Private & Guided

Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang Extension – 8 Days and 7 Nights Eco-Odyssey

Embark on a Symphony of Stone and Sky: Vietnam’s Untamed Northeast

8 Days / 7 Nights
⭕ Small group
⭕ Local guides
🛖 Private rooms
Tour Details

Tour Information

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Group size

2 - 8 guests

Transport

Expressway limousine; Premium motorbike (Day 2–4); private 7-seat eco-van (Day 5-8)

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)

Dive into a transformative 8-day pilgrimage through the UNESCO Global Geopark, led by the Tay Con Linh Sustainable Ecotourism Cooperative, where the raw adrenaline of Ha Giang’s peaks meets the emerald serenity of Cao Bang’s waterfalls. This is a journey of regeneration, blending high-octane motorbike loops with private eco-van, all while honoring the land through sustainable homestays and reforestation initiatives.
For those attuned to the earth’s rhythm, this odyssey reveals not just landscapes, but the soul of Vietnam’s Northeast: where Dao shamans share herbal wisdom, Tay weavers spin threads of heritage, and every vista whispers of conservation’s quiet triumph.

  • Intimate & Personal Immersion: Limited to a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring your connection with the land and its people remains profound and private.
  • The “Six Cherished Gems” Included: We have seamlessly woven six of the region’s most spectacular, off-the-beaten-path locations into our route at no extra cost:
    • Phong Nam – Ngon Lon Valley: Serene, untouched terraced beauty.
    • Khau Coc Cha Pass: A legendary 14-storey serpentine ascent.
    • Truc Lam Phat Pagoda: Sacred grace overlooking the frontier.
    • Khuoi Ky Stone Village: A 400-year-old Tay legacy carved in rock.
    • God’s Eye Mountain: A mystical, neotectonic marvel.
    • Cao Bang Nocturnal Tapestry: Immersive evening culture at the city’s vibrant night market
  •  Regenerative Adventure: A journey where you ride, reflect, and restore. Every booking supports community-led reforestation and indigenous empowerment.

This Tour Is Perfect for:

  • The “Slow & Deep” Traveler wants to see the icons (Ma Pi Leng, Ban Gioc) but also wants to linger in forgotten valleys like Phong Nam and stay in authentic, stone-carved villages.
  • Adrenaline-Seekers with a Soft Spot for Comfort, crave the thrill of the motorbike through Ha Giang but appreciate the transition to an air-filtered eco-van for the long-range vistas of Cao Bang.
  • Culture & Heritage Enthusiasts are interested in the specific nuances of ethnic groups—from the Dao shamans and Tay weavers to the sacred traditions of the borderland pagodas.
  • You value sustainable practices, such as zero-plastic initiatives and carbon-offset contributions to the Tay Con Linh groves.
  • The 8-day pace provides the “golden hour” lighting needed for the perfect shot of God’s Eye Mountain or the misty curves of Khau Coc Cha

Not Suitable for:

  • Travelers seeking 5-star luxury resorts or high-end urban hotels.
  • Individuals with severe motion sickness or a fear of heights.
  • Those who prefer short, urban sightseeing over immersive outdoor adventure.
 
  • 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

  • Accommodation: Private rooms at handpicked ecolodges, hotel, or traditional homestays
  • Daily Breakfast: Served at your accommodation
  • Lunch: Authentic local dishes at regional restaurants
  • Dinner: Hearty family-style meals at homestays or guesthouses
 
  • 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.

At TVPalm, we don’t just visit the Northeast; we invest in its future. Our 8-day odyssey is a Regenerative Journey designed to leave the land better than we found it.

Our Core Commitments

  • Direct Wealth Distribution: 100% of our stays are in locally-owned ecolodges and heritage homestays. Your visit directly empowers Dao, Tay, and H’Mong families, keeping ancestral traditions alive.
  • The Tay Con Linh Initiative: A portion of every tour profit is dedicated to our tree-planting projects. We are actively reforesting sacred groves to protect the watershed and biodiversity of the region.
  • Zero-Plastic Mission: We have eliminated single-use plastic bottles. We provide a reusable metal bottle and high-capacity purified water refills throughout the 1,130 km route.
  • Heritage Preservation: By including sites like the Khuoi Ky Stone Village and traditional blacksmith forges, we provide the economic incentive for these communities to preserve their unique architectural and craft legacies.

