Tucked away in Vietnam’s northeastern corner, Cao Bang Province is a land of towering karst peaks, emerald rivers, mist-shrouded valleys, and vibrant ethnic minority cultures. Far from the usual tourist trail, Cao Bang rewards adventurous travelers with unspoiled landscapes and authentic experiences. Here’s your guide to the top Things to do in Cao Bang province.
1. Marvel at Ban Gioc Waterfall
Why Visit:
Ban Gioc Waterfall (Thác Bản Giốc) is one of Asia’s most spectacular transnational cascades, straddling the Vietnam–China border. The multi-tiered falls cascade 30 meters down limestone cliffs into jade-green pools, surrounded by rice paddies and towering karst formations.
What to Do:
- Take a traditional bamboo raft ride up close to the roaring middle tier.
- Hike the short trails on the Vietnamese side for panoramic views.
- Photograph the falls at sunrise or sunset when light filters through mist.
Tips:
Plan your visit in July–September for peak water flow during the rainy season, or October–April for cooler, drier weather.
2. Explore Nguom Ngao Cave
Why Visit:
Just 7 km from Ban Gioc lies Nguom Ngao Cave (“Beehive Cave”), a dramatic underground cathedral formed by millennia of limestone erosion.
What to Do:
- Follow the 1.4-km illuminated path past elaborate stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone draperies.
- For adventurous souls, arrange a guided spelunking trip into unlit chambers beyond the main route.
Tips:
Wear sturdy shoes—the cave floor can be slippery. Guided tours cost around 40,000 VND per person.
3. Step Back in Time at Pac Bo
Why Visit:
Pac Bo Historical Site is where Ho Chi Minh returned in 1941 to organize Vietnam’s resistance against French colonial rule.
What to Do:
- Visit Hoang De Stilt House, Cho Ra Cave (where he held meetings), and a peaceful riverside waterfall.
- Explore the on-site museum showcasing photos, documents, and artifacts from the era.
Tips:
Combine this half-day visit with stops at local Tay villages for an authentic cultural experience.
4. Wander Around Thang Hen Lake
Why Visit:
Thang Hen Lake (“Lake of Stars”) is a cluster of seven interlocking karst pools fringed by bamboo groves and wildflowers.
What to Do:
- Hike the easy 2–3 km loop trail for scenic overlooks.
- In spring, admire a carpet of orchids; in autumn, spot swans and migratory birds.
- Picnic by the water or cycle through nearby tangerine orchards.
Tips:
Reach Thang Hen via a half-day tour from Cao Bang town or combine with a trip to Ban Gioc for a full-day outing.
5. Stay with Ethnic Minority Families
Why Visit:
Cao Bang is home to Tay, Nung, Dao, and Hmong communities, each with unique languages, clothing, and traditions.
What to Do:
- Book a homestay in a stilt-house in villages like Hoa Cuong or Lung Cuong.
- Learn indigo-dyeing, catch fish in bamboo traps, or try traditional cassava-leaf wine.
- Join evening gatherings to hear folk songs and watch Xoe dance performances.
Tips:
Respect local customs—ask before taking photos and remove shoes before entering homes.
6. Tour the Cao Bang Loop by Motorbike or Car
Why Visit:
The Cao Bang Loop (approx. 250 km) links major sights with remote backroads, offering ever-changing scenery.
What to Do:
- Start in Cao Bang town → Tra Linh plateau → Thang Hen Lake → Ban Gioc → Pac Bo → return.
- Stop at roadside markets, waterfalls, and ethnic-minority crossroads.
- For non-riders, hire a private car and driver to customize your stops.
Tips:
Carry spare fuel and phone credit; roads can be rough and signage sparse.
7. Sample Cao Bang Cuisine
Why Visit:
Cao Bang’s mountainous cuisine is hearty and spicy, featuring local ingredients you won’t find elsewhere in Vietnam.
What to Try:
- Thang Co: A flavorful soup made with horse meat, organs, and aromatics.
- Bamboo-cooked rice (com lam): Sticky rice steamed inside bamboo tubes.
- River fish: Grilled or stewed with tamarind and wild herbs.
- Corn wine: A potent fermented beverage served in small shot glasses.
Tips:
Eat at family-run eateries or homestays for the most authentic flavors.
8. Visit Local Markets
Why Visit:
Weekly markets are the social and economic heart of ethnic-minority life.
What to Do:
- Time your trip to coincide with markets like Cao Bang’s Sunday Market or Phuc Sen’s Tuesday Market.
- Browse stalls selling hand-woven textiles, goat cheese, live poultry, and medicinal herbs.
- Observe colorful traditional costumes and barter alongside locals.
Tips:
Bring small change—prices are often negotiated in cash.
9. Extend Your Trip to Ba Be National Park
Why Visit:
Just a few hours’ drive outside Cao Bang, Ba Be National Park is home to Vietnam’s largest natural lake, dense jungle, and limestone caves.
What to Do:
- Cruise on Ba Be Lake under towering cliffs.
- Trek to Puong Cave and visit Tay villages on stilts.
- Spot rare wildlife like macaques, hornbills, and freshwater dolphins.
Tips:
Combine a 3-day itinerary: two days in Cao Bang, one day at Ba Be for a complete northern Vietnam experience.
10. Practical Information
- Getting There:
- Sleeper bus from Hanoi (6–7 hours) to Cao Bang town.
- Private car or motorbike for greater flexibility.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Dry Season (Oct–Apr): Cooler, stable weather; lower waterfall flow.
- Wet Season (May–Sep): Lush landscapes; Ban Gioc at peak volume.
- Accommodation:
- Mid-range hotels in Cao Bang town; eco-lodges and homestays near Ban Gioc.
- Permits & Fees:
- Ban Gioc Waterfall: ~20,000 VND; boat rides extra.
- Nguom Ngao Cave: ~40,000 VND.
Cao Bang may be off the beaten path, but its natural wonders, rich history, and warm ethnic-minority hospitality make it one of Vietnam’s most rewarding destinations. From the thunderous roar of Ban Gioc Waterfall to the tranquil shores of Thang Hen Lake, from Ho Chi Minh’s secret hideaway at Pac Bo to the vibrant energy of local markets, Cao Bang invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and discover a side of Vietnam that remains delightfully wild and wonderfully authentic.