5 Day Cao Bang Trekking Tours | Northern Vietnam Hike Adventure 

Located in Northeast Vietnam, Cao Bang is a hidden gem that boasts incredible natural beauty, highlighted by the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, dramatic limestone mountains, and the peaceful Quay Son River winding past lush rice terraces and colorful ethnic minority villages. This region is a perfect destination for those passionate about nature, culture, and adventure. If you're a nature lover or explorer at heart, the Cao Bang Trekking Tour is absolutely worth your time.
Our expertly crafted 5-Day Cao Bang Trekking Loop from Hanoi, designed by an experienced adventure team, promises a rewarding journey into the heart of Northern Vietnam trekking landscapes. Along the scenic 280km route from Hanoi, the beauty of Cao Bang unfolds with winding roads hugging the mountainside, stilt houses of the Tay and Nung people nestled in the hills, and vibrant glimpses of traditional Tay villages.
This Cao Bang hiking tour takes you on a diverse mix of terrains—from rugged dirt trails and rocky paths to serene concrete village roads—allowing you to truly experience the everyday life of local communities. The journey includes iconic sites like the Khuoi Ky stone village, Ha Lang trekking route, Pia Thap incense village, and the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. You’ll have the chance to hike to Khuoi Ky and Quay Son River, kayak on the gentle stream leading to Ban Gioc Waterfall, and enjoy panoramic views of the majestic limestone mountains Northern Vietnam from high mountain ridges.
This Cao Bang adventure tour also invites you to explore ethnic culture on the Cao Bang loop, where you'll interact with locals and savor their hospitality through overnight stays in eco homestays, guesthouses, and charming rural hotels. Relish local delicacies such as sticky rice, smoked sausages, hand-made noodles, and dishes crafted by various ethnic minority groups in Cao Bang.
Perfect for those seeking Vietnam off-the-beaten-path, this multi-day trekking Vietnam experience offers a rare combination of natural splendor, cultural richness, and physical challenge. Whether it’s a border-to-border hike from Ta Lung to Nam Tra, scenic walks along the Vinh Quy hiking trails, or peaceful moments by the Quay Son River trek, this tour offers some of the most scenic treks in Vietnam.
In short, joining this guided trekking tour in Cao Bang Vietnam is a chance to immerse yourself in a truly authentic nature and culture tour in Vietnam. It’s not just a hike—it’s a journey into the soul of the mountains. Truly, the Cao Bang Loop Trek is one of the most captivating adventures Northern Vietnam has to offer.

Day 01: Hanoi – Lang Son – That Khe – Ta Lung – Vinh Quy – Grass Meadow (12 km Trek)

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Hanoi, we depart the bustling capital and begin our scenic journey toward the remote highlands of Northeast Vietnam. Our 5-hour transfer takes us through the breathtaking landscapes of Lang Son and That Khe, heading deep into the Cao Bang region—home to some of the most stunning and untouched terrain in the country.
As we travel the 280km route from Hanoi, a vivid picture of Cao Bang emerges: winding mountain roads, palm-fringed valleys, lush tea plantations, and peaceful ethnic minority villages nestled against dramatic limestone mountains. Along the way, you’ll witness the daily rhythms of rural life—Tay and Nung families living in traditional stilt houses, vibrant local markets, and terraced rice fields stretching across the horizon.
We stop in Dong Khe for lunch at a local restaurant, where you'll enjoy a taste of authentic regional cuisine. After the meal, our vehicle continues to the Ta Lung border crossing, where your Cao Bang trekking tour officially begins. Here, you'll meet your local guide—an expert in the region—who will accompany you on this unforgettable Cao Bang hiking tour over the next few days.
Our first afternoon trek covers approximately 12 km across mixed terrain, from narrow dirt trails and single tracks to small concrete paths that meander through quiet hill tribe villages, scenic streams, and forested slopes. The trail leads us toward a panoramic grass meadow, offering expansive views over the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark—a surreal landscape often likened to a natural fairyland.
After soaking in the scenery and photographing the serene surroundings, we make a gentle descent to a traditional Tay ethnic minority village, where we’ll be warmly welcomed into a local homestay. Here, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked dinner and your first taste of Cao Bang’s vibrant ethnic culture—an ideal start to your Cao Bang adventure tour.
Summary:
Activity:Transferring and warming trekking
Accommodation; in Ecohomestay
Meals: L.D
Hiking Distance: 12 Km

