1. Bus – Ha Long to Cao Bang
2. Taxi / Van to Ban Gioc
3. Train + Bus to Cao Bang
🎫 Book Ticket to Cao Bang
From Ha Long to Cao Bang you can travel by bus/van, taxi/car, motorbike.
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- From Ha Long to Cao Bang town spans approximately 440 km by land via Hanoi. The most efficient way to reach Cao Bang from Ha Long is to travel by tourist bus via Hanoi. Multiple buses operate from various sites in Halong Bay. Traveling by bus from Ha Long to Cao Bang (via Hanoi) typically takes 10-15 hours with stopovers, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $45 per person. Buses travel to destinations such as Cao Bang city, Trung Khanh, or Ban Gioc Waterfall. Alternatively, a comfortable option to reach Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang is by private car or taxi.
- Traveling by private car from Ha Long to Ban Gioc Waterfall takes approximately 13-15 hours, with private car being the most expensive option at around $285 per car. Another option involves taking a train from Hai Phong to Hanoi and then a sleeper night bus to Cao Bang city from Hanoi. Neither Ha Long nor Hai Phong offer direct train or flight connections to Cao Bang. For the adventurous, traveling by motorbike is possible, but it’s recommended only for experienced riders. Easily search and book bus tickets or private taxi / minivan from Ha Long to Cao Bang online.
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- Cao Bang Province in northern Vietnam remains relatively unexplored by foreign tourists. Known for its diverse ethnic groups, Cao Bang Province primarily relies on agriculture. One of its highlights is the renowned Ban Gioc Waterfall in Trung Khanh district, an easily accessible and visually stunning destination. As there is no railway in Cao Bang Province, train travel isn’t an option. Local buses and motorbike exploration are available, with no airport servicing the province. Popular routes from Halong Bay to Cao Bang (or Ban Gioc Waterfall) include tourist buses, private taxis/cars, and train+bus via Hanoi. Opting for travel via Hanoi offers the fastest route to Cao Bang.
| Transfer Mode – Halong Bay to Cao Bang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Van (via Hanoi) | 10-15 hours | $20-45/pp |
| Private Car / Taxi (via Hanoi) | 13-15 hours | from $200/car |
| Train + Bus (via Hanoi) | 12-16 hours | $20-25/pp |
How do I get from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
1. BUS from Ha Long to Cao Bang (via Hanoi)
The cheapest and most popular transport option from Ha Long to Cao Bang, suitable for solo travelers, is to travel by bus or minivan via Hanoi. So this option has 2 steps, firstly a bus trip from Ha Long to Hanoi and then transfer to another bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang. Between the cities of Ha Long – Hanoi – Cao Bang, there are many different companies that offer you different types of buses, from minivans or minibuses to classic and modern sleeper buses.
The journey by bus or minivan from Ha Long city to Hanoi takes approximately 2.5-4 hours and is the most popular and cheap transfer option between these cities. There are many different companies that go from Ha Long to Hanoi such as Arirang Travel, To Vietnam Travel, Phuc Xuyen, Kumho Viet Thanh, Grouptour, Daichi Travel, Cat Ba Express, Techbus VN, Duc Duong, Duy Khanh and mostly they are better and more comfortable minivans than ordinary classic buses with seats.
Minivans and buses depart from various popular locations such as Tuan Chau, Hon Gai, Bai Chay and or Cat Ba Island and arrive at various locations in Hanoi. So check the bus timetables to Cao Bang first so that you can easily continue your journey by bus from Hanoi.
A bus trip from Ha Long to Hanoi costs between $5-23/pp, classic big buses with seats are cheaper, comfortable and modern minivans are a more expensive option. Some of the companies that operate services from Ha Long to Hanoi also operate bus services or minivans from Hanoi to Cao Bang.
The second step is to travel by another bus or a comfortable minivan from Hanoi to Cao Bang, or even to Ban Gioc Waterfalls. These waterfalls belong to the most visited place in the whole province of Cao Bang. On the route from Hanoi to Cao Bang (+Ban Gioc) you can use several companies that offer you older, but also newer and modern sleeper buses or even more comfortable minivans for groups of travelers.
