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Don't Visit Cao Bang, Vietnam Without Knowing These 7 Things
A top place to visit in the far north of Vietnam is Cao Bang, is a fascinating tourist spot with important remnants from the revolutionary era. As Vietnam’s second UNESCO World Geological Park in 2018, it confirms its natural, historical, and cultural richness and resembles an impressionist painting. Aside from breathtaking landscapes, visitors are attracted to its special cuisine, vibrant culture, and ethnic diversity (Tay, Dzao, Nung, Lo Lo, H'mong, San Chi, etc.), a peaceful getaway and an adventure haven, especially for adventure travelers.
Here are the top reasons why you should visit Cao Bang. Let's break it down!
- 1. Where Is Cao Bang Located in Vietnam?
- 2. When to Visit Cao Bang?
- 3. How To Get There?
- 4. Things To Do In Cao Bang
- 5. What to Do for an Adventure Beyond the Ordinary in Cao Bang?
- 6. Top Ethnic Festivals to Experience in Cao Bang
- 7. Culinary Specialties of Cao Bang: What to Try?
- Bonus: Which Itineraries Work Best with Cao Bang?
Key Takeaways
- Location: Cao Bang is located in the northeast of Vietnam, next to China.
- Best Time to Visit: August to September for waterfalls and golden rice field, November to December for wildflowers, and winter for snow at Phia Oac Mountain.
- Must-See Attractions: Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phong Nam Valley, Nguom Ngao Cave, and Khuoi Ky Stone Village.
- Activities: Hiking, trekking, visiting traditional craft villages, and staying in local homestays.
- Cuisine: Cao Bang dumplings, Ant egg cake, Ap Chao cake, Trung Khanh chestnut
- Travel Options: Sleeper buses, private cars or motorbikes from Hanoi are good means of transport.
- Note: Bring extra cash, as very few businesses, including homestays, accept cards. Outside Cao Bang city, ATMs are scarce.
1. Where Is Cao Bang Located in Vietnam?
Cao Bang, a gem in Northeast Vietnam, is just around 300 kilometers from Hanoi (about a 5-hour drive), inviting both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. The landscape consists of rugged mountains, green hills, and attractive caves. Despite its remote geographical position, access is easier than in other remote areas of the north, offering a significant advantage to travellers.
It's worth spending the first night in its capital, Cao Bang Town, a lovely, small, clean settlement with an abundance of accommodation and restaurants, before heading off to discover all of the places.
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>>> Worth Knowing: The name 'Cao Bang' means 'flat land between high mountains' and is pronounced /kaʊ bəŋ/.
2. When to Visit Cao Bang?
Soil regions are divided into two seasons: rainy (April to September) and dry (November to March). The rice harvest is limited since it produces only one crop per year, which goes from June until the end of October. The rest of the time, a variety of crops and fruits, such as corn, peanuts, sweet potatoes, or arrowroots, flourish, each with its own seasonal charm.
If someone decides to go during the rainy season, that traveler will find many impressive waterfalls and cascades and might even consider them more spectacular. In August and September, the beautiful golden rice fields offer stunning views.
>>> Good To Know:
For the Tet (Vietnamese New Year) 2025 holiday, please note that some activities may be closed on the first day of the lunar calendar, which corresponds to January 29, 2025. On that day, many activities will be suspended, but they will reopen in the afternoon. However, places such as Ban Gioc, Nguom Ngao cave, etc. will still be open throughout Tet!
If you are traveling during this festive period, it is important to be well prepared, especially regarding food, as many services will be closed for at least three days (January 29, 30, 31, 2025).
>>> Get more details about Vietnam Travel Tips
3. How To Get There?
The road network in Cao Bang and the neighboring provinces is in very good condition, giving people easy access by vehicle or motorcycle. From Hanoi, taking National Highway No. 3 (QL3) through Thai Nguyen and Bac Kan takes you to the area, or you may ride the Hanoi–Lang Son Expressway, both of which boast wonderful scenery perfect for stops to take photos along the way.
So, if you are in the southern or central part of the nation, you can fly to Hanoi and then continue your journey to Cao Bang with the modalities already mentioned.
>>> Map of the must-sees in Cao Bang
Please click on the "[ ]" at the top right for better visibility
4. Things To Do In Cao Bang
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Ban Gioc Waterfall
About 1h30 drive from the city of Cao Bang, Ban Gioc Waterfall stands tall as one of Southeast Asia's greatest natural wonders and the largest waterfall in Vietnam, perched right on the border between China and Vietnam (Ban Gioc and Detain falls). With a colossal drop over 60 meters high and spanning 300 meters wide, it tumbles down in cascading layers of rock, creating a dazzling mist.
