Big Loop Motorbike Tour Ha Giang to Cao Bang 5 Days

Tour Overview

This 5-day Big Loop connects the classic Ha Giang mountain route with Cao Bang Province. It is a strong option for travelers who want to see more of northern Vietnam but do not have enough time for the full 6-day or 7-day route to Ba Be Lake.

The tour starts in Ha Giang City and finishes in Cao Bang City. From Cao Bang, travelers can take a bus back to Hanoi, while the guide team returns to Ha Giang.

Duration 5 days / 4 nights

Transport Motorbike / Easy rider

Tour style Extended northern loop

Group size Ask before booking

Start Ha Giang City

End Cao Bang City

Highlights

Ha Giang mountain roads and viewpoints
Bac Sum Pass and Quan Ba Heaven Gate
Dong Van Karst Plateau
Lung Cu Flag Tower near the Vietnam-China border
Ma Pi Leng Pass
Nho Que River boat trip
Remote road from Meo Vac to Bao Lac
Cao Bang Province and border landscapes
Thang Hen Lake
Nui Thung Mountain
Phong Nam Village
Khuoi Ky Old Stone Village
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Nguom Ngao Cave

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 and the boat trip before continuing to Meo Vac for the night.

Ask before booking 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 northern 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 includes photo stops and mountain views before 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 – Thang Hen Lake – Nui Thung Mountain – Phong Nam Village – Khuoi Ky Old Village

Route: Cao Bang, Thang Hen Lake, Nui Thung Mountain, Phong Nam Village, Trung Khanh, Khuoi Ky Old Village

After breakfast, leave around 08:00 and ride through beautiful Cao Bang scenery. Make small stops along the way at places such as Thang Hen Lake, Nui Thung Mountain, and local villages around Phong Nam.

Continue towards Trung Khanh and reach Khuoi Ky Old Village, where you check in at a nearby homestay for the night.

Approx. 120 km Homestay near Khuoi Ky Old Village Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5

Khuoi Ky Village – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave – Cao Bang

Route: Khuoi Ky Village, Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Cao Bang City

After breakfast, ride to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam and located near the border with China. Spend time at the waterfall before visiting Nguom Ngao Cave.

After the cave visit, drive back to Cao Bang City and stop for lunch on the road. The tour usually finishes around 14:00 in Cao Bang City. From there, travelers can take the bus back to Hanoi, while the guide team returns to Ha Giang City.

Approx. 130 km Tour ends in Cao Bang City Breakfast, lunch

What Is Included

Included

Accommodation during the tour
Local meals during the itinerary
Guided hikes to hidden waterfalls
Swimming and refreshing dips in natural pools
Opportunities to connect with nature and local culture
Local guide support during the route

Not Included

Bus transfer from Cao Bang to Hanoi
Bus transfer before the tour
Alcoholic beverages
Personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Personal travel insurance
Extra accommodation before or after the tour

What to Bring

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

Tour Details

The Big Loop Motorbike Tour Ha Giang to Cao Bang 5 Days is designed for travelers who want to go beyond the classic Ha Giang Loop and continue east toward Cao Bang. The route connects Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac, Cao Bang, Khuoi Ky Old Village, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Nguom Ngao Cave in one extended northern Vietnam road trip.

This tour is best for travelers who want a shorter Big Loop experience without continuing to Ba Be Lake. It includes mountain passes, remote roads, border landscapes, local villages, the Nho Que River area, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and one of the most impressive cave systems in Cao Bang Province.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Big Loop 5-day tour and the classic Ha Giang Loop?

The Big Loop 5-day tour goes beyond the classic Ha Giang Loop and continues toward Cao Bang. It is designed for travellers who want a longer northern Vietnam route with more remote roads and varied landscapes.

Is this tour suitable for first-time riders?

If you are not an experienced and licensed rider, choose the easy rider option. The Big Loop includes long riding days and mountain roads, so self-driving is only recommended for confident riders.

Who should choose the 5-day Big Loop?

This tour is best for travellers who have more time than the classic loop allows and want to continue deeper into northern Vietnam, but still want a route shorter than the 6-day or 7-day Big Loop options.

Is the route tiring?

It can be physically demanding because the route covers longer distances than the classic Ha Giang Loop. Bring warm clothes, rain protection and only a small backpack for the ride.

What kind of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is usually in local homestays, guesthouses or simple local hotels depending on the overnight stops and availability.

How do I confirm if this tour is available?

Send your travel date, group size and whether you want self-driving or easy rider. The team will confirm the route, availability and final price before booking.