Pac Bo Cave: A Peaceful Valley that Shaped Vietnam’s History

What is Pac Bo Cave?

Pac Bo Cave is a nationally significant historical site located in Ha Quang District, about 60 km north of Cao Bang City. It is most famous as the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked in early 1941 after returning to Vietnam from thirty years abroad. From this remote cave, he led crucial early activities of the Vietnamese revolution, making Pac Bo Cave one of the most symbolic destinations in the country’s modern history.

The name “Pác Bó” comes from the Tày–Nùng language and means “the headwaters”. The name is accurate both geographically, because the cave sits at the source of a clear mountain stream, and historically, as Pac Bo marked the beginning of Ho Chi Minh’s journey to reclaim national independence.

Beyond its historical significance, Pac Bo is also known for its peaceful scenery of forests, limestone cliffs, and turquoise water. It appeals especially to low-key travelers who want to escape the crowds and tourist traps to enjoy a quieter blend of culture, history, and nature.

History and Significance of Pac Bo Cave

Pac Bo Cave holds a crucial place in pac bo cave history because it was the first base where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked after returning to Vietnam in early 1941. After crossing the border at Milestone 108, he settled in this remote valley, which offered natural protection, quick access to China, and the quiet needed for underground revolutionary activities. From here, the returning nationalist began reorganizing the resistance movement and laying the groundwork for a new phase of liberation.

During his time at Pac Bo, he held several secret meetings, including the Eighth Central Committee Conference in May 1941, considered a turning point in the Vietnamese revolution. He helped form the Viet Minh Front, guided the writing of key political documents, trained young cadres, and composed poems that reflected both hardship and determination. This is also where he named the now-famous Lenin Stream and Karl Marx Peak, symbols that still define the landscape today.

For visitors, the significance of Pac Bo becomes much more vivid when you stand inside the small limestone cave or walk along the emerald water of Lenin Stream. The peaceful scenery contrasts sharply with the difficulties of the past, making it easier to imagine the challenges faced here. Today, the quiet forest paths, cool air, and clear water turn Pac Bo into a meaningful stop for travellers who want to connect Vietnam’s revolutionary story with the landscape where it began.

What to see and do?

Km 0 Marker of the Ho Chi Minh Road

A few steps away from the main entrance of Pac Bo, you will find one of the most quietly powerful spots in the whole complex: the Km 0 marker of the Ho Chi Minh Road. The stone pillar rises like a small tower, with the words “Ho Chi Minh Road starting point, Cao Bang, Km 0” carved at its centre and a relief behind it that recalls the long supply routes, soldiers and vehicles that once moved along this legendary line.

From this point, the modern road stretches more than 3,000 kilometres to the southern tip of Vietnam at Ca Mau, following in the footsteps of the historic Trường Son supply route that carried men and materials to the southern battlefields. Standing at Km 0, near the temple dedicated to the revolutionary leader, visitors can feel both the intimacy of Pac Bo’s valley and the vast scale of the journey that began here.

Ho Chi Minh Temple

Just a short walk from the Km 0 marker, you’ll find a serene hill-side temple built to honour the President and his early revolutionary years in Pac Bo. Completed in 2011, the temple blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with quiet mountain scenery, creating a peaceful space for visitors to reflect on the years he spent living and working in this remote valley.

Inside, you’ll see simple altars, carved wooden details, and historical photos that help explain why Pac Bo played such an important role in Vietnam’s modern history. The atmosphere is calm, respectful, and surrounded by pine trees and limestone cliffs. Whether or not you’re familiar with Vietnamese history, the temple offers a gentle and meaningful stop on your walk through the Pac Bo complex.

Lenin Stream

Lenin Stream is the bright ribbon of water that runs through the heart of the Pac Bo historical site. Once known locally as Khuoi Giang, it was renamed by Ho Chi Minh in 1941, inspired by the clear, jade-green water flowing at the foot of the limestone hills. On a calm day the surface is almost perfectly still, reflecting the trees, rocky banks and Karl Marx Peak behind it, which makes this one of the most photogenic spots in the whole valley. 

