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Cao Bang Travel Guide
Cao Bang Province in Northeast of Vietnam is 272 km north of Hanoi, and is on the border with China. There are nine ethnic groups living in Cao Bang, and among them are the Tay, Nung, Dao, and H'mong.
Cao Bang is said to be one of the most beautiful mountain areas in the northeast, and is famous its stunning scenic beauty. The two most important natural wonders are Nguom Ngao Cave and Ban Gioc Waterfall, and as they are on the same route, they can both be seen on the same trip. Other important natural sites include Thang Hen Lake at Tra Linh, and Ba Be Lake at Phu Thong.
Cao Bang was also one of Vietnam's first revolutionary bases, and has locations of historical significance associated with Ho Chi Minh before the August 1945 Revolution.
Ban Gioc Waterfall This famous waterfall is on the Quy Xuan River which forms the border with China. It is said to be the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam, and it is in fact two different waterfalls. The falls on the left are completely in Vietnam, and the ones on the right, which is much bigger, is in both Vietnam and China. The falls are more than 30 meters high, and the sound of the falls can be heard kilometers away, and the water falling on the rocks below creates columns of mist that can be seen from quite a distance. Due to the amount of mist in the air, the temperature near the waterfall is quite cool.
To get close to the cascades, you have to get on a raft that takes you to places on the river for the best photos of the waterfall. The raft will take you right up to the waterfalls where the water is almost falling on you.
Downstream from the falls, the river widens out, and is very smooth, with many wild flowers growing along the banks. The river is also famous for a kind of fish called the Tram Huong.
In the early 1920s, during the French Colonial period, it became a place for relaxing, fishing, and hunting by the French, and they built cottages along the banks.
Nguom Ngao Cave amazing cave with stalactites of various shapes and sizes, is located only three kilometers from the Ban Gioc Falls, and can be visited on the way back to Cao Bang. The cave was actually discovered by local people in 1921, but it was not officially opened to the public until 2006 when walkways were built inside the cave.
It takes about an hour to explore the cave, and along the way there are stalactites that look like boats, cactus, forests, and terraced rice fields. The most impressive stalactites are those that form a kind of upside-down lotus chandelier, and figures featuring fairies with long flowing hair.
The tunnel network is actually more than 2,140 meters long but now only 980 meters are open to visitors. The inside of the cave is damp and cool, and there are falling water drops, and the sound of the stream flowing through the cave. The stream runs two kilometers inside the cave before flowing out into the Quay Son River.
There is an entry fee, and visitors need to walk up and down stairs and through a valley before reaching the cave.
Thang Hen Lake The scenic beauty of this large lake changes according to the seasons, and it can be visited at any time of the year and still see spectacular views. This area is ideal for hiking and walking, and there is interesting exploration of the lake on bamboo rafts.
Pac Bo Cave Located 60km northwest of the town of Cao Bang and 3km from the Chinese border, Pac Bo Cave was a base of revolutionary resistance. The main historical sites in this area are Coc Bo Cave, Lenin Stream, Cac Mac Mountain, Bo Bam Cave, Co Rac, and Khuoi Nam Stream. These are locations where Ho Chi Minh personally trained cadres, and held many strategic meetings.
Ethnic Villages If you are interested in the ethnic groups of Vietnam, it is well worth the time and effort to visit their villages. You can visit ancient villages and hamlets of the Tay, Nung, Dao, H'mong and San Chi ethnic groups. You gain an insight into their distinctive customs, culture and traditions, and home-stay is available for a truly unique experience.
When To Go
It is possible to visit Cao Bang at any time of the year. The average temperature in the summer is 25ºC - 28ºC, and 16ºC - 17ºC in winter. Sometimes in winter snow falls in the high mountains such as Trung Khanh and Tra Linh. The best time to visit is in the dry season from September to April.
Cambodia
with China. There are nine ethnic groups living in Cao Bang, and among them are the Tay, Nung, Dao, and H'mong. 
for the best photos of the waterfall. The raft will take you right up to the waterfalls where the water is almost falling on you.
and walking, and there is interesting exploration of the lake on bamboo rafts. 
You gain an insight into their distinctive customs, culture and traditions, and home-stay is available for a truly unique experience.