Cao Bang Trekking Tour & Ban Gioc Waterfall 2 Days with Guide

Summary

Easy Hiking Adventure in Cao Bang’s Ethnic Villages & Waterfalls

Trek through Cao Bang’s forest trails, explore ancient caves with a local guide, share meals with Tay families in stone villages, and stand right at Ban Gioc Waterfall’s edge where Vietnam meets China. This adventure blends easy hiking with real cultural encounters—and leaves you feeling part of something bigger than just another tour.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked things off late at night in Hanoi, weaving through the bus station lights before settling into a sleeper headed north. By sunrise, the air felt cooler—almost sharp—and our driver was already waiting to whisk us toward Ban Gioc. The first real taste of Cao Bang came at breakfast in Khuoi Ky Stone Village: rice paper rolls still warm from the pan, duck noodle soup with a peppery broth that lingered on my tongue. Our guide, who grew up nearby, shared stories about the Tày people as we sipped hot tea and watched morning mist drift over stone houses.

Trekking started easy but kept us moving—through forests where birds called out overhead and along narrow paths lined with wildflowers. Ngao Cave was something else; stepping inside felt like entering another world, cool and echoing with drips from ancient stalactites shaped like lotus flowers and boats. We passed through Bong Son village next, where kids waved from behind low stone walls and elders sat weaving baskets under shady trees. Lunch was at a local family’s home—sticky rice, grilled fish caught that morning, and pickled greens I’d never tasted before.

The afternoon brought more trekking across terraced fields and streams that sparkled in the sun. Each turn seemed to reveal another patchwork of green or a glimpse of distant peaks. Back at the homestay by evening, I could finally kick off my shoes and breathe in mountain air that smelled faintly of woodsmoke. Dinner was lively—our hosts poured tiny cups of corn wine while we swapped stories around the table.

Day two meant following the Quay Son River along the border fence—China just across the water—before climbing up to Truc Lam Zen Monastery for a view that stretched all the way to Ban Gioc Waterfall. The waterfall itself thundered so loud you could feel it in your chest; getting close enough for the spray to hit my face was honestly a highlight. After lunch at a riverside spot, we caught a ride back toward town as clouds started rolling in—a quiet end to two days packed with new faces and fresh mountain air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night Travel to Cao Bang

• Book Grab car to My Dinh Bus station
• Driver picks up at meeting point
• Check in VIP sleeper bus to Cao Bang

Day 2 — Trekking and Village Visit

• Breakfast at homestay
• Visit Ngao Cave
• Trek to Bong Son Tay Ethnic village
• Trek through terraces, forest, stream
• Lunch at local family
• Trek through nature and forest
• Trek back to homestay via alternate route
• Arrive at homestay and relax
• Shower and rest
• Dinner with local cuisine
• Rest for the night

Day 3 — River Trek and Waterfall Visit

• Breakfast with local specialties
• Trek along Quay Son River
• Visit Truc Lam Zen Monastery and pagoda
• Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall and boat ride
• Lunch at Thac Ban Gioc Restaurant
• Return to Cao Bang city by local bus
• Limousine transfer to Hanoi
• Arrive at hotel in Hanoi

Top questions

How difficult is this Cao Bang trekking tour?

The trekking is considered easy and suitable for most fitness levels. Expect gentle walks on village paths and some uneven ground but nothing too strenuous.

What kind of food will we eat during the trip?

You’ll try regional dishes like duck noodle soup, sticky rice, grilled fish, local greens, and specialties unique to Cao Bang prepared by local families or your guide.

Is accommodation included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll stay one night in a standard homestay in Khuoi Ky Stone Village—a comfortable but authentic experience hosted by locals.

Are guides knowledgeable about local culture?

Your guide is from the area and shares insights about Tay traditions, village life, history of sites like Ngao Cave, and even helps prepare some meals.

What’s included

This experience covers all your main needs: two breakfasts featuring regional favorites like rice paper rolls or sour noodles; two lunches including one with a Tay family; two dinners shared with locals; bottled water throughout your trek; plus one night’s stay in an authentic homestay where comfort meets tradition. And when it’s time to explore or move between sites like Ban Gioc Waterfall or Ngao Cave, your friendly guide handles all logistics so you can focus on soaking up every moment.