Cao Bang
4 days 3 nights
Trekking, culture exploration
6/10
5 (0 Customer rating)
Tour overview

Cao Bang is a mesmerizing land of mountains and rivers at the northernmost frontier of Vietnam, a place every Vietnamese person dreams of visiting at least once in their lifetime. This deeply exploratory journey will take you to the pristine, lesser-known ethnic villages of Cao Bang. Of course, the region's most famous landmarks—like the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall and God's Eye Mountain (also known as Núi Thủng or Angel Eye Mountain)—are definitely included in the itinerary, but you'll experience them in the unique, authentic way of a true trekker: off-the-beaten-path, immersed in nature, and far from the crowds.

This tour blends iconic sights with hidden gems, raw adventure, and genuine local culture—perfect for those seeking an unforgettable, soul-stirring escape into one of Vietnam's most untouched frontiers.

Highlights:

  • Trekking along Quay Son River
  • Khuoi Ki Stone Village
  • Ban Gioc Waterfall
  • Doai Duong Fish Eye Mountain
Summary
  • Departure from: Hà Nội

  • Min: 6 people

  • Destination: Cao Bang

  • Max: 15 people

  • Duration: 4 days 3 nights

  • Best season: Quanh năm

  • Activities: Trekking, culture exploration

  • Level: 6/10

Images & Videos
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi - Cao Bang - Than Giap Village

06:00 Gather at the designated pickup point in Hanoi, meet your guide and fellow adventurers, then board the comfortable vehicle for the scenic drive north to Cao Bang. Along the way, enjoy several refreshing stops for coffee, snacks, and stunning views of Vietnam's northern countryside unfolding before you. 

12:00 Arrive in vibrant Cao Bang City. Settle in for a flavorful lunch at a welcoming local restaurant, savoring regional specialties to kick off your adventure.

13:00 Hop back on the vehicle and head to the dramatic Ma Phuc Pass — the legendary gateway into Cao Bang's wild mountains. From here, begin an unforgettable 3-4 hour trek along winding mountain trails that connect authentic Tay and Nung ethnic villages. Step into a world of timeless rural life: friendly locals, traditional wooden homes, terraced fields, and jaw-dropping karst landscapes that feel like stepping into a living painting.

17:30 Reach Than Giap Commune as the golden light bathes the valley. Check into your traditional Tay ethnic homestay — a warm, elevated stilt house where you'll share dinner with the family, hear stories of local life, and experience genuine hospitality under one roof.

Included meals: Lunch and dinner

Accommodation in Than Giap: Traditional Tay ethnic stilt house homestay (shared dormitory-style room)

 

Day 2: Than Giap - Quay Son

07:00 Start the day with a nourishing breakfast at your cozy homestay in Than Giap, surrounded by the gentle sounds of village life.

08:00 Lace up your boots and embark on an exhilarating 12km trek from Than Giap to the legendary Quay Son River. This rewarding trail weaves along quiet forest paths and mountain ridges, linking hidden Nung ethnic villages where time seems to stand still. Breathe in the crisp mountain air, soak up panoramic views of emerald valleys and dramatic karst peaks, and catch authentic glimpses of daily rural life — from locals tending fields to children playing along the trails.

11:30 Pause for a delicious picnic lunch in a shady forest clearing. Unwind with fresh local dishes, chat with your fellow adventurers, and let the peaceful surroundings recharge your spirit.

Afternoon: Press on through lush, shaded forest trails that gradually open up to reveal the sparkling Quay Son River — one of Cao Bang's most pristine waterways, with its turquoise waters cutting through the mountains. Arrive at Quay Son Homestay, perched right on the riverbank, where the gentle flow and surrounding greenery create pure tranquility.

Evening: Settle in for a hearty dinner featuring authentic regional flavors, share stories around the table, and drift off to sleep lulled by the river's soothing rhythm.

Included meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation at Quay Son: Traditional Tay ethnic stilt house homestay (shared dormitory-style room)

 

Ngày 3: Quay Son – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Khuoi Ki Stone Village

07:00 Wake up to a hearty breakfast at the riverside homestay in Quay Son, fueling up for the day's epic adventure.

08:00 Set off on one of the most breathtaking treks of the journey: a 6-hour trail from Quay Son straight through stunning karst mountains and lush valleys, leading directly to the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall — Vietnam's largest and most spectacular waterfall, cascading dramatically across the border with China. The path offers jaw-dropping views, serene forest sections, and the thrill of approaching this natural wonder on foot, away from the usual crowds.