Near the falls lies Truc Lam Buddhist Temple, a perfect spot to recharge and commune with nature. Imagine gazing out over the plains, the distant murmur of Ban Gioc Falls serenading you, while lush green mountains cradle you. Located on the Quay Son River, Ban Gioc Falls is undoubtedly one of the natural wonders not to be missed during your visit to Northern Vietnam.
Not far away, the Nguom Ngao Cave, which was created over 400 million years ago, offers visitors more than 2 km of a phenomenal experience that feels like stepping into a magical territory filled with wondrous stalactites and stalagmites.
>>> Read More: Why Ban Gioc Falls Should Be on Your Bucket List?
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Nguom Ngao Cave
The mysterious Nguom Ngao cave stands as one of Vietnam's most magnificent natural wonders, second only to the famed caves of Phong Nha Ke Bang. Dating back to its discovery in 1921, this cave's origins trace back over 300 million years! While stretching for a little over 2 kilometers, only 1 kilometer is open to the public. However, in exciting news, a new tour named "Nguom Ngao Cave - part of Ban Thuon" is set to open, extending nearly 3 kilometers deeper into the cave.
Visitors will have the chance to delve further into the cave by boat, encountering cliffs to climb, rafts to navigate, and streams to wade through in the darkness. These additions promise even more unforgettable and thrilling experiences for avid explorers and adventurers alike.
>>>> Embark on a North Vietnam Tours: A Journey Through Southeast Vietnam! 🌏🇻🇳
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Phong Nam - Ngoc Con Valley
One of the secret favorite attractions in Cao Bang is Phong Nam Valley. This serene location, nestled in the Trung Khanh district and just a 45-minute drive from Ban Gioc Waterfall, features majestic limestone formations surrounded by rivers, rice terraces, and quaint villages. Reminiscent of Ninh Binh Province but without the crowds, Phong Nam Valley remains largely undiscovered by tourists, enhancing its allure.
Considered one of Vietnam’s most stunning locales for rice fields, the valley offers a perfect escape to appreciate nature’s beauty. Enveloped by rivers, mountains, and traditional houses, it’s a place to let go of daily stresses and find peace.go of daily stresses and find peace.
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Visitors can also discover the local villages to gain insight into the lives of the residents. Predominantly inhabited by the Tay ethnic group, these communities maintain a slow-paced life centered around farming and forestry, preserving their unique cultural heritage.
This is an ideal place for walking or cycling, perfect for enjoying the atmosphere and exploring the villages. You can also join a day trip to Ngoc Con.
There are two things to do in the valley:
- Take a leisurely walk along the paths leading to the end of the valley to see the waterfall. The distance is around 3-4 kilometers from the valley's starting point.
- Hike up to the viewpoint, which takes about an hour. The trail can be difficult to find and navigate, so it’s recommended to have a guide who can help locate the trailhead and lead the way.
Cao Bang province is one of the seven best places in Vietnam to trek through breathtaking rice fields. Curious about the other six? Discover them all here: 7 Amazing Places to Catch Stunning Rice Fields in Vietnam!
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Traditional craft villages
Cao Bang is, above all, an agricultural province where traditional craft villages continue to play an important role in the lives of the Tày and Nùng minorities.About a 40-minute drive from Cao Bang city, Quang Uyen district is home to five traditional craft villages, each specializing in a different craft: Phia Thap is famous for its incense sticks; Lan Duoi specializes in bamboo weaving; Lung Ri produces terracotta yin-yang tiles; Phia Chang is known for its blacksmiths; and Dia Tren is famous for its traditional paper.
These villages, located in remote areas, continue to preserve their traditional crafts with great passion. We organize one- to two-day walking trips to explore these villages, following scenic routes surrounded by rice fields and limestone mountains.
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Hike Through Cao Bang's Spectacular Landscapes
Experience the enchanting landscapes of the region by going on a hike or trek. Traverse the rolling hills, meandering valleys, verdant rice fields, and stunning limestone formations that create a mesmerizing panorama. Although the trails are rocky, they reward you with breathtaking views of distant towering peaks.
In Cao Bang province is the Khau Coc Cha Mountain Pass, beginning from Bao Lac; another pass that cannot afford to be missed. Although it doesn't belong to the classification of the "Four Great Passes," Khau Coc Cha has 15 steep inclines and 14 tight turns that absolutely captivate visitors. To fully appreciate it, ride up its serpentine road and hike up the forested hill to get a bird's eye view of the pass.
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Bao Lac Weekly Market
Bao Lac also acts as a gateway to the villages of diverse ethnic minorities, including the H'mong, Tày, Nùng, Dzao, Sanchay, and Lo Lo. Do not skip the colorful Bao Lac market, which takes place only on the odd days: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 of the lunar calendar. Visiting the mountain market offers a chance to meet men and women from ethnic minorities. Each group is characterized by its traditional costume: colorful and shimmering for the Lo Lo, red for the H'mong, and practical for the Tay and Nung. Try some of the specialties offered in the mountain restaurants, an authentic meeting place with the locals.
