Traveling to Cao Bang is an unforgettable journey through some of the most scenic mountain passes in northern Vietnam. Known for its lush valleys, winding roads, and breathtaking views, the route to Cao Bang is as much an adventure as the destination itself. If you’re planning your trip, here’s a detailed guide to the major mountain passes you’ll encounter on your way to Cao Bang.
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Overview of the Journey to Cao Bang
Traveling to Cao Bang, located in the northeast of Vietnam, is a journey filled with adventure and scenic beauty. Known for its majestic mountains, winding roads, and pristine natural landscapes, the trip itself is as captivating as the destination. Cao Bang is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Hanoi, and the route takes travelers through several provinces and iconic mountain passes, offering breathtaking views at every turn.
The journey typically lasts 6-7 hours by car or bus, depending on road conditions and stops along the way. For motorbike enthusiasts, this route is considered one of the most thrilling rides in Vietnam, with a mix of challenging mountain terrain and serene countryside roads. Along the way, travelers will encounter picturesque valleys, dense forests, and traditional villages that showcase the rich culture of northern Vietnam.
Whether you're visiting for the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, the mysterious Nguom Ngao Cave, or the historical Pac Bo Relic Site, the journey to Cao Bang promises an unforgettable experience. This region is a true hidden gem for those seeking natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a bit of adventure.
Key Mountain Passes on the Route to Cao Bang
Cao Bac Pass
Cao Bac Pass has a magical beauty but is also a nightmare for many drivers when passing through here. The pass is located on National Highway No. 3, in the territory of Cao Bang and Bac Kan provinces, with a length of more than 10km and an altitude of 1,000m above sea level. The weather here is cool, white clouds cover the top of the pass all year round.
The pass road is dangerous, winding through the undulating mountain ranges or primeval forests. This creates a magical, ghostly scene for the pass with fog covering the entire forest, especially in the early morning and at night. That is why all vehicles passing through here must always turn on yellow lights to ensure safety. It can be said that Cao Bac Pass is the longest and most beautiful pass, challenging all backpackers traveling to Cao Bang.
Tai Ho Sin Pass
Tai Ho Sin Pass is located 25km from the center of Cao Bang city, in Bach Dang commune (Hoa An) with an altitude of over 1,000m above sea level. The pass road is undulating, dangerous and covered with a sea of floating clouds all year round. In addition, the fog covers every treetop along the road and throughout the valley, making the mountainous landscape here even more poetic, attracting visitors to the Ban Gioc Waterfall Tour.
Standing from the top of the pass, looking down at the winding, curving curves. All of this gives us a real feeling of being immersed in the nature and sky of the Northeast region. The fresh, cool air on the pass helps you dispel the worries and anxieties of everyday life. Tai Ho Sin Pass - Cao Bang is very suitable for anyone who loves to explore the majestic beauty of the mountains and forests of Vietnam.
Ma Phuc Pass
Take a trip from Cao Bang city along National Highway 3 to the eastern districts of Tra Linh, Quang Uyen, and Trung Khanh. About 22km away, visitors on the Ban Gioc waterfall tour from Hanoi will encounter an extremely dangerous pass with 7 levels of hairpin turns winding along the limestone mountainside, this is Ma Phuc Pass.
The pass is 3.5km long, 620m above sea level, located in Quoc Toan commune, on the border between Hoa An and Tra Linh districts. Ma Phuc Pass is known as one of the four great peaks in the North with quite dangerous sharp turns, challenging the driving skills of drivers. In the south of the pass, the road curves up to 4 levels, but when reaching the top, there are only 2 slopes with one turn.
When arriving at the pass, we will see two vertical limestone blocks facing each other on both sides of the national highway, looking like two horses lying prostrate. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to explore many famous tourist attractions in the Cao Bang Geopark cluster. On the other hand, homestay models, cultural exploration and famous local specialties are extremely special experiences only available here.
Khau Lieu Pass
Passing Ma Phuc Pass, visitors will continue their journey to Quang Uyen District, Cao Bang. Khau Lieu Pass, also known as Lieu Pass, is located about 1km from Quang Uyen Town, in the direction of Trung Khanh District. When arriving here, tourists to Ban Gioc Waterfall will feel the colorful poetic beauty, in harmony with the picturesque natural scenery. Standing from above looking down, the soft pass stretches between the undulating mountain ranges, looking like a winding dragon.
Khau Chia Pass
Khau Chia Pass is located in Hoa Thuan Town (Phuc Hoa), 15km from Ta Lung International Border Gate on National Highway 3 towards Cao Bang City. Experiencing the road leading to Khau Chia Pass, visitors will admire the vast sugarcane fields, winding around the hillsides.
Standing on the top of the pass, looking down is Hoa Thuan town with a flat valley stretching all the way to Ta Lung town, Cao Bang. Here, the Bang River runs along, depositing alluvium to make the fields more fertile. Khau Chia Pass is famous for its gentle road, many dangerous bends, cool, fresh air and the rustic, rustic beauty of the countryside.
Ma Quynh Pass
Ma Quynh Pass belongs to Da Thong commune (Thong Nong), located in the Northwest and 45km from Cao Bang city. The pass is 4.5km long, 525m high above sea level, on Provincial Road 204, on both sides of the pass are Khau Mo and Khau Cong slopes. Looking down from above, Ma Quynh Pass looks like a heart embracing the mountains and rivers of Cao Bang.
Ma Quynh means horse elbow with the most winding and dangerous mountain pass in Cao Bang, suitable for young people who love to explore the wild beauty of the border region. The winding pass winds along the mountainside, one side is a deep abyss and there are a few stilt houses of the Tay ethnic group hidden behind the terraced fields.
Today, National Highway 3 to Cao Bang has become one of the routes that attracts many adventurous footsteps of backpackers and tourists. Those legendary passes will take visitors to enjoy and explore many of the most beautiful relics and scenic spots of the Northeast mountains and forests.
Why Cao Bang’s Passes are Worth the Trip
The mountain passes leading to Cao Bang are more than just roads—they’re gateways to some of Vietnam’s most beautiful and untouched landscapes. From the dramatic curves of Ma Phuc Pass to the serene beauty of Gio Pass, each route offers a unique experience that enhances your journey.
Traveling to Cao Bang through its scenic mountain passes is a journey you’ll never forget. Whether you’re riding a motorbike, driving a car, or taking a bus, the stunning views and thrilling routes will leave you in awe. So pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to explore the spectacular mountain passes on your way to Cao Bang!
For an unforgettable trip to Cao Bằng, consider booking a tour with us. Contact us today via our hotline: +84329196074 and let us help you create the journey of a lifetime!
