Located in a remote area of Northern Vietnam, about 300km from Hanoi, the area is well-known for its high biological diversity with abundant endemic flora-fauna species and ecosystems with 5 major river systems and 47 lakes. It occupies a collection of fossil, sediment, volcanic rocks and karst landscape dating back more than 500 million years.
The area covers a total area of 3,000 sq km, including 6 districts: Ha Quang, Tra Linh, Quang Uyen, Trung Khanh, Ha Lang, Phuc Hoa and part of other 3 districts: Hoa An, Binh Nguyen and Thach An. This is home to 9 different ethnic groups, namely, Tay, Nung, Mong, Kinh, Dao, San Chay… Each minority has its own special crafts, traditional festivals, folk arts, traditional customs and way of living, making Cao Bang famous for the rich culture of ethnic people.
The geopark also offers numerous outstanding landscapes and historical sites you should not miss if traveling to Cao Bang such as Pac Bo historical site, Ban Gioc waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Thang Hen lake system and Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda and etc.
1. Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc is the breathtakingly majestic waterfall located on the border between Vietnam and China. It is 30m high and 300m across, making it the largest (but not the highest) waterfall in Vietnam and the fourth largest one in the world. From above, water strongly pours down through several steps of limestone to a large river surrounded by a peaceful scenery of grass carpet, rice fields and green forest. The ideal time to visit Ban Gioc waterfall is from August to September when the fall is filled with blue color of water. It is also nice to visit from October to December if you are eager to see buckwheat flowers and wild sunflowers in blossom.
2. Thang Hen Lake System
The Thang Hen lake system is made up of 36 small natural lakes on the hill at a height of 1,000m above sea level. All the lakes are connected through caves and underground passageways. In the rainy season, water levels rise to form a single lake, which meanders through a valley of karst peaks for over 300km. Thang Hen Lake is definitely beautiful with its sapphire-green surface. The surrounding green forest is full of local wildlife and many species of insects and the spectacular rock formations, making it a must-visit destination.
3. Historical site of Pac Bo
Pac Bo historical site, where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked the early days to lead Vietnam’s revolution, is situated in Truong Ha Commune, Ha Quang District, around 52km from Cao Bang’s city center. The main historical relics in this area consist of Pac Bo, Coc Bo, Bo Bam Cave, Lenin Stream, Karl Marx Mountain, Co Rac Ground and Khuoi Nam. Coming here, you are certainly interested in the cool year-round air and the picturesque scenery endowed by nature. Pac Bo is a worth-seeing place for those who love nature and history.
4. Nguom Ngao Cave
Just located 3km from Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave is considered as one of the most spectacular limestone caves in northeast of Vietnam. The cave was formed from weathered process of limestone by wind and water over a long time. Once stepping your feet into the cave, you seem to see a miraculous world with the wonderful sparkling multi-colored stalactites in various shapes hanging down from high stone cliffs. They look like human figures, forest trees, animals, fairies combing hair, lotus buds and milk mothers ... The entire cave system is actually 2,144m long but for safety reasons, only a 980m section is open to tourists.
5. Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda
Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda was built spaciously on Phia Nham mountain, Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, about 500m from Ban Gioc waterfall. You can combine a visit of Ban Gioc Waterfall and Truc Lam Pagoda in the same day. Once visiting this pagoda, tourists will have a chance to admire a traditional Vietnamese-style pagoda with three-door gate, bell tower, drum tower, stone stele and Tam The temple, Shakyamuni temple, Female Buddha temple and temples of national heroes.
From Hanoi, tourists can catch a bus daily at My Dinh station or Giap Bat station to Cao Bang and it will take about 8 hours. The price of ticket is from 160,000 VND to 200,000 VND/ a person which is affordable to visitors and keep you safer than riding your own motorbike. Once arriving in Cao Bang, you can hire a motorbike there and continue discovering the place.
Vietnam Tour organizes private tours that include a visit to Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark, contact us today to get the detailed itinerary and our best offer!
