What is the Cao Bang Loop? Bong Hostel's New 5D 4N Tour
- Faye Hilling
- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 29
So, you’ve survived the legendary Ha Giang Loop—wind in your hair, dust on your shoes, stories ingrained in your soul.
You’ve zipped through karst valleys, bonded with your easy rider, and screamed over cliff edges (for the adrenaline, obviously).
But now what? You’re back in Ha Giang City, buzzing with post-loop glow, and not ready for it to be over. Well, here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be over!
Say hello to Bong Hostel's new Cao Bang Loop Tour—a five-day, four-night tour that continues the epic journey from Ha Giang and takes you deep into Vietnam’s untamed northeast.
Spoiler: it’s stunning, less touristy, and packed with waterfalls, caves, and holey mountains. Let’s break it down.
Why you Should Do the Cao Bang Loop
If the Ha Giang Loop is the king of motorbike tours in Vietnam (yes, move over Hai Van Pass), then the Cao Bang Loop is its cooler, lesser-known cousin.
This route gives you all the mountainous magic, but with a new twist—think ancient revolutionary hideouts, a 14-story stone pass, cave systems, waterfalls that border China, and national parks that make your camera work overtime.
About to do the Ha Giang Loop and want to level up? This route is ideal. It’s a seamless extension that develops your 4 days 3 nights tour into a week-long mega-loop.
Cao Bang Loop Itinerary: 5 Days, 4 Nights
Day 1: Ha Giang City → Bao Lac
If you aren’t merging the Ha Giang and Cao Bang Loops together then you’ll kickstart your Cao Bang Loop adventure from Bong Ha Giang Hostel in Ha Giang City.
From here you’ll head to Bao Lac, a charming town nestled among limestone mountains and ethnic minority villages.
Expect quiet roads, stunning views, and a nice little "warm-up" day to get you back in the saddle. This leg sets the stage for the madness (and magic) to come.
Highlights:
Scenic mountain routes
Local hill tribe encounters
Chill vibes before the real wild begins
Day 2: Bao Lac → Me Pia Pass → Ban Gioc
Hold onto your helmet. Today’s ride is legendary. First up? Me Pia Pass, a dizzying 14-story switchback that’ll have your GoPro crying tears of joy.
Then, off to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most jaw-dropping natural wonders in Vietnam. Straddling the Vietnam-China border, this is the fourth-largest transnational waterfall in the world. You’ll arrive just in time for golden hour. You're welcome.
Highlights:
Me Pia Pass: motorbike nirvana
Ban Gioc: world-class waterfall, no filter needed
Related article: Most Scenic Locations on the Ha Giang Loop.
Day 3: Ban Gioc → Nguom Ngao Cave → Eye of God → Cao Bang City
Start your day chasing echoes in Nguom Ngao Cave (aka Tiger Cave), one of the most spectacular cave systems in Vietnam.
It’s all stalactites and stalagmites (prepare to spot some that are a little… phallic—and hear all about why), natural sculptures, and underground rivers.
Hot tip (literally): It gets super warm in this cave; you can leave your jumpers behind!
Then, it’s off to the Eye of God—a surreal circular hole in a limestone mountain that looks (and feels as you zoom past it) straight out of a fantasy land.
Finish the day rolling into Cao Bang City, a peaceful place to recharge after a wild few days.
Highlights:
Underground wonderland in Nguom Ngao
Surreal selfies at the Eye of God
Laid-back Cao Bang City vibes
Day 4: Cao Bang → Ba Be Lake
Time to chase tranquility. You’ll ride from Cao Bang to Ba Be Lake, one of the top 100 largest freshwater lakes on Earth. And yes, I promise, it’s as beautiful as it sounds.
Tucked inside Ba Be National Park, the lake is surrounded by lush jungle, limestone cliffs, and caves. Hop on a boat or grab a kayak—explore islands, grottoes, and floating villages.
Highlights:
Paddle through Vietnam’s Amazon
Discover hidden caves and quiet coves
Hammock naps by the lake (you’ve earned it)
Related article: A Guide to the 6 Best Lakes in North Vietnam: From Ba Be to Hoan Kiem.
Day 5: Ba Be → Ha Giang City
All good things must loop back. On Day 5, you’ll ride back to Ha Giang City, with a full heart, a full camera roll, and a sore bum (but don’t worry—it's worth it!).
Highlights:
Easy ride through scenic valleys
One last noodle soup on the road
Group hugs and goodbye beers
Cao Bang Loop Highlights (Aka Why You’ll Never Shut Up About It)
Ban Gioc Waterfall
This beast of a waterfall is 30 meters high and 300 meters wide, making it the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. It’s where Vietnam and China meet in a dramatic spray of white water and rainbow mist.
Me Pia Pass
Twisty, steep, and Instagram gold. This mountain pass is not for the faint-hearted but oh-so-worth it.
Nguom Ngao Cave
The Nguom Ngao cave (Tiger cave) is one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam, located not far from the waterfalls.
Ba Be Lake
Jungle cruising, cave exploring, and kayaking like you're in a nature documentary.
Eye of God
A literal hole in the mountain—what more do you want?!
Related article: Escape the Crowds: Why a Cao Bang Tour is Your Next Big Adventure.
Is the Cao Bang Loop Right for You?
You’ll love it if:
You’ve already conquered the Ha Giang Loop and want more.
You want to skip the Ha Giang Loop, preferring off-the-beaten-path adventures.
You’re into waterfalls, caves, and history with a view.
You have 5 extra days to spare (and a thirst for thrill).
You might want to skip it if:
You get carsick looking at a spiral staircase (even then, take some anti-sickness tablets and hop on board!).
You’re allergic to stunning landscapes (how dare you).
Psssst! Food on the Cao Bang Loop is a little more basic than the delicious goodness of the Ha Giang Loop. There’s still options for vegans and vegetarians (trust me, I know) but the options are limited in general—you’re getting off the beaten path, and Vietnam’s about to act like it!
How to Book the Cao Bang Loop Tour
Easy. Bong Hostel has got you covered.
You can book it as a standalone 5D4N Cao Bang Loop tour by Whatsapp messaging us directly here: +84 85 561 8585.
Or extend your Ha Giang Loop Tour into a 7D6N Extended Loop that includes both regions.
Whichever route you choose, Bong Hostel sorts the motorbike, accommodation, food, and the amazing easy riders who double as mechanics, best friends, karaoke partners, and unofficial tour guides.
Related article: Why You Should Do The Ha Giang Loop With Bong Hostel.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Loop End
Let’s be real—you didn’t come to North Vietnam for average. You came for spine-tingling roads, misty peaks, and waterfalls that make your heart do cartwheels.
So if you’re standing in Ha Giang City wondering what’s next—wonder no more. The Cao Bang Loop is calling. And trust us, you’ll want to answer.
Still got loop fever? Bong Hostel is your cure.
Book your spot today through Bong Hostel and let the road rise to meet you. Again.
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