- 8 Days / 7 Nights
from $925
The Ha Giang Loop and the Cao Bang extension can be ridden as one journey. We run it over two to eight days depending on how much time you have, taking in Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Me Pja Pass and the karst country along the Chinese border. Every departure is private: your group, your rider, your pace. Tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly which length fits.
The Ha Giang Loop is Vietnam's most iconic mountain adventure circuit, carrying travelers through the UNESCO-listed limestone peaks of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, across the vertiginous Ma Pi Leng Pass, and deep into remote ethnic villages.
For adventurous explorers seeking an extended expedition, continuing east into Cao Bang province opens up a stunning 850-to-980-kilometer circuit featuring Ban Gioc Waterfall and Ba Be Lake.
As an eco-adventure specialist and local expedition director at TVPalm Ecolodge, I, Văn Trung Nguyễn, have spent over nine years guiding Western travelers across these high-altitude passes.
This official category hub provides a comprehensive overview of TVPalm's 5 official Ha Giang Loop and Cao Bang extension tour packages, complete with daily itineraries, pricing, vehicle options, and geological highlights.
The Ha Giang Loop is a mountain driving circuit starting from Ha Giang City and traversing northern Vietnam's highest limestone karst peaks along the border with China. The core Ha Giang Loop covers iconic passes like Pac Sum, Quan Ba Heaven's Gate, Tham Ma Slope, and Ma Pi Leng Pass overlooking the 1,000-meter-deep Nho Que River gorge.
The Cao Bang Extension builds directly upon the Ha Giang Loop, extending the journey east along Highway 34 across the Gam River basin to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall—the world's 4th largest international border waterfall—and Ba Be Lake National Park.
| Category Parameter | Metric / Value | Practical Travel Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ha Giang Core Loop Distance | 350 to 400 Kilometers | Takes 2 to 4 days for classic motorcycle or SUV circuits |
| Full Combined Circuit Distance | 850 to 980 Kilometers | Takes 7 to 8 days to explore Ha Giang, Cao Bang & Ba Be Lake |
| Highest Pass Elevation | Ma Pi Leng Pass (1,500m) | World-class cliff walk overlooking the Nho Que River canyon |
| UNESCO Geopark Territory | Dong Van & Non Nuoc Cao Bang | 5,000 km² of contiguous protected limestone karst terrain |
| Crown Jewel Waterfall | Ban Gioc Waterfall | 300m wide, 30m tall multi-tiered international border waterfall |
| Vehicle Options | Easy Rider / Private 4WD SUV | Pillion rider safety or climate-controlled family comfort |
| Minimum age | Children under 14 do not ride pillion | Families travelling with children under 14 take the private SUV or the 16-seat van. Children aged 6 to 15 ride only with a parent or guardian; under 6, the SUV is the only option and the family brings a child seat. |
The Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang Extension – 8 Days and 7 Nights Eco-Odyssey is TVPalm's flagship overland expedition. This tour is designed for travelers who want an unhurried, 360-degree journey through both Ha Giang's limestone peaks and Cao Bang's lush border waterfalls.
Basic Daily Itinerary:
Key Features: Includes full private room accommodations in ecolodges and homestays, all main meals, boat tickets on Nho Que River, Ban Gioc permits, and professional local Easy Riders or private 4WD SUVs.
The Ha Giang Loop Tour 7 Days 6 Nights combines the highlights of the Ha Giang Loop with Cao Bang's Ban Gioc Waterfall and the freshwater ecosystem of Ba Be Lake National Park in Bac Kan province.
Basic Daily Itinerary:
Key Features: Features a boat cruise on Ba Be Lake, kayaking through Puong Cave, staying in authentic Tay stilt houses, and standing right before Ban Gioc Waterfall.
The Ha Giang Loop Tour 4 Days 3 Nights is TVPalm's most popular core itinerary. It covers the complete classic Ha Giang circuit without rushing, allowing time for village walks, boat trips, and mountain viewpoints.
Basic Daily Itinerary:
Key Features: Daily travel distance of 120 km to 180 km, private room accommodation at TVPalm Ecolodge and mountain homestays, and choice of Easy Rider or Honda XR150 dirt bike.
The Ha Giang Loop 3 Days 2 Nights Tour is an efficient, high-impact tour that hits all major Ha Giang landmarks within a 3-day window.
Basic Daily Itinerary:
Key Features: Covers 100 km to 160 km daily riding, includes private rooms at homestays, sleeper bus options from Hanoi, and experienced local Easy Rider drivers.
The Ha Giang Loop 2 Days 1 Night Tour is TVPalm's fastest route, designed for tight itineraries while ensuring safe transit across Dong Van and Ma Pi Leng.
Basic Daily Itinerary:
Key Features: Covers 120 km to 160 km daily travel, private room in Dong Van, round-trip Hanoi transfers, and professional local driver guidance.
| Official Tour Package | Duration | Distance | Price (USD) | Transport Options | Highlight Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8D7N Eco-Odyssey | 8 Days / 7 Nights | 980 km | From $925 | Easy Rider / SUV / Jeep | Full Circuit (Ha Giang + Cao Bang + Ban Gioc) |
| 7D6N Loop & Ba Be | 7 Days / 6 Nights | 880 km | From $735 | Easy Rider / SUV / Bus | Ha Giang + Ban Gioc Waterfall + Ba Be Lake |
| 4D3N Classic Loop | 4 Days / 3 Nights | 600 km | From $320 | Easy Rider / XR150 / SUV | Complete Classic Ha Giang + Du Gia Waterfall |
| 3D2N Essential Loop | 3 Days / 2 Nights | 420 km | From $252 | Easy Rider / SUV | Fast-Track Dong Van & Ma Pi Leng Pass |
| 2D1N Express Loop | 2 Days / 1 Night | 300 km | From $225 | Easy Rider / SUV | Express Circuit to Dong Van & Ma Pi Leng |
All TVPalm tours include licensed English-speaking local guides, overnight accommodation in private rooms, all main meals, entry permits, and basic accident insurance.
Selecting the right vehicle mode determines your comfort and safety along high mountain switchbacks:
Travel guidelines from the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism emphasize that international visitors operating motorcycles in Vietnam must possess a valid 1968 International Driving Permit alongside their national license.
Weather conditions in northern mountain passes shift across four distinct seasons:
Official geological documentation from UNESCO Global Geoparks highlights Dong Van and Non Nuoc Cao Bang as premier global examples of tropical mountain karst evolution.
To stay comfortable across changing elevations, pack light into a 30-liter dry bag:
The 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop tour is TVPalm's most recommended option for first-time visitors. It covers all iconic passes, Dong Van Old Quarter, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and Du Gia Waterfall without rushing.
All TVPalm tour packages include professional local guides, Easy Riders or SUV transport, private room accommodation at ecolodges and homestays, all main meals, boat tickets on Nho Que River or Ba Be Lake, entrance permits, and basic accident insurance.
Yes. Children and seniors can comfortably join TVPalm's private 4WD SUV tours. SUVs provide climate control, luggage protection, and flexible stopping schedules tailored to family comfort.
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