Cao Bang loop
Total days: 4 Days
Destinations: Hanoi - Cao Bang
Tour level: Easy
Trip overview
If in the Northeast Ha Giang is well known as the Himalaya of Vietnam, a true gift of nature; then further east, the land of Cao Bang holds its own unique charm, still largely untouched and well worth exploring. For many travelers, Cao Bang is mainly associated with the famous Ban Gioc Waterfalls, but the province offers far more than that.
Based in Ha Lang, we are a team of local guides originally from this district, with many years of experience working in tourism in Hanoi. Our goal is to introduce you to the hidden natural gems of this region through a friendly and easy-going journey, where you can experience local life in the most authentic way.
Living and working in Ha Lang and its surrounding areas has given us the opportunity to deeply understand the natural diversity of Cao Bang Province, the culture of its people, and the true meaning of exploration that travelers are looking for. Although this region is still relatively unknown, we have discovered many unique landscapes, beautiful rural scenes, and remarkable trekking routes in and around Ha Lang.
With us, you will encounter many districts and communes that rarely appear on typical travel itineraries. Our tours also include a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking, swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and even farming experiences. Depending on the season, you will have the chance to take part in different adventures along the way.
Come and explore this hidden corner of Cao Bang with us.
Enjoy a comfortable journey from Hanoi to the mountainous region of Cao Bang Province via Highway 1 and other scenic countryside roads. Lunch will be served en route.
Upon arrival in Ha Lang, whose district town is officially called Thanh Nhat, we will spend the remainder of the day exploring this peaceful land on foot. Not far from the town lies a beautiful grassland surrounded by dramatic mountains, one of the most impressive trekking areas in the region.
After the walk, we return to town and spend the night at a local family home in a nearby village for an authentic experience.
Ha Lang is the only district in Cao Bang that borders China on three sides. Today, after breakfast, our vehicle will pick you up and travel along the border belt through the remote areas of the province. Along the way, you will explore the gorgeous landscapes of Cao Bang and pass through many rustic villages of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
We then begin a trekking route in Dong Loan commune. The trail follows beautiful paths through narrow valleys and offers a chance to experience a unique bamboo raft ride through a water cave.
After the trek and a picnic lunch, we continue our journey past Ban Viet Lake and through more scenic countryside toward Trung Khanh district. Along the way, we stop at a local waterfall before ending the day at our peaceful, green farmstay.
Another full day of exploration and amazement awaits. Around every corner of the road, you will find opportunities to capture picturesque scenes, and the landscapes only become more impressive as the journey continues. We travel through beautiful valleys, rugged mountain ranges, and peaceful meadows.
In the morning, we first continue for a short distance to Phong Nam, a region famous for its rice paddies. Here, we enjoy another beautiful trek offering some of the best panoramic views over the commune. The trail follows pleasant local paths through villages, fields, and valleys.
Lunch will be served in one of the most beautiful homestays in Cao Bang. After lunch, we continue along a particularly scenic route to Dam Thuy, where we arrive at our homestay for the night.
In the morning, we will visit the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most spectacular natural sites in northern Vietnam. After enjoying the impressive cascades and the surrounding karst landscape, we begin our journey back to Hanoi.
Our route takes us through the historic town of Dong Khe, once a strategic post along the former colonial Route 4 and well known for the fierce battles that took place here during the early years of the First Indochina War. Riding through this mountainous region offers both beautiful scenery and a glimpse into an important chapter of Vietnamese history.
From there, we continue south through the province of Lang Son, passing limestone mountains and rural countryside before joining the highway for a comfortable drive back to Hanoi, where the tour concludes in the late afternoon.