What you need to know about the route from Ha Giang to Cao Bang
Combining Ha Giang and Cao Bang
Many travelers who complete the Ha Giang Loop—famous for its ethnic minority villages, winding passes, and rugged landscapes—choose to continue onward from Ha Giang to Cao Bang. Cao Bang is home to the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, but it’s not just about the waterfall. You’ll also find peaceful ethnic villages, hidden valleys, karst peaks, and far fewer tourists. It’s the perfect contrast to Ha Giang’s rising popularity.
See our full guide to the best things to do in Cao Bang
A long, remote journey
There’s no train or airport connecting these two provinces—travel is only possible by road. The route is around 300 km, though the exact distance depends on where you start (Ha Giang City or somewhere on the Loop). Travel time typically ranges from 7 to 10 hours, depending on road conditions and your mode of transport. This is not a short ride, but the mountain views make it an unforgettable one.
Why there’s no real bus route
Despite how popular Ha Giang and Ban Gioc have become with international travelers, local demand between Ha Giang City and Cao Bang City is extremely low. Both are relatively small cities, and locals rarely travel directly between them.
There are no direct road between Ha Giang City and Cao Bang City. Only recently there have been a few travel services started offering basic transportation, mostly aimed at foreign tourists.
The smart shortcut via Meo Vac
The fastest route into Cao Bang is from Meo Vac, a town on the eastern side of the Ha Giang Loop. If you’ve already reached Meo Vac, it may not make sense to continue the full loop back to Ha Giang City—only to double back again toward Cao Bang.
Instead, consider cutting the Loop short and heading straight from Meo Vac to Cao Bang. You’ll still experience major highlights like Dong Van, the Ma Pi Leng Pass, and local markets—while saving more than a full day of travel.
This shortcut is only possible by private car, Easy Rider, or motorbike, as there are no sightseeing transfer buses on this route.
Option 1: Direct limousine vans/buses from Ha Giang to Cao Bang
How the bus from Ha Giang to Cao Bang works
There are now a few direct limousine buses connecting Ha Giang to Cao Bang, but this is still not a common route. Most Vietnamese travelers don’t visit both provinces in one trip, so the service mainly exists for international tourists—especially those heading toward Ban Gioc Waterfall. A small number of companies have started offering these routes, typically once per day, with daytime departures.
These buses are for transport only, not for sightseeing. While the road offers beautiful views, the buses don’t stop at scenic viewpoints or villages. Also keep in mind that most routes start in Ha Giang City, which means the first section of your trip may overlap with part of the Ha Giang Loop if you already did it earlier—especially the segment via Meo Vac.
All buses arrive in Cao Bang City, so if you plan to continue to Ban Gioc Waterfall, you’ll need to arrange a separate transfer (about 2 more hours).
Route and travel times
Most buses travel via Meo Vac, the fastest and most direct road to Cao Bang. The total travel time is typically 7 to 8 hours, depending on weather and road conditions. Some companies list 6.5 hours, but that’s based on ideal conditions with no delays. Expect the journey to take most of the day and to be quite tiring—this is a long trip through winding mountain roads.
All buses depart in the morning; there are no night buses, and for good reason. Driving this route at night would be unsafe, which is why no operators offer overnight service.
Type of buses and prices
The buses are mostly limousine vans and minibuses, ranging from 9 to 18 seats. These are more comfortable than local buses, but still compact and not designed for standing or moving around.
Ticket prices range from 11 to 15 USD, depending on the operator and vehicle type. Most services include hotel pickup in Ha Giang City and drop-off within Cao Bang City.
How to book the bus
There are currently three main operators running this route:
- Sapa Discovery Travel
- Asian Bus Travel
- Thanh Binh Limousine
You can book tickets in several ways:
- Online via 12Go (easiest for international travelers)
- Directly through the companies’ Facebook pages or WhatsApp
- Through your accommodation or a travel agent in Ha Giang—they can help with communication, booking, and confirming pickup details
Summary: VIP Limousine Bus from Ha Giang to Cao Bang
- Travel time: 7–8 hours
- Departure: Morning only
- Pickup/drop-off: Ha Giang City ↔ Cao Bang City
- Operators: Sapa Discovery Travel, Asian Bus Travel, Thanh Binh Limousine
- Vehicle type: Limousine vans/minibuses (9–18 seats)
- Price: ~11–15 USD
- Best for: Budget travelers looking for a direct transfer
- Not ideal for: Scenic stops, slow travel, or those staying far from Ha Giang City center
Option 2: Private car tour
A private car tour from Ha Giang to Cao Bang is the most comfortable and flexible way to connect the two provinces—especially if you want to enjoy the scenic route and stop at meaningful places along the way.
Rather than taking the full Ha Giang Loop, this tour follows a shortened version: from Ha Giang City to Dong Van, then Meo Vac, before heading directly into Cao Bang. You still get to experience the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Old Town, and several ethnic villages—some of the loop’s biggest highlights.
From Meo Vac, you enter the remote western part of Cao Bang. If time allows, you can include a stopover in Bao Lac, which breaks up the journey and gives you a chance to explore lesser-known valleys and cultural sites. The tour then continues toward Ban Gioc Waterfall, with optional visits to places like Phong Nam Valley and Angel Eye Mountain, before ending in Cao Bang City.
