There are various things to do in Cao Bang for travelers to have wonderful moments, like visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Pac Bo Historical Site,… Let’s read Seni World’s article to know what to do in Cao Bang!
Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall is the iconic image of Cao Bang, world-famous as one of the most captivating and largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Its layered cascades go with the flow powerfully between Vietnam and China, making an impressive natural border. When standing on the beautiful riverbanks, you can revel in the mysterious mist and hear the thundering roar. All of them make this attraction unforgettable.
Not only enjoy sightseeing, but you can also immerse yourself in the waterfall on a unique bamboo raft, which brings you near the lower cascades. The surrounding lush rice fields and huge limestone mountains make this area a wonderful landscape, particularly in the period of the wet season in Cao Bang, when the water volume of waterfalls reaches their height.
Explore Nguom Ngao Cave
Nguom Ngao Cave is a brilliant karst cave system formed naturally millions of years ago. It stretches numerous kilometers underground and includes magnificent stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by nature. When strolling inside, vacationers will feel like stepping into another fantastic world. Therefore, visiting this cave is one of the excellent things to do in Cao Bang for everyone.
In this adventure, you can see that Nguom Ngao Cave is located near the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall, so you can mix both destinations in just one trip smoothly. Lighting inside the cave makes the natural formations here more highlighted. You can see the geological wonders hidden mysteriously beneath Cao Bang’s mountains. Don’t forget to take some great photos and share them with your networks on many social media platforms.
Discover Mat Than Mountain
Mat Than Mountain or Angel Eye Mountain is famous for its huge circular hole piercing through the limestone top. This is an unprecedented and dramatic formation. Mat Than Mountain is located in the Thang Hen Lake area, so you can easily access it through the poetic winding rural roads. For a seamless travel, you can combine a trip to Thang Hen Lake and Mat Than Mountain.
The surrounding valley of the mountain has wide green meadows where you can see the local cattle peacefully grazing. This thing creates a dreamy landscape for those who want to escape from dynamic and busy cities. Mat Than Mountain is also a beautiful spot for trekking, camping, or taking cinematic photos for everyone with the symbolic “eye” in the background.
Go To Thang Hen Lake
Thang Hen Lake is part of a system of 36 interconnected lakes in Cao Bang, though only some can be seen during the period of the rainy season. The lake is well-known for its natural emerald-blue colour, surrounded by lush, green limestone mountains. Travelers can rent a boat to revel in or simply walk along the lake’s edge to unwind in serene views and cool breezes. The whole place is attractive at both sunrise and sunset, making it a beloved area for nature lovers and photographers.
Walk Through Phong Nam Valley
Phong Nam Valley is one of Cao Bang’s gorgeous rural landscapes, and exploring it is one of the unmissable things to do in Cao Bang. The valley is filled with lush rice terraces, pretty stilt homes, and towering karst mountains. The tranquil atmosphere and the refreshing natural scenery at this place make it wonderful for a slow adventure in the mountainous area.
Cycling or walking through Phong Nam Valley, vacationers can have an opportunity to experience local life up close. They include farmers working in the rice terrace fields, kids and children biking to school, and gentle rivers flowing through the village. Let’s chat and ask the permission to take some memorable photos with friendly local people here. This will be an unforgettable memory on this trip.
Trek Through The Pac Bo Historical Site
The Pac Bo historical site is a meaningful attraction that is deeply tied to Vietnam’s history, famously being the place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked through the early years of the revolution. This historical site consists of Pac Bo Cave, Lenin Stream, Karl Marx Mountain, Border Marker 108, Milestone Km0, and President Ho Chi Minh’s simple wooden shack.
Besides historical significance, Pac Bo is a wonderful scenic trekking path through turquoise and serene streams, forested hills, and peaceful rural scenery. The perfect mixture of nature and history makes Pac Bo both educational and unwinding. So visiting the Pac Bo historical site is one of the must-try activities in this Northern Vietnam itinerary.
Uncover Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village
Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village is well-known for its conventional stone homes built by the Tay ethnic group of Vietnam. Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village is a 400-year-old architectural site that creates a special stone-inspired landscape, and it is hardly ever discovered anywhere else in Vietnam. So, going to this place is one of the must-try things to do in Cao Bang for travelers, particularly global travelers.
When looking for where to stay in Cao Bang, you can choose to spend a night at a homestay in Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village. You can have a chance to enjoy the interesting village life, try many types of traditional meals, and listen to cultural stories from local people here. The surrounding scenery of lush rice terrace fields and green bamboo forests adds to its attraction of this beautiful stone village.
Discover Cao Bang Geopark
Cao Bang Geopark, or UNESCO Global Geopark, is a place to showcase over 500 million years of geological evolution. Its scenery includes natural caves, unique limestone formations and fossils, as well as majestic mountains. Tourists can follow themed geopark routes to investigate cultural villages, natural wonders, and ancient destinations. This is an excellent way for you to find out more about the natural history and cultural richness of Cao Bang.
