How to go → HA GIANG to CAO BANG? ☀️

ha-giang-to-cao-bang-transport
How you can travel from Ha Giang to Cao Bang in Vietnam? You can travel by bus, minivan, motorbike or car.

1. Bus – Ha Giang to Cao Bang
2. Travel on Motorbike
🎫 Book Ticket to Meo Vac

    • Travel distance from Ha Giang to Cao Bang town is about 250 km via Bac Me and Bao Lam and about 375 km via Dong Van town. There are 2 ways how you can get to Cao Bang from Ha Giang – bus/minivan or travel on motorbike. There is no train and no flight from Ha Giang to Cao Bang, these cities have no railway stations and no airports. Travel by bus or minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Bac Me) takes about 8-10 hours and it costs about $13-22/pp. There are some buses from Ha Giang Bus Station (Bến Xe Khách Hà Giang) or private minivans from another places or hotels in Ha Giang town. But the bus schedule is very limited.
    • Another option is to travel by bus/minivan via Dong Van town and has 3 steps. This route is the most beautiful, but it takes about 16-18 hours (it can change). But you will be traveling via Yen Minh, Tam Son, Dong Van (+Ma Pi Leng Pass), Meo Vac and Bao Lac – the most scenic sites of northern Vietnam, highly recommended to visit these places. You can also travel with a tour agency (private car), you can search and book private tour to Cao Bang online.

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam

From Ha Giang town to Cao Bang town you can travel by bus or motorbike.

    • The last option how to reach Cao Bang from Ha Giang is to travel on motorbike. But this option is not for everyone, mountain roads are dangerous, sometimes in not so good condition, but you will see the most beautiful provinces of northern Vietnam. There are 2 travel routes available, via Dong Van and via Bac Me. Travel on motorbike to Cao Bang via Dong Van town (Dong Van Geopark) and Bao Lac takes about 3 days (with stops). If you want to drive a motorbike in Vietnam, it is necessary to obtain your International Driving Permitt.
    • You should drive very carefully and slowly, especially in Ha Giang province. The best time for traveling on motorbike in these provinces is in the autumn and winter, skip the rainy season. A good idea is to rent a motorbike in Ha Giang town, travel to Cao Bang via Dong Van and then, travel from Cao Bang town back to Ha Giang via Bao Lam and Bac Me. Motorbike transport is a good idea only for the experienced drivers. From Ha Giang you can also go to Sapa.

How do I get from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?


1. BUS/VAN from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Bao Lac)

    • travel by bus / minibus or minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang town takes about 8-10 hours
    • there are buses to Cao Bang via Bao Lam and Bao Lac
    • bus tickets from Ha Giang to Cao Bang costs about $13-22/pp
    • there are some buses or minivans from Ha Giang Bus Station (Bến Xe Khách Hà Giang)
    • you must ask at the bus station or hotel in Ha Giang for the exact departure times

2. BUS from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Dong Van)


A) Bus from Ha Giang to Meo Vac (via Dong Van)

    • travel time by bus from Ha Giang to Meo Vac is about 6-6.5 hours
    • bus company to Meo Vac from Ha Giang: Sapa Discovery Travel, Cau Me
    • transport by bus from Ha Giang to Meo Vac costs about $6-7/pp
    • travel distance by bus from Ha Giang town to Meo Vac town is about 170 km via Dong Van town
    • Book and buy bus tickets from Ha Giang to Meo Vac online on Baolau ➜
    • book bus ticket to Meo Vac online and you will get your e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your smartphone

B) Bus from Meo Vac to Bao Lac

    • travel by bus / minibus from Meo Vac to Bao Lac town takes about 3-4 hours
    • there are mainly small local buses or minibuses to Bao Lac
    • bus tickets from Meo Vac to Bao Lac costs about $3-5/pp
    • travel distance by bus from Meo Vac town to Bao Lac town is about 75 km

C) Bus from Bao Lac to Cao Bang

    • travel by bus / minibus from Bao Lac to Cao Bang town takes about 5-6 hours
    • there are mainly small local buses or minibuses to Cao Bang
    • bus tickets from Bao Lac to Cao Bang costs about $5-7/pp
    • travel distance by bus from Bao Lac town to Cao Bang town is about 130 km
bus-ha-giang-to-cao-bang
From Ha Giang to Cao Bang you can travel by bus/minibus via Dong Van, Meo Vac and Bao Lac (photo: Baolau).


3. From Ha Giang to Cao Bang on motorbike (via Dong Van)

From Ha Giang to Cao Bang you can also travel on motorbike. This option is a good way of transport if you have a time and great driving skills. The mountain roads are dangerous and you should have your IDP on motorbike. The most beautiful and longest scenic route is to travel via Dong Van town in the far north of Vietnam. You will see Dong Van Karst Geopark and Ma Pi Leng Pass – the biggest mountain pass in Vietnam.

This travel route should take about 3 days on motorbike. You can also travel via Bac Me and Bao Lam, but it is better to travel via Dong Van, you will se the most beautiful places of northern Vietnam.

