Want to see Vietnam’s gorgeous mountains and forests but need help knowing where to go? Cao Bang is unquestionably the ideal option. Cao Bang is a mountainous province in northeast Vietnam, roughly 280 kilometers from Hanoi. Although the terrain is rather harsh, it is gifted with a magnificent and poetic beauty with mountains, a network of caverns, rivers, and numerous lakes. The following are the well-known 5 must-visit attractions in Cao Bang.
Top Attractions in Cao Bang
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Address: TL 211, Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province
The first must-see attraction in Cao Bang is the Ban Gioc waterfall. This waterfall, located between the Vietnam-China border, is the most spectacular waterfall in Vietnam and the largest natural waterfall in Southeast Asia.
The waterfall is separated into two branches: the main waterfall and the subsidiary waterfall. The side waterfall and the left half of the main waterfall belong to Vietnam, while the right part belongs to China. The side waterfall is small and high, around 60 m, and the water flows gently. The main waterfall is lower, but the water pours faster and more forcefully.
Unlike other waterfalls that have water running straight down from the top, Ban Gioc waterfall has a distinctive cascading structure. The limestone strata interlock to form a ladder-like structure. That forced the water running through to be separated into several strips, forming a white spot in the middle of Cao Bang’s mountains and woods. At the base of the waterfall is a river as serene as a mirror, with turquoise water and surrounded by rice fields and lush grass.
Each season gives a different charm to Ban Gioc Waterfall. During the rainy season (June to September), Ban Gioc Waterfall greets the rains, tinting the river red, making the water flow faster and more furious. The white foam makes a spectacular image. In contrast, the water is clear and tranquil again during the dry season (October to May). The climate then is also very chilly. The best month to visit is October, when the rice fields at the waterfall’s base are ripe, and November, when the wild sunflowers are in full bloom.
Ban Gioc Waterfall activity
A must-try activity at this location is a boat tour of the waterfall. You can see China’s waters and the bottom of the falls from the boat. Be aware that when going through China, you are only permitted to stay aboard the boat; docking is not permitted. Each boat journey costs 50,000 VND, or around $2 USD for a ticket.
In addition, you may purchase traditional handicrafts of ethnic minorities here from various vendors on the route to the waterfall to present as gifts or buy them as mementos.
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Nguom Ngao Cave
Address: Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province
Nguom Ngao, which means “Tiger cave” in Tay ethnic minority, is a 2,100m-long limestone cave located about 5 km from Ban Gioc waterfall. Therefore, you may combine visiting this cave with seeing the waterfall. This cave has a 400 million-year antiquity, according to geological research data. And because it was only recently found and developed for tourism, it still preserves its natural wild beauty, which makes it incredibly appealing to travelers.
The enormous room, cold air, and sparkling stalactites will overwhelm tourists as soon as they enter the cave. The stalactites in this area have highly unique and fancy shapes that resemble an upside-down lotus, a coral tree, terraced fields, etc. Nearly every cave includes stalactites, but what makes this cave unique is the color of the stalactites. The color here is darker because of the calcium in a mixture with several impurities. Visitors may also come across little streams that bubble along the cave’s length.
Suggestions: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes to make movement easier because there will be some tiny corridors in the cave. You should also bring water with you because walking can dehydrate you.
Truc Lam Pagoda
Address: VP2F+87, Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province
(source: @ninjarod)
This is one of the first pagodas in Vietnam’s northeast, located amid Phia Nhan mountain on a 3-hectare campus. This temple is situated around 500 m from Ban Gioc waterfall. Thus, it is a must-see when visiting the waterfall.
This temple is built in the traditional Vietnamese architectural style, using recognized materials and designs. You can visit this location to experience a spiritual, calming, and tranquil atmosphere surrounded by gorgeous mountains and forests.
The temple is located halfway up the mountain, making this an excellent viewing spot. From this vantage point, you can fully appreciate the landscape of the surrounding mountains and valleys and the entire Ban Gioc waterfall. The ideal times to visit are sunrise and sunset when the sun shines golden rays behind the mountains.
Suggestions: Wear sports shoes to move more freely because you will need to climb a portion of the mountain to reach the temple. Because this is a spiritual and holy area, you should also dress respectfully and avoid making too much noise.
Pac Bo Historical Complex
Address: X3P2+R5J, Pac Bo village, Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district, Cao Bang province
One of the best attractions in Cao Bang is the Pac Bo Historical Complex. This revolutionary historical relic is of enormous value to the Vietnamese people. The Prime Minister designated this place as a unique National Monument in 2012. President Ho Chi Minh used to live and work in this area.
However, this location is recognized not only for its history but also for its natural features. This relic area is separated into several tiny relic clusters, the most notable of which are Lenin spring and Coc Bo cave. The emerald-green water of the Lenin Stream reminds me of a fairy tale. The water is crystal clear, you can see the bottom and even the sparkling pebbles. Also, the schools of fish darting around will keep your eyes glued to the water. The Coc Bo cave retains things President Ho Chi Minh used in daily life and work, so you can learn more about the history there.
Suggestions: Several vendors in the relic area sell local delicacies ranging from cuisine to clothing and crafts. You can buy it both to support the people and as a souvenir. And there are two foods that I highly recommend you try: roasted chestnuts and Khau Sli, a traditional food of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
Nui Thung Mountain
Address: Ban Danh hamlet, Quoc Toan commune, Tra Linh district, Cao Bang province
(source: @matthannui)
The mountain is sometimes referred to as Angle Eyes mountain, which is obvious because there is a hole in the middle that resembles an eye. The surrounding, incredibly stunning terrain, however, is what makes this area famous for more than simply this peak. A broad valley filled with little green lakes surrounds the peak. Horse herds are lazily grazing on the lush grass, creating a wild but serene sight. The route up the mountain, which leads to a wide valley with lovely scenery, is small and difficult to travel, making this location seem like a hidden gem.
Camping here with friends and family is an experience you should have. Nothing is better than spending time with your loved ones as the sun sets, having fun around the campfire, and then waking up to the sunrise in such a scenic spot. The dry season, which lasts from September to March, is the ideal time to visit for camping. Because, at that time, the nearby lakes were less full of water and the expansive grasslands were more visible. This area will transform into a crystal-clear, 15-hectare-wide lake during the rainy season, which runs from April to August.
Suggestions: If you are not coming here without a guide, seek directions from the locals first because the road to the mountain is rather narrow and hard to discover.
I strongly recommend you visit the well-known attractions in Cao Bang listed above. If you appreciate the serenity and enjoy exploring nature, and climbing mountains, do not miss Cao Bang. The attractions in Cao Bang will surely be great instagrammable pictures to treasure.
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