Bong Hostel Secret Tour Is Back: 6 Days 5 Nights Beyond the Ha Giang Loop

The Secret Tour is back.

And no, it hasn't been hiding from us all summer. We deliberately paused our Secret Tours during the rainy season because this isn't the kind of trip where we want to take unnecessary chances. 

The route takes us deep into Cao Bang and some more remote mountain areas, where heavy rain can increase the risk of flooding and landslides.

At Bong Hostel, we'd rather wait for safer conditions than take our guests, Easy Riders, and tour guides somewhere we don't feel comfortable travelling ourselves. So, while our usual tours continue, the Secret Tour takes a seasonal break.

Now, the wait is over.

On 10 October 2026, we're heading back out for a special 6-day, 5-night Secret Tour, and this one is extra special because we're celebrating 10 years of Bong Hostel.

What is the Bong Hostel Secret Tour?

Think of the Ha Giang Loop, then imagine carrying on beyond the usual route into more of Northern Vietnam.

The Bong Hostel Secret Tour is a 6-day motorbike adventure for travellers who want to see more than the classic 3- or 4-day Ha Giang Loop allows. 

Rather than following a completely fixed itinerary from one famous stop to the next, the idea is to explore further, with the general route revealed but some of the finer details kept under wraps. 

After 10 years of running trips in the region, we've learnt that some of the best travel memories are the ones you couldn't have planned in advance.

Why Did the Secret Tours Stop?

We don't take the decision to pause a tour lightly, but when you're travelling on remote mountain roads, weather conditions matter. 

Heavy rain can make roads more difficult and increase the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in Cao Bang.

For us, the choice is simple: no adventure is worth putting our guests, Easy Riders, or local guides in unnecessary danger. We'd rather wait for conditions to improve and return when we're confident the route is safe to enjoy.

That's why the Bong Hostel Secret Tour takes a seasonal break during the rainy season.

Secret Tour vs Ha Giang Loop: Which is right for you?

If you've been researching Northern Vietnam, you've probably already come across the Ha Giang Loop. So why would you choose a Secret Tour instead?

The answer is that they're designed to give you different experiences.

If you only have three or four days in Northern Vietnam, or you specifically want to self-ride, our usual Ha Giang Loop is probably the better option.

But if you've already done the Loop, have six days to spare, or simply looked at the map and thought, "Surely there's more?", that's where the Secret Tour comes in.

Instead of turning back after the familiar Ha Giang route, we continue towards Cao Bang and Ba Be, with Ban Gioc Waterfall as one of the major highlights.

It's a longer journey, with more time to explore and a route that takes you beyond the classic Ha Giang experience.

Where Does the Secret Tour Go?

We're giving you the broad route, but we're deliberately keeping some of the details secret.

The 6-day adventure begins in Ha Giang, travelling towards Dong Van before continuing to Ha Lang and Ban Gioc. 

From there, the journey takes you through Cao Bang City and onwards to Ba Be, before returning to Ha Giang.

You'll recognise some of the dramatic mountain landscapes if you've already travelled the Ha Giang Loop, but the further you go, the more the scenery and atmosphere begin to change.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the big highlights of the route. Located on the Vietnam–China border and surrounded by the limestone mountains of Northern Vietnam, it's a pretty spectacular reason to venture further north.

Ba Be National Park offers another change of scenery, with its huge freshwater lake surrounded by limestone mountains and forest.

And then there are the bits we're not telling you about.

That's the whole point.

If you want a typical Cao Bang Loop route breakdown, click here: 7-Day Cao Bang Loop vs 5-Day Cao Bang Loop: Is Ba Be Lake Worth the Extra Time?

Why is it Called a Secret Tour?

Because we're not going to give you a minute-by-minute itinerary.

You'll know the general route, the duration, and the major places we're heading towards, and then discovering the other details along the way, becomes part of the adventure.

There may be stops that aren't on the published route, places your guide recommends along the way, or somewhere you discover simply because the road ahead looks too interesting not to explore.

That doesn't mean you're being sent off into the mountains with no idea what's happening. You still have an experienced Easy Rider with you, two group leaders, and a clear overall route.