Some of these companies that offer bus services are Khanh Hoan, Thanh Ly, Duc Duong Bus, Techbus VN, Grouptour or Sapa Discovery Travel. The journey time by bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang can vary depending on the company and type of bus, but it takes on average 5.5-8 hours, if you go all the way to Ban Gioc Waterfalls, it can be even longer.
Small minivans are usually faster on this route, but can sometimes be a more expensive option. However, it’s good to know that buses in Vietnam can also be late and the exact times may not be respected, be aware of that. A bus ride to Cao Bang from Hanoi will cost you $16-23/pp.
Buses and minivans arrive in Cao Bang at various locations and stops that can be all over the city, so read all information carefully when ordering tickets. Bus tickets from Ha Long to Hanoi and from Hanoi to Cao Bang are easy to find and book online in advance.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Cao Bang ➜
2. TAXI / CAR from Ha Long to Ban Gioc (via Hanoi)
The most convenient, fast, but at the same time the most expensive transport option for you from Ha Long to Cao Bang will be a private car/taxi with a driver. This option is probably not suitable for you if you are traveling in Vietnam in a low-cost style, mainly because of the higher price. This type of transfer must be carried out in 2 steps, first by private car from Ha Long to Hanoi and then by another car from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfalls, and after agreement with the company, eventually to the city of Cao Bang.
So the first step is to take a private car/taxi from Ha Long to Hanoi. Private cars can be used from practically anywhere, but mainly from popular areas such as Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, Hon Gai and others. There will be a number of private companies that will offer you modern cars, SUVs, Jeeps or smaller minivans and minibuses for groups of people.
Some of the companies operating private transfers from Ha Long to Hanoi are Saigon DMC, Taxi with VTS, Tiim Group, Halong Transportation, Mui Ne Sky Travel, Dichung Taxi, Cat Ba Express, Ouros Travel or Tim Charter and others. On average, the prices for booking a car with driver from Ha Long to Hanoi range from $45-170/car.
Transfer by car from Ha Long to Hanoi takes approximately 2.5-4 hours, depending on where exactly you are going and what kind of car you use. With a private car, you can go to various places in Hanoi that you choose with the given companies, sometimes it is possible to choose this, sometimes the routes are fixed. A private car from Ha Long to Hanoi can be booked online even in advance.
The second step is a transfer by private car with a driver to Cao Bang or to Ban Gioc Waterfalls. The private companies Booking Car and Ouros Travel will provide you with a transfer from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfalls, or by agreement to the city of Cao Bang. The travel time from Hanoi to Ban Gioc is between 5.5-10 hours, depending on the company and type of bus you choose.
If you were to drive all the way to Ban Gioc Waterfalls, you would drive through a very interesting natural rural area of Vietnam. Transfer by private car from Hanoi to Ban Gioc costs between $160-350/vehicle, depending on the type of car, minivans for more people are again a more expensive option.
However, a minivan is an interesting alternative if you are traveling in a group of people. Some private cars also depart from Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, so you can use an airport transfer. A private car to Cao Bang from Hanoi can again be booked online, where you can also choose the type of car of your choice.
A private car / taxi is the most convenient form of transportation to Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfalls, but due to the higher price, it is not suitable for solo travelers, but rather for groups of several people.
3. TRAIN + BUS from Hai Phong to Cao Bang (via Hanoi)
If you would like to travel from Ha Long to Cao Bang by train, this option is not possible, as there is no railway from Hanoi to Cao Bang province. However, it is possible to travel from Hai Phong to Hanoi by train, which is approximately 45 km west of Ha Long, and then take a bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang. But it is an option more suitable for those who are on Cat Ba Island and planning a trip from this island to Hanoi.
From Cat Ba Island, you can easily get to the city of Hai Phong by bus and boat transfer, and from there you just need to change to a train and go to Hanoi. From Hai Phong to Hanoi you can use Vietnam Railways trains with seats, this transfer is also very cheap and the travel time is approximately 2-2.5 hours.
Train tickets can be searched and booked online and the train ride from Hai Phong to Hanoi costs between $3-5/person per seat. Hai Phong train station is in the center of the city and can be reached by a combined transfer – bus + boat, from the city of Cat Ba on the island of the same name.