Along the stone path beside the stream you will find simple plaques marking places where the resistance leader used to sit and work, fish or write poetry during his time in Pac Bo. It is easy to slow down here, watch small fish moving in the clear water and enjoy the cool air under the trees. Although Lenin Stream looks perfect for a swim, bathing is not allowed, since this is a site many Vietnamese regard as both historic and spiritual.

Karl Marx Mountain

Karl Marx Mountain (also called Karl Marx Peak) rises just behind Lenin Stream and forms the dramatic backdrop of the Pac Bo valley. The Vietnamese leader gave it this name in 1941 to pair with the “Lenin Stream” below, creating the symbolic duo of water and limestone that reflects his ideological inspiration. Local Tay–Nung communities traditionally knew the mountain by other names, but today it is remembered for this historical moment.

From the main pathway, short trails lead up the lower slopes through thick foliage and weathered rock formations. It is an easy walk rather than a full hike, though the path can be slippery after rain. These small climbs offer quiet viewpoints over the jade-green stream and rice fields, and help visitors feel how Pac Bo’s landscape naturally sheltered early revolutionary activities.

Pac Bo (Coc Bo) Cave

Pac Bo (Coc Bo) Cave is a small limestone chamber that served as Ho Chi Minh’s first base when he returned to Vietnam. Reaching the cave requires climbing 79 stone steps shaded by trees, and the short walk already gives you a sense of how secluded this valley once was.

Inside, the space is remarkably simple. A bamboo bedframe, a small fireplace, and the famous flat rock he used as a desk have all been preserved in their original positions. They highlight just how modest daily life was during those early revolutionary months. The air in the cave is cool and slightly damp, and from the entrance you can hear the flowing water of Lenin Stream below.

Visitors usually spend a few quiet minutes here to imagine the routine of someone living and working in such conditions: waking before sunrise, writing and translating documents on a stone slab, and slipping out only at night to meet local villagers. 

Khuoi Nam Hut

About one kilometre from Pac Bo Cave, a quieter corner of the valley hides Khuoi Nam Hut, the simple wooden house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived for a longer period during his time in the resistance base. In the Tày and Nùng languages, Khuoi Nam means “water stream”, a name that fits perfectly with the small brook running just below the hut. Today the path has been rebuilt in stone steps and an easy forest trail, so it is a gentle walk rather than a harsh climb.

The hut itself is modest, modelled on a traditional Tày stilt house and only around twelve square metres. Inside, you will see a basic wooden plank used as a desk, a simple sleeping area and a few everyday objects that help you picture life here in the early 1940s. This was where he worked on the Viet Nam Doc Lap newspaper, trained local cadres and prepared for key meetings such as the Eighth Central Committee Conference.

What makes the hut memorable for visitors is not only the history but the atmosphere: the sound of the stream, the cool shade of the forest and the feeling of standing inside a small hideout tucked deep in the mountains. 

108 Limestone

Milestone 108 is one of the key stops within the Pac Bo complex. This modest rectangular stone lies deep in the Cao Bang mountains at the Vietnam–China border.

The marker was set in the late 19th century during the border demarcation between French Indochina and Qing China. Its inscriptions have faded with time, giving it a quiet historical presence. Nearby stands Milestone 675, the modern official boundary marker, while Milestone 108 is preserved as a cultural relic.

Reaching the site requires a short but steep one-kilometer walk up stone steps. Because the area is close to the international border, visitors should go with a local guide for safety and proper access.

Tày – Nùng Villages Around Pac Bo

Around the Pac Bo area, several Tày and Nùng villages continue to live and farm in the same valleys where their ancestors once supported the early revolutionary network. During the 1940s, these communities played an important role by offering shelter, food, and protection to the returning nationalist and the local resistance groups.

Today, life is peaceful, and while the villagers no longer carry out those historical tasks, their presence remains an essential part of Pac Bo’s cultural landscape. Tourists can walk through the villages to see traditional wooden stilt houses, observe daily farming activities, and learn about local customs and agricultural techniques.

How to get there?

To reach Pac Bo, you will first need to travel to Cao Bang City. From there, the site is about 60 km to the north, and you can choose to go by taxi, limousine shuttle, or rent a motorbike if you prefer a scenic ride.

