Cao Bang: The Bona Fide Destination to Get Lost in Southeast Asia

Recently, the world-renowned Australian travel magazine Lonely Planet announced 7 places in Southeast Asia that you have to visit in the summer of 2024. Surprisingly, in this list, there is a representative from Vietnam.

Well, do you know which place it is? What factors have made the S-shaped country appreciated and entered into the evaluation by experts? All will be clarified below!

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 12-03-2025

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Place in Vietnam Mentioned by Lonely Planet
Other Must-See Places in Cao Bang

Place in Vietnam Mentioned by Lonely Planet

In this list, Cao Bang from Vietnam holds the 3rd place, following Siargao from the Philippines and Amed from Bali.

The list of the 7 best destinations in South-East Asia is presented for the summer 2024 is compiled based on surveys by tourism experts, highlights the unique features of each destination, enabling holiday-goers to make informed choices about their trips.

3. Cao Bang, Vietnam

4. Khao Sok National Park, Thailand

5. Luang Prabang, Laos

6. Penang, Malaysia

7. Gili Air, Indonesia

*Ban Gioc Waterfall, an iconic location of Cao Bang*

Cao Bang is a mountainous northeastern province of Vietnam, about 6 hours by car from Hanoi. It is recognized in the framework of the Global Geoparks Network System by UNESCO and has beautiful scenery and the diverse cuisines of ethnic minorities living in the mountainous areas of Vietnam.

*In Cao Bang, the majority of the ethnic groups are Tay and Nung, with very few Kinh*

Lonely Planet recognizes this part of South-East Asia as an awesome retreat, where man will come to experience peace far from the cosmopolitan cities and become one with nature—with rough terrains combined with beautiful landscapes, mountains, cave systems, and lakes that will make Cao Bang a special destination in the region.

Phat Tich Truc Lam, a temple near the Chinese border that offers wonderful views over the region’s rolling hills. Extending several kilometers underground, and home to many breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites is Nguom Ngao Cave, known as the "underground palace" system; and Ban Gioc Waterfall, the fourth-largest waterfall in the world.

Truc Lam Pagoda with the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall in the background, facing the Detian Waterfall in China. — *Truc Lam Pagoda with the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall in the background, facing the Detian Waterfall in China*

Nguom Ngao cave, one of Vietnam's most magnificent natural wonders, is second only to the famous caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang. — *Nguom Ngao cave, one of Vietnam's most magnificent natural wonders, is second only to the famous caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang*

It's the world's 4th largest waterfall on a national border, trailing behind big names like Iguazu, Victoria, and Niagara Fall — *Ban Gioc Waterfall is the 4th largest waterfall on a national border*

However, there are more things to find in Cao Bang besides the meager list that Lonely Planet has given. There still remains plenty for you to explore within this province in order to give your trip more substance. Below are other not-to-miss places in Cao Bang.

Other Must-See Places in Cao Bang

Traditional craft villages of Cao Bang people

Cao Bang is, above all else, a farming province in which traditional craft villages continue to play an important role in the life of the Tay and Nung minorities:

Incense village
Tile village
Forging village
Paper-making village
Spinning, weaving, and indigo dyeing village

*Quang Uyen, a district in Cao Bang province, is home to many traditional craft villages*

In addition to the above locations, Cao Bang is also famous for its traditional craft villages, waiting for you to discover — *Phia Thap incense village*

Phong Nam Valley

One of the secret favorite spots in Cao Bang is Phong Nam Valley. This serene location features majestic limestone formations surrounded by rivers, rice terraces, and quaint villages.

Phong Nam valley's terraced fields and towering karst mountains bathed in dawn's soft glow showcase serene beauty

The Quay Son River flows through with clear blue water and majestic waterfalls. — *The Quay Son River flows through with clear blue water and majestic waterfalls*

*View from the Phong Nam valley viewpoint*

*People in Phong Nam are mainly farmers*

Ba Quang burning grass hill

A relatively new destination gaining popularity among both Vietnamese and international tourists, Ba Quang Grass Hill showcases the majesty of nature.

Often referred to as "miniature Mongolia," it offers a blend of wild, idyllic beauty with its vast stretches of yellow grass. Located just a one-hour drive from Ban Gioc Waterfall, this spot is a haven for both amateur and professional photographers.

*No noise, no traffic, no tall buildings—just people and nature*

>>>GOOD TO KNOW:

Best times to visit Cao Bang:

Visit Cao Bang from October to April for cool, dry weather.
November and December are ideal.
Avoid May to September due to heavy rain.

Some cuisines you must to try:

Ant larva cake
Roasted duck Pho
Black jelly

>>>For more information, you can read our detailed article on the Cao Bang travel guide.

Otherwise, the other six Southeast Asian destinations on the list are:

Siargao, Philippines: Best place for surfers
Amed, Bali: Place for diving and snorkeling
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand: Best place for animal lovers
Luang Prabang, Laos: Experience Buddhist culture
Penang, Malaysia: For explore history and culture
Gili Air, Indonesia: Best place to relax.

>>> PLANNING TIPS:

This is a place to experience authentic rural Vietnamese culture. Be ready to try new dishes and use Google Translate for communication. Though off the typical backpacker route, Cao Bang is very safe and has good visitor infrastructure. It’s about a six-hour drive from Hanoi.

In addition, if you are a nature enthusiast and enjoy hiking, you can combine your Cao Bang trip with visits to other mountainous provinces in Vietnam, such as the Ha Giang Loop and Ba Be Lake. You will be overwhelmed by the majestic and poetic beauty of this journey.