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With stunning natural landscapes and diverse features including mountains, caves, lakes, and the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, Cao Bằng is the perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts.
Recently, SkyScanner has compiled a list of trekking destinations in Southeast Asia. Among them, Cao Bằng province, Vietnam ranks 5th.
1. Banaue Rice Terraces, Philippines
The rice terraces are a common sight in several Southeast Asian countries, but none compare to the stunning beauty of Banaue in the Philippines. Situated hundreds of meters above sea level, these ancient terraces over 2000 years old are cultivated by local indigenous people along the mountain slopes, making it an ideal destination for hiking and exploration for adventure enthusiasts. You can wander through ancient villages, verdant rice fields, and marvel at the mystical scenery here.
Tips: Take a bus from the capital Manila to Banaue, Ifugao province. Travelers should plan to spend at least 2 - 3 days exploring the rice terraces.
2. Rinjani Volcano, Lombok Island, Indonesia
Rinjani stands as the second highest volcano in Indonesia, situated at the heart of Lombok Island, soaring at an elevation of 3,726 meters above sea level. With its majestic and rugged terrain, along with the awe-inspiring spectacle of volcanic eruptions, Rinjani poses a formidable challenge for adventurers. Travelers can embark on 2-day excursions to the crater rim for a more breathtaking view.
Tips: The ideal time to hike Rinjani is during the dry season, from April to November. It's advisable to start the trek around 2-3 in the morning to witness the sunrise upon reaching the summit. To reach here, travelers can fly to Lombok or take a ferry from Bali.
3. Gunung Mulu National Park, Borneo Island
Borneo is the third largest island globally, divided among the sovereign territories of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Gunung Mulu National Park, situated in Borneo, is renowned for its rich natural landscape teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, visitors can explore the world's largest cave system or marvel at millions of bats swirling in the twilight.
Tips: While many tourists visit Gunung Mulu to explore the famed geological formations like the Pinnacles, trekking here can be challenging and not suitable for the faint-hearted. Travelers can reach the National Park by boat or plane from Marudi, Malaysia, approximately a 40-minute journey.
4. Chiang Mai, Thailand
The local government of Chiang Mai province always facilitates favorable conditions for tourists to immerse themselves in and enjoy the traditional culture of hill tribe communities. Most popular excursions here involve visiting local homes for homestay experiences and learning to cook in the forest. There are countless trekking routes in Chiang Mai; you should opt for routes that explore ancient trails, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes.
Tips: Simply walking around Chiang Mai for sightseeing might lack excitement. Travelers should seize the opportunity to experience boat rides or elephant riding for a more adventurous experience.
5. Cao Bang, Vietnam
Remote and rugged areas in Northern Vietnam like Cao Bang make excellent trekking destinations. Despite its challenging terrain, the natural scenery is breathtaking, with mountains, caves, and lakes, accompanied by the grandeur of Ban Gioc waterfall, enhancing the beauty of this place manifold. Each cascading layer of water, with its emerald-like color, blends into the beauty of the sky, creating a fairy-tale scene amidst the human world.
Tips: Travelers can reach here by flying to the capital, Hanoi, and then taking a coach to Cao Bang, which takes approximately 5 hours.
According to VnExpress
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourMarch 8, 2015