The second step is to travel again by bus or minivan from Hanoi to Cao Bang. The train cannot be used, the railway to Cao Bang province is not built. Again, you can use companies such as Khanh Hoan, Thanh Ly, Duc Duong Bus, Techbus VN, Grouptour or Sapa Discovery Travel for a bus transfer.
Bus travel time from Hanoi to Cao Bang ranges from 5.5-8 hours and tickets cost between $16-23/pp. Buses arrive at various locations or stops in Cao Bang, you will always see this information when ordering tickets online. Always read carefully all terms and instructions that apply to all transfers listed.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Cao Bang ➜
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Halong Bay to Cao Bang:
1. How to book bus tickets or taxi from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
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- You can book bus tickets + private taxi from Halong Bay to Cao Bang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can also search another tickets routes, e.g. Tuan Chau > Hanoi, Hanoi > Cao Bang…
2. What is the travel time from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
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- Travel by tourist bus / van from Halong Bay to Cao Bang (via Hanoi) takes about 10-15 hours.
- Travel by private car / taxi from Halong Bay to Ban Gioc Waterfall (via Hanoi) takes about 13-15 hours.
- Travel by train + bus from Hai Phong to Cao Bang (via Hanoi) takes about 10-12 hours.
3. How much does it cost to get from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
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- Travel by tourist bus / van from Halong Bay to Cao Bang (via Hanoi) costs about $22-45/pp.
- Travel by private car/taxi from Halong Bay to Ban Gioc Waterfall (via Hanoi) costs about $200+/car.
- Travel by train + bus from Hai Phong to Cao Bang (via Hanoi) costs about $20-25/pp.
4. How to explore Cao Bang province on your own?
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- The best way how to explore this beautiful province of the north of Vietnam is to travel on your own. You can travel on motorbike. You can rent your bike in Hanoi with Bikesbooking ➜. It is good to know, some roads in this province are not in a good condition. Travel on motorbike in this province is only a good way for the most experienced drivers.
5. What is the travel distance from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
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- Travel distance from Halong Bay to Cao Bang (via Hanoi) is about 440 km by tourist bus or private car.
6. Is there a train from Halong Bay to Cao Bang?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by train to Cao Bang from Ha Long, there is no railway. You can travel by train from Hai Phong (or Ha Long town) to Hanoi and from Hanoi you have to travel by tourist sleeper bus or private car.
7. Where is the closest railway station to Cao Bang city?
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- The closest railway station is in Lang Son. Lang Son is about 125 km from Cao Bang town. So, if you want to visit Lang Son, you can travel by train form Hanoi to Lang Son and from Lang Son you have to travel by bus to Cao Bang city.
8. Is there a flight from Ha Long to Cao Bang?
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- No, Cao Bang has no airport. There are no flights from Halong Bay to Cao Bang.
9. How to go from Cao Bang city to Ban Gioc Waterfall?
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- There are some local public buses from Cao Bang city to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Ask for this option at your hotel/homestay in Cao Bang. You can also travel on motorbike, it is a very nice scenic travel route via Trung Khanh district.
10. How to get from Cao Bang city to Pac Bo historical site?
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- You have to travel on motorbike or you can take a private transfer or taxi. Pac Bo is about 50 km north of Cao Bang city. Pac Bo is very important historical site of northern Vietnam.
11. Where to stay in Cao Bang province? Hotel, homestay?
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- Cao Bang city has mainly various cheap hotels or guesthouses. There are also some homestays at the Ban Gioc Waterfall. Homestays in Cao Bang province are the most cheapest options.
- You can search and book hotel/homestay > Book your accommodation in Cao Bang (Discount up to 70%)
12. How you can book a private tourist tour to Cao Bang province?
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- You can search and book your private tour to Cao Bang or other site of Vietnam online. Search and book a tour to Cao Bang province or northern Vietnam with KLOOK ➜.
13. How to travel solo in Vietnam?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vietnam ➜
🎫 Book tickets from Halong Bay to Cao Bang (+Ban Gioc) + Schedule:
(You can change your departure or arrival, eg. Ha Long to Hanoi, Hanoi to Cao Bang…)
Vinh > Da Nang｜Ha Tien > Kampot｜Tuan Chau > N.Binh｜PhongNha > Saigon｜Kanchanaburi > Chiang Mai｜NongKhai > UdonThani｜Koh Phi Phi