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1. Where is Pac Bo Tourist Area in Cao Bang?
Pac Bo Tourist Area in Cao Bang is situated in Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district, Cao Bang province – a mountainous region in the northern part of our country. It is approximately 50km from Cao Bang City to the cave, located near the border with China, marking the initial kilometer of the crucial Ho Chi Minh Trail. This historical site is surrounded by ancient forests of the Viet Bac mountain range, with ethnic minority villages in the vicinity.
Pac Bo Scenery (Photo: Internet)
The natural scenery of Pac Bo Tourist Area in Cao Bang encompasses a cluster of historical sites at the headwaters, including Pac Bo Cave, Le Nin Stream, Mount Cac Mac, and commemorative landmarks such as Ho Chi Minh Memorial House, Kim Dong Historical Site, and Khuoi Nam Historical Site.
2. Pac Bo Tourist Area is deeply intertwined with the history of the nation.
Mornings by the stream, evenings within the cave,
Porridge and bamboo shoots always readily available.
Historical Party-endorsed stone table,
Revolutionary life truly extraordinary.
(Scene of Pac Bo - Ho Chi Minh)
The historical site of Pac Bo is renowned for its connection to stories about Uncle Ho. A visit to the historical site of Pac Bo allows tourists to admire the picturesque beauty and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere amidst the mountains and forests of Viet Bac, while gaining a deeper understanding of the simple yet great life of President Ho Chi Minh.
'Pac Bo' in the local language means 'mouth of the source,' and 'Coc Bo' is the 'head of the source.' Pac Bo is a toponym - the particularly significant national historical site of Pac Bo, while Coc Bo is the name of the cave at the head of the source, where Uncle Ho stayed. Therefore, Coc Bo Cave is located within the toponym of Pac Bo, not the cave itself being Pac Bo. However, it is commonly referred to as Pac Bo Cave for convenience and easy remembrance.
Coc Bo Cave (Photo: Ho Chi Minh Museum)
Coc Bo Cave is approximately 80 square meters wide, with a very small entrance that accommodates only one person at a time. Upon entering the cave, you will see the inscription '08/02/1941' carved by Uncle Ho to mark the date of his arrival here. In front of the cave, there is a large underground stream flowing from the rocky mountain. Throughout the year, the clear blue water flows melodiously amidst the singing of birds and the rustling of leaves. The scene in front of the cave is spacious and airy. Passing through moss-covered smooth rocks, where Uncle Ho used to work and fish, you will reach a wooden bridge spanning the entrance of Pac Bo Cave. Currently, this historical site still preserves important documents inside the cave.
Inside Coc Bo Cave where Uncle Ho worked (Photo: Trong Dat)
3.2. Le Nin Spring
When in Cao Bang, Le Nin Spring is a must-visit. Formerly known as Khuoi Giang by the locals, meaning 'heavenly stream,' it was later named Le Nin Spring by President Ho Chi Minh while working at Pac Bo Cave. This place is considered a paradise with its naturally emerald green water, gentle enough to see the small stones at the bottom and the joyfully swimming fish.
Every tourist who comes here loses themselves in this surreal beauty, eager to reach out and touch the cool green mirror to verify its existence. Especially when the sunlight shines down, the green color of Le Nin Spring sparkles like a soft, winding ribbon around the mountains of Pac Bo. Alongside the pristine and majestic mountains and forests, Le Nin Spring adds an even more enchanting touch to the natural canvas of Cao Bang.
Tourists capturing moments at Le Nin Spring (Photo: Little Lamb)
3.3. Mount Cac Mac
Nestled peacefully beside the serene Le Nin Stream is the majestic Mount Cac Mac. This mountain boasts lush greenery with a terrain that is both open and mysterious. Those inside can easily see outside, but those outside cannot perceive what lies within. With such a position, Mount Cac Mac not only holds significant historical value but also serves as a remarkably beautiful landscape of harmonious mountains and waters.
