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Tourist destinations in Cao Bang
A trip to Cao Bang to visit the historical site of Pac Bo, Ban Gioc waterfall, Nguom Ngao cave, Thang Hen lake, and a newly discovered landmark, Thung Mountain – Enchanting Love Valley, is truly an unforgettable experience due to its poetic beauty, picturesque landscapes, and the genuine warmth and enthusiasm of the people here.
Cao Bang with its lush, refreshing green trees.
The historical site of Pac Bo cave
The historical site of Pac Bo, situated in Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district, Cao Bang province, holds significant cultural importance. 'Pac Bo' in the language of the Tay-Nung ethnic group in Cao Bang means 'the source.' If you taste the water from the Le Nin stream at its source, you'll be amazed by its purity, without a speck of dust.
The road from the city center of Cao Bang to Pac Bo stretches 50 km, offering refreshing and picturesque landscapes. Along the path leading to the historical site, you'll find stalls selling snacks like skewered meat, sugarcane juice, and pineapples. They also sell dried Chinese sausages here, chewy and tender, priced at around 15,000 VND per piece. As there are no eateries within the historical site, tourist groups often stop for lunch and camp right next to the clear stream. It's truly a romantic and tranquil scene as you enjoy your sandwich while watching the playful school of fish in the crystal-clear water.
The pristine waters of the Le Nin stream.
The Serenity of Le Nin Stream
Upon laying eyes on the Le Nin stream, our entire group was amazed by the vivid emerald green color of the water. We watched as schools of fish swam playfully below and colorful dragonflies danced above. The fish in the Le Nin stream are carp, and when visitors feed them, they gather eagerly to eat.
Our group at the source area of the Le Nin stream.
The water of the Le Nin stream is a brilliant jade green.
All the water from the Le Nin stream flows from its source. When I tasted the pure water and splashed my face here, it felt incredibly refreshing. I couldn't help but think that with water this good, it's no wonder the young people of Cao Bang are all so fair and lovely.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Having learned about Ban Gioc waterfall through geography and history lessons, I've longed to witness this landmark. The main part of the waterfall is jointly exploited by Vietnam and China, with Vietnam also owning the area of the auxiliary falls.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, majestic and grand.
Visitors from Vietnam can rent boats (50,000 VND per person) to navigate around the area near the main waterfall, but are strictly prohibited from crossing to the Chinese side. Similarly, Chinese tourists are allowed to explore the stream but cannot set foot on the Vietnamese territory. The main waterfall is vast and imposing; you can hear the roaring water even from afar.
On the other side is the territory of China, where tourists from this country also rent boats to admire Ban Gioc waterfall.
Important note when visiting Ban Gioc waterfall:
Ngườm Ngao Cave
Ngườm Ngao Cave is located in Gun village, Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, Cao Bang province, just about 3 km from Ban Gioc waterfall, so you can visit both spots in one trip. Ngườm Ngao Cave is truly majestic, with a length of 2,144 meters, but only 900 meters are open to the public. The temperature inside the cave ranges from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius, with numerous stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes like lotus buds, peacocks, and breast-shaped rocks, creating a dazzling landscape.
Pose for photos on the winding roads of Ma Phuc Pass.
There are no eateries around the cave area, only drink stalls. Visitors should prepare food from home to rest at the cave entrance or drink stalls.
Thang Hen Lake
Thang Hen Lake shares the same route as Ban Gioc waterfall, about 30 km from the center of Cao Bang city. The special feature is that the lake is located on the mountain, requiring travelers to cover about 10 km of mountain roads to reach it. The water here is a pure and pristine emerald green. The lake is tranquil, with camping spots available.
Thang Hen Lake.
Thung Mountain - Enchanting Gorge.
Thung Mountain.
While viewing photos online, our group had high expectations for Enchanting Gorge, but upon arrival, we were slightly disappointed because it turned out there was only Thung Mountain and some special grassy hills. The weather was very sunny, and it was all open grassland with no tall trees for shade. However, it was quite an interesting experience because the 2 km walk was through hills and lush green countryside, very picturesque. Most of the locals in this area know the name Enchanting Gorge, so feel free to ask for directions.
Transportation in Cao Bang
Traveling from Hanoi to Cao Bang and vice versa
We booked sleeper buses from Hanoi to Cao Bang, departing at 8:00 PM and arriving at Cao Bang bus station at 4:30 AM the next day. For larger groups, there are back rows with 5 consecutive beds, without dividers for card games, but it can be quite bumpy during the journey. Ticket price: 200,000 VND per person.
Bus companies for Hanoi - Cao Bang - Hanoi route:
Thanh Ly
Mai Luy
Vĩnh Dung
HERE.Getting Around in Cao Bang
Motorbike
You can rent a car, take a bus, or rent a motorbike to get around in Cao Bang. Our group ultimately decided to rent motorbikes. The total distance traveled by motorbike is about 400 km round trip to various attractions over 3 days. For female travelers not accustomed to mountain roads, it's advisable not to drive as the roads are quite long. Roads in Cao Bang are much easier to navigate than in Ha Giang, flat and smooth.
You can visit attractions by car, but you won't get to enjoy the scenery along the way, and the distance from the parking lots to the attractions is quite far.
Motorbike Taxi
So if you can't drive, you can ask the guesthouse to recommend nearby motorbike taxi drivers to drive you around for about 350,000 VND per day.
The beauty of Ban Gioc waterfall.
3-day 2-night itinerary for Cao Bang
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
Where to stay in Cao Bang?
Vy Hoang Guesthouse:
What to buy as gifts in Cao Bang?
In Cao Bang, you can purchase some specialties such as Khao cakes (about 100,000 VND per bag of 10 cakes), dạ hiến vegetables, Cao Bang prickly ash cakes, Bao Lac plums, Trung Khanh hazelnuts (however, mainly Chinese hazelnuts are sold here because Trung Khanh hazelnuts are very limited in quantity) and dried beef.
Delicious Eateries in Cao Bang
Cao Bang cuisine boasts the flavors of the mountains and forests. Must-try dishes include sour pho, roasted duck, duck pho, rolled cakes, stream fish, black sesame sticky rice, ant egg cakes, and pork ribs.
Nhat Lao - 27 Kim Dong Street, Hop Giang Ward, Cao Bang City
A pot for 5 people costs around 500,000 VND and is absolutely delicious, the hotpot broth is very flavorful.
Mit Kim Ngan Yogurt - 73 Cam Garden, Cao Bang City
The snacks here are delicious, reasonably priced, and popular.
Hoping these shares will be helpful for you all, and hurry up to visit Cao Bang now!
Author: Tran Mai Anh Phuong
*Article participating in the Mytour Golocal program.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each article meeting the requirements, you will receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Collaborator with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://www.Mytour/vi-vn/golocal
