Blessed by nature with pristine beauty, Cao Bang stands out with its primeval forests, majestic waterfalls and towering mountains shrouded in clouds. With the travel tips shared by Frontier Travel Vietnam, your Cao Bang motorbike adventure promises to be complete, offering unique experiences and making the journey vibrant and unforgettable.
1.Overview of Cao Bang
Cao Bang is a province in the northeastern region of Vietnam, bordering China, known for its diverse and majestic natural landscapes. The area features sprawling mountain ranges, pristine waterfalls, and winding passes that reflect the distinctive character of the northeastern highlands.
Beyond its natural beauty, Cao Bang is also a land rich in historical significance, with many notable revolutionary sites such as Ma Phuc Pass and the Pac Bo historical relic. In addition, the province preserves a rich traditional culture, including folk songs, customs, and unique festivals of the local ethnic communities.
2. Why is Cao Bang an ideal destination for a motorbike trip?
If you're looking for an adventurous getaway that combines stunning scenery, rich culture, and thrilling rides, Cao Bang should be at the top of your list. This northern province of Vietnam offers everything a motorbike enthusiast could dream of.
Experience the challenging roads of Cao Bằng, where the scenery along the way is absolutely breathtaking.
Winding mountain roads and challenging passes: Cao Bang has many famous passes such as Ma Phuc Pass, Lung Lo Pass, and Ngoc Khe Pass, with hairpin turns and steep slopes, offering thrilling and adventurous experiences for riders.
Majestic natural landscapes: Along the routes, you can admire stunning waterfalls like Ban Gioc, rolling mountains, pristine forests, and peaceful villages. Each road feels like a living natural painting.
Explore local culture: Motorcycle trips give you the chance to visit villages of the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups, discovering unique customs, traditional festivals, and local cuisine.
Historical experiences: Sites like the Pac Bo relic and old revolutionary areas allow you to explore both nature and Vietnam’s history.
Less crowded and pristine: Compared to other tourist destinations, Cao Bang retains its untouched beauty and minimal commercialization, making it perfect for trips that want a close connection with nature.
Engage with and become part of the local cultural space in Cao Bang.
3. The ideal time for a motorbike trip to Cao Bang
Cao Bang has its own unique beauty in every season, offering different experiences for sightseeing and a memorable Cao Bang motorbike adventure throughout the year.
Spring (February – April): The weather is cool and pleasant, with peach and plum blossoms painting the mountains in vibrant colors. This is an ideal time for both sightseeing and motorcycle trips, especially along the mountain routes around Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave.
Summer (May – August): The mountains are lush and green, Ban Gioc Waterfall is majestic, and the Quay Son River flows clear and refreshing. This season is suitable for motorcycle trips to enjoy the cool natural scenery, though travelers should prepare for sun exposure and occasional rain showers.
Autumn (September – November): This is the best time for motorcycle trips in Cao Bang. The weather is fresh and mild, mountain roads are dry, and the scenery is poetic, with the clear waters of Ban Gioc Waterfall. It’s perfect for long journeys across passes and ethnic villages.
Winter (December – January): The weather is chilly, with dense mist and potentially slippery mountain roads, making it less suitable for motorcycle trips. However, it’s a good time to explore local culture and enjoy Cao Bang’s unique cuisine.
4. Ideal stopovers for Cao Bang motorbike adventure
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia, standing over 60 meters tall with powerful, cascading white waters that create a majestic and poetic scenery. The best time to visit is from September to October, when the water flow is strong and the surrounding landscape is lush and green.
Ban Gioc Waterfall – the princess nestled in the mountains of Northeast Vietnam.
Visitors can enjoy sightseeing, photography, or experience riding a traditional wooden boat or kayaking on the Quay Son River to get closer to the natural beauty. Ban Gioc Waterfall is located about 90 km from Cao Bang city, passing through the Ma Phuc, Khau Lien, and Trung Khanh passes.
>> See more: From Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall: The Ideal Motorbike Route
Pac Bo Cave – Lenin Stream
Pac Bo Cave is the place where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked after returning to Vietnam, holding significant historical value. The site includes Lenin Stream, Mac Mountain, the stone table where Ho Chi Minh worked, Mr. Ly Quoc Sung’s house, and milestone 108.
Visitors can explore the area, learn about history, take photos, and experience the revolutionary atmosphere of this unique site. Pac Bo Cave is located in Ha Quang district, about 50 km from Cao Bang city center.
Nguom Ngao Cave
Nguom Ngao Cave is a mysterious cave estimated to be around 400 million years old, with three main entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom, and Ban Thuon. Inside, unique stalactites and stalagmites create a world of wonder.
The cave has a cool climate in summer and is warm in winter, making it suitable for year-round tourism. Visitors can explore the cave, admire the stalactites, and discover the surrounding ecosystem. Nguom Ngao Cave is accessible via the route passing Ma Phuc – Khau Lien passes – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Provincial Road 206.
Mat Than Mountain
Mat Than Mountain, also known as Phja Piot (“Mountain with a Hole”), is located about 30 km from the city center, within the Thang Hen Lake area. The mountain surrounds a valley and pristine meadows, offering stunning natural scenery.
Visitors can hike, take photos, and explore the nearby Thang Hen Lake. However, the route to the mountain is somewhat challenging, so it is recommended to ask local residents or join a guided tour for safety.
The natural beauty of Mắt Thần Mountain remains perfectly preserved all year round.
Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village
Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village is over 400 years old, built entirely of stone, and currently home to only 14 Tay households. The village is a living testament to the unique stone architecture and long-standing culture of the ethnic community.
Visitors can explore the village, learn about local life, and photograph its distinctive architecture. Khuoi Ky is about 3 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall and 100 km from Cao Bang city center.
Thang Hen Lake
Thang Hen Lake, also known as Cao Bang’s “Tuyet Tinh Coc” (Secluded Paradise), captivates visitors with its mysterious and poetic beauty, resembling a fairyland nestled amidst the mountains and forests. Viewed from above, the lake has a diamond shape, similar to the tail of a bee, which is why it is called Thang Hen – in the Tay language, it means “bee’s tail.”
Thang Hen Lake is a natural freshwater lake located at one of the highest elevations in Vietnam. Surrounding the lake is a system of ancient forests growing on limestone mountains, creating a majestic and picturesque landscape. All year round, the water of Thang Hen Lake remains a jade green, reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky like a giant mirror. Because of this enchanting scenery, the lake is also known as the “emerald island” perched high in the mountains of Cao Bang province.
5. Must-try dishes in Cao Bang
Cao Bang rice rolls
Cao Bang’s rice rolls are different from the traditional version in the lowlands. Instead of being eaten with fish sauce, locals enjoy them with a broth made from pork bones. When eating, people often add chili, pickled bamboo shoots and Mac Mat leaves to enhance the rich and savory flavor. This simple dish has been transformed into a specialty of the highland region.
Coong Phu cake
Coong Phu is a winter specialty in Cao Bang. The cake is made from glutinous rice flour, usually in white (natural flour) and orange (mixed with gac fruit). Some places also add purple from magenta leaves for a more vibrant appearance. This colorful and delicious cake is a must-try when visiting Cao Bang during the winter season.
Ant Egg cake
Ant Egg Cake is a unique specialty of the Tay ethnic group, now enjoyed by other communities in Cao Bang. The main ingredients are ant eggs and glutinous rice flour. The cake is wrapped in ve leaves, with a soft sticky rice exterior and a fragrant filling of sautéed ant eggs with pork fat. When eaten, the ant eggs burst in the mouth with a lightly sweet flavor. The best time to try this cake is from April to May, during the ants’ reproductive season.
Sour Pho
Sour Pho is a specialty of Cao Bang featuring chewy rice noodles served with crispy fried pork belly, sliced liver, fried pork stomach, roasted duck, and crispy fried local sweet potatoes (a specialty from Bac Kan and Cao Bang). The dish is completed with Mac Mat leaves, peanuts, herbs like mint and Vietnamese coriander, and cucumber, creating a unique combination of sour, sweet, and savory flavors.
Trung Khanh Chestnuts
Trung Khanh chestnuts are known for their large size, fragrant aroma, rich flavor, and dark yellow color. They can be roasted or eaten directly, stewed with pork knuckles, or ground into a filling for cakes. Their distinctive taste contributes significantly to Cao Bang’s culinary reputation.
Seven-Spice roast duck
Seven-Spice Roast Duck is prepared with seven different spices. The duck is carefully cleaned and marinated, resulting in tender, fragrant, and slightly sweet meat. Each spice adds a unique flavor, offering diners a rich and memorable tasting experience that reflects the local culinary artistry of Cao Bang.
6. Some tips for traveling in Cao Bang
Clothing: Wear season-appropriate, lightweight clothes; bring warm clothes in winter, as temperatures can drop to 3–4°C.
Essential items: Raincoat, hat, jacket, map, power bank, medicine and insect repellent.
Identification: Carry all necessary personal documents, as Cao Bằng is a border area.
Safety while traveling: Most roads are mountainous passes, so maintain steady driving, use proper safety gear, and check vehicles carefully.
Respect local culture: Learn about local customs and traditions to avoid cultural mistakes and make your trip more enjoyable.
7. Suggested Vietnam motorbike tours through Cao Bang
| Tour name | Duration | Route | Price |
| Untamed Northeast Vietnam – A 7-Day Motorbike Quest Through Karst Kingdoms & Remote Highlands | 7 days | Hanoi → Vu Linh → Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Ba Be Lake → Ba Be → Hanoi | From $1,505 |
| 7-Day Motorcycle Adventure To Discover Vietnam’s Majestic Northwest | 7 days | Hanoi → Mai Chau → Phu Yen → Nghia Lo →Mu Cang Chai → Sapa → Thac Ba → Hanoi | From $1,505 |
| An 8-Day Motorcycle Adventure Across Vietnam’s Wild North | 8 days | Hanoi → Lao Cai → Sapa → Xin Man → Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Ba Be National Park → Ba Be → Hanoi | From $1,720 |
| 14-Day Motorcycle Expedition Culminating In The Bliss Of Halong Bay Cruise | 14 days | Hanoi → Vu Linh → Sapa → Bac Ha → Xin Man → Hoang Su Phi → Xin Man → Ha Giang → Dong Van → Meo Vac → Bao Lac → Ba Be → Ban Gioc → Bac Son → Ha Long Bay → Hanoi | From $3.010 |
With its unique cuisine and pristine landscapes, Cao Bang promises to be an ideal stop, allowing you to enjoy the untouched beauty of the northeastern mountains while fully immersing yourself in a complete Cao Bang motorbike adventure. If you want to plan your trip, contact Frontier Travel Vietnam for detailed advice, tour booking support, and to ensure your journey is truly memorable.
