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Ha Giang Loop To Cao Bang 7 Day Motorbike Tour
Do you crave the excitement of winding mountain roads and the allure of untouched natural beauty? Congrats, this tour is just for you! Over the span of seven days, you will ride through some of the most spectacular destinations in Ha Giang and Cao Bang.
Just a quick heads-up: this itinerary is not for the faint of heart or those who prefer a leisurely, relaxing travel. It is suitable for those who love adventure, exploration, and have motorbike riding experience, as you will be traveling over 100 km on a bike each day. However, the journey promises a memorable experience as you can fully admire the majestic beauty from Ha Giang to Cao Bang, and definitely a satisfying sense of accomplishment. (Note: a week is recommended for you to visit as many places as possible without being on a tight schedule, but feel free to cut the itinerary short). If you want to challenge yourself on the roads of the Northeast, why not grab your backpack, hop on a motorbike, and let’s go!
Getting around and costs
Because you’re gonna be arriving in Ha Giang at around 5:00 AM, you can call the bike rental shop to pick you up. Since we decided to travel from Ha Giang to Cao Bang by motorbike, the owner gave us a manual bike for 180,000 VND/day. Additionally, because we rented the bike in Ha Giang and returned it from Cao Bang, we had to pay an extra 800,000 VND for bike transportation.
In reality, the biggest expense for the Ha Giang - Cao Bang trip will be transportation, while accommodation and food won't cost much.
- Motorbike rental: 900,000 VND for 5 days and the cost for sending the bike back from Cao Bang is 800,000 VND.
- Hotel, food, gas: 300,000 VND/person/day
- Other expenses: 300,000 VND/person
Day 0: Hanoi to Ha Giang (320 km)
Take a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Ha Giang. Rest on the bus to prepare for the journey ahead.
Bus ticket (book in advance): ~350.000 VND ($13-15)
Day 1: Ha Giang - Quan Ba - Yen Minh - Dong Van (150 km)
Arrive in Ha Giang, check-in at your hotel before renting a motorbike and start the journey. Ride through the stunning Ha Giang Loop towards Dong Van via Quan Ba. Stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate for panoramic views of the Tam Son Valley and the Twin Mountains (Fairy Bosom). Continue to Yen Minh, known for its lush pine forests. Take a break for lunch in Yen Minh. Ride through the picturesque valleys and mountain passes towards Dong Van. Arrive in Dong Van in the evening, explore the Dong Van Old Quarter and its ancient houses, and spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Day 2: Dong Van - Pao’s House - Hmong King’s Palace - Dong Van (40 km round trip)
Visit the Dong Van market if it’s Sunday to see the vibrant local trading activities. Ride to Lung Cam Cultural Village to visit Pao’s House, the setting of the famous Vietnamese movie “Pao’s Story.” Head to Sa Phin Valley to visit the Hmong King’s Palace (Vuong Palace), an impressive building that reflects the history and culture of the Hmong people. In the afternoon, return to Dong Van and explore more of the town. Enjoy dinner and spend another night in Dong Van.
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Entry fee: Pao’s House: 10.000 VND ($0.40) Hmong King’s Palace: 20.000 VND ($0.80) Dong Van Old Quarter: 50.000 VND (~$2)
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Food to try: Thang Den (sweet rice flour dumplings) and Tam Giac Mach (buckwheat cake).
Day 3: Dong Van - Lung Cu - Ma Pi Leng - Nho Que - Meo Vac (110 km)
Depart early for Lung Cu Flag Tower, the northernmost point of Vietnam. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and China border. Ride through the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the Four Great Passes of Vietnam. Take a detour for a boat ride on the Nho Que River to fully appreciate the majestic scenery. Continue to Meo Vac, arrive in the evening, have dinner, and stay overnight.
Entry fee:
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Lung Cu Flag Tower: 25.000 VND (~$1)
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Nho Que River boat ride: 100.000 - 150.000 VND/person (~$4-6)
Day 4: Meo Vac - Pac Bo (Lenin Spring - Coc Po Cave) - Cao Bang (200 km)
Depart from Meo Vac and head towards Cao Bang. Enjoy the scenic ride through the mountains. Arrive at Pac Bo Historical Complex. Visit Lenin Spring and Coc Po Cave, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in the early 1940s. Continue to Cao Bang, check in to your accommodation, have dinner, and rest.
- Entry fee: 20.000 VND ($0.80)
- Electric car ride: 20.000 VND/person ($0.80)
Day 5: Cao Bang - Nui Thung - Trung Khanh (90 km)
Depart from Cao Bang and head towards Nui Thung, a unique mountain with a dent that resembles an eye. Enjoy the scenic view of the valley, and maybe have a picnic. Then in the afternoon, head back to Cao Bang to return your bikes and take a bus to Trung Khanh city, near the border of China, passing through picturesque mountains and peaceful villages. Arrive in Trung Khanh, check in to your accommodation, have dinner, and relax.
- Bus ticket (book in advance): 150.000 - 200.000 VND ($6-8)
- Food to try: Trung Khanh roasted duck
Day 6: Trung Khanh - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Nguom Ngao Cave - Cao Bang (85 km, night bus)
Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam. Spend time exploring and taking photos. Head to Nguom Ngao Cave, which is not that far away, famous for its impressive limestone formations. You can take a “xe ôm” then ask them to drive you to the bus stop to head back to Cao Bang. Return to Cao Bang, stop to have dinner and buy souvenirs. We recommend trying Cao Bang’s Bánh Bò (a spongey, chewy, caramel-colored cake), or Trung Khanh’s chestnuts. Take the sleeper bus from Cao Bang back to Hanoi.
- Entry fee:
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Ban Gioc Waterfall: 45.000 VND (~$1.70)
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Nguom Ngao Cave: 40.000 VND (~$1.50)
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- Xe ôm ride: 100.000 VND/bike ride
- Bus ticket (book in advance): ~350.000 VND ($13-15)
Day 7: Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning. Return your motorbike if rented, and conclude your tour.
=> Ha Giang & Ba Be Extreme North Motorbike Loop 07 Days