Day 02: Vinh Quy – Ha Lang – Khuoi Ky Stone Village (Trekking Day)

Wake up early in the tranquil Tay hill tribe village to the refreshing mountain air and the peaceful rhythms of village life. Take a quiet morning stroll around the area to observe the daily routines of the ethnic minority communities, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese breakfast before preparing for a new day of exploration in the heart of Northern Vietnam trekking country.
After breakfast, a short 10 km transfer by our support vehicle takes us to today’s trekking point, where another exciting day of our Cao Bang trekking tour begins. We set off on a scenic single-track trail, hiking through lush rice paddy fields, tranquil streams, and serene countryside dotted with palm trees and rural homes. This section offers some of the most picturesque trekking routes in Cao Bang, ideal for photography and cultural immersion. We’ll pause for a picnic lunch in a local village, surrounded by peaceful natural beauty and the warm hospitality of the locals. After lunch, we continue our trek along a narrow path that climbs gradually along the hillside toward the foot of rugged limestone mountains. This portion of the trail is more challenging, with sections that are arduous and steep, weaving through canopied forests and remote areas rarely touched by mass tourism—a true Vietnam off-the-beaten-path experience. As the sun begins to descend, we make our final approach to the stunning Khuoi Ky Stone Village, a beautifully preserved Tay ethnic minority village famous for its unique stone stilt houses and rich cultural heritage. Nestled beside a calm stream and surrounded by dramatic karst formations, Khuoi Ky offers an authentic and memorable overnight experience in a charming eco homestay.
Summary:
Activity: Transferring and Hiking
Accommodation; Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Hiking Distance: 20 Km

Day 03: Khuoi Ky – Nguom Ngao Cave – Na Ay – Quay Son River (Trekking & Sightseeing Day)

After a restful night in the traditional Khuoi Ky Stone Village, we begin the day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a scenic 5 km trek to one of Cao Bang’s natural wonders—Nguom Ngao Cave. Formed over 300 million years ago, this massive limestone cave is a hidden treasure in the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. As we explore its cool depths, you'll be mesmerized by its towering stalagmites, glittering rock formations, and the fantastical world carved by nature over millennia. This experience is a highlight of any Cao Bang hiking tour.
Leaving the cave behind, we continue our Cao Bang trekking tour by ascending a nearby mountain. The climb rewards us with a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfall—Vietnam’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest border-crossing waterfall. Along the way, we explore a hidden limestone cave, offering a glimpse into the unique karst geography that defines the region. From the summit, soak in the breathtaking scenery: emerald-green rice paddies, winding rivers, and majestic limestone mountains of Northern Vietnam.
Descending from the mountain, we reach the base of the Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most iconic natural attractions in Vietnam. Here, you'll have time to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful setting as the Quay Son River flows gently beneath the cascading falls.
In the late afternoon, we continue hiking along the serene Quay Son River trek, tracing the river’s path as it winds through lush rice paddy fields and traditional villages. This region is famed for its untouched landscapes and is a highlight for those seeking Vietnam off-the-beaten-path adventures. As we walk, admire the perfect harmony between natural beauty and rural life—ethnic minority farmers working the land, water buffalo grazing, and mist floating over golden terraces.Tonight, we settle in a peaceful riverside area near Quay Son, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of nature and views that capture the essence of remote Vietnam trekking.
Summary:
Activity: Hiking from Village - Village
Accommodation; Ecohomestay
Meals: B/L/D
Hiking Distance: 20 Km

Day 04: Quay Son – Po Tau (Trekking Along the River & Hill Tribe Villages)