How You Can Help

  • Tread Lightly: Stay on marked trails during our “Sky Path” and valley treks to prevent soil erosion in the UNESCO Geopark.
  • Cultural Respect: Always ask for permission before taking portraits of ethnic minorities. Your guide will help facilitate meaningful, respectful interactions.
  • Support Local Crafts: We visit authentic weaving and forging workshops. Purchasing directly from the artisans ensures their craft remains viable for the next generation.
  • Traveler’s Impact: By choosing this 8-day pace over a rushed loop, you reduce carbon intensity per day and allow for deeper, more ethical engagement with the communities that call these mountains home.
Investment

Tour Pricing

Ha Giang Loop 2 Days/ 1 Night

Option 1

From $224

❌  No Hanoi transfer
🏍  Standard motorbike
🏡  Private room
📍  Start: TVPalm Ecologe

Option 2

From $280

🚐  Limousine / Sleeper Bus
🏍  Standard motorbike
🏡  Private room
✨  Best offer

Option 3

From $338

🚐 Luxury transfer included
🏍 Honda XR150 dirt bike
🏡 Private room
🔥 Premium experience

Advance booking is required to secure your spot. Once you reserve, our team will personally follow up with an invoice within 1 business day via email. To confirm your adventure, please deposit 30% to secure your spot within 72 hours.

Payment Methods: We accept Bank Transfers (VND/USD): PayPal, and Revolut (Highly Recommended).

(Why Revolut? It is the fastest way to pay and bypasses the hefty $25–$50 fees typically charged by traditional banks for SWIFT/International transfers.)

💡 Guide: Paying via Revolut (How to Avoid High Fees)

To ensure we receive the exact amount and you save on bank charges, please follow these steps:

  • Exchange to VND first: Open your Revolut app, go to ‘Exchange’, and convert your currency (EUR/GBP/USD) into Vietnamese Dong (VND). Revolut offers the best interbank exchange rates.
  • Start Transfer: Tap ‘Transfer’ -> ‘New’ -> ‘Add Bank Recipient’.
  • Select ‘Business’ and choose ‘Vietnam’ as the country.
  • Currency Selection: Ensure you select VND as the sending currency. This ensures the transfer goes through local networks, which is much cheaper and faster than SWIFT.
  • Enter Details: Use the Account Name, Account Number, and Bank Name provided in your invoice.
  • Reference: Please include your Invoice Number or Full Name so we can track your payment instantly.

✅ After Payment: Your Confirmation

Notify Us: Once your transfer is successful, please send a PDF or screenshot of the receipt to our email

Official Confirmation: Within 24 hours of receiving your proof of payment, we will send a Warm Confirmation Email containing your final trip details, packing list, and everything you need for the journey.

Life happens, and we strive to be as flexible as possible. Our policy ensures fairness for your travel plans and our local team’s preparation:

  • Standard Cancellation & Refunds:
    • 30+ days before departure: 100% refund (minus the non-refundable deposit/transaction fees).
    • 15–29 days before: 70% refund of the total tour value.
    • 7–14 days before: 50% refund of the total tour value.
    • Less than 7 days (including No-show): No refund (0%), as all logistics, vehicles, and guides are fully committed.
  • Flexible Postponement:
    • 15+ days before: Free postponement! Reschedule your adventure within 6 months at no extra cost.
    • 7–14 days before: Postponement is available with a 30% adjustment fee to cover guide and logistics changes.
    • Force Majeure: includes natural disasters (floods in Ha Giang/Cao Bang), epidemics, road damage, or sudden health issues (with medical certification). In such cases, 100% refund (minus transaction fees ~2-5%) or free postponement.
  • Special Benefits & Flexibility:
    • International Travelers: We offer an additional 3-month postponement window if you can provide proof of international flight changes.
    • Repeat Adventurers: Enjoy a free first postponement and priority rescheduling.

Note on Deposits: A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. While non-refundable, this deposit is transferable to any other TVPalm tour within 6 months if you cancel at least 15 days in advance.

