How to get from HA GIANG to CAO BANG? ☀️
From Ha Giang town to Cao Bang you can travel by bus or motorbike.
To journey from Ha Giang to Cao Bang town, you can opt for two routes, each offering its own experience. The first route spans approximately 250 km, passing through Bac Me and Bao Lam, while the second, longer route of about 375 km traverses Dong Van town. Unfortunately, there are no train or flight options connecting these destinations, as neither Ha Giang nor Cao Bang boast railway stations or airports.
Traveling by bus or minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang via Bac Me typically takes around 8–10 hours, with fares ranging from $13 to $22 per person. Services are available from Ha Giang Bus Station (Bến Xe Khách Hà Giang) or other points in Ha Giang town, though schedules may be limited.
Alternatively, you can embark on a more scenic journey via Dong Van town, a route that comprises three main stages. While this path offers breathtaking views of northern Vietnam, including Yen Minh, Tam Son, Dong Van (including the Ma Pi Leng Pass), Meo Vac, and Bao Lac, it does entail a longer travel time of approximately 16–18 hours, subject to variation. This route is highly recommended for those seeking picturesque landscapes.
For added convenience, you may also consider booking a private tour through a reputable agency, allowing you to explore Cao Bang at your own pace. Numerous options for private tours can be found and reserved online, providing a tailored travel experience.
⭐⭐⭐ BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜ ⭐⭐⭐
You can also travel by motorbike to Cao Bang.
The alternative approach to reaching Cao Bang from Ha Giang involves traveling by motorbike, although this option is not suited to everyone due to the challenging mountain roads, which can be in less than ideal condition. Nonetheless, this route offers an opportunity to witness the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam. There are two available routes for motorbike travel, one via Dong Van and the other via Bac Me.
Journeying to Cao Bang via motorbike through Dong Van town (within the Dong Van Geopark) and Bao Lac typically takes around three days, factoring in necessary stops. If you plan to ride a motorbike in Vietnam, it’s essential to obtain an International Driving Permit.
Exercise caution and maintain a slow pace while traversing Ha Giang province, particularly considering the rugged terrain. The optimal seasons for motorbike travel in these regions are autumn and winter, avoiding the rainy season. Renting a motorbike in Ha Giang town and embarking on a journey to Cao Bang via Dong Van, then returning to Ha Giang via Bao Lam and Bac Me, is a popular itinerary.
However, motorbike transport is advisable only for experienced riders. Additionally, from Ha Giang, you can extend your adventure to Sapa, further exploring the captivating landscapes of Vietnam’s northern provinces.
⭐⭐⭐ BOOK TICKETS for Transport in Vietnam ➜ ⭐⭐⭐
How do I get from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?
1. BUS/VAN from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Bao Lac)
Embarking on a journey from Ha Giang to the picturesque town of Cao Bang has never been easier with the availability of reliable bus and minivan services. Offering a comfortable and convenient travel option, these services connect travelers to their destination in approximately 8–10 hours, making the scenic route accessible to all.
Travelers have the choice of buses that traverse through Bao Lam and Bao Lac, promising a delightful journey through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Vietnam. With ticket prices ranging from $13 to $22 per person, this mode of transportation remains affordable for all budgets.
For those eager to begin their adventure, buses and minivans depart from Ha Giang Bus Station (Bến Xe Khách Hà Giang), ensuring accessibility for travelers staying within the vicinity. However, it is advisable to confirm departure times either at the bus station or through accommodations in Ha Giang, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer or traveling with companions, opting for bus or minivan travel presents an excellent opportunity to soak in the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside while comfortably making your way to Cao Bang.
2. BUS from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Dong Van)
Traveling from Ha Giang to Cao Bang via Dong Van offers a scenic and efficient journey through Vietnam’s northern landscapes. Here’s a breakdown of the convenient bus routes you can take to reach your destination seamlessly:
A) Ha Giang to Meo Vac:
- Journey time by bus from Ha Giang to Meo Vac is approximately 6–6.5 hours, covering a distance of about 170 km via Dong Van town.
- Bus companies servicing this route include Sapa Discovery Travel and Cau Me, offering affordable fares ranging from $6 to $7 per person.
- Secure your bus tickets conveniently online through platforms like Baolau, receiving your e-ticket via email for hassle-free boarding.
B) Meo Vac to Bao Lac:
- Traveling by bus or minibus from Meo Vac to Bao Lac town takes around 3–4 hours, covering a distance of approximately 75 km.
- Expect to find primarily small local buses or minibuses for this leg of the journey, with tickets priced between $3 and $5 per person.
