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

Cao Bang is a spectacular frontier region shaped by limestone mountains, emerald rivers, remote valleys and traditional ethnic villages. Beyond its famous landmarks lies a quieter side of the province, where trekking trails lead through rural communities and landscapes that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. This journey is designed to explore Cao Bang on foot, taking you beyond the usual sightseeing routes and deeper into its natural and cultural landscapes. Trek along the beautiful Quay Son River, pass through remote villages and farmland, discover the traditional stone houses of Khuoi Ky, and experience the everyday life of local communities along the way. The journey also includes some of Cao Bang’s most remarkable natural landmarks, including Ban Gioc Waterfall and God’s Eye Mountain. Rather than simply visiting these places, the itinerary connects them through trekking and outdoor exploration, allowing you to experience the landscape at a slower and more immersive pace.

Combining iconic sights with lesser-known trails, traditional villages and authentic local encounters, this is a rewarding journey for travellers who want to discover a wilder and more adventurous side of Cao Bang.

Highlights:

  • Trekking along the Quay Son River
  • Exploring traditional villages and rural landscapes
  • Khuoi Ky Stone Village
  • Ban Gioc Waterfall
  • God’s Eye Mountain and the surrounding karst landscape
Summary
  • Departure from: Hanoi

  • Min: 6 people

  • Destination: Cao Bang

  • Max: 15 people

  • Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

  • Best season: Year-round

  • Activities: Trekking, culture exploration

  • Level: 6/10

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

06:00 Meet your guide at the designated departure point in Hanoi and begin the journey north to Cao Bang by private vehicle. There will be several stops along the way for breakfast, coffee, refreshments and short breaks.

12:00 Arrive in Cao Bang City and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

13:00 After lunch, continue by vehicle towards Ma Phuc Pass, where today’s trekking journey begins. Set off on a 3–4 hour trek along mountain trails connecting traditional Tay and Nung villages. The route takes you through a beautiful rural landscape of limestone mountains, valleys, farmland and small communities, offering an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Cao Bang away from the main tourist routes.

Along the way, pass traditional houses and cultivated fields, meet local people and gain a glimpse into everyday life in the mountain communities of the region. There will be regular stops for drinking water, rest and photography.

17:30 Arrive in Than Giap Commune and check into a traditional Tay homestay. Take some time to freshen up and relax after the trek. Enjoy dinner at the homestay and spend the evening with your hosts, with opportunities to learn more about local life and Tay culture.

* Included meals: Lunch, dinner

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

 

Day 2: Than Giap Village - Quay Son

07:00 Enjoy breakfast at the homestay in Than Giap and prepare for the day’s trekking journey.

08:00 Begin a 12 km trek from Than Giap towards the Quay Son River. The route follows a combination of forest trails, mountain paths and rural tracks, passing through remote Nung villages along the way. Trek through a varied landscape of limestone mountains, valleys, farmland and forest, with opportunities to observe everyday life in the local communities. There will be regular stops along the route for drinking water, rest and photography.

11:30 Stop for a picnic lunch at a suitable shaded location along the trail. Take some time to rest and recharge before continuing the trek.

Afternoon: Continue through forest trails and rural landscapes as the route gradually descends towards the Quay Son River. The scenery changes as you approach the river, opening up to views of its clear waters winding between limestone mountains, farmland and small villages. Arrive at a local homestay near the Quay Son River in the late afternoon. Check in, freshen up and enjoy some well-earned time to relax after the day’s trek.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the homestay, featuring local dishes and regional flavours. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and enjoying the peaceful riverside surroundings.

* 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 Enjoy breakfast at the riverside homestay and prepare for another full day of trekking.

08:00 Begin an approximately six-hour trek following the Quay Son River towards Ban Gioc Waterfall. The route takes you through a spectacular landscape of limestone mountains, valleys, farmland and small ethnic villages, with sections of forest trail and riverside paths along the way.

Approaching Ban Gioc on foot offers a very different experience from arriving by vehicle, allowing you to follow the changing landscape of the Quay Son River all the way towards one of Cao Bang’s most iconic natural landmarks. There will be regular stops for drinking water, rest and photography throughout the trek.

12:00 Stop for a picnic lunch at a suitable location along the trail. Take some time to rest before continuing towards Ban Gioc.