We pride ourselves on personalized hospitality and flexibility. Our amendment policies are designed to be fair and stress-free:

  • Deposit: 30% of the total tour value (or a minimum of VND 500,000 for day tours), non-refundable in all cases to confirm booking and cover preparation costs. Deposits can be transferred to another tour within 6 months if canceled early.
  • Notification: Must be in writing (email, website form, or confirmed message) to record the time.
  • Insurance: Customers are encouraged to purchase personal travel insurance. TVPalm provides basic tour insurance (covering accidents and emergency medical), but it does not include personal cancellations.
  • Updates: Policy may be adjusted seasonally (rainy season in Northwest from June-September) or per legal regulations (Vietnam Tourism Law 2017). Always check the website before booking
  • Free Adjustments: We are thrilled to tweak your dates or customize services for your perfect trip! Written requests made more than 15 days before departure are completely free of charge. (Note: Adjustments within 15 days may incur a small fee of VND 1,000,000 to cover logistics setup).
  • Participant Swapping: You may transfer your spot to another person free of charge up to 3 days before departure, provided the new traveler meets our health and fitness guidelines.
  • Tailor-made for Families: We are especially accommodating to groups with children or seniors. We can easily help you switch from motorbikes to a private car tour to ensure maximum safety and family-fun readiness.
  • Midway Changes: If you feel under the weather during the tour, our caring guides will support you every step of the way and ensure your safe return. While unused portions of the tour cannot be refunded, your well-being remains our absolute priority.
Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary

  •  7:00: Depart Hanoi in sustainable comfort via expressway limousine
  • Upon arrival at TVPalm Ecolodge, settle into your private room 
  •  Guided Dawn Trek to Pristine Dao Village (1.5–2 hours): Wander 3–4 km through bamboo labyrinths and terraced paddies on low-impact trails. In this untouched hamlet—100% Dao, free of crowds—meet shamans and weavers, pause at hidden waterfalls for eco-snaps
  •  Evening Sanctum: Dine at The Palm Restaurant on farm-to-table 

(Spotlight: Ha Giang’s Geopark cradles 22 ethnic souls, where every trail treads lightly, preserving karsts that have stood since dinosaurs roamed.)

  • Post-breakfast safety briefing (helmets, gear from our recycled-equipment kit), mount with easy riders
  • Pac Sum Pass (~35 km): Serpent through 20 sinuous curves to a 360° valley panorama
  •  Heaven Gate (1,200m, ~10 km): Gaze through limestone citadels into abyssal gorges, a portal to Ha Giang’s fossilized heart.
  •  Nam Dam Village (~30 km): Delve into Dao clay longhouses and have lunch
  •  Lung Tam Valley (~20 km): Witness handicraft rebirth
  • Lung Cu Flag Pole (~40 km): Stand at Vietnam’s northernmost edge
  • Lo Lo Chai (~10 km): Marvel at Lo Lo minority’s clay abodes, etched with motifs of enduring earth ties.
  •  Dong Van Old Quarter (~20 km): Twilight coffee in stone echoes footsteps of silk-road traders.
  • Overnight: Dong Van (private stone homestay/hotel)

(Spotlight: Dong Van’s Plateau, a UNESCO karst jewel, thrives on community-led eco-tours that protect its 22 ethnic mosaics.)

 
  • 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

  •  Ma Pi Leng Pass (~20 km): Ascend the “Sky Path” for a 360° embrace of Nho Que River’s turquoise vein. Trek lightly to viewpoints, honoring the pass’s hand-hewn legacy by 1,300 builders.
  •  Meo Vac (~20 km): Pulse with H’Mong market vibes
  • Lung Ho & Mau Due (~20 km): Peer into remote highland rhythms
  • Du Gia Village (~20 km): Alight in a 7-ethnic haven; evening Tay homestay feast with “happy water” (Ruou cần)
  • Overnight: Du Gia (private room)

(Spotlight: Du Gia’s multi-ethnic tapestry weaves sustainability, with homestays powering solar-lit futures.)

