Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Jingxi China Discovery Tour: 6 Days

Your cross-border adventure begins with an early departure from Hanoi. You will meet our driver and English-speaking guide before traveling north through the changing landscapes of the Red River Delta and the midland provinces.

As the journey approaches Ha Giang, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with limestone mountains, riverside villages and terraced fields appearing along the road. Next, you will stop for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing toward the gateway of the Dong Van Karst Plateau.

The road climbs through Bac Sum Pass to Quan Ba Heaven Gate, offering a panoramic view over the surrounding valleys and mountains. On a clear day, you can admire the famous Quan Ba Twin Mountains, also known as the Fairy Bosom, rising symmetrically above the cultivated landscape.

Then, you will continue traveling to a nearby Tay or Dao community, depending on local conditions and the selected accommodation. Taking a gentle walk around the village, observe traditional houses and learn about everyday life in Vietnam’s northern highlands.

After checking in, you will enjoy dinner featuring regional specialties and rest after the scenic drive.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Overnight in Quan Ba or Yen Minh.

After having breakfast, you will depart along one of Ha Giang’s most beautiful mountain routes. The road passes through pine forests, deep valleys, rocky slopes and villages surrounded by fields of corn, buckwheat or seasonal flowers.

Firstly, you will travel through Yen Minh and continue into the heart of the Dong Van Karst Plateau UNESCO Global Geopark. Short stops will be arranged at scenic viewpoints and traditional villages, allowing time to photograph the extraordinary stone landscape.

Then, you will visit Lung Cam Cultural Village, where earthen houses reflect the architectural traditions of local Hmong communities. Depending on seasonal conditions, the surrounding valley may be filled with mustard flowers, peach blossoms or buckwheat fields.

Next, you will continue traveling to Sa Phin Valley to explore the Hmong King’s Palace, the former residence of the Vuong family. Constructed with a distinctive combination of Hmong, Chinese and French influences, the complex provides insight into the political and commercial history of the region.

In the afternoon, you will arrive in Dong Van and check in at the hotel. Spending your time walking through Dong Van Ancient Town, a compact historic quarter with old houses, cafés and a central market square framed by limestone mountains.

In the evening, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight in Dong Van.

In the morning, you will enjoy breakfast before leaving Dong Van for the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass. Rising high above the Nho Que River, this spectacular section of the Happiness Road offers some of the most impressive mountain scenery in Vietnam.

Next, you will stop at selected viewpoints overlooking sharp limestone peaks, remote villages and the deep valley below. If the weather and road conditions permitt, you will descend toward the Nho Que River for an optional boat ride through Tu San Canyon. The journey along the emerald waterway reveals towering cliffs that create one of the most dramatic natural settings in northern Vietnam.

Then, you will continue to Meo Vac for lunch and then travel east toward Bao Lac. This quieter route passes through isolated valleys and villages belonging to Hmong, Dao, Tay and Lo Lo communities.

If time and local access permit, you will visit a Lo Lo ethnic village near Bao Lac. Here, you can learn about the community’s traditional houses, agricultural life, ceremonial customs and beautifully decorated clothing. The visit should be conducted respectfully and may be adjusted during festivals, funerals or other private community events.

You will arrive in Bao Lac in the late afternoon, check in and enjoy dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight in Bao Lac.

Following breakfast, you will depart Bao Lac and travel through the mountainous countryside toward Cao Bang. The route crosses forested passes, rivers and peaceful Tay and Nung villages, presenting a lesser-visited side of northeastern Vietnam.

Then, you will continue traveling toward Trung Khanh for lunch before visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most magnificent natural landmarks. Located on the Quay Son River at the Vietnam–China frontier, the waterfall tumbles over multiple limestone levels amid rice fields and karst peaks. Its continuation on the Chinese side is known as Detian Waterfall.

Afterward, you will enjoy time at the Vietnamese viewing area and take an optional bamboo raft ride, subject to water levels and local regulations. The nearby scenery is particularly striking during the green rice season and after the summer rains.

After the visit, you will transfer to the designated international border checkpoint. Completing Vietnamese exit and Chinese entry formalities with assistance from the tour team. Upon entering Guangxi, you will meet the licensed Chinese guide and driver and continue toward Jingxi, a county-level city in western Guangxi with a predominantly Zhuang population.

Arriving in Jingxi, you will check in at the hotel and enjoy dinner featuring local Guangxi cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight in Jingxi, China.

Note: The exact checkpoint and the order of Ban Gioc and border-crossing activities may be adjusted according to checkpoint operating arrangements, traffic and immigration requirements.

After enjoying breakfast, you will begin a full-day exploration of Jingxi’s natural and cultural attractions.

First, you will visit Equan Spring, also called Goose Spring, a peaceful karst spring surrounded by limestone hills, rice fields, stone bridges and traditional villages. The clear water emerging here forms part of the river system flowing toward the China–Vietnam border and Detian Waterfall.

Afterward, you will continue to visit Jiuzhou Ancient Town, a settlement known for its Zhuang heritage, old lanes, stone buildings and traditional handicrafts. Here, you can walk through the village and learn about local embroidery and brocade-making traditions. The tranquil rural setting provides excellent opportunities for cultural and landscape photography.

After lunch, you will proceed to Tongling Grand Canyon, one of the most impressive natural attractions near Jingxi. Then, you will follow the scenic walking route through subtropical vegetation, steep cliffs and cavernous rock formations. The canyon is renowned for its dramatic waterfall and enclosed ecosystem, which creates a cool, misty atmosphere.

The visit involves numerous steps and potentially slippery paths, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. For guests who prefer a lighter program may request an alternative scenic visit, subject to prior arrangement.

You will return to Jingxi in the late afternoon. Enjoying dinner and your final evening in China.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight in Jingxi, China.

In the morning, you will enjoy an early breakfast and check out of the hotel. Transfer to the international border checkpoint and complete Chinese exit and Vietnamese entry procedures. Rejoining the Vietnamese guide and vehicle after immigration clearance.

Then, you will continue traveling through the mountain scenery of Cao Bang and stop for lunch along the way. The return journey to Hanoi passes through northeastern Vietnam’s rural landscapes before reconnecting with the main highway toward the capital.

Arrive in Hanoi in the evening, where the Ha Giang – Cao Bang – Jingxi China Discovery Tour: 6 Days concludes.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

No accommodation is included in Hanoi on Day 6.