Itinerary
Day 1 — Ha Giang or Cao Bang city to Pac Bo
- Breakfast and route briefing before departure.
- The Bac Me valley: quiet mountain roads, terraced hillsides and Tay stilt houses.
- Lunch in Bao Lac, a market town where several ethnic groups trade side by side.
- Khau Coc Cha Pass — the switchback climb, and the photograph everyone stops for.
- Pac Bo historical site: Lenin Stream, Coc Bo Cave and an optional short hike up Karl Marx Peak.
- Homestay near Pac Bo, surrounded by hills and rice paddies.
Day 2 — Pac Bo, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ban Gioc Waterfall
- Morning ride through minority villages and open valleys.
- Nguom Ngao Cave — two kilometres of chambers under the karst.
- Ban Gioc Waterfall in the afternoon, with an optional bamboo raft under the falls or a swim in the pools.
- Golden hour among the rice fields below the cliffs.
- Homestay close to the waterfall.
Day 3 — Ban Gioc, Phuc Sen, Ma Phuc Pass, Cao Bang city
- A slow morning at the falls before the road back.
- Phuc Sen blacksmith village, where knives are still forged by hand.
- Ma Phuc Pass and Angel Eye Mountain, the limestone peak with a hole through it.
- Sugarcane juice at a roadside stall, then into Cao Bang city around 13:00 to 14:00.
What is included
- Historic open jeep with a local guide driving, for the whole three days.
- Two nights in a private room in a village homestay.
- Three breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners.
- Entrance tickets at Pac Bo and Nguom Ngao, and the boat ticket at Ban Gioc Waterfall.
- Fuel and tolls.
Not included
- Transport to the start point.
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks outside meals and personal spending.
- Guide and driver tips.
The jeep takes three passengers comfortably, so the price per head drops sharply with a full car — 6,590,880 ₫ each for three against 15,246,360 ₫ for a solo traveller.
Who this suits
Travellers who want the wild half of the northeast without three days on a saddle: couples, small families and anyone carrying camera gear. The jeep is open, so you get the wind and the view of a motorbike trip with somewhere dry to put a bag.
It also works well as the second half of a longer trip. Ride the Ha Giang Loop first, then let someone else drive for three days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the jeep enclosed?
It is an open historic jeep with a canvas top that goes on when it rains. Expect wind, dust and a much better view than a saloon car.
Can we bring large luggage?
Yes, within reason. The jeep carries suitcases that would be impossible on a motorbike, which is one of the main reasons people choose it.
Is the price per person or per jeep?
The figures above are the total for that number of passengers, with the per-person rate in brackets. One jeep, one driver, split between however many of you travel.
Can we combine the jeep with riders in our group?
Yes. The jeep and the bikes travel together and meet at every stop, which suits mixed groups where not everyone wants to ride.