If you are wondering How much money should I bring to the Cao Bang Loop?, or you have any other questions related to money when traveling around Northern Vietnam, this article might be useful to read. Here, I will give you a good idea of the expenses you should expect during your trip, organized by category and listed as detailed as possible, to help you create your own budget.
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Cost Breakdown for the Cao Bang Loop
Transportation Costs
The first major cost you’ll need to consider is getting to and around Cao Bang. There are several ways to travel to Cao Bang, and each has its cost:
Traveling to Cao Bang: If you're coming from Hanoi, there are several transportation options:
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By bus: A bus ride from Hanoi to Cao Bang typically costs between 200,000 VND to 300,000 VND ($8-$13 USD), and the journey takes around 6-8 hours.
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By motorbike: Renting a motorbike for the Cao Bang Loop usually costs between 150,000 VND to 250,000 VND per day ($7-$11 USD) depending on the type of bike you choose. If you’re confident in your riding abilities and want the freedom to explore, this is a great option.
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By car: Hiring a private car or taking a taxi can cost between 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND ($85-$130 USD) for the round trip, depending on whether you're traveling alone or with a group.
Fuel Costs: A motorbike rental typically includes the cost of fuel. However, you’ll need to budget for additional fuel. The cost of fuel in Vietnam is relatively affordable, with prices ranging from 20,000 VND to 25,000 VND per liter ($0.85-$1.10 USD). Expect to spend around 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND ($13-$22 USD) on fuel for the entire loop, depending on your bike and the route you take.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation along the Cao Bang Loop is fairly affordable, though it depends on the type of lodging you choose. Options range from basic homestays to mid-range hotels. Here’s a breakdown of average accommodation prices:
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Homestays: Staying with local families offers an authentic experience and is often the most budget-friendly option. Prices usually range from 150,000 VND to 300,000 VND per night ($7-$13 USD) per person.
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Guesthouses: If you prefer more privacy and comfort, guesthouses are available for around 200,000 VND to 500,000 VND per night ($9-$22 USD) for a double room.
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Mid-range hotels: For a more comfortable stay, mid-range hotels may cost around 500,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND per night ($22-$43 USD), with more amenities and private rooms.
If you plan to stay in Cao Bang city for a few nights before or after the loop, expect to pay similar rates for hotels or guesthouses.
Food and Drink
Food in Cao Bang is both delicious and affordable. You’ll find a wide variety of options, from street food to local restaurants offering traditional dishes. On average, you can expect to spend the following:
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Street food: Vietnamese street food is delicious and cheap. A typical meal like pho, banh cuon, or a rice dish costs around 30,000 VND to 50,000 VND ($1.30-$2.20 USD) per meal.
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Restaurant meals: If you opt to eat at a sit-down restaurant, expect to pay 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND ($2.20-$4.30 USD) per person for a full meal.
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Drinks: A bottle of water costs about 10,000 VND ($0.40 USD), while a coffee can range from 15,000 VND to 30,000 VND ($0.65-$1.30 USD).
If you’re on a budget, street food will be a great option to keep costs low. However, if you enjoy trying different local dishes and beverages, you can expect to spend about 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND ($4.30-$8.60 USD) per day on food.
Activities and Entrance Fees
Many of the natural attractions along the Cao Bang Loop, such as Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ba Be Lake, and Pac Bo Cave, have low or no entry fees. However, certain activities may require an entrance fee or boat rental:
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Boat rides on Ba Be Lake: Expect to pay around 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND ($4.30-$6.50 USD) per person for a boat tour around the lake.
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Other activities: Some attractions, such as cultural sites or historical landmarks, may charge a small entry fee, usually around 10,000 VND to 50,000 VND ($0.40-$2.20 USD).
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Total Estimated Budget for the Cao Bang Loop
Based on the information above, here’s an estimate of how much you should budget for the entire Cao Bang Loop trip:
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Transportation: 1,000,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND ($43-$65 USD) for bus or motorbike rental.
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Accommodation: 450,000 VND to 1,500,000 VND ($20-$65 USD) for 3-4 nights, depending on your choice of lodging.
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Food: 300,000 VND to 500,000 VND ($13-$22 USD) for 3-4 days of meals.
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Activities and Entrance Fees: 200,000 VND to 400,000 VND ($8.60-$17.20 USD) for activities and sightseeing.
Total estimated cost for 3-4 days: 1,950,000 VND to 3,400,000 VND ($85-$145 USD).
This budget will cover the essentials for a basic trip along the Cao Bang Loop. Of course, your actual expenses may vary depending on your travel style, preferences, and activities.
When planning a motorbike trip along the Cao Bang Loop, it’s important to budget for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities. On average, you should bring around 2,000,000 VND to 3,500,000 VND ($85-$150 USD) for a 3-4 day trip. Cao Bang is a relatively affordable destination, offering great value for the experience, and it’s definitely worth every penny for the stunning landscapes, rich culture, and adventure it offers.
Make sure to plan accordingly, pack the necessary gear for a motorbike journey, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure along one of Vietnam’s most scenic routes! For travel inquiries, contact our hotline: +84329196074.
