Cao Bang, the land at the country’s northernmost point, has long become an ideal destination for those who love motorcycle tours. This place is famous for its winding mountain roads, lush terraced fields, ethnic minority villages shrouded in fog, and ancient historical sites.
In 2024, with the development of transportation infrastructure, traveling from Hanoi to Cao Bang by motorcycle has become easier and more convenient than ever. Below are the top 3 most beautiful from Hanoi to Cao Bang motorbike routes, promising to bring you unforgettable experiences with Ha Giang Motorbike Tours.
General introduction about Cao Bang – Vietnam
Cao Bằng is a mountainous border province located in the Northeast of Vietnam, with a border length of over 333 km adjacent to the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. To the west, it borders the provinces of Hà Giang and Tuyên Quang, and to the south, it borders the provinces of Bắc Kạn and Lạng Sơn.
Cao Bằng’s terrain mainly consists of limestone mountains interspersed with earthen mountains, with an average elevation of over 200 meters. The area near the border ranges from 600 to 1,300 meters above sea level. Mountains cover more than 90% of the province’s total area.
Due to such terrain, Cao Bằng is known as the “stone paradise” with many magnificent and pristine landscapes such as Bản Giốc Waterfall, Thang Hen Lake, Pác Bó historical site, and Kim Đồng historical site. Exploring Cao Bằng by motorbike is one of the unforgettable experiences that allows you to discover the nature, people, and culture of this place.
Top 3 motorbike routes from Hanoi to Cao Bang for rides
There are many paths from Hanoi to Cao Bang. Each path passes through different provinces and landmarks, offering a unique experience. Below are the 3 most popular and safest routes for you:
Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Kan – QL3 – Cao Bang
This is the most popular route, taking you through lush rice fields, as well as past the Tay and Nung ethnic villages and the Ba Be National Park – a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO. You can also make a stop at the Twin Peaks of Quan Ba to enjoy the panoramic view. Note that when you get to Na Phac, remember to turn right onto QL3 instead of turning towards 279. Then, follow QL3 to reach Cao Bang.
Route 2: Hanoi – Ba Be – Cao Bang
The journey starts from Hanoi, heading towards Noi Bai Airport, continuing to Thai Nguyen, and turning left onto National Highway 3 towards Cho Chu. Continue along the new road completed in 2020 to reach Ba Be, where you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of the mysterious “Green Lake.”
Stopping at Ba Be, visitors can enjoy the fresh air, kayak to explore the lake, or hike up Tan Vien Mountain to view the scenic lake from above. There are also many accommodation options to suit all needs, from budget homestays to mid-range hotels. Make sure to book your room in advance to ensure a place to stay and enjoy delicious food with a cold beer after a long journey.
Saying goodbye to Ba Be, travelers will continue their journey to Cao Bang, exploring famous landmarks such as Ban Gioc Waterfall – one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Vietnam, with its white water cascading down from a height of 300 meters. The Quay Son community-based tourism village, where visitors can experience the unique culture of the Tay people, learn about their daily life, cuisine, and traditional crafts. The Pac Bo historical site, associated with President Ho Chi Minh, who lived and conducted revolutionary activities there during the years 1941-1942.
See more: Ha Giang Loop: Motorbike travel guide you need to know
Route 3: Hanoi – Lang Son – Cao Bang
With a length of approximately 300km, the Hanoi – Cao Bang motorbike route can be conquered in a single day if you have good health, a suitable bicycle, and can move quickly. However, this is not the most ideal option as you will miss out on many beautiful sceneries and interesting experiences along the way. The advantage of conquering this route in one day is speed and time-saving. But the downside is that you will overlook many beautiful sceneries, famous landmarks, and it can be quite exhausting to travel.
Another option that many travelers prefer is to divide the journey into 2 days for a more comfortable and complete experience. On day 1, travel from Hanoi to Lang Son and visit the local attractions. On day 2, travel from Lang Son to Cao Bang and explore famous tourist spots such as Ban Gioc Waterfall, Thang Hen Lake, Dong Dang Fortress, and more.
Advice for tourists traveling to Cao Bang by motorbike
Cao Bang, with its majestic natural beauty, unique culture and friendly people, always welcomes tourists to explore by motorbike. To have a complete trip, you should note the following points:
The best time to visit
The best time to visit Cao Bang is from September to November or from March to May. During these months, the weather is cool and dry, with less rain and fog. This makes driving safer and more comfortable. Additionally, the scenery is at its most beautiful during these times, with golden ripe rice fields and vibrant blooming flowers.
Getting There
There are several ways to reach Cao Bang, but the most common way is by motorcycle. You can rent a motorcycle in Hanoi or in the city of Cao Bang itself. If renting in Hanoi, ensure you have an international driving permit.
Places to Visit
Cao Bang offers countless attractive destinations such as: Ban Gioc Waterfall – the largest waterfall in Vietnam, Pac Bo Historical Site – where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked, Chi Ma historical relics, Nguom Ngao Cave with its fantastic stalactites and stalagmites, and the poetic Thang Hen Lake,…
Here are some insights from Meditours Ha Giang regarding the Hanoi to Cao Bang motorbike routes. For further detailed information, you can also refer to the feedback from TripAdvisor travelers about their trips in Vietnam.