12:00 Picnic lunch along the trail — enjoy fresh, local flavors with the sound of rushing water and mountain breezes as your backdrop.

Afternoon: Spend time soaking in the majesty of Ban Gioc Waterfall: explore the viewpoints, feel the mist on your face, snap unforgettable photos, and marvel at its turquoise pools and thunderous flow.

After the visit, hop on the vehicle for a short transfer to the ancient Khuoi Ki Stone Village — a living museum of centuries-old Tay ethnic stone houses.

Evening: Check into your unique homestay inside one of these historic stone stilt houses. Relax, freshen up, savor a delicious dinner prepared with local ingredients, and spend the night immersed in the authentic charm of this timeless village.

Included meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Accommodation in Khuoi Ky: Traditional Tay ethnic stilt house homestay (shared dormitory-style room)

Ngày 4: Khuoi Ki Stone Village - Doai Duong Fish Eye Mountain - Hanoi

07:00 Rise and shine with a hearty breakfast at your homestay, savoring the last tastes of local Cao Bang hospitality to fuel the final leg of your adventure.

08:30 Board the vehicle and make your way to Doai Duong Fish Eye Mountain, one of Cao Bang's most magical natural wonders, located near Trung Khanh. Take your time soaking in the serenity, capturing epic photos from the viewpoint, and enjoying a relaxed coffee time amid this surreal landscape — the perfect, peaceful moment to reflect on your unforgettable journey.

Hop back on the vehicle and head back toward Hanoi, winding through northern Vietnam's dramatic mountains, valleys, and rural vistas.

12:00 Stop for a satisfying lunch at a roadside restaurant along the way — a great chance to recharge while enjoying the passing scenery.

19:00 Arrive back in Hanoi, concluding this epic Cao Bang adventure with hearts full of memories from hidden villages, epic treks, majestic waterfalls, and untouched natural beauty.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Inclusion & Exclusion

 

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip air-conditioned bus throughout the tour
  • Trekking accessories (trekking poles, gloves, etc.)
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • English-speaking tour guide from Hanoi & local guide
  • Homestay overnight in Khuoi Ki Stone Village
  • Drinking water and daily snacks
  • Entrance fees to all attractions and sites
  • Travel insurance

Exclusion:

  • Drinks not specified in the program
  • Transportation before the tour starts or after it ends
  • Personal expenses 

Departure schedule
Departure day Finish day   Tour cost
Difficulty of the activity

Difficulty Level (6/10): Most people can participate in the tour, children from 6 years old and above also can join with parents. It will be easier and more comfortable for you to experience outdoor activities if you have good preparation for physical training before the trip. The duration of each trip is 2 days generally. With those trekking tours at this level, it might take 2 – 3 hours/day to do the trek with the quite easy terrain. At the same level, the kayaking and SUP tours, 2 – 3 hours/ days paddling with the large water surface, and plenty of times to take photos and rest as well.

Suggested physical training: Practice running or kayaking/SUP 1 - 2 weeks in advance. Run twice a week, each session 3 - 5km every night. Or paddling from 2- 3 times, each time is 5 km.

Equipment

Equipment provided by UA:

  • Gloves
  • Trekking pole
  • First-aid kit

Essential stuff you need to bring:

  • Reuseable 1L water bottle
  • Walking shoes
  • Flip-flop or sandals
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Personal toiletries
  • Phone, camera & accessories
  • ID card or passport

Optional items to bring:

  • Personal medicines
  • Folding knife or multi-tool
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Sun screen, hat, sunglasses

Essential info

1. Travel Insurance

  • Umove Adventure partners with Bảo Việt Insurance, providing coverage with a maximum payout of 100,000,000 VND per person per incident.
  • For full policy details, please refer to Bảo Việt's official insurance terms: Quy tắc bảo hiểm Bảo Việt.

2. Cancellation & Postponement Policy

  • For the detailed Cancellation & Postponement Policy, please read it carefully here: view full policy

3. Reading and signing the exclude all liability before departing

  • The customers who buy adventure tours from Umove Adventure have enough awareness about the level of challenge as well as other physical challenges and other potential dangers during the tour. Hence the customer is asked to read and sign the Exclude all Liability form before departing. Find the form below and read it carefully.
  • Download and review the Release of Liability Form [here]

4. Trekking Route Notes: 

  • Our trekking route is not challenging in terms of elevation, though it includes some short uphill sections. Most of the time, we'll follow gentle trails connecting one village to another. Some parts go through forest, but it's not overly dense or difficult.
  • The paths are straightforward, but sturdy trekking shoes or trail running shoes are required. Sandals like Keen-style trekking sandals are also acceptable.

