Detailed Self-Guided Travel Experience To Cao Bang From A - Z

Cao Bang is a popular travel destination attracting many young people nowadays. If you’re planning a self-guided trip to Cao Bang, don’t miss this detailed guide by Ha Giang Open Tour!

1. Travel Experience For Backpackers To Cao Bang

1.1. The Best Season And Month To Visit Cao Bang

Cao Bang has two distinct seasons: the rainy season (April - September) and the dry season (October - March of the following year). Each season offers its own charm, so you can visit Cao Bang at any time of the year.

However, the most ideal time for a self-guided trip to Cao Bang is from August to November. During this period, the weather is cool, with little rain, making it convenient for traveling. From August to September, waterfalls are at their most powerful, making it a great time to visit and check-in at famous spots like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nui Mat Than (Mountain of the God’s Eye), etc.

Image of Cao Bang during the ripe rice season

If you want to admire the waterfalls alongside golden rice fields, you should visit in October. Notably, during this period, the Le Nin Stream flows gently, and its waters are clear and refreshing. For those wishing to experience buckwheat or wild sunflower blossoms, October and November are the best months. March and April in Cao Bang also feature the beautiful pear blossom season.

(Ban Gioc Waterfall)

1.2. Transportation Options For Self-Guided Travel In Cao Bang

The distance from Hanoi to Cao Bang is approximately 280km, and you can travel by motorbike, car, or bus, all of which are convenient options.

If taking the bus, you can buy tickets directly at My Dinh bus station. During holiday seasons, it’s advisable to book your tickets in advance for the best seats. Ticket prices range from 300,000 - 320,000 VND/person/way. Upon arriving in Cao Bang, it’s best to rent a motorbike for more flexibility in moving around and to save costs. However, ensure that you’re confident in riding motorbikes on mountain roads.

If you’re self-driving by car, take the Hanoi - Lang Son expressway, then follow National Highway 4 to reach Cao Bang. Alternatively, you can take the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen expressway, turning onto the Thai Nguyen - Cho Moi expressway to Bac Kan, and then follow National Highway 3 to Bac Kan.

According to experienced backpackers, it’s best to choose robust, sporty vehicles suitable for long-distance driving. Be sure to inspect and maintain your vehicle fully before your trip to ensure safety and minimize unexpected incidents. Additionally, the driver should have strong driving skills and plenty of experience on mountain roads.

1.3. Where To Stay On A Self-Guided Trip To Cao Bang

Cao Bang offers a variety of homestays and hotels to choose from, with prices ranging from only 300,000 - 400,000 VND. If you have a bigger budget, you can stay at 4- or 5-star hotels or resorts with better service quality.

Some recommended homestays and hotels include: Max Boutique Hotel, Jeanne Hotel, Bao Lac Homestay, Pi Noong Homestay, etc.

1.4. Must-Visit Destinations On A Self-Guided Trip To Cao Bang

Cao Bang has numerous beautiful places to visit and explore, such as:

Pac Po Relic Site - Le Nin Stream: Besides its beautiful and refreshing scenery, this location holds great historical significance for Vietnam’s revolutionary history.

(Le Nin Stream)

Ban Gioc Waterfall: One of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful waterfalls, where you can marvel at the poetic and majestic beauty of the Northeast mountains. Entrance fees are about 45,000 VND/person.

Lung Phan Bamboo Forest: Experience the fresh air and the vast beauty of the bamboo forest.

Nguom Ngao Cave: Admire nature’s masterpiece with a unique system of stalactites and stalagmites.

Ma Phuc Pass: Cao Bang’s most beautiful pass with many winding turns, offering a thrilling experience.

Thang Hen Lake: Immerse yourself in the stunning nature with clear blue waters, lonely rocks, and lush rice fields.

Nui Mat Than (Mountain of the God’s Eye): Don’t miss the chance to camp at Nui Mat Than during your self-guided trip to Cao Bang. Walking around the mountain, you’ll witness the daily life of the Tay ethnic people.

