Cao Bang

Northeastern Vietnamese gem – breathtaking mountainous scenery and delightful traditional specialties.

Cao Bang is a province located in the North-East region of Vietnam. Sharing borders with China on the north and east sides, it also adjoins Bac Kan and Lang Son provinces on the south side, and Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang provinces on the west side. As a result, Cao Bang’s location enables it to be involved in many phases of the country’s history and to be an important administration unit nowadays.

Photo : xevipnoibai.com

When to go

Cao Bang has a temperate climate with 4 seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The average temperature is 25 - 28oC (77 - 82oF) in summer and 16 -17oC (60.8 – 62.6oF) in winter, during which snow sometimes falls on high mountains such as Trung Khanh or Tra Linh.

Photo : vnexpress.net

The topography of the province is somewhat complicated because of many mountains, hills, rivers, and waterfalls, but in general it is mostly mountainous. That’s why traveling back and forth by car is pretty hard. However, the inter-transportation services (such as buses) there are quite convenient. Besides, xe om (motorbike taxi) is another popular yet exhilarating way to get around the city.

What to see

There are many ethnic groups living in Cao Bang, whose plentiful traditions and beliefs create the province’s diverse culture. Among all of them, the Tày group is probably the biggest group, making up a large proportion of Cao Bang’s population. This unique ethnic community has own handwriting and special culture which is showed in many festivals such as Vi and Then singing. Many other festivals can be found in Cao Bang as a characteristic of other ethnic groups.

Photo : baotintuc.vn

Where to visit

Having a cool weather and a plethora of beautiful sights, Cao Bang is a wonderful place to discover. Tourists can easily be entertained there by visiting the famous Thang Hen Lake in Tra Linh, Ban Gioc Waterfall or Mguom Ngao Cave in Trung Khanh, etc. In addition, as headquarters of the Vietnam army before the August 1945 Revolution, Cao Bang has several historical sites in which Ho Chi Minh lived and worked such as Pac Bo Cave, Coc Bo Cave, Lenin Stream, and Khuoi Nam Stream, etc. All of them are no doubt the favorite destinations of many modern travelers.

Photo : vietnamnet.vn

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Weather / Temperature:
32.76°C
Humidity 41%
Wind 3.25 km/h
Sunrise 05:09 AM

Frequently asked questions

Which are the local foods in Cao Bang?

Before you leave, make sure you try Banh Coong phu, Banh Trung Kien (Peng Ray), Pho Chua, Roasted Duck, Steamed Rice Rolls, and Trung Khanh Chestnut. They are known to be Cao Bang Province's local must-try dishes.

How can I get around Cao Bang?

Since the roads are in quite a good condition, you can rent a motorbike to visit Cao Bang on your own. Some other options you may consider are taking a motorbike taxi, a taxi, or a private car, but might be quite pricey.

When is the most beautiful time to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall?

Ban Gioc Waterfall is considered one of the most famous attractions in Cao Bang. The best time to visit this place in the dry season from September to October. The waterfall is particularly gentle and impressive with emerald water this time. This is also the harvest season so you can witness a perfect combination of the stunning waterfall and peaceful rice fields.

Which are the top attractions in Cao Bang?

If you are hunting for magnificent and wild sceneries, Cao Bang is right for you. These are the most famous places, so make sure you don’t miss them:

• Ban Gioc Waterfall

• Phat Tich Truc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda

• Nguom Ngao Cave

• Thang Hen Lake

• Pac Bo Historical Site

• Phia Oac – Phia Den

How much is the bus ticket from Hanoi to Cao Bang?

Cao Bang located 280km from Hanoi capital and taking a bus is the most common way to get there. There are daily day or night buses from My Dinh bus station with a fare of around VND 200,000 VND and it takes around 8 - 9 hours transfer. A more comfortable choice is the Limousine Bus which can pick you up from Hanoi Old Quarter, it costs around VND 250,000 – 300,000.