Northern Vietnam Highlights: Ha Giang – Cao Bang 5D4N

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

🌟 H’Mong Guides & Local Riders – Insider stories and authentic adventures with staff from Ha Giang’s ethnic minority communities.
🥾 Sky Path Trek to White God Cliff – Hike one of Vietnam’s most stunning trails with panoramic views of the Nho Que River.
🛶 Kayak the Nho Que River – Explore hidden villages and peaceful valleys from the water.
🏕 Camp by the River Canyon – Spend a magical night under the stars.
🏛 H’Mong King’s Palace & Cooking Class – Discover local culture and learn traditional dishes.
💖 Khau Vai Love Market & God’s Eye Mountain – Unique cultural experiences and mystical landscapes.
🌊 Ban Gioc Waterfall – Marvel at Vietnam’s iconic border waterfall with turquoise stream.

TRIP ITINERARIES

Day 0: Your pickup point – Ha Giang city
Board a sleeper bus from pickup point to Ha Giang.
Rest comfortably at our homestay before gearing up for your Ha Giang Loop adventure!

Day 1: Ha Giang – Dong Van Ancient town (135km) [Meals: B L D]

8:00 AM: Your day begins with a warm welcome from local H’Mong guide and a short trip briefing and safety tips before heading into the mountains.

We start the scenic drive with visits to:

• Minh Tan Market (Saturday only): Experience local life at a vibrant highland market.
• Quan Ba Sky Gate: Breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below.
• Twin Mountain: Iconic limestone peaks symbolizing Ha Giang’s natural charm.
• Lung Khuy Village (Hmong House): Meet friendly locals and discover Hmong traditions.

After lunch, continue the journey with breathtaking scenery:

• Can Ty Slope: The old “Cu Vuong” horse road once used by the Hmong King.
• Tham Ma Slope: A scenic mountain pass offering stunning views of Ha Giang’s winding roads and valleys.
• Lao Xa Village: Discover traditional Hmong silver-making craft.
• Sa Phin Dong Van Geopark: Part of UNESCO’s Global Geopark Network.
• Hmong King’s Palace: unique architecture and rich cultural history.

7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner and head to Dong Van Ancient Town for campfire and traditional dancing.

Day 2: Dong Van – Hiking White God Cliff – Mong village – Campsite (15km) [Meals: B L D]

8:00 AM: Fuel up with breakfast at the homestay and make sure to pack light – today’s trekking adventure awaits:

• Visit the Vietnam-China border area.
• 9-kilometer trek along the Sky Path to Ma Pi Leng Peak, walk through limestone cliffs, peaceful Hmong villages, and green cornfields. Stop at the White God Cliff for breathtaking views of the turquoise Nho Que River winding far below.

1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant and continue the hiking experience:

• Hiking for 2 kilometers to a hidden Mong village along the Nho Que River.
• Pass through Giay and Hmong communities and enjoy the sight of rice flowers blooming along the riverbanks.

7:00 PM: End the day at the campsite by the Nho Que River, relax with breathtaking views of the Tu San Canyon.

Day 3: Ha Giang to Cao Bang – God’s Eye Mountain (15km) [Meals: B L D]

7:30 AM: Start the day with kayaking along the turquoise Nho Que River.
Enjoy breakfast riverside, then take a short boat trip to the harbour before continuing toward Cao Bang:

• Visit Khau Vai Village – The Love Market Village: Visit this unique cultural site where ex-lovers reunite once a year.
• Explore the village of the Lo Lo and Nung people, surrounded by stunning terraces and valley scenery.
• Rather than taking a long motorbike ride, enjoy a scenic boat trip from the Nho Que River to the Gam River. Along the way, you will see stunning landscapes and charming riverside villages.

1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant along the route and head to:

• God’s Eye Mountain, a unique karst peak with a giant “eye” hole — perfect for sunset views and photos.
• Cooking class with locals: Learn traditional dishes and experience authentic northern Vietnamese culture.

Day 4: God’s Eye Mountain – Khuoi Ky Stone Village – Ban Gioc Waterfall [Meals: B L D]

8:00 AM: Wake up to stunning views of God’s Eye Mountain while enjoying breakfast at your homestay.
Today’s route includes:

• Travel along the Quay Son River, stopping to admire streams winding through flat valleys — a peaceful contrast to Ha Giang’s mountain passes.
• Ngoc Son – Phong Nam Valley: Enjoy a short, relaxing walk along a village road with sweeping views. End the walk at a beautiful bridge where you can refresh with a swim or jump into the river.

12:30 PM: Savor a traditional Nung family lunch and immerse yourself in authentic northern Vietnamese cuisine. Continue with our adventures:

• Visit Nguom Ngao Cave: Explore one of northern Vietnam’s most stunning caves, marveling at majestic stalactites and underground chambers.
  (Optional route ~1.5 hours; entrance fee 195,000 VND/person, not included.)
• Ban Gioc Waterfall: Highlight of the trip – Visit Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall, located right on the Vietnam-China border, with breathtaking turquoise water and dramatic limestone cliffs.

5:30 PM: End the day at a cozy homestay in Khuoi Ky Stone Village, surrounded by majestic mountains and traditional village life.

Day 5: Khuoi Ky – Cultural Villages – Return to Hanoi (135km) [Meals: B L]

8:00 AM: Wake up in Khuoi Ky Stone Village and enjoy breakfast at your homestay.
Set off toward Cao Bang City, stopping at cultural and scenic highlights along the way:

• Thoong Ma Waterfalls – Swim in clear pools and join local children jumping from the rocks for an authentic, fun experience.
• Dia Tren Paper Village – Discover the traditional craft of making “do” paper, a centuries-old Vietnamese art.
• Phia Thap Village – Learn the art of incense making and enjoy lunch with local villagers, experiencing genuine northern Vietnamese culture.

After lunch, take some time to rest, shower, and prepare for departure. Don’t forget to grab some snacks for your journey back to Hanoi.

***End of the tour: Your adventure concludes here.
From Cao Bang, it’s easy to continue exploring Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and other northern Vietnam destinations. Let us know if you need help planning your next adventure!