Wondering how much cash to bring on the Cao Bang Loop? Find out the recommended VND amount for evening beers, souvenirs, and Easy Rider tips.
How much cash do I need for the Cao Bang Loop?
Assuming your main tour package is already paid for, you should bring between 2,000,000 and 5,000,000 VND (roughly $80 to $200 USD) in cash for a 3 or 4-day trip. This amount will comfortably cover your evening alcohol (beers and corn wine), road snacks, coffees, small souvenirs, and a tip for your Easy Rider.
You have booked your trip, packed your bags, and reviewed our Payment Policy at the Motorventures office. Your tour package already covers your transport, accommodation, main meals, and motorbike. But once you leave Ha Giang City and head into the mountains, you will still need some pocket money.
Breathtaking Valley Views on the Cao Bang Loop
The most important thing to remember is this: Cash is King in the mountains. Credit cards and Apple Pay are rarely accepted at local homestays or roadside cafes. Here is a complete breakdown of exactly how much cash you should withdraw before starting the loop.
We estimate most riders spend between 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND per day on personal extras. Here is where that money usually goes:
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (Per Item/Day) | What to Expect |
| Drinks & Alcohol | 20k - 50k VND per drink | A cold local beer (Bia Ha Noi/Saigon) at a homestay usually costs around 25k - 30k VND. If you like to drink and socialize in the evenings, budget a few hundred thousand VND per night. |
| Coffee & Snacks | 30k - 60k VND per stop | Stopping at viewpoints for a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) or buying snacks at local village shops. |
| Laundry Services | 40k - 60k VND per kg | If you are doing the 3-Day Cao Bang Loop Itinerary and need fresh clothes, homestays offer cheap overnight laundry. |
| Souvenirs | 100k - 500k VND+ | Buying traditional H'mong textiles, local honey, or handicrafts at the market. |
One of the most common questions we get is: "Should I tip my Easy Rider, and how much?"
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but it is highly appreciated. Your Motorventures Easy Rider is not just driving; they are your mechanic, translator, photographer, and local guide, keeping you safe on dangerous mountain passes for up to 8 hours a day.
- Standard Tip: A good benchmark is 200,000 to 300,000 VND per day (about $8 - $12 USD per day).
- Total Tip Amount: For a 3 or 4-day trip, most travelers give a lump sum at the end of the tour, ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND ($20 - $40 USD) for excellent service.
Motorventures Group Tour at Ban Gioc Waterfall
- The Budget Traveler (2,000,000 VND / ~$80 USD): You only drink 1 or 2 beers a night, skip the souvenirs, and leave a modest tip for your driver.
- The Comfortable Explorer (3,000,000 VND / ~$120 USD): You enjoy multiple coffees a day, a few evening drinks with the group, buy a souvenir or two, and leave a solid tip.
- The "Baller" (5,000,000 VND+ / ~$200+ USD): You want to buy rounds of beer for your group, purchase expensive traditional textiles, and leave a very generous tip for your Easy Rider.
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A.Yes, but they are very limited. There are ATMs in the larger towns. However, during busy tourist seasons, these ATMs frequently run out of cash or experience power outages. We strongly advise withdrawing all the cash you need in Hanoi or Cao Bang City before you start the loop.
A.Generally, no. Small village shops, coffee stalls, and local homestays operate entirely on cash. Some modern homestays might accept cards, but usually with a 3% surcharge.
A.You need Vietnamese Dong (VND). Local shops and homestays deep in the mountains do not accept US Dollars, Euros, or other foreign currencies.
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