Big Loop 7 Days Northern Loop Ha Giang - Cao Bang - Ba Be

Tour overview

This 7-day Big Loop is one of the most complete northern Vietnam routes. The journey connects the Ha Giang Loop with Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Ba Be Lake, giving travelers more time for mountain roads, remote villages, border landscapes, caves, waterfalls, and national park scenery.

The route is designed for travelers who want to go beyond the classic Ha Giang Loop and experience a longer road trip across the north. The price does not include the two-way bus between Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Ba Be.

Duration 7 days / 6 nights

Transport Motorbike / Easy rider

Tour style Extended northern loop

Group size Ask before booking

Start Ha Giang

End Ha Giang / optional Ba Be to Hanoi bus

Highlights

Ha Giang mountain roads and remote northern landscapes
Quan Ba Heaven Gate and Twin Mountains
Dong Van Karst Plateau
Lung Cu Flag Tower near the Vietnam-China border
Ma Pi Leng Pass and Nho Que River
Cao Bang Province and border scenery
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Nguom Ngao Cave
Ba Be Lake and Ba Be National Park
Local homestays and hotels along the route

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Ha Giang – Tam Son – Yen Minh – Dong Van

Route: Bac Sum Pass, Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Twin Mountains, Yen Minh, Tham Ma Pass, Hmong King’s Palace, Dong Van

Start from Ha Giang and follow the mountain road towards Bac Sum Pass, the first major viewpoint of the route. Continue to Quan Ba Heaven Gate at around 1,500 meters and stop near the Twin Mountains before lunch in Yen Minh.

After lunch, ride through Tham Ma Pass and continue towards the Hmong King’s Palace. The day ends in Dong Van, where you stay overnight in a private room.

Approx. 135 km Hostel / private room in Dong Van Lunch, dinner

Day 2

Dong Van – Lung Cu Flag Tower – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Meo Vac

Route: Lung Cu Flag Tower, Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River, Meo Vac

After breakfast, travel towards Lung Cu Flag Tower, one of the northernmost points of Vietnam. Return towards Dong Van and continue to Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the country.

After lunch on the road, take time for the Nho Que River area before continuing to Meo Vac for the night.

Approx. 60 km Overnight stay in Meo Vac Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3

Meo Vac – Bao Lac – Cao Bang Province

Route: Meo Vac, Bao Lac, Vietnam-China border area, Cao Bang Province

After breakfast, continue through remote landscapes on the way to Bao Lac, a small mountain town where you stop for lunch. After lunch, ride further towards the border area between Vietnam and China.

The route continues with photo stops and mountain views until reaching Cao Bang Province, where you stay overnight in a hotel.

Approx. 160 km Hotel in Cao Bang Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4

Cao Bang – Trung Khanh – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave

Route: Cao Bang, Trung Khanh, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave

Leave Cao Bang around 09:00 and ride through local villages and mountain scenery towards Ban Gioc Waterfall. Arrive around noon at one of Vietnam’s most famous waterfalls, located on the border area between Vietnam and China.

After lunch, visit Nguom Ngao Cave before checking in at a nearby homestay for the night.

Approx. 120 km Homestay near Ban Gioc Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang – Ba Be Lake

Route: Ban Gioc, Cao Bang, local villages, Ba Be Lake

After breakfast, leave around 08:00 and continue through mountain roads, villages, and rural scenery. Stop for lunch in a local village before continuing towards Ba Be Lake.

Arrive at the accommodation in the afternoon and check in for the night.

Approx. 170 km Accommodation near Ba Be Lake Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6

Experience and Relax in Ba Be

Route: Ba Be National Park, Ba Be Lake

Spend the day around Ba Be National Park and Ba Be Lake. This is a slower day focused on nature, lake scenery, local life, and the peaceful landscape of the national park.

Stay overnight in a local Tay homestay near Ba Be Lake.

Local exploration Local Tay homestay near Ba Be Lake Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7

Ba Be – Na Hang – Bac Quang – Ha Giang

Route: Ba Be, Na Hang, Bac Quang, Ha Giang

Start around 08:00 after breakfast and ride back through the mountains towards Na Hang. Stop along the way for viewpoints and local scenery before reaching Bac Quang for lunch.

After lunch, continue towards Ha Giang. The tour usually finishes around 17:00. Travelers who do not want to return to Ha Giang can ask about taking a bus from Ba Be Lake back to Hanoi.

Approx. 240 km Tour ends in Ha Giang Breakfast, lunch

What is included

Included

Motorbike rental and gasoline during the tour
English-speaking tour guide
Local easy riders
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Accommodation in ethnic minority homestays and hotels
Entrance tickets and permits
Plastic cover for bags
Free storage of excess luggage

Not included

Two-way bus between Hanoi, Ha Giang and Ba Be
Tips and gratuities
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Personal travel insurance

What to bring

Small backpack
Warm clothes
Rain jacket
Comfortable shoes or sandals
Swimwear for Ba Be Lake
Sunscreen
Personal medication
Passport or ID
Cash for personal expenses
Travel insurance details

Tour details

The Big Loop 7 Days Northern Loop is designed for travelers who want to go beyond the classic Ha Giang Loop and continue deeper into northern Vietnam. The route connects Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Ba Be Lake in one extended road trip.

This tour is best for travelers who have more time and want a varied route with mountain passes, remote roads, border landscapes, waterfalls, caves, lake scenery, and local homestays. It is a longer and more complete northern Vietnam experience than the standard 3-day or 4-day Ha Giang Loop.

FAQ

Does this tour return to Ha Giang?

Yes, the standard route returns to Ha Giang on Day 7. If you would rather not return to Ha Giang, ask about taking a bus from Ba Be Lake back to Hanoi.

Is the Hanoi bus included in the price?

No. The old offer states that the two-way bus between Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Ba Be is not included in the tour price.

Do I need a motorbike license?

A valid motorbike license is required if you want to ride legally in Vietnam. If you are not licensed or experienced, ask about traveling with an easy rider.

What kind of accommodation is included?

The tour uses a mix of ethnic minority homestays and hotels along the route.

What is the cancellation policy?

The old offer lists a 100% deposit refund 7 days before departure, a 50% deposit refund 3 to 7 days before departure, and no deposit refund within 3 days before departure.