Bao Lac on remote
Discover the Black Lolo people, famous for their vibrant, patchwork costumes, they are one of Vietnam’s smallest and most culturally distinct ethnic groups.
Check-in an accommodation in Bao Lac & dinner featuring Lolo or San Chay recipes

Day 4: Bao Lac – Cao Bang City – Phia Thap (Artisan Villages)

Bao Lac toward Cao Bang, passing through “Phia Oac” national park
Reach Phia Thap Village for a local Tay/Nung lunch served in a traditional stilt house.
Cultural Workshop:

Incense Making: See how Nung villagers use bark, sawdust, and forest leaves to create aromatic incense.
Blacksmithing: Visit Pac Rang, where master smiths forge tools over open fires using techniques passed down for 300 years.

Check-in homestay, relax & savor dinner in Phia Phap

Day 5: DaPhia Thap – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave – Cao Bang

Quay Son River Canoeing: Paddle through a landscape that feels like a classic ink painting
Ban Gioc Waterfall. Behold the majesty of the three-tiered waterfall bordering China.
Nguom Ngao Cave: Discover the “Tiger Cave.” This 2km-long cavern is filled with rare “Lotus Petal” and “Stone Pillar” formations that glow under the lights.
Return to Cao Bang City, savor Tay or Nung dishes, a famous local delicacy.

Day 6: Cao Bang City – Ba Be Lake National Park

Scenic descent to the UNESCO-recognized Ba Be Lake.
Boat Cruise: Sail through Puong Cave, a massive limestone tunnel inhabited by thousands of bats, and visit Ao Tien (Fairy Pond).
Picnic Lunch. Enjoy freshly caught lake fish and sticky rice served
Trek to a Dao Village: A 3.5-hour immersion trek into the jungle to visit a remote Dao community that lives in total harmony with the National Park.
Farewell dinner in Pac Ngoi Village.

Day 7: Ba Be Lake – Thai Nguyen – Hanoi

Enjoy a final morning of lake views before heading south.
Thai Nguyen Tea Hills. Visit the “Capital of Green Tea.”
Final drive back to the city.
15:30: Arrive in Hanoi. Drop-off at your hotel, concluding your 7-day Northern Odyssey with TVPalm Adventure

Day-by-Day Intensity Snapshot

Day	Riding Time	Difficulty	Key Highlights	Overnight
Day 1	~7 hours	Moderate	Heaven Gate & Lung Khuy Cave	Nam Dam Village
Day 2	~9 hours	Moderate	Lung Cu Flag Pole & King’s Palace	Dong Van Town
Day 3	~7 hours	Moderate +	Ma Pi Leng Pass & Sky Path Trek	Bao Lac
Day 4	~7 hours	Moderate	Artisan Villages (Incense & Forging)	Phia Thap Village
Day 5	~7 hours	Moderate	Ban Gioc Waterfall & Canoeing	Cao Bang City
Day 6	~8 hours	Moderate +	Ba Be Lake Cruise & Dao Village Trek	Ba Be National Park
Day 7	~6 hours	Easy-Mod	Scenic Return & Tea Plantations	Hanoi (Transfer)

What's Covered

Included / Excluded

Before You Travel

Useful Information

Safety & Fitness

We take great care in ensuring every participant has a safe and enjoyable experience on our Ha Giang Loop tours. Below is detailed information to help you understand the nature of the tour and choose the most suitable travel option.

Tour Nature & Physical Demands Our loop tours involve traveling on mountain roads with some winding sections and occasional short walks or hikes along the way (typically 1–3 km per day). While the experience is adventurous, it is designed to be accessible for guests with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.

Health & Fitness We suggest that participants have a moderate level of fitness and be able to walk comfortably for around 5 km in one hour. If you have any health conditions or concerns about your physical ability, please let us know in advance. Our team is happy to discuss your situation and help you select the most appropriate option.

Age & Travel Options

We welcome guests of all ages and offer flexibility between motorbike and SUV/private car options:

Motorbike option (as pillion): Suitable for guests who enjoy riding on the back of a motorbike and feel comfortable on mountain roads. Many active guests in their 60s and beyond continue to enjoy this option.
SUV / Private Car option: Offers greater comfort and is often preferred by families traveling with children, seniors, or guests who would like a more relaxed journey.

Children (ages 6–15): Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The SUV option is generally more suitable for this age group due to the nature of mountain roads.

Guests aged 60 and above: Many of our guests in this age group comfortably travel as pillion on motorbikes. However, the SUV option provides more comfort and less physical demand if preferred. We are happy to accommodate your choice based on your comfort level.

Daily Safety Practices Each morning, our guides hold a short safety briefing to go over the day’s route, current weather, and road conditions. We monitor conditions throughout the day and make adjustments when needed to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. Helmets are provided and must be worn at all times when riding.

Support During the Tour Our guides carry first aid kits and are experienced in managing situations on remote mountain routes. We have identified medical facilities along our routes and maintain clear communication protocols in case of any unexpected events. Our priority is to support every participant and respond thoughtfully to any situation that may arise.

A Note on Preparation Mountain travel involves some inherent variables, such as weather and road conditions. We prepare thoroughly for each tour and make every effort to ensure a smooth and safe journey. We also encourage guests to have appropriate personal travel insurance that covers adventure activities.

If you have any questions about your suitability for the tour or would like to discuss which option works best for you, please feel free to reach out. We are always happy to help.

Preparation & Packing List

To help you prepare for a comfortable and enjoyable journey on the Ha Giang Loop, we have put together this practical packing guide. The mountain weather can change quickly, so we suggest packing thoughtfully for varying conditions throughout the day.

Clothing

Lightweight, quick-dry clothing for daily wear.
A windproof and waterproof jacket (highly recommended, as sudden rain is common).
A warm layer such as a fleece or light down jacket for early mornings and evenings, when temperatures can drop significantly.
Swimwear, if you would like to swim in local waterfalls or streams along the route.

Footwear

Sturdy trekking shoes or sports sneakers with good grip. These are important for both riding comfort and occasional walks on trails or uneven terrain.
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops for relaxing at the ecolodge or during breaks (these are not suitable for riding or trekking).

Personal Essentials

Sunscreen with high SPF.
Insect repellent (especially useful in the evenings).
Polarized sunglasses to reduce glare from mountain roads.
Personal medications and a basic first aid kit (such as plasters, pain relief, and any prescribed medication).
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.

Luggage

A small, comfortable daypack for items you will need during the day (water, jacket, sunscreen, camera, etc.).
Larger suitcases or heavy luggage can be safely stored at TVPalm Ecolodge for the duration of the loop tour at no extra charge. We recommend traveling light for the motorbike or SUV journey.

Additional Useful Items

Power bank and charging cables.
Universal travel adapter (Vietnam uses Type A, C, and F plugs).
Reusable water bottle.
Lightweight scarf or buff (useful for dust and sun protection).
Small towel or quick-dry microfiber towel.
Cash in small denominations (useful in remote villages and for local purchases).

A Note from Our Team Mountain weather in Hà Giang can shift quickly between sun, rain, and cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations. We encourage you to pack layers and be prepared for changing conditions. Our guides are always happy to offer advice on what to bring based on the current season and forecast.

If you have any questions about what to pack or need help deciding on specific items, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Our team responds within 24 hours. Tell us your dates and we will handle the rest.

Journey at a Glance

Top Seller

Duration

7 Days/ 6 Nights

Start / End

Hanoi

Difficulty

Moderate

Group Size

2 - 8 guests

From

US 735 / person

Before You Travel

Plan Your Private Journey

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