Town, Vietnam
Cao Bang
Remote karst country on the China border, with Ban Gioc waterfall, caves and quiet loops by scooter. Suits adventurous, unhurried trips; there are few services, limited English and a long trip from Hanoi.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$462–694Comfortable, one person · ₫12M–18MDetails
- Value for money99/100Better value than 98% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr, Sep–NovWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Internet301 MbpsFixed broadband, Vietnam medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water; hostels and homestays provide refills.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: rareDetails
- Doctor's visit$5.8–15.4Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundHanoi–Cao Bang sleeper bus or limousineWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash for eateries, homestays, fuel and entry tickets; cards at a few hotels.Details
Where to stay in Cao Bang
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cao Bang city | Hostels, scooter rental, restaurants and onward transport |
| Ban Gioc and Dam Thuy area | Homestays and lakeside stays near the waterfall |
Apps that work in Cao Bang
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Zalo
- VeXeRe: Booking buses and sleeper coaches
- Taxis: No ride-hailing apps; use hostel-arranged drivers and local taxis. Agree prices for day trips before leaving.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Vietnam.
- Mostly cash Cash for eateries, homestays, fuel and entry tickets; cards at a few hotels. ATMs in Cao Bang city.
- Currency: Dong (VND). US$1 ≈ ₫25,953.96 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Foreign-card fees run roughly 20,000–110,000 VND per withdrawal and limits are low (often 2–5 million VND); compare banks.
- Tipping: Not expected; locals don't tip. Round up for drivers, and tip guides and spa staff for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; VietQR needs a Vietnamese bank account or a linked regional banking app.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities need an e-visa: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry, US$25/US$50, applied for online.
- Look-alike agency sites charge several times the official fee; use only the government .gov.vn e-visa portal.
- Airlines may refuse boarding without an onward ticket dated within your visa or visa-free period.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114
Plugs
Type A, C · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Viettel, Vinaphone and MobiFone airport kiosks sell tourist SIMs with big data allowances; passport required. City shops are cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Vietnam
Going to Cao Bang solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Cao Bang meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.