What to Buy in Cao Bang: Authentic Souvenirs & Local Crafts

Handicrafts to Bring Home

Phuc Sen Hand-Forged Knives

Phuc Sen hand-forged knives are Cao Bang's best-known craft souvenir: kitchen and field knives hand-hammered by Nung artisans in Phuc Sen, part of Quang Uyen commune in the northern province of Cao Bằng, about 30 km from Cao Bang city. The village has forged tools, machetes, and knives for generations, prized for durability over polish.

• Each product costs between 150,000 VND (~$6 USD) and 1,300,000 VND (~$50 USD).
• Buy directly from blacksmith households and studios in Phuc Sen village.

Nung An Traditional Palm-Leaf Hat (Chup-xa)

Chup-xa is the pointed bamboo-leaf hat woven by Nung An households in Hoang Dieu hamlet, Cao Bang province. Its sharp, warrior-style peak sets it apart from the rounder conical hats sold elsewhere in Vietnam.

• The price per product might range from 80,000 VND (~$3 USD) to 150,000 VND (~$6 USD).
• Buy directly from weaving households in Hoang Dieu hamlet.

Nung An Indigo Textiles

Nung An indigo textiles, hand-embroidered clothing, blankets, and headscarves dyed with natural indigo, are made entirely by hand by Nung women in Quang Uyen commune, including Phu Ngoc and Khao hamlets.

• The price per product might range 300,000 VND (~$12 USD) and above.
• Buy directly from Nung An households in Phu Ngoc and Khao hamlets, Quang Uyen commune.

Dao Tien Indigo Wax-Print Textiles

Dao Tien textiles from Hoai Khao village, Nguyen Binh district, use a wax-resist technique unique among Cao Bang's ethnic groups: patterns drawn in melted beeswax stay white after indigo dyeing, then get finished with hand embroidery. Souvenir items include scarves, bags, and pillowcases, alongside full traditional skirts and shirts for those who want the complete costume.

• Prices are not fixed online and vary by item and detail; ask directly at the village.
• Buy directly from Dao Tien households in Hoai Khao village, Nguyen Binh district.

Phia Thap Organic Incense

Phia Thap incense is hand-rolled from bamboo and natural bark by Nung An households in Phia Thap village, part of Quang Uyen commune, made without synthetic chemicals or scents.

• A small bundle is priced from 10,000 VND (~$0.4 USD) to 20,000 VND (~$0.8 USD).
• Buy directly from households in Phia Thap village.

Dia Tren Paper (Giấy Bản)

Dia Tren paper is hand-made by Nung An households in Dia Tren hamlet, part of Quang Uyen commune, from the bark of the dó tree, known locally as May Sla. Households also shape it into notebooks, postcards, paper fans, and gift bags for visitors.

• Prices vary by size and product (sheets, notebooks, fans); ask directly at the village, since rates are not fixed online.
• Buy directly from households in Dia Tren hamlet.

Ethnic Group Jewelry

Silver jewelry, torques, bangles, and belt chains worn by Tay and Nung communities, believed to ward off evil and protect against illness.

• Prices range from 100,000 to 500,000 VND per piece.
• Easy to find at local markets and craft shops across Cao Bang.

The Taste of Cao Bang

Bitter Tea (Che Dang) - The Wellness Gift

Che Dang, or Cao Bang bitter tea (Ilex kudingcha), is a dried-leaf herbal tea traditionally brewed around Tet, with a sharp bitter taste that turns sweet on the finish.

• Priced at about 40,000 VND (~$1.5 USD) per 100 gram pack.
• Available at local markets and specialty stores in Cao Bang city.

Khau Sli

Khẩu Sli is a crunchy puffed sticky-rice and peanut candy, a Tet-season specialty of the Tay and Nung communities that travels well as a gift.

• Prices for Khẩu Sli Nà Giàng range from 20,000 VND (~$0.8 USD) to 25,000 VND (~$1 USD) per pack, while the boxed version costs 35,000 VND (~$1.4 USD) per box.
• Available at local markets and specialty stores, especially around Tet.

Trung Khanh Chestnuts

Trung Khanh chestnuts, large, thick-shelled, and nutty in flavor, are harvested each September and October and sold fresh, roasted, or dried.

• Roughly 100,000 to 150,000 VND per kilogram during harvest season.
• Cao Bang local market days.
• Cao Bang Specialty Store: 72 Vuon Cam, Hop Giang Ward, Cao Bang.
• Cao Bang Specialty - Hoang Nam: Culinary Market, Kim Dong Street, Hop Giang Ward, Cao Bang.
• Cao Bang Specialty - CB GREEN: 206 Ban Khuong Coc Chia, Doai Duong Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang.

FAQs

Can I bring Phuc Sen knives on an international flight?

Yes, you can bring Phuc Sen knives on an international flight, but only as checked luggage. Security standards in Vietnam and around the world strongly ban carrying any form of knife in cabin luggage.

Follow these important rules to safely transfer them:

• Knives must be stored within checked luggage. They must be inaccessible during the journey.
• Safe packaging: Wrap the blades securely in bubble wrap, heavy cardboard, or a sheath to keep them from slicing through your luggage and endangering the baggage handler.
• Announce if necessary: While not always needed depending on your location, it is a good idea to announce that you are carrying sharp equipment when dropping off your bags.
• Verify destination customs: Check that the country you're flying allows the importing of forged or hunting knives.

You cannot bring carry-on bags on board. Instead, contact one of the blacksmith studios in Phuc Sen hamlet; many artisans and local businesses may arrange for your keepsakes to be securely transported directly to your home.

How can I tell if the Trung Khanh chestnuts are authentic?

• Size and shape: Authentic Trung Khanh chestnuts are huge, frequently the size of a chicken egg, and have a spherical, plump appearance.
• The Shell: Look for a thick, firm shell that is dark brown and extremely glossy. Genuine variations feature fine, light-colored fuzz (down) near the tip.
• The Kernel: When peeled, the inside meat should be deep, dark yellow (golden), not pale.
• Flavor Profile: Real nuts are highly fragrant, buttery, and have a rich, sweet, nutty flavour.
• Harvest Season: Genuine Trung Khanh chestnuts are often harvested in the fall, notably in September and October. If you acquire them outside of these months, be sure they have been stored properly.

To avoid purchasing counterfeit or low-quality imported chestnuts, go straight to recognized local markets in Cao Bang or trusted area sellers.

What is the best ''zero-weight'' souvenir?

Chup-xa, the traditional Nung An bamboo palm-leaf hat, is the easiest souvenir to pack since it weighs almost nothing and folds flat for the trip home.

Where can I find the most authentic indigo textiles?

• Hoài Khao Village (Nguyên Bình District) The Dao Tiền people
• Phù Ngọc & Khào Hamlets (Quảng Uyên commune) Nùng An ethnic
• Lũng Niếc & Lương Nỗi Villages (Hà Quảng District) Tày ethnic

Phuc Sen, Phia Thap, and Dia Tren sit within a short ride of each other, and can be visited in a single day if you are already riding the Cao Bang Loop.