Travel Experience in Cao Bang - Bac Kan Detailed from A to Z
With famous attractions like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ba Be Lake, along with historical sites such as Pac Bo, the journey to explore Cao Bang - Bac Kan promises to provide an unforgettable experience. This article will provide travel experiences in Cao Bang - Bac Kan in detail, from the ideal time, means of transportation, sightseeing spots, cuisine, to costs and important notes, helping you have the most complete trip.
The ideal time to travel to Cao Bang - Bac Kan
Cao Bang and Bac Kan have a Northeast mountain climate, divided into two distinct seasons:
Dry season (October - March next year): The weather is cool and dry, suitable for exploring outdoor attractions like Ban Gioc Waterfall, Ba Be Lake. Especially in November and December, you can admire the blooming buckwheat flowers and wild sunflowers in Cao Bang, or experience the rare snow at Phia Oac National Park.
Rainy season (April - September): Ban Gioc Waterfall during this season flows strongly, creating a majestic scene, but the mountain roads can be slippery. August - September is the rice harvest season, perfect for taking photos of terraced fields.
Suggestion: The best time is from September to November, when the weather is pleasant, the natural scenery is at its peak beauty, and cultural festivals like the Co Sao Festival (Cao Bang) or the Ba Be Lake Festival (lunar January) take place vibrantly.
You should visit Cao Bang and Bac Kan from September to November
Cao Bang is about 280 km from Hanoi, and Bac Kan is about 170 km. Here are some popular means of transportation:
Passenger bus
From Hanoi to Cao Bang: Sleeper buses depart from My Dinh bus station, travel time is about 6-8 hours. Some reputable bus companies:
Thanh Ly: 0944 266 266, ticket price is about 200,000 - 250,000 VND.
Limousine bus: More comfortable, price about 300,000 VND, travel time about 6 hours.
From Hanoi to Bac Kan: Buses from My Dinh bus station take about 4 hours, ticket price 100,000 - 170,000 VND. Reputable bus companies: Thuong Nga, Duy Cuong.
Note: Book tickets in advance, especially during holidays, through platforms like vexere.com to receive discounts.
Motorbike or self-driving car
Route 1: Hanoi → Thai Nguyen → Bac Kan → Cao Bang (National Highway 3). This route passes through Ba Be Lake, suitable for combining visits to both provinces.
Route 2: Hanoi → Lang Son → Cao Bang (Hanoi - Lang Son expressway, National Highway 4A). The expressway saves time, but the mountain pass from Lang Son to Cao Bang requires good driving skills.
Note: The mountain roads in Cao Bang and Bac Kan are winding, with many large trucks. If riding a motorbike, check the vehicle carefully, wear protective gear, and travel in groups to ensure safety.
Be careful when riding a motorbike as the mountain roads in Cao Bang and Bac Kan are winding
Renting a 7-16 seat car is suitable for large groups, prices range from 2,000,000 - 3,500,000 VND/day depending on the type of car. Contact NVK Travel for advice on new cars and experienced drivers.
Suggested itinerary for 3 days 2 nights exploring Cao Bang - Bac Kan
Day 1: Hanoi - Bac Kan - Ba Be Lake
Morning: Depart from Hanoi at 6 AM, arrive in Bac Kan around 10 AM. Have breakfast on the way (costs on your own).
Noon: Have lunch in Cho Ra town, enjoy specialties like smoked sausage and grilled fish from Ba Be Lake.
Afternoon: Visit Ba Be Lake - the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam. Take a boat to explore Ao Tien, An Ma Temple, Ba Goa Island (boat ticket: 200,000 - 350,000 VND/boat). Check-in at Pac Ngoi village, experience daily life with the Tay people.
Evening: Stay at a homestay in Pac Ngoi (price 150,000 - 300,000 VND/person), enjoy dinner with local specialties and participate in cultural exchange with Then singing (costs on your own).
Day 2: Bac Kan - Cao Bang - Pac Bo - Ban Gioc Waterfall
Morning: Travel from Bac Kan to Cao Bang (about 3 hours). Visit the Pac Bo historical site, associated with the revolutionary activities of President Ho Chi Minh. Take photos at Lenin Stream, Coc Bo Cave (entrance fee: 45 [ticket price if applicable]).
Noon: Have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy sour pho and Cao Bang rolled cake.
Afternoon: Continue to Ban Gioc Waterfall (80 km from Pac Bo). Admire the most beautiful waterfall in Southeast Asia, take photos and explore the surrounding landscape (entrance fee: 45,000 VND/person). Visit the nearby Ngao Cave, admire the unique stalactites.
Evening: Stay at a 2-3 star hotel in Cao Bang city (room price: 300,000 - 600,000 VND/night) or a homestay in Trung Khanh like Yen Nhi Homestay.
Day 3: Cao Bang - Hanoi
Morning: Visit Thang Hen Lake or Mat Than Mountain if time permits. Buy specialties like Trung Khanh chestnuts and black dong vermicelli at the market.
