Best travel guide of Cao Bang Vietnam

One of the most picturesque areas in Vietnam is the hilly Cao Bang Vietnam. The town itself is not all that impressive, yet it serves as a good starting point for exploring the region, a setting surrounded by lovely scenery. Exploring Cao Bang's off-the-beaten-path locales is one of the nicest things to do because, unlike Sapa or Halong Bay, it is not yet at its busiest. You can savour the tranquillity in this place. Just check out all necessary information from our best travel guide of Cao Bang Vietnam.

1. Cao Bang overview

Location

The Far North-East region's Cao Bang Province borders China to the north and the east. The weather is moderate in Cao Bang. In the summer, it is between 25 and 28 degree celsius, while in the winter, it is between 16. On tall mountains like Trung Khanh and Tra Linh, snow occasionally falls throughout the winter.

 

How to get there

Many visitors would wonder how to travel from Hanoi to Cao Bang. And here is the answer:

From Hanoi to Cao Bang Vietnam, there are now two bus types: seat buses and sleeper buses. Most of the buses leave from the bus station in My Dinh. There are approximately 22 buses operating daily from 5:00 AM to 9.00 PM.

If you choose a taxi to go to Cao Bang, it could cost you too much because of the long road. Therefore, private care is the feasible option. This would give you a chance to explore all things in Cao Bang, but you should have a tour guide who knows popular places here.

Motorbike is another choice. Many young individuals are interested in this type of vehicle. The trip from Hanoi to Cao Bang is challenging with passes, steep inclines, snaking roads, and heavy traffic, so it requires good planning, good health, and decent riding skills. Bring the motorcycle repair equipment as well because there aren't many shops around. 

 

2. What to know before travelling to Cao Bang

Although the climate of Cao Bang, is comfortable, it is much colder in winter. You should prepare some flu medicine in advance if you decide to travel this season. Due to the hazardous weather in winter, bringing along a coat, warm clothing is a good idea.

You also need to check the time and season to travel to Cao Bang. We have some recommendations for you to take a look at.

Around 28-30°C/82-86°F higher temperatures are typical in the spring. We went to Cao Bang ourselves in the middle of April.

The temperature in the fall is warm, averaging 29–31°C (84–89°F), but there are fewer days with rain. You will see golden fields everywhere because the fall is when they appear. You might not wish to travel during the humid and hot summer months of May to August (about 32°C/90°F). The wettest month of the year is often July.

3. Best time to visit Cao Bang

Cao Bang province's cool climate makes it ideal for tourism all year long. The greatest time to visit this destination, however, is in the spring, from February to May, to avoid the heavy rains and soggy weather, as the land is primarily blessed with the spectacular outdoor landscape of woods, mountains, and natural locations.​​

Additionally, you should visit Cao Bang from November to January to take advantage of the region's coldest days if you want to see the stunning snow that covers trees and mountains in the Trung Khanh or Tra Linh Mount areas.

 

4. Popular tourist attractions in Cao Bang

4.1. Me Pia Pass

Location

The pass is situated on Highway 4A, which runs through Cao Bang Province and connects the city of Bao Lac with Xuan Truong Municipality.

 

Highlights

Me Pja pass is among the most impressive of the numerous impressive mountain passes in Vietnam. It makes 14 turns in all as it snakes its way down the hillside. From the top, there is a hiking trail that leads to the overlook. This would be a place for those who love exploring the mountainous regions in Vietnam

At the top of the Me Pia pass, someone has erected a sign on the side of the road indicating the way to the viewpoint. You can leave your motorcycle or car at the little restaurant opposite from the woods entrance. You can buy refreshments here and maybe even hire a guide.

4.2. Phong Nam Valley

Location

About 60 kilometres from Cao Bang town, the town of Trung Khanh is where Phong Nam begins and is located. You cannot miss Trung Khanh because it is situated on the DT206 path that leads to the Ban Gioc Waterfalls.

 

Highlights

Exploring the more obscure and off-the-beaten-path locations in Cao Bang Vietnam is one of the coolest things to do. A location similar to this exists in the nearby well-known Ban Gioc valley, however few people visit this valley.

It is breathtaking and may be one of Vietnam's most picturesque valleys. Mountains are present on both sides, and there are numerous rice fields, little settlements, and a tranquil creek between them. It is a scene from a fairy tale that few tourists visit.

The magnificent views of this landscape are very suitable for some romantic couples who love plunging themselves into peace. That's why this place is one of the best options for the honeymoon. 

 

4.3. Ban Gioc waterfall

Location

About 360 kilometres from Hanoi and 90 kilometres east of Cao Bang separate you from the Ban Gioc waterfall.

You can experience the greatest vistas and have the best experience on a motorcycle. Most hotels and homestays charge about $8 per day (depending on where you stay) to rent motorbikes and scooters.

 

Highlights

Experiencing the Ban Gioc waterfalls is the nicest thing to do in Cao Bang. Near the Chinese border, this waterfall is the biggest in Vietnam. They are breathtaking waterfalls that will make your tour through Vietnam very memorable.

The falls are impressively 300 metres wide despite being "only" 30 metres high. A second, lesser waterfall, albeit obscured by the larger one to its left, is equally as stunning.

4.4. Nguom Ngao Cave

Location

The distance to Ban Gioc, where the cave is close by, is about 90 km from Cao Bang. Although you might need to change buses at Quang Nguyen initially, we spotted a few buses travelling in that direction.