  • Mau Due & Meo Vac Link (~30 km): Misty trails where fog dances with maize terraces
  • QL34 Border Traverse (~40 km): Flank limestone walls guarding maize’s golden harvest, vital for local seed banks.
  • Niem Son & Tinh Tuc (~20 km): Dao & Lo Lo hemp weaves—fiber from regenerative fields, dyed with forest gifts.
  •  Bao Lac Town (~10 km): Bazaar immersion: blacksmith forges (ethical metal from recycled sources), viewpoint hikes yielding vistas of verdant valleys. Lunch: thang co or sticky rice, slow-cooked over communal fires.
  • Overnight: Bao Lac (private riverside homestay/hotel)

(Spotlight: Bao Lac’s forges echo sustainable craft, recycling earth’s gifts into tools of tomorrow.)

  • Ease into the van—air-filtered, low-emission—for a seamless shift to Cao Bang’s Non Nuoc Geopark
  •  Incense-Making Village: Roll and scent herbal sticks from community-sourced botanicals
  • Pac Rang Blacksmith Village: Witness tool-forging from recycled ores, a forge of frontier ingenuity.
  • Phong Nam – Ngon Con Valley (~1 hr detour): Untouched trails where Tay farmers practice regenerative rice cultivation
  • Khau Coc Cha Pass (~1 hr): Conquer this “14-storey serpent”—2.5 km of zigzag mastery at 1,100m, flanked by emerald forests. 
  • Overnight: Phia Thap (private homestay)—earth-toned sanctuary amid conservation corridors.

(Spotlight: Cao Bang’s passes, hand-hewn eco-marvels, link valleys where ethnic harmony guards ancient forests.)

  • Khuoi Ky Stone Village (~1 hr): Enter this 400-year-old Tay enclave, where stone stilt houses (100% heritage) rise like ancient monoliths against limestone backdrops. 
  •  Truc Lam Phat Pagoda (~15 mins en route): Ascend this 2014 border beacon—the North’s first pagoda—perched on Phia Nham’s slopes with panoramic Ban Gioc views, where spiritual serenity meets UNESCO geological grace.
  • Ban Gioc Waterfall + Quay Son River Canoeing (2 hrs): Glide through 300m-wide veils (53m drop)
  • Nguom Ngao Cave: Traverse 2,144m of glowing stalactites, a 300-million-year-old underworld 
  • God’s Eye Mountain & Thang Hen Lake (~1 hr): Summit Mat Than (~50m ascent) for the “Eye’s” 50m-diameter gaze—a neotectonic fossil piercing tower-karsts at 650–700m. Below, Thang Hen’s 36 interconnected lakes (part of Non Nuoc Geopark)
  • Cao Bang Night Market: immerse in this vibrant crossroads of ethnic bounty
  • Overnight: Cao Bang City (private hotel)—urban oasis with Geopark views.

(Spotlight: Ban Gioc’s cascades, a 1979 war echo turned peace symbol, flow through Tay lands where stone villages like Khuoi Ky embody enduring Tai heritage.)

  • A languid 2–3 hour glide to Ba Be National Park—Vietnam’s karst jewel, home to 62 mammal species and old-growth Dipterocarps.
  • Arrival (~11:30 AM): Check into lakeside haven
  •  Free Afternoon Bliss: Kayak crystalline coves (low-impact paddles), fish with bamboo traps, or stroll ethnic hamlets—opt for a guided Dao trek (~3.5 hrs) through stilt-house clusters
  •  Lakeside dinner: fresh perch grilled over driftwood, greens from permaculture plots.
  •  Overnight: Ba Be (private hotel/homestay)—whispers of water, a cradle for tomorrow’s wilds.

(Spotlight: Ba Be, a 34-million-year-old basin, thrives on eco-policies that shield its 417 plant species, a beacon of aquatic harmony.)

  •  Energized morning on Ba Be’s bosom
  •  Private Boat Cruise (2.5 hrs, 08:00): Drift through triple lakes, threading Puong Cave’s limestone tunnel
  •  Picnic Interlude (~11:30): Lakeside feast of foraged salads and stream fish.
  • Dao Village Trek (3 hrs, ~12:30): Ascend to stilt enclaves for “then” serenades and Ty Ba lute harmonies—UNESCO-intangible echoes where women lead cultural revivals.
  •  Departure (~15:30): to Hanoi
  • 19:30–20:30; drop-off at your hotel
  •  End of Odyssey: Depart with a TVPalm journal—your sketches of sustainability etched eternal.

