The Cao Bang Loop is one of Vietnam's most breathtaking road trips, offering stunning natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure. Located in the northeastern region of Vietnam, this loop is a must for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of cities and immerse themselves in pristine beauty. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect Cao Bang Loop trip.
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What is the best season in Cao Bang?
From August to September is the best season in Cao Bang when Ban Gioc waterfall pours a lot of clear water, many terraced fields are golden yellow.
The rainy season is from June to September, the water flows, creating white foam. The dry season is from October to May of the following year, the weather is colder, the water flows gently, clear blue.
If you want to see the waterfall combined with ripening, you can go in October. To experience the wild sunflower or buckwheat season, you should go in November and December. March has the pear blossom season.
Early mornings and evenings in the mountainous areas of Cao Bang are chilly, the temperature can drop to 15-16 degrees Celsius. If you travel by motorbike, remember to wear warm clothes and bring a raincoat.
Travel
Cao Bang is about 280 km from Hanoi. From Hanoi to Cao Bang city, there are bus companies such as Thanh Ly, Khanh Hoan, 42... at My Dinh, Giap Bat, Gia Lam bus stations. Tickets for one person are about 200,000 - 300,000 VND. Travel time is about 6-7 hours.
When you arrive in the city, you can find places to rent motorbikes. The price is about 200,000 VND per day, not including gas. Note to fill up the tank because there are not many gas stations on the road.
If you go by private car, you can travel in the direction of Hanoi - Lang Son highway, follow National Highway 4 to Cao Bang. Another direction is Hanoi - Thai Nguyen highway. When you arrive in Thai Nguyen, continue on Thai Nguyen - Cho Moi highway then to Bac Kan, continue on National Highway 3 through Phu Thong - Ngan Son - Cao Bang.
From Bac Kan to Cao Bang, the road is small but flat, sedans run well. There are quite a few curves, especially after passing Ngan Son. The road through Bac Kan is more winding than through Lang Son.
Transportation Options
Motorbike
- The most popular choice for adventure seekers.
- Roads can be challenging, so it’s best for experienced riders.
- Where to rent: Motorbike rental shops in Cao Bang City, starting at around $8-10/day.
Car
- Suitable for those who prefer comfort and safety.
- You can hire a private driver or rent a car in Hanoi and drive to Cao Bang.
Public Transport
- Buses are available from Hanoi to Cao Bang City, but traveling around the loop requires private transport or motorbike rental.
Accommodation
To go to Ban Gioc waterfall, visitors can stay in Trung Khanh district or go to Cao Bang city, about 80 km away, for more options. Near Ban Gioc waterfall, there are Yen Nhi homestay, Khuoi Ky Homestay, Lan's Homestay Ban Gioc... priced at about 200,000 VND per night.
Some addresses in the city center are Primrosé Homestay Cao Bang, Son Tung Hotel, Jodevi Homestay Cao Bang, Jeanne Hotel... with an average price of 300,000 VND per night.
If you have a lot of money, we suggest Saigon - Ban Gioc, the only 4-star resort in Cao Bang. The resort is located near Ban Gioc waterfall, in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district.
Where to go?
A 3-day, 2-night itinerary is enough for visitors to visit historical sites and scenic spots in Cao Bang.
Pac Bo Relic Site
From Cao Bang city, visitors drive 50 km towards Ha Quang district, bordering China, to visit Pac Bo Relic Site. Because this place has many attractions and a large campus, you should spend about 4 hours to fully explore it.
After passing through the entrance gate, visitors will see milestone number 0 of the Ho Chi Minh road extending from North to South, opposite is the Uncle Ho memorial area. To reach Lenin stream and Karl Marx mountain, you will walk through Pac Bo village.
Appearing before your eyes after walking through Pac Bo village are Karl Marx mountain and Lenin stream. Following the clear water and going towards the source is Coc Bo cave, where Uncle Ho used to live, work and lead the revolution. Not far away are historical sites such as the stone table where Uncle Ho sat to work, Mr. Ly Quoc Sung's house...