Mount Cac Mac (Photo: Internet)
Mount Cac Mac features large rock walls, vibrant green meadows, wild bushes scattered, and ancient forests gracefully climbing over rocky slopes, creating an incredibly cool and refreshing atmosphere. At the foot of the mountain, outside the main cave, is the spot where Uncle Ho used to cook rice. Along the stone path from the Lenin River towards the Ban Gioc Waterfall tour, travelers will catch sight of the bamboo garden once planted by the revered figure.
3.4. Khuổi Nặm Travel Cluster
Located approximately one kilometer from Pac Bo Cave, Khuổi Nặm offers a winding mountain trail that becomes steeper as you progress. The path, once a narrow and steep trail, has now been expanded and paved with stones for easier navigation.
The Khuổi Nặm Cluster is situated at the entrance of the forest, next to a small stream, under the shade of lush trees. The cluster earned its name, Khuổi Nặm (in Tày and Nùng languages, meaning 'water stream'), due to the nearby stream. The small cluster follows the traditional stilt house architecture of the Tày people, spanning approximately 12 square meters with a thatched roof, and walls woven with palm leaves. The floor is made of sections of forest wood, and a wooden plank serves as a makeshift desk for various tasks.
Khuổi Nặm Cluster (Photo: Internet)
Around the Khuoi Nam area, numerous historical sites bear witness to the days Uncle Ho spent here. Not far from the area, traces of Uncle Ho's vegetable garden still remain. Every day, he would come here to till the soil, nurture the vegetables, not only to improve daily meals but also to relax.
3.5. Other points of interest
Visitors can explore the Kim Dong relic cluster, including the Kim Dong Tomb located at the foot of Teo Loc Mountain – Na Ma, a place dedicated to the heroic Kim Dong. The tomb is surrounded by a wall, next to Kim Dong's mother's grave, a monument, and an artistic wall at the rear, depicting the significance of his 14 springs. The relic site also features Noc En Cave – where he was assigned by Uncle Ho for revolutionary communication, and Po Doi – Thoong Ma – Doi Nhi Dong children's team for national rescue was established here.
Kim Dong's Heroic Tomb (Photo: Amazing Vietnam)
Bo Bam relic site: features the house of Mr. Duong Van Dinh – where President Ho Chi Minh often spoke to the people about the hardships of life when losing the country and propagated revolutionary ideals. Hang Dau Ho, Lenin Stream, and Mac Mountain are places where the people of Cao Bang hold memorial ceremonies for Uncle Ho.
Milestone 108: now changed to milestone 675, is one of the 314 border milestones between Vietnam and China in the past. It is made of solid block stone, elliptical in shape, and approximately 70cm tall. The milestone bears inscriptions in French and Chinese.
Milestone 108 (Photo: caobang.tv)
Caves: Lung Lan Cave, Ngoum Vai Cave. There is also the foundation of Mr. Ly Quoc Sung's house – where Uncle Ho stayed upon his return to the country; The foundation of Mr. La Thanh's house is one of the important revolutionary bases during the pre-insurrection period. It is also the place that welcomed delegates to the 8th Party Central Committee meeting.
In addition to the outdoor historical sites, visitors can offer incense at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple, explore the exhibition house to gain a deeper understanding of Cao Bang's revolutionary movement, as well as the revolutionary leadership of Uncle Ho after his return to the country, guided by the narration of the guide at the historical site.
Ho Chi Minh Memorial Temple (Photo: Ethnic and Development Newspaper)
Exhibition house at the Special National Monument Pac Bo (Photo: haquang.vn)
With a natural landscape of charming mountains and rivers bearing the imprints of history, intimately tied to Uncle Ho's revolutionary life, the Pac Bo tourist area is undoubtedly a must-visit destination when in Cao Bang.
Posted by: Huynh Thuy Ngoc
Keywords: How does Pac Bo Cave differ from Pac Bo Tourist Area in Cao Bang?