(Spotlight: Ba Be’s caves, evolutionary archives, pulse with Dao firelight, where treks fund forest sentinels.)

Day-by-Day Intensity Snapshot

DayRiding / Driving TimeDifficultyKey HighlightsOvernight
Day 1~4 – 5 HoursLow2026 Expressway transit; Heritage Village Trek.TVPalm Ecolodge
Day 2~6 – 7 HoursModerate +Pac Sum Pass; Heaven Gate; Lung Tam Weaving; H’Mong King Palace.Dong Van
Day 3~4 – 5 HoursModerate +Ma Pi Leng Pass; Sky Path Trekking; Nho Que River Viewpoints.Du Gia Village
Day 4~5 – 6 HoursModerateMist-veiled off-roads; Lô Lô hemp weaving; Bao Lac Blacksmith Forges.Bao Lac
Day 5~5 – 6 HoursModerateKhau Coc Cha (14-storey pass); Phong Nam-Ngon Lon Valley trails.Phia Thap Village
Day 6~5 – 6 HoursModerateBan Gioc Waterfall; Khuoi Ky Stone Village; God’s Eye Mountain.Cao Bang City
Day 7~3 – 4 HoursLowScenic drive to Ba Be; Kayaking crystalline coves; Lakeside bliss.Ba Be Lake
Day 8~4 – 5 HoursLowPuong Cave Boat Cruise; Dao “Then” Singing; Expressway return.Hanoi
What's Covered

Included / Excluded

Before You Travel

Useful Information

  • Fitness Requirement: Moderate health; ability to hike 5km in 1,5 – 3 hours on varying terrain and sitting as a pillion passenger for several hours
  • Health: Not recommended for those with severe back/neck issues or extreme motion sickness.
  • Age Limits: Ages from 10 to 15 with parents; from 16 to 65: recommended
    * Over 65: Welcome if physically fit (regular hikers/cyclists) and have no chronic back/joint issues.*
  • Protocols: Daily safety briefings and weather checks are mandatory
  • Gear: High-quality rain gear and protective safety equipment are provided for all guests.
  • Risk Management: Guides carry first aid kits; nearest hospitals are identified for all routes
  • Adaptability: Mountain roads are unpredictable. We may adjust routes in real-time due to weather or road construction, always prioritizing your safety over the itinerary.
  • Clothing: Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes and a windproof/waterproof jacket, as mountain weather can shift rapidly. Don’t forget your swimwear if you wish to cool off in the local waterfalls.
  • Footwear: Sturdy trekking shoes or sports sneakers with good grip are essential. For safety reasons, flip-flops or sandals are not recommended for riding or trekking on mountain passes.
  • Personal Gear: Sunscreen, insect repellent (DEET 30% recommended), and polarized sunglasses to protect against the mountain sun.
  • Luggage: Bring a small daypack for your essentials. Larger suitcases or heavy luggage can be safely stored at TVPalm Ecolodge while you are on the loop.

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

8 Days / 7 Nights

Start / End

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

Difficulty

Moderate

Group Size

2 - 8 guests

From

US $1,190 / person

🔒 Small deposit to confirm · Free cancellation

Before You Travel

Plan Your
Private & Tailor-made Tours

Share your travel dates, interests, and group size. Our team will craft a personalised itinerary and quote within 24 hours, at no cost.

Phone / WhatsApp

+84 366 885 955

Email

info@tvpalm.com

Our Office

Khuoi My village, Ha Giang 1 ward, Tuyen Quang province, Vietnam

    • Free personalised itinerary & quote
    • No payment required until you confirm
    • Response within 24 hours, guaranteed
    • TCB Licensed · Fully insured operator

Send an Enquiry

Our team responds within 24 hours · No obligation

Phone / WhatsApp

+84 366 885 955

Email

info@tvpalm.com

Our Office

Khuoi My, Ha Giang

Response Time

Within 12 Hours

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