At 5am, I arrived in Cao Bang city after traveling by bus for one night from the center of Hanoi. Contacting the motorbike rental place, the owner arranged a temporary place for me to sleep so that I could wake up in the morning to start my journey. Early in the morning, to fill my hungry stomach, I enjoyed the famous dish in Cao Bang: rice rolls with eggs and ham. The taste of rice rolls here is also very different from that in the lowlands. After that, I continued my journey to conquer long distances at destinations in the Northeast region.
Cao Bang has a peaceful, poetic beauty like a charming landscape painting, endowed by nature with a system of green hills, lakes and waterfalls. 3 days exploring Cao Bang, I was able to gaze at the majestic natural scenery and had many impressive experiences. Below are some tips for a perfect trip.
Cao Bang is considered the green pearl of the Northeast region.
Where to go in Cao Bang for 3 days?
Cao Bang is a mountainous province located in the Northeast region, bordering China with a border of over 300 km. 90% of the terrain here is rugged hills and mountains, divided by a dense river system and deep valleys. The majestic natural beauty of Cao Bang is enough to attract travel enthusiasts to set foot on this land.
On the first day, from Cao Bang city, travel to Ban Gioc waterfall and Khuoi Ky stone village, then return to the city for a night stay. On the second day, travel from the city to Thanh Cong bamboo forest and Pac Bo relic site. On the last day, travel from Ha Quang to the city before taking a bus back to Hanoi.
Cao Bang has a peaceful, poetic beauty like a picturesque landscape painting.
In addition to the famous tourist destinations in Cao Bang, what impresses most visitors in general when coming here is the wild natural beauty, not much affected by humans. Of all the famous destinations when coming to Cao Bang, I am impressed by: Ban Gioc waterfall, Khuoi Ky stone village and Pac Bo relic site.
Ban Gioc Waterfall - a paradise in the middle of the jungle
Ban Gioc Waterfall is located at the intersection of the border between China and Vietnam, this place is as beautiful as a pure white silk strip between the Cao Bang mountains and pouring into the emerald-colored Quay Son River. This place is known as one of the largest natural waterfalls in Southeast Asia with a height of over 60 m, in which the longest slope is up to 30 m.
The structure of this waterfall is uniquely divided into layers with each block of water flowing through many layers of limestone and vegetation. From the center of Cao Bang to Ban Gioc waterfall is about 100 km so you can easily get here by car or motorbike with a flat road.
Ban Gioc Waterfall is likened to a pure white silk strip in the middle of the Cao Bang mountains and forests.
The best time to visit Ban Gioc waterfall is in August and September because this is when Ban Gioc waterfall shows off its emerald green color, allowing you to fully admire the majesty of this place. A large amount of water from the river will flow and pour down through different levels of rock. In the middle of the vast mountains and forests, everything blends together, creating a picturesque landscape like in a fairy tale. You can also experience rafting to see the scenery, or kayaking on the green Quay Son River.
Khuoi Ky ancient stone village
Coming to Cao Bang, you certainly cannot miss the stone village of the border mountain hamlet with more than 400 years old. Khuoi Ky stone village is only about 3 km from Ban Gioc Waterfall and about 100 km from Cao Bang city center. Currently, the ancient village still retains its ancient, mysterious beauty and the typical cultural features of the Tay ethnic group.
Peaceful 400-year-old stone village in the border mountain hamlet
With a location leaning against a limestone mountain and an area of about 1 hectare, this is home to more than 14 households of the Tay ethnic group. The special feature of this ancient Cao Bang tourist destination is the stone houses built since 1594. The general architecture of these houses is traditional - three-room tiled houses with stone foundations. Not only houses, stones are found everywhere in Khuoi Ky village, from fences, stoves, mills to dams.
Possessing great tourism potential, Khuoi Ky stone village is currently developing homestay accommodation and community tourism models. Tourists coming here can also explore the lifestyle and culture of the Tay people in stone stilt houses.
Pac Bo relic site
Coming to Cao Bang, you cannot miss the Pac Bo relic site, which not only has historical significance but also has a beautiful natural landscape like a fairyland. With an area of over 500 hectares, the Pac Bo relic site includes many relic clusters associated with Uncle Ho's daily life: Coc Bo, Lenin stream, milestone 108, Gooc Mu rice field, Cac Mac mountain...
Every season is beautiful here. But you should come here in the dry months (May - September). At this time, the nature at Pac Bo is lush green, the clear blue Lenin stream attracts many tourists to check in.
Lenin Stream is located in the Pac Bo relic site.
Experience and notes when traveling to Cao Bang
Cao Bang is located in the border area, so you need to bring all your personal documents. You should prepare suitable, light clothes according to the season when traveling to Cao Bang. In addition, bring accompanying items such as: raincoats, hats, spare batteries, insect spray to prevent unexpected situations. The weather in Cao Bang is quite erratic, you need to check the weather in advance and have a backup plan if it rains.
The roads in Cao Bang are mainly mountain passes, although not too difficult to travel, so the driver must have a steady hand. Fully equip protective gear and check the vehicle carefully to avoid damage along the way. Besides, Cao Bang is a land of many ethnic minorities, you need to learn about the customs of the indigenous people to avoid taboos when visiting.
Cao Bang is in the border area, so you need to bring all your personal documents.
In addition, Cao Bang has a diverse highland cuisine culture. There are countless delicious dishes that you can enjoy or buy. All are typical dishes that only this land has. You must definitely try famous specialties such as: roasted duck pho, rice rolls, sour pho, khau nhuc, ant egg cake, smoked meat, Chinese sausage, wild bamboo shoots, Trung Khanh chestnuts, black jelly...
