Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi,
I don’t really have an answer to your question, sorry.
I traveled to Cao Bang from Hanoi (actually from Cat Ba, with a transfer in Hanoi) with Good Morning Cat Ba.
You could try contacting them to see if they pass by the airport (it’s kind of in that direction).
Hello, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to go straight to Cao Bang without heading into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance.
I did see the bookings via Vexere. Do you think it's reliable to book through them? (Not just the Vexere site itself, but more about whether we actually get the seats if we book?) And do you think it's necessary to reserve in advance, or can we sort it out on the spot? Thanks
Good evening and thank you for your reply.
I did see the bookings via Vexere. Do you think it's reliable for booking? (Not just the Vexere site, but whether you actually get the seats if you book?) And do you think it's necessary to book in advance, or can you arrange it on the spot? Thanks
My little nephew, who came from France on vacation, used the Vexere site to go from Hanoi to Cat Ba in January 2026 without any issues (he doesn’t speak Vietnamese). That said, it’s not an absolute guarantee of reliability! Personally, since I’m Vietnamese, I use Vexere to check the offers, then I prefer to contact the carrier directly to make the booking.
A few tips (from memory, since it’s been a while since I’ve booked directly through Vexere):
To book via Vexere, it’s best to have a Vietnamese phone number (which was the case for my nephew—I got him a local SIM since he was staying in Vietnam for about 6 weeks). The reason is that the carrier needs it to contact you (to confirm the time and location) and to pick you up if you’re not going to the departure terminal.
If you arrive in Vietnam and plan to leave immediately for Cao Bang, you can’t just show up and book—unless you use a taxi service at Noi Bai (much more expensive).
To leave right away for Cao Bang, you’ll need to book in advance, for example via Vexere.
If you want to book remotely from abroad without a Vietnamese phone number, I recommend downloading the Zalo app (very common in Vietnam) if possible. You can use it to contact the carrier’s phone number. Alternatively, you can reach out to them via their Facebook page.
For example, the carrier Duy Quang Limousine, listed on Vexere, has a website (https://nhaxeduyquang.com/) and a Facebook page. With their displayed phone number, you can look them up on Zalo to get in touch. For messages, you can use English (or even French) and translation tools (AI) to send bilingual messages.
If you’re not leaving straight from the airport for Cao Bang, you’ll have more flexibility to book or find transport in Hanoi itself.
Good luck and enjoy your stay!
Quynh
Thank you so much for your extreme kindness!
You didn’t just answer a stranger’s question—you took the time to respond thoroughly and in detail, even imagining all the possibilities and challenges we might face.
Your reply is more than comprehensive, and I can only be deeply respectful of your kindness. I’ll follow your recommendations!!!!!
Thank you so much, and I wish you all the best.
Best regards,
Greg
I just checked the requirements for creating a Zalo account, and it turns out Zalo only allows accounts for Vietnamese phone numbers. So, you won’t be able to create a Zalo account with a foreign phone number.
Try making your reservation through Vexere instead—I think since the site has been around for a while, it should be open to foreign tourists by now.
Otherwise, you could try OldPlatypus’s suggestion.
Thanks again for your message. I actually tried via Zalo, but I couldn’t register. I did book the bus through Vexere, and then I was able to provide my WhatsApp number once registered. So everything worked out great. Thanks again for everything, and it just makes us even more excited to discover your country. Thanks a million!
Hey! So you're heading straight to Cao Bang without stopping in Hanoi—I get the idea, haha. Truth is, I don’t have direct experience with this route since I’m based in Thailand, but I can share what I’ve heard from other backpackers.
From what I remember, there’s no direct bus from Noi Bai Airport to Cao Bang. That’s the thing that trips up a lot of people. Long-distance buses usually leave from Hanoi’s city center, from bus stations like Gia Lâm or Giáp Bát, so you’d kind of have to pass through the capital one way or another.
Personally, what I’d suggest is taking a taxi or a Grab from the airport to one of those stations (expect around 20 to 30 €), and then you catch a bus to Cao Bang. The bus ride takes about 4 to 5 hours if I recall correctly. Double-check the schedules directly with the stations, though, because I’m not sure if there are still early afternoon departures like you’re hoping for—it really depends on the season and the day.
Honestly, avoid hanging around Hanoi if you don’t want to, but budget at least 2 to 3 hours between your arrival and the bus departure, just to give yourself time to get your bearings and grab a bite. Cao Bang is totally worth it, so you’re smart to go straight there! !
Now it’s my turn to answer my own question for future travelers. Yes, it’s possible to go directly from Hanoi Airport to Cao Bang. Just book through Vexere or 12Go. Either the bus will pass by the airport after leaving Hanoi (likely depending on how many people need to be picked up), or they’ll send a driver to pick you up at the airport and drop you off where the bus to Cao Bang stops (in our case, the bus was already there, parked and waiting for us with its passengers on the side of the road. As usual in Asia, no problem, just solutions... One note: be careful when booking regarding the pickup location between the international and domestic terminals. Also, pay attention to the floor—make sure you’re on the right one because, for example, there’s a pole 8 at the domestic terminal on the 1st floor, but also a pole 8 on the 2nd floor, and another pole 8 on both the 1st and 2nd floors of the international terminal... If you book the wrong one, you can move between the domestic and international terminals using shuttles, and contrary to what some taxi drivers claim, no, they’re not 8 km or 3 km apart, and you don’t need to take a taxi between them... The shuttle is quick.
Hello,
Yes, it’s possible—you don’t have to go into central Hanoi first.
There are indeed limousine buses that pick up passengers directly at Noi Bai Airport for Cao Bang, including in the early afternoon. So if your flight arrives in the early afternoon, you can definitely do it the same day.
The only important thing is to book in advance and confirm the exact pickup point, as it varies by company: it could be at the domestic terminal, the international terminal, or somewhere else in the Noi Bai area.
If I were you, I’d also allow some extra time after landing, especially if you have checked luggage or a long immigration line.
If you’re traveling with family and several suitcases, it might be more comfortable to arrange a private airport–Cao Bang transfer. It’s often simpler after a long flight, especially if you want to avoid schedule stress.
But to answer your question: yes, there are direct options from the airport to Cao Bang.
If you’d like, I can also suggest the most convenient option based on your actual arrival time and the number of travelers.
I can’t say it lived up to that post because many places in northern Vietnam are beautiful, but the Cao Bang region is definitely worth the detour. It has stunning karst landscapes, even if you can find similar scenery elsewhere. The area offers some great visits, like the Ban Gioc waterfall—even if it’s not nearby—and the Heaven’s Eye Mountain, which is really pretty. Other perks: better roads than in the Dong Van mountainous region and fewer motorbikes. The town of Cao Bang is also less touristy than others. If I had to do it again, I’d definitely stop by before heading to Bao Lac, Dong Van, or Ha Giang.
Hey Quynhon,
Just a quick question—are you planning to advertise your site in all your posts?
A little reminder of VoyageForum’s rules to avoid this:
"It is forbidden to post messages on the Site with the direct purpose of promoting or advertising a service, product, package or website"
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