    • before you travel to Cao Bang – obtain your IDP – International Driving Permitt!
    • travel on motorbike from Ha Giang to Cao Bang town takes about 3 days via Dong Van town
    • you can stay and explore Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac
    • from Ha Giang to Meo Vac via Dong Van you will be traveling on QL4C road
    • roads in Ha Giang and Cao Bang Province are dangerous, drive carefully and slowly
    • do not rent an automatic scooter (semi-automatic motorbike is better and cheap)
    • Search and book your motorbike in Ha Giang online with Bikesbooking ➜

There are 2 travel routes how you can travel on motorbike to Cao Bang:

    • 1. From Ha Giang > Dong Van > Meo Vac > Bao Lac > Cao Bang (the most scenic route)
    • 2. From Ha Giang > Bac Me > Bao Lam > Bao Lac > Cao Bang
motorbike-ha-giang-to-cao-bang
From Ha Giang to Cao Bang you can also travel on motorbike, IDP necessary. This is the one of the most scenic route in the north.


4. Book a private tour to Ha Giang / Cao Bang

    • another way how to explore Cao Bang and Ha Giang province is a private tour
    • the most comfortable option of traveling in these provinces of northern Vietnam
    • there are various tours to Ha Giang and Cao Bang (motorbike tour, trekking, private transport…)
    • advantage: english-speaking local tour guides, you will save your travel time
    • read reviews and check prices of these tours easily online on KLOOK
    • Book your private tour to Cao Bang or Ha Giang province online with KLOOK ➜
ban-gioc-fall-cao-bang
The most visited tourist site in Cao Bang province – Ban Gioc Waterfall, located in Trung Khanh district, close to China.
cao-bang-phong-nam
Phong Nam is about 5km from Trung Khanh town in Cao Bang province.


FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Ha Giang to Cao Bang:

1. How long does it take to get from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?

    • Travel by bus/minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Bao Lam, Bao Lac) takes about 8-10 hours.
    • Travel by bus/minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac) takes about 16-18 hours.
    • Travel on motorbike from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac) takes about 3 days.

2. How much does it cost to get from Ha Giang to Cao Bang?

    • Travel by bus/minivan from Ha Giang to Cao Bang (via Bao Lam, Bao Lac) costs about $13-22/pp.
    • Travel 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?

    • Travel distance from Ha Giang to Cao Bang is about 250 km via Bao Lam and about 375 km via Dong Van – Meo Vac.

4. How to book a private tour 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?

    • No, travel by train to Cao Bang from Ha Giang is not possible, there is no railway between these cities.

6. Is there a flight to Cao Bang from Ha Giang?

    • No, transport by plane is not possible, there is no flight because Cao Bang and Ha Giang have no airports.

7. Where 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?

    • From Ha Giang to Cao Bang you will be traveling via various small towns and villages. You can find various accommodation in Yen Minh, Tam Son, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac. There are also various local homestays in the whole province of Ha Giang and Cao Bang.

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 travel to 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 favorite 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?

    • Discover the wonders of solo travel in Vietnam as you explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic landscapes or karst sceneries, hike various national parks and ethnic villages and connect with the warm-hearted locals, creating a personalized journey of cultural immersion and breathtaking experiences.

14. What are the most interesting things or facts about Vietnam?

    • Vietnam, a country with a captivating allure, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, including the mesmerizing limestone karsts of Halong Bay, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, and the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta. Its rich history unfolds through ancient temples in Hanoi, the imperial city of Hue, and the Cu Chi Tunnels, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s resilience during wartime. The country’s vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality further enhance the allure of this Southeast Asian gem. Read this: 15 Interesting Things of Vietnam.

15. What to expect from Vietnam Culture?

    • Expect a vibrant cultural tapestry in Vietnam, characterized by traditional values, a strong sense of community, and a deep-rooted respect for family. You’ll encounter a fusion of French, Chinese, and indigenous influences in art, architecture, and cuisine. Traditional water puppetry, folk music, and dance performances showcase the country’s artistic flair. The importance of rituals and festivals in daily life adds a colorful dimension, while the warmth and friendliness of the Vietnamese people make for a welcoming and enriching cultural experience.

16. What is the weather in Vietnam and what to expect?

    • Weather in Vietnam varies with a tropical climate featuring distinct wet and dry seasons. In the north, the dry season (October to April) brings cooler temperatures, while the wet season (May to September) is marked by higher humidity and heavy rainfall. Central Vietnam experiences a dry period (January to August) with lower humidity and a wet season (September to December) characterized by increased rainfall. In southern Vietnam, the dry season (December to April) offers warm temperatures, while the wet season (May to November) brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. For accurate information, check local forecasts.

🎫 You can book bus tickets from Ha Giang to Meo Vac online:

(You can change your departure, arrival, eg. Ha Giang > Dong Van, Dong Van > Hanoi…)

Train Tickets in Vietnam ➔

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