The “Cao Bang Loop” is the name international travellers give to the road circuit from the provincial centre over Ma Phuc Pass, through the Quang Uyen craft villages to Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phong Nam – Ngoc Con valley and Mat Than mountain, then back. You can add Pac Bo to the north or Phia Oac to the west.
A suggested 4-day route
| Day | Leg | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cao Bang city → Khuoi Ky (about 95 km) | Ma Phuc Pass, Phuc Sen blacksmiths, Phia Thap incense village, Nguom Ngao Cave |
| 2 | Ban Gioc → Phong Nam (about 26 km) | Ban Gioc at sunrise, Truc Lam pagoda, afternoon into the valley |
| 3 | Phong Nam → Cao Bang city (about 100 km) | Sunrise at Pi Pha, via Trung Khanh and Tra Linh to Mat Than mountain |
| 4 | Cao Bang city ⇄ Pac Bo (about 50 km each way) | Lenin Stream, Coc Bo cave, exhibition house |
Short on time? Do it in 3 days and skip Pac Bo. More time? Spend two nights in Phong Nam valley, or continue west to Phia Oac – Phia Den.
Roads and how to travel
- Mostly good paved roads with many passes and bends; the road into Phong Nam is narrow, rough in places and slippery when wet.
- Riding a motorbike requires a valid licence; foreign visitors need an International Driving Permit (IDP). In the provincial centre you can rent a motorbike or hire a rider (easy rider).
- A car with a local driver is the safe, comfortable choice for families.
- Roads are slower than maps suggest: 2 – 3 hours of driving a day is plenty, and never drive at night.
Where to stay
Spend the first night in Khuoi Ky stone village or near Ban Gioc to catch the sunrise. The second night, stay in a homestay in Phong Nam – Ngoc Con valley. The provincial centre has plenty of hotels for the last night.
Tip: There are almost no restaurants or ATMs in the valley: bring enough cash from the provincial centre or Trung Khanh and book dinner with your host.
When to go
September – October brings golden rice and full waterfalls – the most beautiful and the busiest time. November – April is dry, clear and easy. From May to September heavy rain can cause landslides, so watch the forecast.
Read before you ride: Driving safely in Cao Bang
See our independent travel guide
See the detailed 4-day Cao Bang Loop itinerary
Compiled from the Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark management, Vietnam’s official tourism portal and the press; updated October 2026. Schedules and rules can change, so check before you travel.