If you have time, don't miss the 108 milestone, the first place Uncle Ho set foot in Vietnam when he returned home after many years of traveling abroad; and the memorial site for the heroic martyr Kim Dong. The entrance fee to Pac Bo relic site is 25,000 VND per person. If you use an electric car, you will pay an additional 20,000 VND per person.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
To avoid the crowded scene of Ban Gioc Waterfall, visit early in the morning. The entrance fee is 45,000 VND per person. The road to Ban Gioc passes through Ma Phuc Pass, Khau Lieu Pass and many beautiful rice fields.
As the largest waterfall in Vietnam, Ban Gioc divides the border between Vietnam and China. To get close, you need to rent a boat to the foot of the waterfall to fully admire the majestic beauty of this waterfall.
If you come here in the afternoon, you can stay until about 7:00 p.m. to admire the artistic light show at night. The program usually lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes, please ask the locals for the exact time.
Quay Son River
The Quay Son River originates from Guangxi Province, China, and flows through Vietnam near the Po Peo border gate, Trung Khanh District. The river section through Vietnam is 49 km long. This is a place that always attracts visitors because of the beautiful scenery on both banks.
Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda
The pagoda is only a short distance from Ban Gioc Waterfall. From here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire waterfall and majestic mountains and forests.
Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village
The ancient stone village is located about 3 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall, nearly 100 km from the center of Cao Bang City. Khuoi Ky Village has 14 Tay ethnic households living in stone stilt houses that have existed for hundreds of years. These stone stilt houses date back to around 1594 - 1677, when the Mac Dynasty came to Cao Bang to build a citadel to protect the country.
Nguom Ngao Cave
Nguom Ngao Cave is located right next to Khuoi Ky village. In the Tay language, Nguom Ngao means "Tiger Cave". This is a large cave with a length of more than 2,100 m and many unexplored branches.
Visitors enter through Nguom Lom gate and exit through Nguom Ngao gate. This path is paved with concrete and has lights. However, this path is interrupted in the middle of the cave - where the ceiling is the highest. Entrance fee is 45,000 VND.
Nguom Puc Cave
Nguom Puc is 100 m deep, located deep in the rocky mountain range bordering Le Loi commune of Thach An district (Cao Bang) and Quoc Khanh commune of Trang Dinh district (Lang Son). Stretching from the gate to the inside is a system of beautiful primitive stalactites. To explore, you have to overcome rugged terrain. This place is still not known to many tourists.
Thang Hen Lake
Thang Hen Lake is located at an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level, in Quoc Toan Commune, Tra Linh District. From the center of Cao Bang City, it only takes about an hour by motorbike to get here. Many backpackers compare it to a fairyland, the lake is located in the middle of a majestic mountain area, the blue water surface reflects the shadow of the steep cliffs.
Mat Than Mountain
About 39 km from the city, Mat Than Mountain is located in the Thang Hen Lake complex of Cao Bang Geopark. In the Tay language, the mountain is called Phja Piót, meaning a mountain with a hole. Locals often call it Thung Mountain and tourists are gradually getting used to this name.
Surrounding the mountain is a large valley with long stretches of green grass, a wild, peaceful and quiet landscape with herds of horses leisurely grazing. The turn into the mountain is a bit difficult to find, visitors should ask the locals in advance to avoid getting lost. On the way to the mountain, visitors will pass Ma Phuc Pass, a beautiful scenic spot when traveling by motorbike.
Estimated Budget
| Expense | Approx. Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Transport (motorbike rental) | $40-50 (5 days) |
| Fuel | $10-15 |
| Accommodation | $10-30/night |
| Food | $5-10/day |
| Entrance Fees | $10-15 (total) |
The Cao Bang Loop is an unforgettable journey, offering a perfect mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and adventure. Whether you’re cruising on a motorbike or relaxing in a homestay by the lake, this trip is a must for those looking to explore Vietnam’s untouched beauty. Start planning today, and get ready for an epic adventure!
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