It just means you're not spending six days obsessively checking a list of attractions to make sure you've "done" everything.

Sometimes it's better to see where the road takes you.

Who is the Secret Tour For?

The Bong Hostel Secret Tour is probably for you if you have enough time to spend six days exploring Northern Vietnam and want something beyond the standard Ha Giang Loop.

It's particularly suited to travellers who have already done the Loop and want to see more of the north, or anyone who likes the idea of a longer adventure without needing to know exactly what every day will look like.

You might also love it if you:

• Want to explore beyond the classic Ha Giang Loop

• Have six days available for a Northern Vietnam adventure

• Want to visit Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, and Ba Be

• Enjoy travelling in a smaller group

• Like a little spontaneity in your itinerary

• Would rather explore than spend the trip ticking off attractions

• Are happy travelling as a passenger with an Easy Rider

It might not be the right choice if you only have a few days, want a completely predictable itinerary, aren't comfortable spending six days travelling by motorbike, or specifically want to self-ride. 

In those cases, our usual Ha Giang Loop tours may suit you better.

If you’re not sure which tour is right for you, click here: Ha Giang Loop vs the Secret Tour (2026): Which Tour Should You Choose? 

Why is the Secret Tour Easy Rider only?

The Secret Tour is Easy Rider only, meaning you'll travel as a passenger with an experienced local motorbike driver.

For a 6-day adventure through mountainous areas, this means you can concentrate on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads, traffic, corners, or whether you've somehow taken the wrong turn into someone's rice field.

You can look around, take photos, chat with your driver, watch the landscape change, and actually enjoy being on the bike.

Your Easy Rider is also your local connection to the places you're travelling through. 

After 10 years of running trips around Northern Vietnam, we know how much better a journey can be when you're travelling with someone who knows the roads and the region rather than simply following a line on Google Maps.

And that connection doesn't stop when you get off the bike. 

In the evenings, we eat together with our Easy Riders, giving everyone a chance to properly get to know each other, share stories from the day, and enjoy that relaxed, family-style atmosphere that makes Bong trips feel like more than just a tour.

By the end of six days, your Easy Rider won't just be the person who drove you through the mountains. They'll be part of the group, which is exactly how we like it.

What Can You Expect from the Secret Tour?

We're deliberately not going to give away every surprise, but you can expect plenty of the things that make a Bong adventure a Bong adventure: mountain roads, good food, comfortable homestays, local communities, and incredible scenery.

The difference is that you're not simply riding between a list of attractions. 

There's more room to stop, explore, eat somewhere local, chat with your Easy Rider, and see where the day takes you.

And, knowing Bong Hostel, there will probably be Happy Water and karaoke somewhere along the way.

We make no promises.

More than Just a Cao Bang Loop

You might see this trip described as a Cao Bang Loop, particularly because it takes you through Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, and Ba Be.

But that's not really the whole story.

The Secret Tour combines the dramatic landscapes around Ha Giang with a wider journey into Cao Bang and Ba Be, creating one big 6-day route.

You're not simply doing the Ha Giang Loop again, and you're not simply doing a Cao Bang Loop either. You're travelling between regions and seeing a broader slice of Northern Vietnam.

What's Included in the Secret Tour?

Your 6-day 5-night Secret Tour includes everything you need for the adventure itself, from your Easy Rider and motorbike to your accommodation, meals, and activities along the route.

• Experienced Easy Rider and motorbike for the full six days

• 5 nights of accommodation in local homestays

• Meals throughout the tour

• All planned activities and stops included in the Secret Tour

• English-speaking Western tour leader

• English-speaking Vietnamese tour leader

• Fuel for the motorbikes

• Luggage storage at Bong Hostel while you're away

With the essentials taken care of, you can concentrate on enjoying the journey, getting to know your Easy Rider and the rest of the group, and seeing where the Secret Tour takes you.

What Should You Pack for the Secret Tour?

Packing for a motorbike tour is a little different from packing for a normal holiday. 

