Ba Be Lake is a beautiful natural destination located in Bac Kan Province, Vietnam, known for its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
Cao Bang, on the other hand, is a mountainous province located in the north of Vietnam, known for its spectacular landscape, including the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave.
Traveling from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang will take you on a journey through some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking scenery, including towering mountains, winding rivers, and lush forests, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The most common way to travel from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang is by road. There are public buses and private cars available for hire.
Another option is to travel by motorbike, which will allow you to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace.
For a more unique experience, you can also hire a boat to travel along the Nang River, which connects Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Cheapest

Bus

Fastest

Private car

Recommended

Bus

How to get From Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang

Your options for traveling From Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang

Bus

Traveling by bus from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang can be a convenient and affordable option for tourists. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the route and the number of stops. Tourists can enjoy scenic views of the countryside along the way, with the option to stop and take pictures or grab some local snacks at roadside vendors.

There are several bus companies operating on this route, with various departure times throughout the day. It's recommended to book in advance to secure a seat during peak travel seasons. Cao Bang is a popular tourist destination with various attractions to explore, such as the Ban Gioc Waterfall, Pac Bo Cave, and the Nguom Ngao Cave. Tourists can also enjoy hiking, trekking, and visiting ethnic minority villages in the area.
It's important to note that the roads can be bumpy and winding, especially during the rainy season.

Pros
  • Affordable transportation option.
  • Opportunity to meet locals and other travelers.
  • Scenic views along the way.
Cons
  • Can be crowded and uncomfortable.
  • Limited space for luggage.
  • Fixed schedule and route.

Private car

Traveling by private car from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang can be a comfortable and convenient option for tourists. The journey takes around 3-4 hours with the flexibility to make stops along the way for photos or to explore local attractions. It's recommended to hire a private car from a reliable provider and negotiate the price in advance. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, with stunning views of the mountains and countryside. It's important to note that the roads can be bumpy and winding, especially during the rainy season, so it's advisable to pack some motion sickness medicine if necessary. To moving by private car from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang can be a pleasant and hassle-free experience for tourists who want to explore the region at their own pace.

Pros
  • More comfortable and spacious than public transportation.
  • Flexibility to stop along the way for photos or sightseeing.
  • Ability to customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace.
Cons
  • Higher cost than public transportation options.
  • Need to negotiate price and terms with rental company or travel agency.
  • May encounter traffic or road conditions that delay the journey.

Driving motorbike

Traveling from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang by motorbike can be a thrilling and scenic experience for tourists. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, with opportunities to stop and take in the stunning views along the way. It's important to note that the roads can be challenging, especially during the rainy season, so it's recommended to have experience in motorbike riding and take necessary safety precautions.

Pros
  • Ability to explore at your own pace and stop wherever you want.
  • Opportunity for a unique and adventurous travel experience.
  • Scenic views and a chance to connect with nature.
Cons
  • Challenging road conditions, especially in the rainy season.
  • Risk of motorbike accidents, particularly for inexperienced riders.
  • Limited access to medical facilities in case of injury or emergency.
  • Rental motorbikes may be in poor condition and breakdowns can be difficult to fix.

Ferry

The boat journey from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang offers a unique and memorable travel experience, with stunning natural scenery and opportunities to explore local villages and culture.

The journey takes you through Ba Be National Park, where you will see limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests. You'll travel on a traditional wooden boat, which is a slow and relaxing way to take in the sights and sounds of the area.

You'll also have the chance to swim in the lake and visit local villages along the way, where you can learn about the culture and way of life of the local people.

Overall, the boat journey from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang is a great way to connect with nature and experience the beauty of Vietnam's countryside.

To get from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang by boat as a tourist, you can follow these steps:

  1. Book a boat tour with a local travel agency or guide, as this is the only way to travel from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang by boat.
  2. The tour will usually start in the morning and take a full day to complete.
  3. You will travel on a traditional wooden boat through Ba Be National Park, passing through stunning scenery and stopping at various points of interest along the way.
  4. The boat tour includes lunch and snacks, and you will have the opportunity to swim in the lake and explore the local villages.
  5. Once you reach the end of the boat tour, a private car or minibus will be waiting to take you to Cao Bang, which is about 2-3 hours away.
  6. The boat tour is a unique and memorable way to travel from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang, but it can be more expensive than other transportation options.
Pros
  • Unique and memorable travel experience.
  • Stunning natural scenery and opportunities to explore local villages and culture.
  • Slow and relaxing way to take in the sights and sounds of the area.
Cons
  • More expensive than other transportation options.
  • Boat tour may not be available in the low season or during periods of heavy rain.
  • Limited flexibility in terms of itinerary and travel time.

FAQ about traveling From Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang

Yes, there are several points of interest to see while driving from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang. Ban Gioc Waterfall: a scenic waterfall on the border between Vietnam and China. Nguom Ngao Cave: a large limestone cave with impressive rock formations and underground rivers. Pac Bo Cave: a historical site where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the Vietnamese revolution. Lenin Stream: a picturesque stream with crystal clear water. Karst Plateau: a unique and striking landscape of limestone mountains and valleys. Ethnic Minority Villages: there are many small villages along the way where you can learn about the culture and way of life of the local ethnic minority groups. Overall, the journey from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang offers plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Yes, there are several points of interest to see while on the boat from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang: Dau Dang Waterfall: a stunning waterfall with a drop of over 20 meters. Puong Cave: a large cave with unique stalactites and stalagmites. Hua Ma Cave: a smaller cave that can be explored on foot. Local Villages: there are several small villages along the way where you can observe the daily life of the local ethnic minority groups. Ba Be National Park: as you travel through the lake, you will be surrounded by the stunning scenery of the national park, including lush forests, towering limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Overall, the boat journey from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang offers a unique and scenic way to explore the natural beauty of the region, with opportunities to visit local villages and historical sites along the way.
The cost of traveling from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang by boat can vary depending on the specific tour or package you choose, as well as the number of people in your group. However, as a general estimate, a private boat tour for 2-4 people may cost around 2,500,000-3,000,000 VND (around 110-130 USD) for a full-day tour, which includes transportation, guide, and meals. It’s worth noting that prices may be higher during peak tourist seasons, and some tours may require a minimum number of participants to run. It’s a good idea to shop around and compare prices and tour options before making a booking.
Whether it is worth going to Cao Bang by boat depends on your personal preferences and travel style. Traveling by boat from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang offers a unique and scenic experience, with stunning views of the surrounding natural scenery and opportunities to explore local villages and historical sites. The journey can be slow-paced and relaxing, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of the area at a leisurely pace. However, traveling by boat can be more expensive than other transportation options, and may not be as flexible in terms of itinerary and travel time. If you are on a tight budget or have limited time, traveling by bus or private car may be a more practical option. Overall, if you are interested in exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region and are willing to pay a bit more for a unique travel experience, traveling by boat from Ba Be Lake to Cao Bang can be a great choice.
Scroll to Top

FREE EBOOK
Vietnam Travel Guide​

vietnam free ebook