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Cao Bang is still a relatively off the radar destination in Vietnam and every adventurous traveler needs to add this destination to their list. During my visit in February 2024, I didn’t find tons of info on how to visit Cao Bang and none of the travelers I’ve met have ever even heard of it. I almost skipped it completely due to the nature of it being unknown but I am so happy I didn’t because this was my favorite place in my entire trip to Vietnam.
The Best Time To Visit Cao Bang
It is best to visit Cao Bang during the dry season from October-April. Keep in mind though that it gets cold here in the winter from Nov-Feb so bring layers if you’ll be visiting around this time.
How To Get To Cao Bang From Hanoi
- Overnight Sleeper Bus: The trip takes around 7-8 hours so it’s ideal to take an overnight sleeper bus. Though I have heard mixed reviews about this so I opted not to do it. I was told you never really get any sleep in these sleeper buses due to the herky jerky movement of the buses and lights constantly turning on and off. The cost for this was around 300-350k VND ($12 USD)
- Limousine: The Limousine shuttle is a great affordable option for daytime travel to Cao Bang. It took around 6-7 hours and comfortability really depends on how packed the van is and where you sit. (I recommend the front if you get queasy) I paid around 300 VND for this but it was a holiday week so I think it was more expensive.
I would recommend booking your transfer with your hotel or a travel agent in the city. There are plenty of scammy websites selling fake tickets for these services.
What To Pack
Cao Bang is typically cooler than the rest of Vietnam making it an ideal destination year round. When I went in the winter, it was quite rainy and cold so make sure you are prepared for any weather before going:
Where to Stay in Cao Bang
Cao Bang Eco House
I cannot recommend this hotel enough! The owner Ly helped me with everything I needed for my trip. The hotel is new and has the best cafe just downstairs. Check rates here.
Cao Bang Eco Homestay
Alternatively you can stay here. It has very high ratings and I love that it’s so affordable. it is also owned by Ly and her husband. Their motorbike rental is just next door to this homestay so it would be a one stop shop. Check rates here.
Yen Nhi Homestay
I recommend spending at least 1 night near Ban Gioc Falls. This will be the perfect middle point to doing the Cao Bang Loop. This homestay has been around for 200 years and is literally built into the cave. Its location is ideal for visiting several sights like Nguom Ngao Cave (15 min walk) and Ban Gioc Falls (10 min scooter ride). Check rates here.
Know Before You Go
I wanted to share some tips for traveling around Cao Bang so you can plan a little bit better for your trip:
- Bring more cash than you need. Not a single business here took card, not even the homestays. Once you’re outside the city of Cao Bang there won’t be a lot of ATMs around.
- Cao Bang is still 2 hours from the attractions like Ban Gioc falls. This is why I recommend spending one night in Cao Bang city and 1-2 nights in Ban Gioc.
How To Get Around Cao Bang
There are public buses that shuttle people from Cao Bang city to Ban Gioc falls but I STRONGLY recommend renting a motorbike or joining a tour as an easy rider for the best experience in this area. I have never driven a motorbike before so I was hesitant to rent one for 3 days but the guys at Cao Bang Motorbike rental helped me feel comfortable with my bike first before taking the long trip. They also offer easy-rider tours if you don’t feel like driving yourself!
I was really happy that I rented a motorbike because I stopped for scenic points SO many times. To be honest, half the fun for this trip was riding through the most rural villages in Vietnam. They also gave me a google map with all the best stops throughout the trip which was super helpful.
The Best Stops in Cao Bang
Ban Gioc Falls
This is one of the largest waterfalls in Asia! It’s also very interesting because it’s right at the border of Vietnam and China. The China side was so much more developed and crowded while the Vietnam side was rather empty. Pro tip: During drier months, visit between 10am-1pm when they open the hydro dam so the waterfall appears fuller.
Nguom Ngao Cave
I didn’t think much of this cave until I visited and was blown away. I paid for the guided hour tour instead of just the entrance fee and I recommend you do the same. There were more advanced routes on the cave and you can see so much more with a guide. There was also a river down there where my guide used a raft to get us through that section.
Nui Thung Mountain
Also known as Angel Eye Mountain. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be this. This valley felt like a scene straight out of Avatar. I truly could not believe my eyes. To get here you need to drive a dirt road for 1km, I slipped a bit since it was muddy but nothing that a motorbike can’t handle. The entrance to this is VERY narrow so cars would have a hard time getting here.
Phong Nam Valley
I didn’t make it here because of weather but I definitely recommend it for anyone visiting the area. It’s a great place to view the mountains and rice terraces.
Find more of my Vietnam guides HERE.