>>> Find out the Top 10 Best Vietnam Trekking & Hiking Tours 2025
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Stay with a local
Staying with a homestay in Bao Lac offers an authentic and enriching experience, allowing you to discover the region in a unique way and immerse yourself in its culture. The local inhabitants to over nine ethnic groups, such as the H'mong, Tày, Nùng, Dzao, Sanchay, and Lo Lo (Ethnicity Vietnam), are known for their warm hospitality and sincere welcome. Living with them, you'll have the chance to share special moments, from preparing traditional meals to participating in local agricultural activities and learning about their way of life.
This experience also provides the opportunity to discover hidden gems known only to the locals. A walk-through traditional Tay and Nung villages, still largely untouched by modernity, will reveal houses adorned with "Yin Yang" tiles. You can also visit Phia Chang Village, renowned for its knife-making, and Thac Phia, an expert in incense, both located in Quang Uyen, just 40 kilometers from Cao Bang's bustling center.
>>> Related to: Immerse in Culture: Staying with Local Host
5. What to Do for an Adventure Beyond the Ordinary in Cao Bang?
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Khuoi Ky Stone Village
Less than 3 km from the Ban Gioc waterfall, there is also the ancestral stone village, Khuoi Ky, which is culturally relevant and worth considering while touring Cao Bang, Vietnam. The village consists of 14 households of the Tay ethnic group. This ancient village has a history of a thousand years, with stilted stone houses that have resisted time yet maintained their aesthetic value over the centuries.
The centuries-old veneration of the stone genius is rooted in the traditional practices of the local populace. A visit to Khuoi Ky offers the possibility of enriching your trip by taking part in many activities with the inhabitants. A life cradled by mountainous landscapes and wooded areas will bring tranquility to your spirit.
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Ba Quang Burning Grass Hill
Just a one-hour drive from Khuoi Ky, Ba Quang Grass Hill is a haven for both amateur and professional photographers, offering a blend of wild, idyllic beauty and vast stretches of yellow grass.
This destination is the best choice for travelers who love trekking. Also known as Ba Quang Burnt Grass Hill, it showcases lush green grass stretching across the undulating hillsides from May to October each year.
From October to February of the following year, the grass hill enters the burning grass season, creating a scene full of poetic and impressive yellow and orange colors.
>>> Good To Know: Golden grasses reaches its optimum beauty from the months of October to February hence this site is a favorite of many professional photographers. For enhanced experience, one may carry a drone to take an aerial view of the vast scenery. Read More: Top 6 Best Places for Trekking in Vietnam
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Mount Mat Than: The Eye of the Mountain Genius
Just 24 km from Cao Bang town, Mount Mat Than, also called the 'Eye of the Mountain Genius,' is a must-visit for explorers. Nestled within the Thang Hen Lake complex, this unique site boasts 36 interconnected lakes.
>>> Good To Know: According to legend, the lake was named "Thang Hen" (meaning "bee's tail" in Tay language) based on the tragic love story of a boy and a girl in the area.
Magic Eye Mountain offers two distinct seasonal charms. In the wet season, cascading waterfalls replenish Nam Cha Lake, transforming it into a gleaming mirror reflecting the surrounding peaks, azure waters, and serene rafts—like a tranquil painting framed by towering mountains. In the dry season, receding waters reveal rolling hills, winding streams, and lush greenery, creating a gentle, poetic atmosphere perfect for camping, trekking, or cycling.
Year-round, the 'Eye of the Mountain God' enchants visitors as part of the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. Combining breathtaking landscapes with historical and archaeological treasures, this destination is a haven for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
Good to know: Hikers should bring sturdy shoes, as the trail can be muddy, especially after the rainy season. For campers, the area around Thang Hen Lake offers picturesque spots to set up camp, but make sure to bring your supplies as there are no facilities nearby.
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Visit Important Historical Sites in Pac Bo
Cao Bang's historical significance dates back to the Franco-Vietnamese War, with Pac Bo being a key revolutionary landmark located 52 km from downtown. This site marks the start of the Ho Chi Minh Road, symbolized by its "km 0" designation.
The site includes the Ho Chi Minh Memorial, Coc Po Cave, Lung Lan Cave, Nguom Vai Cave, Lenin Stream, and the Ho Chi Minh Stone Worktable, all significant to Vietnam's struggle for independence.
Visiting Pac Bo, you will not only learn about the history of the precious relics of Vietnam's resistance leader but also experience fully in the natural beauty of the mountains and forests and long turquoise streams.