(Camping at Nui Mat Than)

Additionally, there are many other beautiful attractions you can explore, such as visiting Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda, discovering the stone village of Khuoi Ky, or exploring the Trung Khanh Chestnut Garden.

1.5. Must-Try Local Dishes In Cao Bang

When traveling to Cao Bang, whether on a tour or self-guided, you must try the local specialties:

Banh Cuon Cao Bang: Unlike other regions where banh cuon is served with fish sauce, in Cao Bang, it’s served with a rich broth made from pork bones. The rice paper is thin yet chewy and fragrant, filled with minced pork.

Banh Ap Chao: This fried cake is made from glutinous rice with a filling of duck meat. It’s served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, herbs, and pickled papaya.

Banh Trung Kien (Ant Egg Cake): Only available in April and May, when ant eggs are at their richest and most fragrant. The cake’s outer layer is made from upland sticky rice, while the filling includes ant eggs, minced pork, fried shallots, and pickled vegetables.

Other dishes include: Cao Bang’s floating cakes, seven-flavor roasted pork, Trung Khanh chestnuts, sour pho, nam khau, black jelly, sausages, young beech leaves, banh khao, and banh che lam.

(Some Cao Bang local specialties)

2. Self-Guided Travel Costs To Cao Bang

The travel costs for a trip to Cao Bang generally include:

• Transportation costs to Cao Bang
• Rental costs for transportation within Cao Bang (if you don't have your own vehicle)
• Fuel and refueling costs
• Entrance fees to tourist attractions
• Food expenses
• Hotel and homestay costs
• Souvenir expenses

Overall, the cost of traveling to Cao Bang depends on various factors such as the time of travel, the quality of accommodation, and the length of your stay. However, the total cost is not too high since service and dining prices in Cao Bang are reasonable compared to other tourist destinations.

3. Suggested Self-Guided Travel Itinerary To Cao Bang

3.1. 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary

Day 1: Pac Po Historical Site - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Lung Pan Bamboo Forest
Day 2: Nguom Ngao Cave - Ban Giuong - Return

Or:
Day 1: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda - Nguom Ngao Cave
Day 2: Nam Tra Waterfall - Ma Phuc Pass - Return

3.2. 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary

Day 1: Ban Gioc Waterfall - Nguom Ngao Cave - Nui Mat Than
Day 2: Le Nin Stream - Pac Po Cave - Khau Coc Cha Pass - Cao Bang City
Day 3: Cao Bang City - Return

4. Important Notes For Self-Guided Travel To Cao Bang

Pack lightweight clothes suitable for the season when visiting Cao Bang. If traveling in winter, bring warm and heat-retaining clothes.

Bring essentials such as a power bank, raincoat, insect repellent, medication, a map, padded jacket, flashlight, shoes, cash, ATM card, driver’s license, and identification documents.

Keep the environment clean at all locations you visit.

Safeguard your personal belongings to avoid loss.

Learn about the customs and traditions of the local people to avoid breaking any taboos during your visit.

(Important notes for self-guided travel to Cao Bang)

If you don't have time to plan your itinerary, you can book a Cao Bang tour from a travel agency. Currently, Ha Giang Open Tour offers combined Cao Bang - Bac Kan tours for 3 days and 2 nights, or 4 days and 3 nights, at very reasonable prices. The entire itinerary, including transportation, sightseeing spots, and accommodations, is meticulously planned by the agency, ensuring you have a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable trip!

For more details about the Cao Bang - Bac Kan tour from Ha Giang Open Tour, contact the hotline at 0984.650.239 or visit https://hagiangopentour.com/ for support.

This article has shared detailed self-guided travel tips for Cao Bang. We hope it helps you have a smooth and exciting journey as you conquer the beautiful mountains of Northeast Vietnam!