C) Bao Lac to Cao Bang:
- The final stretch from Bao Lac to Cao Bang town takes about 5–6 hours by bus or minibus, spanning a distance of around 130 km.
- Similar to the previous leg, travelers will primarily encounter small local buses or minibuses, offering affordable fares ranging from $5 to $7 per person.
3. From Ha Giang to Cao Bang on motorbike (via Dong Van)
For those seeking an exhilarating journey through Vietnam’s northern landscapes, traveling from Ha Giang to Cao Bang on a motorbike presents an enticing option. While this mode of transport requires time and skilled driving, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in the region’s natural beauty.
The most captivating and extensive route is via Dong Van town in the far north, where travelers can traverse the Dong Van Karst Geopark and conquer the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass — the largest mountain pass in Vietnam. This scenic route typically spans three days, allowing ample time to explore charming towns like Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Bao Lac along the way.
Before embarking on this adventure, it’s crucial to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) and exercise caution on the mountainous roads of Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces. Opting for a semi-automatic motorbike over an automatic scooter is recommended for better control and affordability.
For those ready to take on the challenge, there are two main routes to consider:
- Ha Giang > Dong Van > Meo Vac > Bao Lac > Cao Bang (the most scenic route)
- Ha Giang > Bac Me > Bao Lam > Bao Lac > Cao Bang
To ensure a seamless experience, travelers can conveniently search and book their motorbike rentals in Ha Giang online through platforms like Bikesbooking.
⭐⭐⭐ BOOK TICKETS for Transport in Vietnam ➜ ⭐⭐⭐
❓ FAQ + TIPS — Travel from Ha Giang to Cao Bang:
1. What is the travel time from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?
- Transport by bus/minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Bao Lam, Bao Lac) takes about 8–10 hours.
- Transport by bus/minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac) takes about 16–18 hours.
- Transport on motorbike from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac) takes about 3 days.
2. What is the price of transfer from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?
- Transport by bus/minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Bao Lam, Bao Lac) costs about $13–22/pp.
- Transport by bus/minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac) costs about $15–25/pp.
3. What is the travel distance from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?
- The distance between Ha Giang and Cao Bang is approximately 250 km via Bao Lam and about 375 km via Dong Van — Meo Vac route.
4. How to book a private tour / activity in Vietnam?
- You can search + book a tour in Vietnam online. Book your tour in northern Vietnam with KLOOK. You can also buy various tickets for tourist attractions or other activities.
5. Is there a train from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?
- Unfortunately, there is no train service available between Ha Giang and Cao Bang as there is no railway connecting these cities.
6. Is there a flight to Cao Bang from Ha Giang?
- No, air travel is not feasible as there are no airports in Cao Bang and Ha Giang, thus preventing any flight connections between the two cities.
7. How to rent a motorbike in Vietnam?
- You can search and book your motorbike in Vietnam easily online with Bikesbooking.
8. What is better, travel to Cao Bang via Bao Lam or Dong Van?
- The most beautiful travel route from Ha Giang to Cao Bang is via Dong Van town. But this option takes a lot of time of transport. You will see Dong Van Karst Geopark, Ma Pi Leng Pass and other amazing places.
9. We are traveling on motorbike to Cao Bang, where to stop?
- During your journey from Ha Giang to Cao Bang, you’ll pass through several small towns and villages where accommodation options are available. You can discover various lodging choices in Yen Minh, Tam Son, Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Bao Lac. Moreover, both Ha Giang and Cao Bang provinces offer a range of local homestays for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
10. Where to stay in Cao Bang province?
- Cao Bang town offers various cheap and a few luxury hotels, guesthouses and there are also some homestays. You can book your accommodation in Cao Bang province online > Accommodation in Cao Bang.
11. Why to visit Cao Bang?
- Cao Bang is the largest province of northern Vietnam and offers various interesting sites in the whole province. Cao Bang is not so visited place by foreign tourists, like another places of Vietnam. The most attractive tourist site of this province is Ban Gioc Waterfall (+Nguom Ngao Cave).
12. Where to travel from Cao Bang?
- From Cao Bang you can travel to Hanoi or Ninh Binh. Ninh Binh is a popular tourist site of northern Vietnam. You can take a bus or bus + train from Cao Bang to Ninh Binh via Hanoi.
13. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
- Embark on an enriching solo adventure in Vietnam, where you can delve into the mysteries of ancient temples, meander through picturesque landscapes and karst formations, trek across diverse national parks and ethnic villages, and forge meaningful connections with the welcoming locals. Craft your own unique journey of cultural immersion and unforgettable experiences.
