Cao Bang is 272km north of
Hanoi and bordered by the provinces of Ha Giang, Tuyen
Quang, Bac Kan and
Lang Son as well as Guangxi of China.
It is home to many ethnic
minority groups, notably are the Tay, Nung, Dzao and H'mong. With a pleasant climate,
Cao Bang is an ideal base to explore scenic countryside in which
Ban Gioc Waterfall
is the most popular natural spot.
What to do? Cao Bang is the most beautiful mountain area in the northeast and famous with scenic
spots including the
Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao grotto and Thang Hen lake, but
more than that, for its impressive image as one of Vietnam's first revolutionary
bases full of historical significance.
Ban Gioc Waterfall, said to be the most
superb and largest waterfall in Vietnam. From the height of more than 30 meters,
a huge volume of water runs down and makes the echo that can be heard some kilometers
away.
Nguom Ngao Cave, an enormous cave next to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Thang Hen
Lake, a large lake that can be visited year round. And what you get to see varies
according to different seasons. There are opportunities for good walking day around
this area and interesting exploration on bamboo rafts.
Pac Bo Cave is 60km North
West of
Cao Bang and 3km from the Chinese border. Pac Bo is known nationwide as
a revolutionary resistance base. The main historical relics in this area consists
of Coc Bo cave, Lenin stream, Cac Mac mountain, Bo Bam cave, Co Rac ground, and
Khuoi Nam, where
Ho Chi Minh directly trained cadres and held many tactical meetings.
Your trip will be more enjoyable if you have time to visit the ancient hamlets of
the Tay, Nung, Dao, H'mong and San Chi ethnic groups and explore their distinctive
customs.
When to go? It is possible to visit
Cao Bang all year round. The average temperature is 25 -
28ºC in summer and 16 – 17ºC in winter. Snow sometimes falls in winter on high mountains
such as Trung Khanh, Tra Linh.
Best time is during the dry season from September
until April next year.