Afternoon: Arrive at Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular waterfalls, located on the border between Vietnam and China. Spend time exploring the area, enjoying different viewpoints and taking in the impressive scenery of the falls and surrounding karst mountains.

After visiting Ban Gioc, transfer by vehicle to nearby Khuoi Ky Stone Village, a traditional Tay village known for its distinctive stone houses and long-established local architecture.

Check into a local homestay in the village, freshen up and relax after the day’s trek.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at the homestay, featuring local dishes prepared with regional ingredients. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of Khuoi Ky 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 Enjoy breakfast at the homestay and take some time to relax before preparing for the journey back to Hanoi.

08:30 Check out and board the vehicle for the transfer to Doai Duong Fish Eye Mountain, a distinctive limestone landscape in the Trung Khanh area. Upon arrival, take a short walk to explore the surroundings and enjoy views of the mountain and its natural rock formations. There will be time for photography, a coffee break and a final opportunity to take in the peaceful rural scenery of Cao Bang. After the visit, board the vehicle and begin the journey back to Hanoi. Travel through the mountainous landscapes of Northern Vietnam, with short stops for rest and refreshments along the way.

12:00 Stop for lunch at a local restaurant en route. After lunch, continue the drive towards Hanoi, with additional rest stops as needed.

19:00 Arrive in Hanoi. End of the tour.

* Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Inclusion & Exclusion

 

Inclusion:

  • Round-trip air-conditioned transportation from Hanoi and all transfers during the tour
  • Trekking equipment, including trekking poles and gloves
  • Homestay accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • English-speaking tour guide from Hanoi and local trekking guide
  • Drinking water and daily snacks
  • Entrance and sightseeing fees
  • Domestic travel insurance

Exclusion:

  • Beverages not specified in the itinerary
  • Transportation before the tour begins and after it ends
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips

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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

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Equipment provided by UA:

  • Gloves
  • Trekking pole
  • First-aid kit

Essential stuff you need to bring:

  • Trekking shoes
  • Trekking backpack
  • Reusable water bottle of approximately one litre
  • Winter clothing: Windproof and waterproof jacket, sweater or fleece, thermal shirt, khaki or quick-dry pants, thermal pants.
  • Summer clothing: Sun-protective clothing, T-shirt, shorts.
  • Spare clothes
  • Headlamp or Flashlight
  • Personal medication
  • Toiletries
  • Mobile phone, camera, power bank, suitable waterproof case...
  • ID card or passport

 

Optional items to bring:

  • Pocket knife or multi-tool
  • Personal medication

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Essential info

1. Travel Insurance

  • Umove Adventure provides travel insurance through Bao Viet Insurance, with maximum coverage of VND 100 million per person per incident.
  • Please refer to the Bao Viet Insurance Policy for further details.

2. Tour Postponement and Cancellation Policy

3. Liability Waiver

  • Guests joining an Umove Adventure tour acknowledge that adventure travel involves physical challenges and inherent risks. All guests are therefore required to carefully read and sign the Liability Waiver before departure. Please review the form carefully before booking the tour.

                  Release Of Liability Form

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 served during the tour are varied and feature local specialities. Vegetarian or special dietary meals may be arranged upon request. Please inform Umove Adventure in advance of any dietary requirements so that suitable meals can be prepared. 
  • Drinking water is provided in the vehicle and during the paddling activity. To reduce the use of single-use plastic, guests should bring a reusable water bottle of approximately one litre, which can be refilled from the larger water containers provided by Umove Adventure.
  • Alcohol must not be consumed during SUP, kayaking or trekking activities. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are not included with meals.

7. Environmental Responsibility

  • Umove Adventure follows Leave No Trace principles throughout its tours and outdoor activities. We also encourage our guests and partners to apply these principles whenever travelling in natural environments. Learn more about Leave No Trace.
  • To reduce the use of single-use plastic, each guest should bring a reusable one-litre water bottle for daily refilling.
  • Guests must follow all environmental protection instructions and regulations at each destination.

8. Health and Medical Considerations

  • If you have a cardiovascular condition or problems affecting your bones or joints—including your knees, ankles or shoulders—you should consult your doctor before joining the tour.
  • The tour guide carries a basic first-aid kit. If you have a medical condition that requires medication, please bring an adequate supply of your prescribed medication.
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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