The northeast, with Ba Be Lake and the Ban Gioc waterfall, is the least touristy corner of North Vietnam. That is exactly its charm, and exactly why public transport is thin.
Your options
| Time | Price | What to expect | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public bus | 6 to 8 hours per leg | Around 250,000 to 400,000 VND per person | Buses run Hanoi to Cao Bang city, but Ba Be and Ban Gioc are both far from the bus stations. Each sight means extra local taxis or waiting on minibuses that leave when full. |
| Private car loop | 5 to 6 hours per leg | Price on request, depends on your route | The only practical way to link Ba Be and Ban Gioc in one trip: Hanoi, Ba Be (1 or 2 nights), Ban Gioc and Nguom Ngao cave, Cao Bang, back to Hanoi. One driver the whole loop. |
Why this is a car region
Distances are long, sights are spread out, and connections barely exist. Travellers who try it by bus spend more time arranging rides than looking at waterfalls. As a 3 or 4 day private loop it is one of the most rewarding drives in Vietnam, with almost no other tourists.
Read more about Ba Be Lake, Ban Gioc waterfall and Nguom Ngao cave. Send us your dates and group size and we quote the full loop within a day.
Prices on this page were correct when we wrote it. They can change a little over time, for example when fuel prices change. We do our best to keep this page up to date, and we always confirm the exact price before you book.
How to book
- Send us a message with your dates and route. We reply the same day.
- No prepayment. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
- You pay the driver at the end, in VND, USD or euro. Gas, tolls and parking are included.
Contact us here or book directly on our transfer page.
See also: one driver for your whole trip and the full transfer price list.
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