Vietnam · Rural Experiences

4-Day Ha Giang and Cao Bằng Highlands Tour with Ban Gioc Waterfall

4 Days Round trip from Hà Giang Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Admire panoramic views from Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the Fairy Twin Mountains
02 Visit Pho Cao Village to observe traditional ethnic minority architecture and culture
03 Explore the historic Vuong Family Palace, once home to the Hmong royal family
04 Photograph the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass from high-altitude viewpoints
05 Cruise along the Nho Que River through the spectacular Tu San Gorge
06 Witness the power and beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall near the Vietnam-China border
07 Explore the impressive stalactites and chambers of Nguom Ngao Cave

Embark on a breathtaking 4-day journey through northern Vietnam's most dramatic landscapes, traveling from Hanoi to the Ha Giang highlands and onward to Cao Bằng. Discover Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the Fairy Twin Mountains, explore ethnic villages and the historic Dong Van Karst Plateau, admire the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, cruise the emerald waters of the Nho Que River through Tu San Gorge, and conclude with visits to Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave.

Take a boat trip on the Nho Que River through the Tu San Gorge.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Hanoi, Ha Giang, Bảo Lạc, Cao Bằng

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hanoi to Yen Minh via Ha Giang and Quan Ba

Depart early from Hanoi and begin the scenic drive toward northern Vietnam.
Stop for breakfast in Tuyen Quang.
Continue to Ha Giang and enjoy lunch in the city.
Travel onward to Quan Ba Heaven Gate.
Admire panoramic mountain views and see the famous Fairy Twin Mountains.
Drive through winding mountain roads to Yen Minh.

Enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Yen Minh.

Day 02

Yen Minh to Meo Vac via Dong Van and Ma Pi Leng

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Dong Van, passing dramatic limestone landscapes.
Visit Pho Cao Village to observe traditional ethnic architecture.
Explore the historic Vuong Family Palace.
Enjoy lunch in the Dong Van Old Quarter.
Stop for photographs at the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass and Sky Walk viewpoint.
Take a boat trip on the Nho Que River through the Tu San Gorge.
Continue to Meo Vac.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Meo Vac.

Day 03

Meo Vac to Cao Bằng via Bao Lac

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Depart Meo Vac and travel along the scenic mountain route via Bao Lac.
Enjoy lunch in Bao Lac.
Continue the drive through remote highland scenery to Cao Bằng.
Arrive in Cao Bằng and check in at the hotel.
Enjoy dinner and free time to explore the town.

Stay overnight in Cao Bằng.

Day 04

Cao Bằng to Hanoi via Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
Spend time exploring the waterfall area and enjoying the natural scenery.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit Nguom Ngao Cave, known for its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
Begin the return journey to Hanoi in the afternoon.
Arrive in Hanoi late in the evening and conclude the tour.