Enjoy Boating At Le Nin Stream
Le Nin Stream is an iconic attraction in the Pac Bo historical site. This stream has the turquoise water, and is one of the most peaceful spots in the historical site. The stream flows lightly and calmly beside tranquil forested mountains and is famously associated with President Ho Chi Minh’s time living here. A short stroll along the stream, you can see crystal-clear reflections and old trees. Don’t forget to try sitting quietly by the water to enjoy the serene vibe at this place.
Hike To The Border Marker 108
Border Marker 108 is also part of the Pac Bo historical site and is situated near Ban Gioc Waterfall. It symbolizes the boundary between Vietnam and China. The hike is short but wonderful, bringing tourists panoramic perspectives of both the river and the waterfall. It is a meaningful destination for history lovers and anyone who wants to learn more about Vietnam’s geographical borders. Especially, the views when you look from the top are perfect for photography.
Visit Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda
Positioned near Ban Gioc Waterfall, Lam Phat Tich Pagoda was built entirely with the architectural style of Northern Vietnam. The pagoda sits on a mountain overlooking Ban Gioc Waterfall and the surrounding valley. After climbing and then reaching the peak of the mountain, you will see breathtaking views and a tranquil spiritual area around the pagoda. Lam Phat Tich Pagoda is an outstanding place for you to meditate, relax, or take photos of the attraction.
Taste Local Cao Bang Cuisine
Cao Bang is home to scrumptious local dishes, such as Banh Cuon Cao Bang (Steamed Rolls With Soup), Pho Chua Cao Bang (Cao Bang Sour Noodle Soup), Xoi Tram (Sticky Rice With Black Olive Fruit), Thang Co (Simmered Horse’s Meat And Offals), Banh Ap Chao (Crispy Duck Pancakes), and Vit Quay Cao Bang (Cao Bang Roasted Duck). Many foods here mirror the culinary traditions of ethnic minorities.
Go To Ban Viet Lake
Ban Viet Lake is a serene and lesser-known vacation spot with glassy waters surrounded by quiet forests. The lake is best for tourists when they are in search of tranquility, particularly from March to May, or from September to November, which is the best time to visit Cao Bang. You can stroll across Ban Viet Lake or sit by the water to relax. Because the lake is off the beaten path, it feels untouched and iconic of Northern Vietnam’s rural impression.
Explore Me Pia Pass
Me Pia Pass is a dramatic mountain route with 14 sharp and thrilling hairpin turns stacked tightly on a hard and steep slope. This pass is one of Vietnam’s most symbolic, challenging, and difficult road perspectives. The lookout point at the pinnacle of Me Pia Pass brings travelers breathtaking panoramas of the winding pass and the valley under. This is a favorite spot for skilled motorcycle riders and adrenaline seekers when traveling to Cao Bang. However, exploring this path will not be suitable for amateurs.
Discover Cao Bang Museum
Cao Bang Museum is an exhibit of the city and province’s valuable history, culture, ethnic groups, as well as the revolutionary past. They consist of meaningful artifacts, traditional costumes, and war memorabilia. This is an amazing stop to learn more about the region’s background before you start exploring other historic sites. Visiting here is among the things to do in Cao Bang in almost all itineraries to this mountainous city for both local and global travelers.
Take Part In A Traditional Tay Or Nung Festival
Cao Bang’s ethnic groups usually hold various colorful festivals and galas like Da Quan Pagoda Festival, Nang Hai Festival (Praying For Blessings Festival), or Long Tong (Spring Festival). They bring energetic games, local music performances, and traditional rituals. These celebrations are a way for local people to showcase their traditional beliefs and communal spirit.
Participating in these festivals, you can witness the impressive dances, folk songs, and vibrant clothing of ethnic groups in Cao Bang. For international travelers, it is a rare chance to experience authentic cultural traditions nevertheless preserved today. Let’s take some memorable photos or record lively videos to save these valuable memories.
Go Motorbiking Through Rural Cao Bang
Cao Bang has several of Vietnam’s most dramatic but calm rural motorbike routes. These roads lead through massive karst mountains, rice terrace valleys, and peaceful ethnic villages. Motorbiking offers adventurous travelers the freedom to uncover remote regions at their own pace. It is a great way to see the mysterious gems that big excursions frequently miss, and also one of the thrilling things to do in Cao Bang for challenging travel lovers.
Final Thoughts: Is Cao Bang Worth Traveling?
Being a well-known and beautiful mountainous city in Northern Vietnam, there are numerous things to do in Cao Bang for vacationers. Besides its natural beauty, Cao Bang has a meaningful historical site, traditional foods, as well as thrilling activities, consisting of cycling or walking through the valley for adventurous travelers. Let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam, to have a brilliant trip to Cao Bang.
Related articles