Rise early to fully absorb the majestic morning beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall—a place where nature comes alive in the soft glow of the sunrise. This is the perfect time to capture stunning photos of one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders, before heading back to the eco homestay for a satisfying breakfast and coffee with a view.
After breakfast, we begin our day’s trek along the peaceful Quay Son River, continuing deeper into the heart of Cao Bang’s remote landscapes. This stretch of the Cao Bang loop trek offers some of the most scenic treks in Vietnam, with breathtaking views of dramatic limestone mountains, crystal-clear streams, and ethnic minority villages scattered along the hillsides.
As we follow the river’s gentle curves, you'll experience the unspoiled charm of Trekking in Cao Bang—a place where buffalo roam freely, children play near rice paddies, and locals offer warm smiles from traditional stilt houses. Around midday, we pause for a picnic lunch beside the riverbank, surrounded by tranquil nature and panoramic views.
In the afternoon, our hike continues through a series of hill tribe communities, offering deeper insight into the lives of the Tay and Nung ethnic minorities. Along the way, we may stop at local homes or village markets, allowing for cultural interaction and an understanding of daily life in this off-the-beaten-path region of Vietnam. By late afternoon, we arrive in Po Tau village, a quiet and welcoming community nestled at the foot of a limestone ridge. Here, we check in to a local homestay, where you'll be treated to a home-cooked dinner made from locally sourced ingredients. Spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful rural setting, surrounded by stars and the sounds of the countryside.
Summary:
Activity: Hiking fromVillage - Village
Accommodation; Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Hiking Distance: 18 Km

Day 05: Po Tau – Pia Thăp – Nam Tra – Pac Bo – Hanoi (Cultural Experience & Scenic Return)

After a peaceful night in Po Tau village, we enjoy a warm breakfast at our local homestay before setting out on the final day of our 5-day Cao Bang trekking loop from Hanoi. Today’s journey blends cultural exploration, natural beauty, and historical significance—perfectly rounding out this unforgettable Cao Bang adventure tour.
Our morning begins with a scenic walk and transfer to Pia Thăp incense village, a charming community surrounded by limestone pinnacles that create a surreal and majestic landscape. Known for its centuries-old tradition of incense making, Pia Thăp offers a hands-on cultural experience. Here, you can test your skills and try crafting your own incense sticks, gaining insight into a cherished local craft passed down through generations of the Tay ethnic minority. We then travel through Trung Khanh district, heading toward Nam Tra Lake and the unique One-Eye Mountain in Quốc Toản Commune—a rare geological formation that has captivated visitors with a natural tunnel piercing through its limestone mass. Formed by ancient tectonic shifts, this hollowed mountain rises about 50 meters above sea level and overlooks a surreal valley of dry grasslands, green cornfields, and rolling limestone peaks. The scene offers one of the most breathtaking views in Northern Vietnam trekking country.
After absorbing these stunning landscapes, we visit the revered Pac Bo historical site, known as the birthplace of Vietnam’s modern revolution. Here, learn about Ho Chi Minh’s return to Vietnam in 1941, after 30 years abroad, when he lived and worked in the Coc Bo Cave. Discover how he named the nearby Lenin Stream and Karl Marx Mountain, symbols of ideological inspiration during the resistance era. Though damaged during the 1979 border war, the site has been partially restored and offers a rich experience for those interested in Vietnamese history and culture. Following our historical visit, we return to Cao Bang city for a farewell lunch at a local restaurant. Then, we embark on the 5-hour scenic drive back to Hanoi, passing through the dramatic mountain passes and rural landscapes that define this region.
Summary:
Activity: Hiking and Transferring
Accommodation; By yourself
Meals:B/L/D
Hiking Distance: 12 Km

Important Notes

Accommodation:

Please note that hotel or homestay accommodations are subject to change based on availability at the time of booking. In the event of any changes, Snail Adventure Tours will ensure that we select equivalent or higher-quality alternatives to maintain your comfort and satisfaction throughout the journey.

Meals & Dietary Requirements:
If you have specific dietary needs—such as vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies—please inform us in advance during the booking process. This allows us to coordinate with our local partners, restaurants, and tour guides to ensure your meals are safe, appropriate, and enjoyable throughout the tour.
For food lovers, Snail Adventure Tours is not only your adventure guide but also your culinary host. We offer travelers the opportunity to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, enjoy tempting local specialties, and explore regional dishes that reflect the rich ethnic and cultural diversity of Northern Vietnam. From traditional sticky rice and smoked sausages to unique hill tribe recipes, every meal is part of your immersive experience.

What’s Included in the Tour

What’s Not Included

Essential Packing List for Trekking Days