If you travel by motorbike, you will find road signs along the way, but most of them are in Vietnamese. It is a good idea to keep Google Maps open to check directions.

Entrance fee

Pac Bo Historical Complex is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Here are the updated entrance fees:

• Entrance ticket: 25,000 VND (about 1 USD)
• Electric cart (round trip, 1 km): 25,000 VND (about 1 USD)
• Parking fee: 5,000 VND (about 0.20 USD)

Once you arrive, you will need to park your vehicle at the designated area. Staff at the ticket counter speak limited English, but they understand simple phrases such as “one ticket please” or “how much”, so buying tickets is straightforward for international visitors.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Pac Bo Cave is during the dry season from October to April. These months offer cooler temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable walking conditions. This is also when Lenin Stream shows its most vivid emerald-blue colour, especially from late autumn to early spring.

Dry Season (Oct–Apr) – Best Time

• Pleasant, cool weather
• Dry trails and easier hikes
• Best photography conditions
• Bright turquoise water at Lenin Stream

Rainy Season (May–Sep) – Less Ideal

• Heavy rain can make the roads muddy and slippery
• Occasional landslides in remote areas
• Lenin Stream becomes cloudy and fast-flowing
• Bring rain gear and be flexible with your schedule

Winter Notes (Dec–Feb)

• Nights can drop below 10°C, so pack warm layers
• Clear skies and blue water make this one of the most beautiful periods

No matter the season, sturdy shoes are highly recommended because stone steps and forest paths can be slippery when wet.

More Places to Visit Near Pac Bo

If you plan to explore more of Cao Bang after Pac Bo, you are in luck. The area belongs to the Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, which covers some of the most beautiful landscapes in northern Vietnam. These places are close enough to combine in the same day or as part of a longer Cao Bang journey.

For the full destination overview, you can also check the Cao Bang Travel Guide.

• Ban Gioc Waterfall

One of the most stunning waterfalls in Asia and the fourth-largest cross-border waterfall in the world. The falls are only about 20 to 25 km from Trung Khanh town, which makes them an easy addition after visiting Pac Bo or the surrounding valleys. The turquoise pools and wide curtain of water create a perfect photo stop.

>>> Read More: Conquer Ban Gioc Falls: Your Insider Guide from a Local

• Kim Dong's grave

Near Pac Bo Cave, this memorial marks the hometown of Kim Dong, a 14-year-old Nùng hero who served as the first leader of the Children’s Salvation Team. The small hilltop monument and quiet surroundings make it a meaningful cultural stop after Pac Bo.

• Phong Nam Valley

A peaceful valley of rice fields, stilt houses, and towering limestone cliffs. It is often described as one of the most beautiful rural scenes in Cao Bang. The area is home to Tay and Nung communities and is perfect for cycling, light trekking, and observing daily village life.

>>> Read more: Phong Nam Valley-Fairyland in Cao Bang 

• Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark

Pac Bo is only one part of this geopark, which includes more than 130 sites related to geology, culture, and revolutionary history. Clear rivers, karst mountains, caves, and traditional villages make it an excellent area for slow travel and nature lovers.

>>> More details: The Not-Your-Usual Guide to Cao Bang

6. My Cao Bang 3-Day Itinerary (Including Pac Bo Cave)

If you are planning the trip on your own and don’t know where to begin, here is the Cao Bang itinerary for 3 days that I usually recommend to my guests. And yes, “guests” also means you. I refined this route to be balanced, scenic, and never rushed. No tourist traps, no commercialization, just the parts of Cao Bang that truly deserve your time.

• Day 1: Cao Bang City → Lenin Stream → Angel Eye Mountain → Thang Hen Lake (Overnight)
• Day 2: Ba Quang Panorama → Nguom Ngao Cave → Khuoi Ky Stone Village (Overnight)
• Day 3: Ban Gioc Waterfall → Ngoc Con Valley → Return to Cao Bang City

>>> Read more of my articles about Northern Vietnam:

• Ha Giang 101: Why Should You Visit?
• My Ha Giang Loop 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary
• Sapa or Ha Giang
• Meo Vac: The Most Worthwhile Stop on the Ha Giang Loop