Cao Bang Travel Experience

1. Cao Bằng

Cao Bằng is a mountainous province located in the Northeast region of Vietnam, famous for its majestic natural landscapes, historical heritage, and diverse culture of ethnic minorities. Cao Bằng is situated in the northern part of Vietnam, bordering China, with a terrain mainly consisting of mountains and valleys.

Additionally, Cao Bằng is closely linked to the history of the Vietnamese revolution, particularly Pác Bó cave, where President Hồ Chí Minh lived and worked upon returning to the country in 1941. This area is home to many ethnic minorities such as Tày, Nùng, H'Mông, Dao, Sán Chay..., with unique customs, festivals, and folk arts.

Therefore, Cao Bằng boasts many beautiful tourist attractions with waterfalls, hills, valleys, and unique limestone landscapes. The UNESCO Global Geopark Non Nước Cao Bằng is one of the most prominent destinations in Cao Bằng province, recognized by UNESCO in 2018. This is Vietnam's second geopark (after the Dong Van Stone Plateau, Hà Giang), holding significant meaning for science, education, and tourism.

2. How to get to Cao Bằng

• From Hanoi: Cao Bằng is about 280 km from Hanoi (approximately 6-8 hours by car). You can take a bus or drive yourself.

Bus:

Sleep bus: There are sleeper bus services from Gia Lâm, Mỹ Đình, Giáp Bát bus stations. Ticket prices range from 300,000 VND to 400,000 VND (per person). Buses depart at 9 PM and arrive in Cao Bằng around 5 AM.

Limousine bus: This is a 9-seat vehicle, with pickups at various locations in downtown Hanoi. Ticket price is 380,000 VND (per person).Routes: 6:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM daily

• From other provinces:

Currently, there are sleeper buses that go directly to Cao Bang from provinces such as Hai Phong, Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Thai Nguyen, and Lang Son. Ticket prices depend on the provinces.

• From southern and central provinces:

For southern and central provinces, you can fly to Noi Bai Airport, and then a bus will pick you up at the airport. Ticket prices range from 300,000 VND to 400,000 VND (not including a 20,000 VND airport entry fee for the bus).

3. Choosing the time to go to Cao Bang

Ideal time: Cao Bang has a mild climate year-round, but for convenience in sightseeing and enjoyment, the best time to visit Cao Bang is from September to November (autumn) or from March to May (spring), when the weather is cool and there is not much rain.

Additionally, in October and November, you will be able to see the golden rice fields in full bloom.

Avoid the rainy season (June to August), as the area may be prone to flooding and some attractions may be difficult to access.

4. Accommodation in Cao Bang

Currently, Cao Bang has developed many homestays and hotels from city centers and homestays at tourist sites, so you don't need to worry about accommodation.

Hotels, guesthouses: 2 to 3-star hotels can be found in Cao Bang city or nearby areas.

Homestays: If you want to experience local culture, you can choose homestays in villages like Ban Gioc or areas near Pac Bo.

5. Notable Locations

• Ban Gioc Waterfall: This is a famous and majestic waterfall located on the Vietnam-China border, and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam.

• Pac Bo Cave: The place where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his revolutionary activities.

• Eye Mountain: A beautiful mountain, believed to resemble an eye. This is an ideal spot to admire Cao Bang from above.

• Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda: The pagoda located on top of a hill, in a peaceful and poetic space, is the first pagoda built near the Vietnam-China border.

• Ba Quang Grass Hill: A hill covered with grass that changes color with the seasons, especially in winter and the dry season, when the grass turns a burnt yellow, creating a unique beauty.

• Ngườm Ngao Cave: The most beautiful cave in Vietnam, featuring countless stalactites and stalagmites with unique shapes, developed over millions of years, creating a landscape like a ''natural castle.''

6. Cao Bang Cuisine

• Cao Bang  Sour Pho ( Phở Chua ): A specialty dish with a tangy taste from vinegar and pickles, combined with chicken, beef, or pork. This dish is often served with fresh vegetables and distinctive spices.

• Cao Bang Cake: A traditional cake made from rice flour, filled with black sesame or mung bean. The cake has a sweet and fragrant taste.

• Ant Egg Sticky Rice: Sticky rice made from black glutinous rice, combined with ant eggs, creating a unique dish.

• Smoked Buffalo Meat: A specialty dish made from buffalo meat that is smoked, very delicious and flavorful.

• Cao Bằng sausage: Sausage made from pork and traditional spices, very delicious.

7. Interesting activities

• Hiking, trekking: If you love exploring nature, trekking up mountain peaks or to waterfalls is an exciting activity; you can trek at the 15-tier pass, Mắt Thần mountain, and some mountains in various districts.

• Exploring ethnic culture: In Cao Bằng, there are traditional craft villages: handmade paper village, incense village, knife forging village, etc. Additionally, you can experience local markets at the district markets.

8. Notes when traveling to Cao Bằng

• Due to the mountainous terrain of Cao Bằng, choosing a means of transportation is very important; you can choose to ride a motorbike or drive a car. Cao Bằng Eco Travel has many new motorbikes and always maintains them after each trip.

• Bring warm clothes and gloves when you go in winter; winter in Cao Bằng is very cold, with some days having temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius, so you need to prepare a good jacket and gloves, as well as moisturizer.

• Bring medicine: Prepare some common medicines for headaches, weather allergies, and stomachaches when traveling anywhere.

• Cash: Prepare cash to participate in local markets at the districts.

• If you are not good at driving, you can hire a local driver; Cao Bằng Ecotravel has guides and drivers for you.

Cao Bằng is an ideal destination for those who love pristine nature and want to learn more about the history and culture of the mountainous ethnic groups. Wishing you a joyful and enriching trip to this land!

• Website: Caobangecotravel.com

• Email: Caobangecotravel@gmail.com

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