For the 6-day, 5-night Secret Tour, we'd recommend bringing:

• 4–5 lightweight tops that are easy to wash and dry

• Comfortable trousers or shorts for riding

• A warm layer, such as a fleece or hoodie, for cooler mornings and evenings

• A waterproof jacket—although we provide ponchos if needed—for unpredictable mountain weather

• Underwear and socks, plus a couple of extras

• Sturdy trainers or trekking shoes for walking and exploring away from the bike

• Sandals or flip-flops for the evenings and homestays 

• Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent

• Your usual toiletries and any personal medication

• Sunglasses, a hat, and a lightweight scarf or neck gaiter

• Phone, charger, and a power bank

• Passport and travel insurance details

• Some cash, as ATMs become less common in remote areas

• A waterproof bag or dry bag to protect your phone and other valuables if it rains

Most importantly, keep your bag small. You'll be carrying it on the back of the motorbike, so there really is no prize for bringing seven pairs of trousers. 

Your larger luggage can be left safely at Bong Hostel while you're away, so you only need to take what you'll actually use on the tour.

We're Celebrating 10 Years of Bong Hostel

There's another reason we're particularly excited about this departure.

Bong Hostel is turning 10.

That’s right, we’ve been running our family hostel and taking travellers into the mountains since 2016 and it's something we wanted to celebrate in a way that actually feels like Bong. 

So instead of simply putting up some balloons and calling it a day, we're taking our anniversary on the road.

• Six days

• Northern Vietnam

• Motorbikes

• Easy Riders

• Ha Giang

• Cao Bang

• Ban Gioc

• Ba Be

• Good food

• Comfy homestays

• And whatever stories we come home with

It's a pretty good way to celebrate 10 years, if you ask us.

Bong Hostel Secret Tour FAQs

When is the next Bong Hostel Secret Tour?

The next Secret Tour leaves on 10 October 2026. This departure is particularly special because it marks Bong Hostel's 10-year anniversary.

How long is the Secret Tour?

The October Secret Tour is six days and five nights.

Where does the Secret Tour go?

The route travels from Ha Giang to Dong Van, Ha Lang, Ban Gioc, Cao Bang City, and Ba Be, before returning to Ha Giang.

We reveal each stop along the way.

Is the Secret Tour the same as the Ha Giang Loop?

No. The Secret Tour is deliberately different from our usual Ha Giang Loop tours. It takes six days and continues beyond Ha Giang into Cao Bang and Ba Be, with Ban Gioc Waterfall included in the route.

Can I self-ride the Secret Tour?

No. The Secret Tour is Easy Rider only. You'll travel as a passenger with an experienced local driver.

If you specifically want to self-ride, you need to ask our team on WhatsApp: +84 85 561 8585 and they may be able to accommodate you. 

Why don't you run the Secret Tour during the rainy season?

The route takes us into Cao Bang and more remote mountain areas where heavy rain can increase the risk of flooding and landslides. 

For the safety of our guests, Easy Riders and local guides, we pause the Secret Tour during the rainy season and bring it back when we're confident conditions are suitable.

Is the Secret Tour suitable if I've already done the Ha Giang Loop?

Absolutely. In fact, that's one of the reasons we created it. If you've already experienced the classic Ha Giang Loop and want to see more of Northern Vietnam, the Secret Tour gives you the chance to continue beyond the usual route and explore Cao Bang and Ba Be.

Will I know the full itinerary before I go?

You'll know the main route and the important practical details, but no, we're not giving away every single stop. The unexpected parts are what make it a Secret Tour.

How can I book the Bong Hostel Secret Tour?

You can book the tour by messaging our team directly on WhatsApp: +84 85 561 8585.

So... Should You Book the Secret Tour?

If you've already done the Ha Giang Loop, or you've simply looked at the usual route and thought there must be more, this is your chance to find out.

The Secret Tour is deliberately different from our usual trips. 

It's longer, more exploratory, and takes you beyond the familiar Ha Giang route into Cao Bang, Ban Gioc, and Ba Be. 

And because we only run it when we're confident the conditions are suitable, we're pretty excited to finally get back on the road.

We're celebrating 10 years of Bong with this one, so if six days of mountain roads, local food, Easy Riders, Northern Vietnam, and a few surprises sounds like your kind of adventure then…