5. Homestay in Khuoi Ki Stone Village

  • In Khuoi Ky Stone Village, UA uses traditional Tay ethnic stilt houses in this famous ancient stone village. Depending on availability and booking timing, we arrange either shared dormitory-style sleeping (on one large floor) or private rooms for 2, 3, 4, or more people. The homestay includes toilets and hot-water showers.

6. Meals & Drinks:

  • Meals on the tour are diverse and full of authentic local flavors. If you have dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, or special needs), please inform UA's operations team in advance so we can prepare suitable options.
  • In cases where we cannot accommodate very specific requirements (due to health, medical, religious, or other reasons), we recommend bringing your own food/snacks.
  • Drinking water is provided generously — 2 liters per person per day. Umove Adventure encourages minimizing single-use plastic and nylon waste, so we kindly ask guests to bring your own reusable water bottle to refill from our large provided jugs.
  • Alcoholic drinks are not permitted while trekking. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included in any meals.

7. Environmental responsibility

  • Umove Adventure follows Leave No Trace principles and encourages all participants to do the same. Learn more here: Leave No Trace Guidelines.
  • Help minimize plastic waste by using reusable bottles and bags.
  • Please follow all local environmental regulations and guide instructions at the destinations.

8. Health & medical assistance

  • If you have cardiovascular conditions, joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), or any pre-existing health concerns, consult your doctor before booking.
  • Basic first aid is available on tour, but we do not provide oral medications. Please bring any personal or precautionary medicines you may need.
Q&A
What is the best time to go on this program?

Cao Bang is beautiful in every season, but each one has its own unique and captivating highlight.

If you visit during the Lunar New Year (Tet) period, you'll be treated to blooming peach blossoms and plum blossoms, just like in other parts of the Northeast and Northwest regions.

In October, you'll get to admire the stunning golden rice terraces at harvest time, with vast fields glowing under the autumn sun.

From around December to January, the maple trees in Trung Khanh change color, turning vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange — creating scenes as picturesque and magical as autumn in Europe.

The least appealing time is probably the rainy season, around July and August, when heavy downpours can make trekking and outdoor activities more challenging.

What is the minimum age for children to join this tour?

This tour is suitable for children aged 12 and older, who must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times.

Can I join this tour if I’m going alone?

Yes, definitely! This join-in adventure is perfectly suitable for solo travelers. Many of our guests join individually and end up making new friends around the campfire, during paddling, or on the hike. You'll be paired with others for shared tents (same-gender unless otherwise requested) or can upgrade to a single tent for an additional fee (subject to availability—please inquire when booking). Our professional guide and team ensure everyone feels included, safe, and supported throughout the trip—no prior companions needed. 

How much do I need to deposit when registering? When is the remaining amount due?

Deposit requirement to secure your booking, a 50% deposit of the total tour price is required at the time of registration.

Payment Methods:

  • Bank transfer
  • Credit/debit card via OnePay (secure online payment gateway)

Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance must be paid no later than 1 day before the departure date, using the same payment methods (bank transfer or OnePay).

Important note: Umove Adventure will only confirm your booking once the deposit has been received. You will receive a confirmation email with full details shortly after payment.

We recommend completing payment early to guarantee your spot, especially during peak seasons!

If I am vegetarian (or have a dietary restriction), can the tour accommodate this?

Please inform Umove Adventure of any vegetarian preferences or other dietary restrictions before booking the tour. We will verify whether the tour destination and meal providers can accommodate your needs and get back to you promptly. In most cases, vegetarian options are available, though this may vary depending on the specific tour location and local suppliers.

Can I bring my pet (dog/cat) along?

Umove Adventure does not organize pet-friendly tours as standard, due to the nature of the activities (SUP paddling on rivers and lakes, camping, group trekking, and shared transportation).

However, in exceptional cases and only for small, well-behaved pets, we may consider your request subject to the following strict conditions:

Unanimous consent from all other participants in the group must be obtained in advance.

You (the owner) take full responsibility for your pet’s behavior, safety, cleanliness, and any waste disposal throughout the tour.

The pet must not interfere with activities, other guests, or wildlife (e.g., no barking/disturbance during camping or paddling).

Additional requirements may apply (vaccination records, leash, carrier, etc.).

To request permission, please contact us as early as possible when booking. We will check with the group and confirm feasibility.

For the comfort and safety of all guests, we generally recommend leaving pets at home or arranging separate pet care.

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