Ha Giang Loop – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake – 7Days/ 6 Nights
The Ultimate Northern Heritage Loop by Motorbike or Private Car
Small group · Native guides · Majestic Waterfall · Private rooms every night
KEY INFORMATION
7 Days / 6 Nights
2-8 guests
Motorbike (easy rider ) or Private Car
Moderate (Longer distances across multiple provinces)
Approx. 120 km - 180 km/day
Private rooms (Ecolodge, Hotel, Homestay)
English / Vietnamese
Hanoi – Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Ba Be – Hanoi
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Led by native experts from the Tay Con Linh Sustainable Ecotourism Cooperative, this 7-day expedition is our most comprehensive journey. We bridge the dramatic limestone peaks of the Dong Van Karst Plateau with the thundering Ban Gioc Waterfall and the serene waters of Ba Be National Park.
We prioritize “Slow Travel”—giving you the space to breathe and truly connect with the Dao, Hmong, and Tay ethnic communities beyond the tourist crowds.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS – WHY THIS TOUR
- Heritage Discovery: Explore the ancient Lung Khuy Cave and the northernmost point of Vietnam at Lung Cu.
- Iconic Landmarks: Conquer the “King” of passes—Ma Pi Leng—and the 9-turn slope Tham Ma Pass.
- Natural Wonders: Behold Ban Gioc, the world’s 4th largest cross-border waterfall, and paddle the Quay Son River.
- Cultural Immersion: Join a Nung incense-making village and stay in traditional Dao and Tay stilt houses.
- Eco-Commitment: A 100% no-plastic policy and support for local sustainable tourism.
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) |
WHO THIS TOUR IS FOR / NOT FOR
Perfect for:
- Active explorers who want a balanced mix of adrenaline, artisan culture, and natural wonders.
- Travelers who enjoy moderate trekking (1.5 to 3.5 hours) on forest trails.
- Those comfortable with long mountain rides and winding roads.
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.
SAFETY & FITNESS
- Fitness Requirement: Moderate health; ability to hike 5km in 1,5 – 3 hours on varying terrain.
- Age Limits: Ages from 6 to 15 with parents (suggest go by private car); from 16 to 60 for motorbike pillions
- 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
TOUR OPTIONS & PRICING
| Option | Price | Transfers (Hanoi ↔ Ha Giang) | Bike Type | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | From $763 | Limousine | Standard Motorbike | Private |
| Option 2 | From $834 | Limousine | Private car (SUV) | Private |
| Option 3 | From $902 | Private car (SUV) | Private car (SUV) | Private |
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
- 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
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transfers: Limousine Hanoi – Ha Giang and Ba Be – Hanoi
- Transport: Motorbike with fuel or private car
- Expert Team: English-speaking guide and professional local riders
- Entry: All entrance fees and border permits
- Safety Gear: Quality helmets and protective pads
- Sustainability: Reusable metal water bottle
- Insurance: Basic travel insurance during the tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International/ Domestic flight, visa
- Personal drinks (alcohol/soft drinks) and personal expenses
- Tips for guides and riders (Suggested: 200k VND/day/person)
- Personal medication or additional comprehensive insurance
BOOKING & PAYMENT
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.
CANCELLATION, POSTPONEMENT, AND REFUND POLICY (EU-FRIENDLY)
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.
TERMS & AMENDMENTS
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.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Your journey directly supports the Tay Con Linh Community:
- Zero Waste: No single-use plastic policy.
- Reforestation: A portion of revenue funds our annual tree-planting program
- Education: We fund tourism skills and language training for local people
PREPARATION & PACKING LIST
To ensure you have the most comfortable and safe experience in the high-altitude terrain of Ha Giang, we recommend preparing the following:
- 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 waterfall.
- 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.


