Everything in Cao Bang is simple and gentle, but it still makes anyone who comes here feel flustered and never want to return.
In the checklist of “people” who love to move, the lands in the North of the country are always ranked as a priority. If Ha Giang brings overwhelming beauty, Cao Bang possesses a wild, gentle and romantic character.
In particular, from the end of August – early September, when the cloud season comes, Cao Bang’s scenery is more poetic than ever when wearing a magical “filter”. Coming here these days is like getting lost in a wonderland.
Photo: Tran Hau
COLLEGE – HOW TO GO?
Located at the top of the country with a border stretching more than 300km, Cao Bang’s topography is 90% overlapping with high mountains, interspersed with a dense system of rivers. However, thanks to the development of tourism, many routes here have been developed and upgraded.
Photo source: Tran Hau, Short Legs
If using a private vehicle, from Hanoi, you should go in the direction of Thai Nguyen, pass the new pass in Bac Kan, then go straight to Cao Bang. As for the old road through Lang Son, although it is more difficult to move, it is still loved by some longtime “travelers”.
If you want to save time, money and ensure safety, you can take a 45-seat sleeper bus, or a limousine. From major stations in Hanoi such as My Dinh, Gia Lam, just get on a sleeper bus, sleep for about 5 hours, you will arrive.
DEVELOPMENT – WHERE IS “CHILL”?
With Cao Bang city as the center, tourist attractions radiate in many different directions, making it difficult to go to many places in one day. Therefore, you should arrange into clusters so that it is convenient to move. Here are the famous landmarks you cannot miss when coming to the borderland this season.
Pac Bo Cave – Lenin Stream
The historical site of Lenin stream – Pac Bo cave is located in Truong Ha commune, Ha Quang district. Coming here in this season, you may not be able to admire the jade green water as many people describe because of the heavy rain. However, the charming beauty that nature bestows on this place has not faded.
Khau Coc Cha Pass
From Lenin stream, move about 70km more, you will meet the 15-storey Khau Coc Cha pass “in the legend”. To capture all the bends in one picture, it takes about 30 minutes to climb the mountain, to the check-in point. Although the road is still difficult, there are still arrows pointing the way, and reaching the top, seeing the vast, green space of the mountains and hills, how much sweat you put in is well worth it.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
One of the places not to be missed when coming to Cao Bang is Ban Gioc waterfall. This waterfall, known as the largest in Southeast Asia, is located on the Quay Son river, about 90km from the city center.
about:blankSeptember is the most beautiful time of the year Ban Gioc waterfall. Standing from a distance, we saw a high waterfall, the column of water rushing down. Not to mention, around the waterfall are many surrounding mountains, as if protecting this fairyland.
Coming to Ban Gioc waterfall, visitors can take a motorboat to see the waterfall close-up and experience the feeling of white foam splashing into the sky, creating an extremely fanciful scene. The girls can rent national costumes and white horses to “live virtual”.
Thang Hen Lake – Dung Mountain
According to the map, Thang Hen lake is about 35km from Cao Bang city, the road is quite easy to go. Thang Hen Lake is located in a system of long running lakes surrounding the limestone valley. Looking down from above, the lake has a diamond shape, the widest place is 500m, the largest length is 2000m, the depth is up to several hundred meters.
Coming to Thang Hen Lake, in addition to riding a motorboat, you can also experience SUP rowing activities, explore the nooks and crannies around the lake by yourself. Or more simply, you can take a walk, enjoy the fresh air, watch the ancient trees and wild orchids.
Along the way to Thang Hen lake, go about 20 minutes more, you will reach Thung mountain (or Mat Than mountain). It’s called that because the mountain has a big hole right in the middle.
Coming to Thung Mountain in this season, the water rises, forming 36 small, unique, blue lakes that captivate people. For the best photos, you should come here early in the morning. When it stops raining, dawn rises, surrounding the mountain will be floating clouds and rays of sunshine through, intertwined with the green of the mountains. these. Only thing, the road to get here is super slippery and muddy, you will have to park the car outside and wade close to the mountain.
COVER – WHAT TO EAT?
COURSES – WHAT TO BRING?
Cao Bang this season is very beautiful but the weather is erratic, with dense fog. Therefore, when traveling on the roads in Cao Bang, remember:
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and have a raincoat ready. Must be very steady when going downhill and should have 2 people who know how to drive to change drivers back and forth.
The tourist sites are located very far from each other, the population is sparse, so you should go early in the morning and bring lunch for long trips without having to return to the city.
You can bring loose clothes, princess, prioritize blue, white, red, yellow … and add a thin coat. However, should choose sturdy shoes, avoid foot pain and slippery when walking.
Do not completely trust the location but ask the homestay owner as well as the local people for directions and delicious restaurants.