How to go → HANOI to CAO BANG? ☀️

How do I get from Hanoi to Cao Bang?

1. BUS / VAN from Hanoi to Cao Bang (+Ban Gioc)

Traveling by sleeper or seater bus to Cao Bang is the most used and cheapest transport option from Hanoi. However, it is this mode of transport that may discourage some visitors from traveling to Cao Bang, as there is no railway. But that’s a shame, even a bus trip to this province is definitely worth visiting this beautiful province full of nature.

The journey by bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang takes approximately 5.5-8 hours depending on the type of bus or minivan you take. Some buses or private minivans may also stop along the way to Cao Bang Province and this may make the journey longer. Modern smaller minivans or minibuses for up to 11 people in the vehicle tend to be a bit faster than sleeper buses and offer perfect comfort at an adequate price.

Transportation by bus or minibus from Hanoi to Cao Bang costs approximately 16-25 USD / per person. There are various buses from different companies on the route between Hanoi and Cao Bang. Some are relatively well rated, some are not. You can read these company reviews before booking tickets on online platforms.

Buses of companies such as Khanh Hoan, Thanh Ly, Duc Duong Bus, Techbus VN, Grouptour or Sapa Discovery Travel depart from various stations or stops, such as My Dinh, Hanoi Opera House and others, you will always see this information and the departure map before by ordering tickets. Buses may arrive at various locations in Cao Bang and/or around the city center, again you will see this information.

• • You can book bus tickets + schedule from Hanoi to Cao Bang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
  • You will receive your bus e-ticket to Cao Bang by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet. Present at the ticket counter of the station before boarding the bus or at the bus in Hanoi, read the information before you book your bus ticket to Cao Bang or Ban Gioc online

2. TAXI / VAN from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall

Another way to get and travel from Hanoi to Cao Bang is by private taxi or car with a driver from Booking Car and Ouros Travel. This is a more expensive transfer option, but the advantage is perfect comfort and services, or departure from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. Some private cars or taxis can take you to the Ban Gioc waterfall, but in this case you have to expect a higher transfer price.

Traveling by private taxi or car from Hanoi City Center to Cao Bang or to Ban Gioc Waterfall, takes about 5.5-10 hours depending on the company and the type of car you drive and where you leave from. The offer includes various modern and luxurious cars, minivans or minibuses for several people, the offer is certainly wide and every traveler who is looking for comfort will surely choose.

These private taxis and cars to Cao Bang can be booked online even in advance and agree on the times and place of departure. The price is higher, the trip by private taxi or car from Hanoi to Cao Bang – Ban Gioc costs about 160-350 USD / car, but if there are more people, the trip can still be worth it. You will save time with various transfers to the hotel, from the hotel or between stops. For those who do not deal with the budget and do not travel low-cost, they can definitely consider a private car trip to Cao Bang.

BOOK TAXI / CAR to Cao Bang here ➜

3. TRAIN + BUS from Hanoi to Cao Bang (via Lang Son)

There is no railway from Hanoi to Cao Bang province, so you have to forget about the direct train journey to this place. However, you can still use the train connection if you want to visit the neighboring province of Lang Son, to which the railway leads. And then from Lang Son city, you can continue by bus to Cao Bang city. However, this option takes more time and is therefore more suitable for those who want to see Lang Son as well.

It takes up to 4 hours to travel by train from Hanoi to Lang Son and Vietnam Railways train tickets cost around 3-5 USD / per person. Tickets can be booked online or purchased in Hanoi at the railway station. It is also a good idea to find out the timetable in advance, as there may be changes. So after exploring the Lang Son area, you need to take a bus to Cao Bang. There is no railway again from there. The bus ride from Lang Son to Cao Bang can take about 3 hours and tickets cost about 5-10 USD / per person.

The journey time may also change if the bus makes additional stops during the transfer. There are also buses and private minivans going to Lang Son from Hanoi, so if you want to go here, it is better to choose a private minivan or minibus, which offers a faster transfer and great comfort.

• • Book and buy train e-tickets from Hanoi to Lang Son on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
  • Train e-ticket by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present when boarding the train

4. From Hanoi to Cao Bang on a MOTORBIKE

Another way to travel from Hanoi to Cao Bang is by motorbike. This is an option that is definitely not suitable for all travelers, you should have some experience of driving a motorcycle often in chaotic traffic. And it must also be taken into account that the journey is very long and can be exhausting, the motorbike transport from Hanoi to Cao Bang will take several hours and it might even be advisable to split it into 2 days.

You must also hold an International Driving Permit with a valid license to drive motorcycles in Vietnam. However, the motorcycle is ideal for exploring Cao Bang province, you will discover remote, authentic and beautiful rural places, that is, places where regular buses never go. It is important to drive very carefully and rather slowly, as traffic in Vietnam can sometimes be life-threatening.

Drivers often do not follow the prescribed regulations, but you always follow them and respect all the movement that takes place on the road. As a basis for exploring Cao Bang province, it is advisable to first go to the city of Cao Bang, stay here and go on excursions from there, for example. And then from there drive to Ban Gioc Waterfall, which is a beautiful and scenic drive through the Vietnamese countryside, which is also inhabited by ethnic residents of various groups.

BOOK a MOTORBIKE with Bikesbooking ➜

5. Book a Private Tour or Activity in Vietnam

The last option to travel to Cao Bang from Hanoi is to book a private trip, e.g. with a guide. There are some tour companies in Hanoi that will offer you such a personal experience even with an English guide. It is often a service where everything is already prepared, you have arranged transfers, food and even accommodation.

Sometimes you just buy tickets to various tourist attractions and interesting places. The main places of such trips are the areas of the Non Nuoc Geopark and also the Ban Gioc Waterfall or the historical site of Pac Bo. It depends on the specific offers of individual travel agencies.

Some such offices also offer, for example, motorcycle trips to Cao Bang province and others, even for a few days. But this is again an offer more for experienced motorcycle drivers who will ride more powerful machines.

• • Book your Private Tour, Hike or Tourist Activity in Vietnam online on KLOOK ➜

❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Hanoi to Cao Bang: