Cao Bang accommodation – Expert’s top-picked hotels, homestays, resort & campsites

Tucked away in Vietnam’s northern highland, Cao Bang is bursting with extraordinary landscapes and indigenous ethnic culture. As large as the province is, you may find yourself changing your accommodation once or twice while traveling to Cao Bang. Depending on your preferred things to do in Cao Bang, you may move from Cao Bang city to Trung Khanh district, from Trung Khanh to Quang Uyen.

Cao Bang accommodation – What to expect?

Since Cao Bang is like a second home to me, I would love to provide a sort of ultimate list to stay in Cao Bang. In fact, all accommodations listed in this article are located in different Cao Bang districts and cities. Some are incredible near to famous attractions, giving you the most convenience while traveling. While others are more off-the-beaten-path, which is awesome for enthusiast travelers wanting to discover the most authentic Cao Bang.

Furthermore, this list of Cao Bang accommodations will be varied in style: from hotels to homestays, to campsites. Because being on a long holiday means you may not mind staying in different types of accommodations. For instance, you may rest yourself in a top-notch luxury hotel one day, and relax in a homestay’s comfort bed the other days. As long as it is clean and nice.

Therefore, I want to provide various types of accommodations. So you can choose ones to your liking.

Take note that it would be a challenge to find 4-5 star services in this remote area. Thus, to make a sound choice, you should consider your budget, personal preferences, and your trip itinerary.

Best hotels and homestays in Trung Khanh district Cao Bang

Trung Khanh is the heart of Cao Bang travel with the mighty Ban Gioc waterfall, awe-inspiring Nguom Ngao cave, and poetic Quay Son river. As naturally amazing and pristine as the district is, it’s lucky that it does not have any towering hotels and building blocks. Accommodations in Trung Khanh are mainly homestays run by local hosts. Although it is nowhere near superb in terms of facility or luxury. But the host’s hospitability and its state of being unspoiled make up for all.

Sai Gon Ban Gioc – the only 4-star accommodation in Cao Bang

It is the only 4-star resort in Cao Bang province with an affordable budget. All of the rooms are fully equipped with balconies.

Its great location offers you a direct view of the Ban Gioc waterfall. So you can relaxedly behold the great waterfall on your balcony. As well as soak yourself in its soothing sound at night. However, not every type of room can offer a great view. However, there is some negative feedback about its staff and dishes. The owner should take them both seriously and work

Another interesting fact is that this high-class resort does not only serve guests. But with its strong concrete structure, it also helps maintain security and defense for Vietnam’s remote border areas with China.

On the other hand, Saigon Ban Gioc is a concrete building. Thus, staying here will make you feel less authentic.

Useful location facts:

• 120km from Pac Bo history Complex
• 80km from Thung Mountain
• 200m from Ban Gioc Waterfall
• 16km from Co La Waterfall
• 17km from Ban Viet lake

Price: $35/room/2pax (included breakfast)

Ban Gioc Quay Son hotel

Ban Gioc Quay Son was put into operation in mid-2019 with a prime location right next to the charming Quay Son river, surrounded by the majestic high mountains and beautiful sceneries.

In particular, the restaurant area has a large lobby that can accommodate over 200 guests. This place serves not only traditional dishes but also the specialties of Cao Bang. However, the hotel will be noisy on the weekend, not suitable for guests who prefer tranquillity.

Useful location facts:

• 120km from Pac Bo history Complex
• 80km from Thung Mountain
• 500m from Ban Gioc Waterfall
• 16km from Co La Waterfall
• 17km from Ban Viet lake

Price: $22/room/2pax (included breakfast)

Greendoor Ban Gioc homestay – the best local-touch Cao Bang accommodation

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Different from other accommodations, Greendoor is located in the picturesque village of Chi Vien Commune. The neighborhood is filled with an enchanting bamboo forest, rice paddy fields, a serene pond. Thus, Greendoor is a unique place to savor the truly authentic vibe of Vietnam’s mountainous countryside.

Greendoor is a property of Vietnam Mountain Stay so it might be wrong to boast so much about it. But our team always tries hard to bring the most excellent service, in terms of hospitability, clean and authenticity. So we’re proud to say that Greendoor is a decent place to stay in Cao Bang.

Useful location facts:

• 100km from Pac Bo history Complex
• 50km from Thung Mountain
• 14km from Ban Gioc Waterfall
• 3km from Co La Waterfall
• 4km from Ban Viet lake
  

Price: $22/room/2pax (included breakfast)

Lan homestay

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The homestay is located in a picturesque little village close to the Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao cave. It has a fantastic river view in front and rice fields and mountains right back. What’s more? Excellent food and extremely hospitable host are the best reviews about Lan’s homestay

Useful location facts:

• 110km from Pac Bo history Complex
• 75km from Thung Mountain
• 7km from Ban Gioc Waterfall
• 15km from Co La Waterfall
• 15km from Ban Viet lake

Price:

• $5/bed dorm (excluded breakfast)
• $12/room/2pax (excluded breakfast)

Yen Nhi homestay

Yen Nhi Ban Gioc homestay is located in Khuoi Ky ancient Tay village. When you come to a fork (on the right to go to Nguom Ngao cave and go straight to Ban Gioc waterfall) there will be a sign to enter Yen Nhi homestay. This homestay is only about 1km from the cave and about 3km from Ban Gioc waterfall. So in terms of convenience, it’s the best option.

It is a typical stone stilt house of the Tay ethnic group with unique and very stable architecture. The Tay has been here for generations while retaining the stone worshipping belief.

Useful location facts:

• 115km from Pac Bo history Complex
• 80km from Thung Mountain
• 3km from Ban Gioc Waterfall
• 16km from Co La Waterfall
• 17km from Ban Viet lake

Price:

• $6/bed dorm (excluded breakfast)
• $15/room/2pax (excluded breakfast)

Best accommodation in Cao Bang city (hotels & homestays)

Cao Bang city is a peaceful city laid along the Bang Giang river. It’s a nice experience to emerge in the bustling lifestyle with night markets, street food, and street vibes.

Distance from all accommodation in Cao Bang city to popular attraction

• Pac Bo history Complex: 50km
• Thung Mountain: 50km
• Ban Gioc Waterfall: 80km
• Co La Waterfall: 70km
• Ban Viet Lake: 68km

Being the most modernized area in Cao Bang province, Cao Bang city has some decent hotels with nice facilities and great hospitality for a lovely stay.

Max Boutique hotel

This is the best choice for travelers to explore the old town. Since it takes only 2 minutes to Walking street and Xanh local market, 3 minutes to Bang Giang bridge. Also, the rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with caring staff.

• Price: $26/room/2pax (included breakfast)

Gia Quy hotel

Gia Quy is a new hotel with spacious rooms. On top of that, the hotel is well-praised for its helpful and lovely staff.

• Price: $22/room/2pax (included breakfast)

Jeanne Hotel

Located in the middle of Kim Dong Road, Jeanne hotel is convenient to explore the hectic Cao Bang city. On weekends, there’s a night market along the street with a variety of activities.  As for infrastructure, it is a small hotel with clean and comfortable modern rooms. The staffs are super nice and helpful as well.

• $20/room/2pax (excluded breakfast)

Best accommodation in Quang Uyen district Cao Bang

Quang Uyen is a more rural district next to Trung Khanh. Combining with Trung Khanh, it is a perfect choice if you wish to embrace Cao Bang beauty in-depth. Surely, you will love the scenic rice terraces, mountains, rustic villages, and wildflowers. And for its unspoiled characteristics, the district is best for a private-car tour or a motorcycle tour.

Mr. Kim’s homestay – one of the rare Cao Bang accommodation available in Quang Uyen

My first impression is that this homestay is in the middle of a preserved traditional village where everybody makes incents.

Architecturally, people here live in a typical northern Vietnamese stilt house. Thus, it only has a dormitory room. While beds are quite close to each other, they are large, comfortable, and has private curtains. But don’t worry, some beds are separated by thin wooden walls for those who prefer privacy and tranquility.

And as for some information about the host. They are a real family of 7. Even though they cannot communicate much in English, guests feel welcomed and attended to.

Distance

• Pac Bo history complex: 75km
• Thung Mountain: 18km
• Ban Gioc Waterfall: 58km
• Co La Waterfall: 45km
• Ban Viet Lake: 45km

Price:

• $6/bed dorm (included breakfast)
• $15/room/2pax (included breakfast)

Best campsites in Cao Bang

Camping is a brilliant way to spend time outdoors connecting with nature. Hiking, reading a favorite book by streams, collecting wood, listening to the birds, and spending a night under the stars will help reduce stress and avoid burnout.

Not to mention camping is the perfect choice for a big group holiday. All campsites below allow pets so there’s no need to leave any of the family at home!

Co La waterfall

Through thousands of years of tectonics, the waterfall flows at the height of about 30m forming three exquisite-looking floors. Between each cascade, there are large puddles of the pure turquoise layer.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the green landscape mixed with golden rice fields hidden at the foot of the mountain. Also, the breezing nature is perfect for an escape from the sweltering summer heat. From October to March, the water flow is smoother and warmer. Also, visitors can experience the rural life and cultural activities of the Tay ethnic group in the peaceful Ban Ruoc village on the mountainside. At that time, buckwheat flowers will bloom in the whole region.

• Location: Ban Ruoc village, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang, Vietnam
• Best time to camp: From May to November (months from December to April witnesses a low water level)
  

Ban Viet Lake

Follow the route from Trung Khanh town to Ban Gioc waterfall about 10 km, then turn to Ban Viet village, Phong Chau commune, visitors will enter Ban Viet lake. The lake is like a giant mirror with jade green water sparkling in golden sunlight. In the summer, the forest is deep green. While in December, the vast Sau Sau trees forests by the lake turn vibrant red and yellow.

On holiday, families and friends can enjoy many recreational activities: from hiking, biking on nature trails, paddling on the calm waters, to sit back and relax by the campfire sipping tea.

• Location: Tân Phong village, Phong Châu commune, Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng, Vietnam
  

Thung Mountain

Thung mountain is a heavenly compilation of towering mountains and an evergreen meadow. Its name means “mounts of Holy eyes”. One of its giant mountains has an excessive hole right in the middle. In the dry season from September to March, the entire valley is a green lawn with herds of buffaloes and horses.

Campers can enjoy camping, go hiking, cycling…

However, please consider when traveling in the rainy season from May to August. Since the meadow will turn into a clear blue lake up to 15ha wide.

• Location: Quoc Toan Commune, Tra Linh District, Cao Bang, Vietnam
• Best time to visit: September to April in the dry season
  
  

How to get the best deal of Cao Bang accommodation?

The best practice to hunt good deals is to avoid the domestic travel season. For Cao Bang, it is from August to October. Although Cao Bang is beautiful year round, my suggestion for off-season travel is April and May.

Another tips is to travel during weekdays and search for a travel package. Our homestay – Greendoor Ban Gioc homestay often offers discounts for weekday travelers as well as travel package. Please contact us or our Facebook fanpage for more information & free English Cao Bang travel support.

Top-picked Cao Bang tours

Let me know if you find some good accommodations in Cao Bang after my suggestions.

One last thing, since Cao Bang is still fairly isolated, not many of the hosts can communicate well in English. While it may not be almost necessary, helps from a trusted mountainous travel company may come in handy. If you need assists with tiring travel planning, we are always here.