The Ultimate Cao Bang Travel Guide
Updated: Aug 23
I was quite literally chasing waterfalls when I decided to add Cao Bang to my itinerary, but I’m so grateful to have visited this beautiful region in Vietnam. The first and most pressing piece of advice that I can share is that you will want to visit Cao Bang as soon as you can, because it is sure to blow up like Sapa or Ha Giang.
Cao Bang is home to Ban Gioc, the largest waterfall in Vietnam, as well as rolling green hills, temples, and caves. It has some of the best sights that Vietnam has to offer, without the crowds. This adds to Cao Bang’s charm because you can stop in quaint villages or towns and experience true Vietnamese culture.
However, Cao Bang city itself is also a great place to spend a few days. Unlike popular cities like Hanoi or Hoi An, it feels like a real city that people live in. There are cute cafes, shopping, and walkable streets. It reminds me of Chiang Rai in Thailand, and I loved being a part of it for even just a short bit of time.
Cao Bang is for true adventurers who want to push outside of their comfort zone. You will need to use Google Translate, look up the dishes that are on the menu, and navigate intense culture shock. I traveled with a white guy and I am not exaggerating when I say he was the only white person I saw the entire time we were there. People were asking to take photos of him and men were shocked by his body hair.
Cao Bang was one of my favorite places in Southeast Asia, and it should be on every adventure traveler's bucket list. Learn more about how to make the most out of this hidden gem in Vietnam:
Where to Stay in Cao Bang, Vietnam
GiaBinh Homestay
GiaBinh Homestay is a true homestay where you are truly staying in a Vietnamese family’s house. The kids play soccer right outside your window and Thuy, your host, makes you dinner and asks you about your day. Thuy speaks perfect English, and she helped us plan our trip, rent motorbikes, and learn more about the Cao Bang region. Our stay in Cao Bang wouldn’t have been the same without her recommendations and advice.
It is located a little bit outside of the main Cao Bang city, but it’s a short walk or drive into the city. Personally, I prefer to be a bit removed from the action so I can experience what it really feels like to live in a place.
Phong Nam Station
Phong Nam Station is a newly opened homestay in the middle of the Phong Nam Valley. This area of Cao Bang is breathtaking with vivid sunsets between the rolling hills, wandering water buffalo, and rice paddies. It was a true treat to wake up, open the curtains, and have the entire valley all to ourselves.
You can stay in the rooms or glamp right outside by the stream. The host of Phong Nam Station speaks perfect English and loves to share his home with new guests. He even brought us to dinner in the town and introduced us to his friends and family.
When to Visit Cao Bang, Vietnam
The best time to visit Cao Bang is during the dry season, from October to April. That being said, I visited in May and it was a bit cloudy but nothing I couldn't handle. It was also nice to get a break from the heat and humidity that is common in Southeast Asia during that time.
It’s worth noting that North Vietnam can get quite cold during the winter months, from November to February, so pack accordingly. May through September is the rainy season, so be prepared for hot and humid weather.
Hanoi to Cao Bang, Vietnam
You can book a bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang, and this is definitely the most popular and straightforward route. You can also get to Cao Bang from Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Giang, or Ha Long Bay. I recommend booking your bus on 12GoAsia so you can compare prices, departure times, and methods of transportation.
Be prepared with some anti-nausea pills if you’re prone to motion sickness, but remember that it's worth the rocky ride. Even when people hear of Cao Bang, they tend to skip it because it is difficult to get to, but long journeys are the best way to avoid mass tourism and find hidden gems.
How to Get Around Cao Bang, Vietnam
Taxi
Grab did not work for us in Cao Bang because it is a more remote region, but taxis were reasonably priced and pretty easy to find. We generally booked our taxis through our homestay or the restaurants we ate at. I never had an issue finding a taxi.
Motorbike
Unlike most cities in Vietnam, it is really easy to drive around Cao Bang. Traffic is not too crazy and people drive at a reasonable pace. Once you get out of the city, the roads are absolutely stunning. They have clearly been repaved recently and the drives are long and windy through gorgeous hills and rice terraces.
If you have never driven a motorbike before, Cao Bang is a great place to learn. There are a few sights right outside of the city that are great for first-time drivers.
Things to Do in Cao Bang, Vietnam
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc is the largest waterfall in Vietnam and the fourth largest waterfall in the world. It is 300 meters wide and full of different falls and pools. You can walk around the waterfalls or take a boat right up to the main part of the park. However, the entire area is magical with lush jungles and cascading blue water.
Ban Gioc also serves as the border between China and Vietnam, so there are no drones allowed and your cell service might act odd. We could not access our maps when we were leaving and had to kind of eyeball it, so I would suggest downloading your maps offline before getting to Ban Gioc.
Trúc Lâm Phat Tích Pagoda
Trúc Lâm Phat Tích Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in northern Vietnam. It is made in typical Vietnamese style with iron-wood, terracotta roofs, and old-fashioned gables. From the pagoda, you get the best views of the surrounding hills, rice paddies, and Ban Gioc waterfall itself.
You will want to spend a good chunk of time walking around the temple and taking photos of the views. We went after Ban Gioc, and I thought it was a nice way to end the day of touristing.
Warning, do not fall for the scam at the bottom of the temple. We were told we had to pay for parking and hiked up a mountain, just to watch another group of backpackers bike right up the hill behind us. You are allowed to drive all the way up to the top!
Nguom Ngao Cave
Nguom Ngao Cave is right by Ban Gioc waterfall, making it an easy addition to any Cao Bang itinerary. In the Tay language, "Nguom" simply means cave, while "Ngao" means tiger. Together, "Nguom Ngao" stands for Tiger Cave.
If you have time, you can do a guided tour of the lower levels. However, we just walked around and I was still blown away by the massive and impressive the stalactites and stalagmites. They recommend water shoes and the floor is a bit slippery, but I was happy in my Teva's.
Cao Bang Night Market
In Cao Bang city, they host a night market on the weekends for locals and tourists. There are plenty of good options as well as live performances, souvenir stands, and drinks. This was one of the most authentic night markets that I went to in Southeast Asia, with little kids coming up to my white friend asking him for his autograph.
Phong Nam Valley
As I mentioned, I highly recommend spending the night in Phong Nam Valley. It is just so beautiful and untouched with water buffalo, hidden caves, and beautiful roads. However, even if you don’t spend the night, it is still worth stopping to drive around and take a deep breath. They also have a market in the town on the weekends, and they have really fresh fruit and cheap clothing.
From Cao Bang city, Phong Nam Valley is on the way to Ban Gioc waterfall and that area.
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