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>>> Get your best Northern Vietnam Itineraries
6. Top Ethnic Festivals to Experience in Cao Bang
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Gau Tao Festival in Bao Lac: A Cultural Pillar of the H'Mong Community
The Gau Tao Festival, celebrated from January 2nd to 4th on the lunar calendar, is an important event for the H’Mong community. Families gather to pray for health, fertility, and prosperity, with higher areas of Gau Tao hill symbolizing good fortune. It’s also an opportunity for H’Mong youth to display their talents and find partners. This ancient tradition remains a vital aspect of the cultural life of the H'Mong people and nearby villages.
>>> Discover Tet of the Hmong people in Vietnam!!
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Quang Uyen Fireworks Festival
In Quang Uyen, not only traditional craft villages, but the annual Phao Hoa Spring Festival on February 2nd (Lunar calendar) draw visitors. The festival begins with solemn rituals at Bach Linh Shrine, where locals pray for luck, prosperity, and harmony for the community. The air buzzes with anticipation as a vibrant procession unfolds, featuring intricately decorated palanquins, a roasted pig symbolizing abundance, and a majestic dragon that weaves through the streets, embodying strength and blessings.
The highlight of the festival is the thrilling cracker game, where young men passionately compete for a luck-bringing wreath amid cheers from the crowd. The energy is electric as winners are celebrated and awarded a roasted pig, a symbol of honor and festivity.
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Ban Gioc Falls Festival
The Ban Gioc Falls Festival has been an annual event since 2017 and is helpful in showcasing the culture of ethnic minorities in Cao Bang Province. It takes place each year in October. The Ban Gioc Waterfall Festival is organized annually in Cao Bang to celebrate the link between nature and culture. The festival takes place at the beautiful Ban Gioc Waterfall, with spiritual ceremonies at the Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, colorful parades, folk dances, and traditional games.
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>>> Note: The Trung Khanh Festival will take place on October 13-14, 2024, near the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall. This event highlights local customs and traditions, including a food fair, the drama of the wandering boy, the yangge lion dance, cultural exchange with Guangxi, China, and adventurous activities like mountain biking and kayaking on the Quay Son River. For the latest updates on this cultural event, follow Kampá Tour!
7. Culinary Specialties of Cao Bang: What to Try?
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Bánh Cuốn: In Cao Bang, bánh cuốn is served with a pork broth sauce for a subtle sweetness. The thin pancakes, made with local rice, pair perfectly with the sauce. Toppings include minced meat, eggs, ham, chives, cilantro, and salted bamboo.
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Bánh Ap Chao: This winter dish features a glutinous rice crust filled with savory duck meat. It’s served with sweet and sour sauce, green papaya salad, and fresh herbs for added flavor.
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Bánh Trứng Kiến (Ant Egg Cake): Made with black forest ant eggs, dried onions, ground pork, roasted peanuts, and basil leaves, this seasonal dish is available in April and May.
Finally, in July and August, indulge in Xôi Trám, a dish exclusive to Cao Bang. Soft and fluffy sticky rice infused with the slightly sweet flavor of local trám fruit creates a tantalizing combination that will leave you craving more.
Bonus: Which Itineraries Work Best with Cao Bang?
Kampá Tour recommends that you spend at least two entire days around Cao Bang, thus three nights is a good place to start. In case you want to shorten your stay, you can make it a two-night trip by cutting off some of the farther stops. All these places including Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and Phong Nam Valley can be visited within one day if you are fine with a quick pace. You could even spend a night at Bao Lac.
This trip connects seamlessly with other adventures in northern Vietnam, on top of its flexible alignment with your own interests and time. It lies quite comfortably at the foot of the famous Ha Giang Loop, known for its picturesque mountain roads leading to the magnificent rugged terrain of Cao Bang.
From here, Ba Be Lake is just about three hours away. Combine it with a trip to Cao Bang to explore waterfalls, lakes, caves, and the lifestyles of the local ethnic groups: a perfect journey.
In essence, Cao Bang serves as the perfect hub for exploring northern Vietnam. With various itineraries to choose from, you can craft a journey that suits your schedule and passions, ensuring a fulfilling travel experience.
Is Cao Bang Worth Visiting?
A million yeses, and more besides: Cao Bang is now ready to be discovered. It is untouched, authentic, and beautiful, yet also very welcoming. With stunning landscapes, rich history, and living traditions, it’s an attractive option for adventurers looking to venture off the beaten path. This travel guide has shared much about Cao Bang, and we hope it sparks ideas for your next trip to Vietnam. Visit our website today to explore detailed tours of this historical northern province in Vietnam!
>>> Discover more attractive destinations in Vietnam:
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