Discovering Cao Bang: 7 Must-Do Experiences

Go Vietnam2 years ago

Discovering Cao Bang: 7 Must-Do Experiences

Tucked away in a remote area of Northern Vietnam, Cao Bang Province is bursting with beautiful geo-cultural sites. With five major river systems and 47 lakes, water plays a vital role in shaping the landscape and local life. Much of Cao Bang is protected as UNESCO Global Geopark. The province's extraordinary diversity makes it a spectacular place to explore, especially for adventure travellers. Here are seven stops in Cao Bang you must not miss.

Credit: Vietnam Travel

Pac Bo Historical Site

Pác Bó Historical Complex is a memorial and museum founded on the site where Hồ Chí Minh began his revolution. Here you can take a look at the cave where Ho Chi Minh lived in hiding, and the river where he fished and wrote poetry. This tasteful tribute to the life and work of Ho Chi Minh is an important pilgrimage spot for the Vietnamese.

Pac Bo Historical Site

Trường Hà, Hà Quảng District, Cao Bang, Vietnam

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Located on the border between China and Vietnam, Bản Giốc is the fourth largest waterfall in the world. Measuring 300 meters wide, the falls are absolutely breathtaking in size. The vast area and range of different falls and pools within the park is captivating. Set in a striking valley and surrounded by lush jungle, Bản Giốc feels like a paradise of its own.

Ban Gioc Waterfall

TL 211, Đàm Thuỷ, Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng, Vietnam

Nguom Ngao Cave / Tiger cave

The Ngườm Ngao cave system has some of the most unique stalactite formations in Southeast Asia. As you step foot into the cave, the formations change with each new cavern. The entire cave system is 2,144 meters long, but local authorities have only opened 948 meters to visitors to preserve its natural beauty.

Nguom Ngao Cave / Tiger cave

Đường vào động Ngườm Ngao, Đàm Thuỷ, Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng, Vietnam

Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda Pass!

A short but steep walk brings you to this traditional Vietnamese-style temple. The design of Trúc Lâm pagoda fits perfectly into the hillside. As you climb higher to the main temple area, a valley filled with karsts unfolds below. A stunning spot not far from Bản Giốc Waterfalls, Trúc Lâm Pagoda can easily be visited in the same day.

Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda Pass!

TL 211, Đàm Thuỷ, Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng, Vietnam

Cao Bằng

Anchored around the Sông Bằng River, Cao Bằng City has grown into a bustling centre of development. With a small but contemporary selection of hotels, shops, and restaurants, it’s the perfect base for exploring the rest of the province. You’ll find many northern specialities to try in town, such as Phở Chua (sour noodle soup) and Bánh Cuốn (steamed rice rolls). Cao Bang City also has several festivals which are unique to the region.

Cao Bằng

Cao Bằng, Cao Bang, Vietnam

Thang Hen Lake Eco Resort

The Thang Hen Lakes are made up of 36 miniature lakes that are all connected through caves and underground passageways. In the rainy season, water levels rise to form a single lake, which meanders through a valley of karst peaks for over 300 kilometres. While the lake is picturesque, it’s the rock formations and scenes of daily life that make Thang Hen worth visiting.

Thang Hen Lake Eco Resort

Quốc Toản, Trà Lĩnh District, Cao Bang, Vietnam

Location

Cao Bằng Province has over nine ethnic groups, which have lived in these valleys for centuries. The Tày, Nùng, Dao, and H’mong are some of the most well-known, and each minority has its own special crafts and way of living. To experience ethnic culture, visit a minority craft village with one of the local guides, or book an ethnic homestay during your trip.