Noon: Have lunch in Cao Bang, then board the bus back to Hanoi.
Evening: Arrive in Hanoi around 5 PM - 6 PM, ending the trip.
Notable attractions
Cao Bang
Ban Gioc Waterfall: A majestic waterfall, located on the Vietnam-China border, most beautiful during the rainy season (June-September).
Ngao Cave: A cave with a unique stalactite system, over 2 km long.
Pac Bo historical site: A historical landmark with Lenin Stream, Coc Bo Cave, associated with President Ho Chi Minh.
Thang Hen Lake: A jade green lake amidst the mountains and forests, ideal for photography.
Eye Mountain: A mountain with a natural hole, a wild landscape, suitable for camping.
Phia Oac National Park: A primeval forest where you can see snow in winter.
Bac Kan
Ba Be Lake: A large freshwater lake recognized by UNESCO, famous for its poetic scenery and Tay culture.
Puong Cave: A cave on the Nang River, home to thousands of bats.
Silver Falls: A beautiful waterfall located in Ba Be National Park, ideal for relaxation.
Pac Ngoi Village: A cultural village of the Tay people, where you can experience homestays and ethnic arts.
Visit Pac Ngoi Village
Unique cuisine not to be missed
Cao Bang
Chua Pho: A mixed pho dish with fried pork belly, fried potatoes, mac mat leaves, and sweet and sour sauce. Price: 30,000 - 50,000 VND/bowl.
Ant Egg Cake: A cake made from sticky rice and ant eggs, served with fig leaves, with a distinctive flavor. Price: 10,000 - 20,000 VND/piece.
Trung Khanh Chestnuts: Fat, fragrant chestnuts that can be boiled, roasted, or stewed. Price: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/kg.
Seven-Spice Roasted Duck: Duck roasted with seven types of spices, crispy skin, fragrant meat. Price: 200,000 - 300,000 VND/duck.
Black Vermicelli: Chewy, glossy vermicelli made from dong rieng, used for soups or stir-frying. Price: 50,000 - 80,000 VND/kg.
Bac Kan
Smoked Sausage: Sausage made from pork, marinated with mac mat, smoked, with a rich flavor. Price: 200,000 - 250,000 VND/kg.
Ba Be Sour Shrimp: Shrimp marinated with salt, garlic, and chili, served with rice or as a dip for vegetables. Price: 50,000 - 100,000 VND/jar.
Mia Sugar Cake: A cake made from sticky rice, gio ash, wrapped in banana leaves, dipped in sugar. Price: 5,000 - 10,000 VND/piece.
Grilled Fish at Ba Be Lake: Fresh fish grilled over charcoal, stuffed with dill, onion, and chili, fragrant. Price: 100,000 - 150,000 VND/fish.
Enjoy the special mia sugar cake
Suggested addresses:
Cao Bang: Pho Chua Ba Hien Restaurant (Kim Dong Street), Thang Loi Restaurant (Cao Bang City).
Bac Kan: Ba Be Restaurant (Cho Ra Town), Pac Ngoi Village homestay.
Notes when traveling to Cao Bang - Bac Kan
Clothing: Wear non-slip sports shoes, warm clothes if traveling in winter (temperatures can drop below 10°C). Prepare raincoats and umbrellas for summer.
Safety: The mountain roads have many curves, limit motorcycle riding if you are not familiar. Bring insect repellent and cold medicine.
Culture: Respect local customs, especially when participating in markets or staying at homestays. Ask for prices before buying specialties.
Money: Bring cash as some places do not widely accept card payments. Prepare a budget of about 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 VND/person for a 3-day, 2-night trip (including transportation, meals, entrance fees, accommodation).
Book services in advance: Book transportation, accommodation, and tours (if going on a tour) early to avoid being fully booked, especially during peak seasons.
Estimated costs for a 3-day, 2-night trip
Transportation: 400,000 - 600,000 VND/person (round trip by bus or Limousine).
Total: Approximately 2,500,000 - 3,500,000 VND/person (self-sufficient). If going on a package tour, prices start from 2,490,000 VND/person (including transportation, meals, accommodation, entrance fees).
Why choose NVK Travel for your trip to Cao Bang - Bac Kan?
NVK Travel is a reliable choice for exploring Cao Bang - Bac Kan. We provide:
NVK Travel supports professional trips to Cao Bang - Bac Kan
Package tours: Optimized itineraries, professional tour guides, new tourist vehicles.
Diverse services: Booking bus tickets, hotels, homestays, organizing tours upon request.
Reasonable prices: Committed to competitive, transparent prices, with many promotions.
Dedicated support: Detailed consultation, 24/7 support before, during, and after the trip.
Let NVK Travel accompany you on your journey to explore the beauty of the Northeast! Visit nvktravel.com for consultation and tour bookingtravel to Bac Kan today. Experience Cao Bang - Bac Kan with unforgettable memories!