This is a guided tour: your driver also acts as a local guide. The package typically includes accommodation, meals, sightseeing stops, and transfers. Everything is arranged for you—no planning or ticket booking needed.
Summary: Private car tour from Ha Giang to Cao Bang
• Travel style: Guided tour with private car and local driver
• Route: Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → (optional Bao Lac) → Cao Bang
• Includes: Accommodation, meals, and flexible sightseeing stops
• Best for: Travelers who want comfort, scenery, and a stress-free itinerary
• Not ideal for: Budget travelers or those just needing basic transport
Option 3: Easy Rider Tour (Motorbike with driver)
An Easy Rider tour from Ha Giang to Cao Bang offers the same route and highlights as a car tour—but with a much more immersive, open-air experience. You ride on the back of a motorbike driven by an experienced local Easy Rider, giving you the freedom to stop often, feel the wind through the mountains, and explore places most cars don’t reach.
You’ll follow the northern loop from Ha Giang to Dong Van, then continue across the Ma Pi Leng Pass into Meo Vac. From there, the route heads deeper into the mountain backroads of Cao Bang.
To avoid fatigue, it’s highly recommended to break the trip into multiple days—usually including a night in Bao Lac, with a visit to Me Pja Pass. The ride from Meo Vac to Cao Bang City is possible in one day, but long and tiring due to the curvy mountain roads. Taking an extra day gives you time to explore hidden waterfalls, ethnic villages, and quiet mountain routes at your own pace.
Your Easy Rider will carry your main backpack on the luggage rack. If you brought a large suitcase, it’s best to leave it in Hanoi before starting your Ha Giang Loop—it can be stored until your return when you get back from Cao Bang.
Summary: Easy Rider tour from Ha Giang to Cao Bang
• Travel style: On the back of a motorbike with experienced driver
• Route: Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Cao Bang
• Includes: Local guide/driver, motorbike, accommodation, meals
• Best for: Adventure-seekers who want close-up scenery and cultural contact
• Not ideal for: Travelers who dislike motorbikes or have large luggage
• Tip: Break the journey with an overnight in Bao Lac to avoid fatigue
Option 4: Self-drive by motorbike
Riding from Ha Giang to Cao Bang by motorbike is an unforgettable adventure—but one that’s only recommended for experienced riders. The route cuts through remote mountains, small ethnic villages, and scenic valleys. Traffic is light, but the roads are long, winding, and isolated in places.
You’ll follow the same route as an Easy Rider tour: Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Cao Bang, but fully on your own. Break up the journey into a few days—not only to avoid exhaustion, but also to explore detours to hidden waterfalls, minority villages, and side valleys most tourists never reach.
Pro tip: Renting a motorbike in Ha Giang for one-way travel to Cao Bang is nearly impossible, as most rental shops don’t allow drop-offs outside of Ha Giang. If you plan to self-drive between both provinces, your best option is to rent in Hanoi and do a full loop (Hanoi → Ha Giang → Cao Bang → Hanoi). This way, you can return the bike where you picked it up.
Also keep in mind: in remote areas there’s no roadside assistance, few repair shops, and limited English spoken—so only consider this option if you’re fully confident and well-prepared.
Summary: Self-drive by motorbike
• Travel style: Independent motorbike trip
• Route: Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Cao Bang
• Best for: Experienced riders seeking freedom and off-the-grid adventure
• Not ideal for: Beginners, those with tight schedules, or travelers with large luggage
• Caution: One-way rental from Ha Giang to Cao Bang not realistic—plan your route accordingly
How to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall from Ha Giang
Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the most popular reasons travelers continue from Ha Giang into Cao Bang. Depending on how you travel, there are different ways to include the waterfall in your journey.
By tour (Car or Easy Rider)
If you’re doing a private car tour or Easy Rider trip, Ban Gioc Waterfall will be one of the highlights. Tours are designed to connect the best parts of Ha Giang and Cao Bang, with flexible stopovers and suggested scenic routes. You won’t need to plan anything—accommodation, meals, and the visit to Ban Gioc are all included.
By motorbike (Self-Drive)
For experienced riders, it’s possible to go directly to Ban Gioc from Ha Giang without passing through Cao Bang City. After Meo Vac, you can take the northern mountain roads toward Bao Lac, then continue via Me Pja Pass and the remote northern routes. Stop at Pac Bo and Phong Nam Valley, then make your way to Ban Gioc. This is best done as a two-day ride—trying to do it in one day is not recommended.
By Bus (Ha Giang → Cao Bang → Ban Gioc)
If you take the VIP bus from Ha Giang to Cao Bang City, you’ll arrive far from the waterfall. From Cao Bang City to Ban Gioc Waterfall is still another 2 hour drive. This means, from there you’ll need to arrange separate transport:
- Rent a motorbike: Most budget-friendly option (150–200k VND/day). Roads are scenic and in good condition.
- Taxi or private car: Convenient, but more expensive. Can include stops at Nguom Ngao Cave or viewpoints.
- By tour: You can take a tour from Cao Bang to Ban Gioc and nearby sights. This is a good option if you want an English-speaking guide and fixed itinerary.