Alternatively, you may try renting a private vehicle or, even better, a motorbike. The road is in decent shape from Cao Bang all the way to Ban Gioc and the cave. The opportunity to stop occasionally would make the trip more enjoyable because travelling along that route will allow you to see some stunning countryside.

 

Highlights

After leaving the May’s heat outside and entering the cave, you can enjoy the dramatic reduction in temperature, albeit you will notice the dampness very fast. You immediately realise that no torches are required.

The cave is lit up on the walls throughout, giving forth enough light to move around safely without being tacky like other caves I've been to. You simply follow a path, and since everything is clearly marked for visitors, We doubt you could get lost here.

First steps from the entrance are the first sign that the terrain is somewhat downhill. The cave's ceiling is not too high but also not too low. You pass some intriguing rock formations as well as stalactites and stalagmites that offer some unusual sights.

 

4.5. Thang Hen Lake

Location

Vacationers are encouraged to begin their journey from Cao Bang and travel approximately 21 kilometres on National Highway 3. They will then see a bend on the left with a marker that reads Thang Hen lake ecotourism area after travelling on province route 205 for about 4 more kilometres.

Highlights

Overall, this region is still uninhabited and undeveloped, however there are a few ecotourism destinations that draw tourists that enjoy adventurous travel.

The lake is located in a valley in the Quoc Toan commune of the Tra Linh district and is the highest natural freshwater lake on a mountain in Vietnam.

5. Cao Bang’s cuisine

5.1 Ant's egg rice cake

Ants frequently choose forks in the branches of trees to build their nests in. They gather the eggs from fig, cinnamon, and vu trees, which are types of forest bamboo.

Each egg is about the size of a rice seed and is coloured milky. Egg production per nest ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 kilogram.

To preserve enough distance from the ants to avoid bites, locals gather nests in large baskets with long handles. The fragile eggs are then gently handled as they comb through the nests.

High grade sticky rice, or khẩu pét, is soaked in water for two hours before being pounded into a powder with a mortar and pestle to form the cakes. Small balls of powder are formed and filled with a mixture of fried dried onion, ant eggs, salt, and pepper.

5.2 Roasted duck with seven flavours

In Cao Bang , roast duck with seven flavours has long been regarded as a popular dish. The meal is marinated in a mixture of up to seven different spices, including ginger, garlic, dried onion, pepper, honey.

The skin of the duck turns light red-brown after being roasted with a layer of honey covering the entire bird on fire, and the meat is cooked to a peach pink hue and has a deliciously enticing aroma.

The skin of the roasted duck is flawlessly golden-brown and crispy, and the meat is succulent and supple. It also has a captivating perfume from the Mac ala fruit. Anyone who tastes it will be left with a lasting impression after just one bite.

 

5.3 Trung Khanh chestnuts

Trung Khanh chestnuts are best prepared by boiling them until fully cooked, followed by grilling over charcoal or toasting in a very hot pan. In order to make nutritious, delectable soups, Trung Khanh chestnuts can also be braised with pig bones or boiled with pig trotters.

Right before each market session during the harvest season, vendors frequently visit the gardens to purchase chestnuts, which they then bring to the market.

 

5.4 Steamed rice rolls

Steamed rolls made of rice flour are a favourite delicacy all around Vietnam. Visitors to Cao Bang shouldn't overlook this native cuisine though, as it has its own distinctive aroma, flavour, and broth. Additionally, visitors should learn how it is prepared differently from other locations across the nation.

Hot steamed rice rolls have emerged as a favourite daily meal for both locals and visitors, joining other specialty foods prepared by the region's Tay and Nung ethnic groups, such as roast duck, sour pho, etc with the reasonable prices. Steamed rolls  have also been the Vietnamese cuisine for a long time due to its unique tastes and fresh feeling when eating.

6. Where to stay in Cao Bang

6.1 Jeanne Hotel

The hotel is situated in the tranquil and picturesque Cao Bang city centre, where two creeks, rivers, and the rivers Hien Giang Bang and Bang Giang converge.

The hotel's contemporary interior decor creates a favourable first impression. Although the hotel is situated in the defensive city centre, which is busy with congested transportation. The room was modest, but everything in it was amazing, and it had views of the city and the hills.

 

6.2 Max boutique Hotel Cao Bang

This property's amenities include a restaurant, a front desk open around-the-clock, room service, and free WiFi everywhere. The hotel has accommodations for families.

A desk, a kettle, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower or bidet are included in each of the Max Boutique Hotel's air-conditioned rooms. Bathrobes and iPod docking stations are provided in every room. Every morning, the resort serves a continental breakfast.

6.3 Primrose Homestay Cao Bang

Family-friendly Primrose Homestay Cao Bang offers rooms with air conditioning, a kitchenette, and a seating area. Guests have access to free wifi throughout their room, making it simple to remain connected.

The guesthouse offers speedy check-in and check-out, a 24-hour front desk, and a concierge. Additionally, guests can enjoy barbecue facilities, which has made this a well-liked option among visitors to Cao Bang. There is nearby free public parking for those driving their own cars.

 

6.4 Cao Bang Eco Homestay

The Cao Bang Eco Homestay in Hoang Nga, which is 1 km from the town's centre and bus terminal, provides free WiFi and a kitchen.

There is air conditioning, a refrigerator, a hob, and a kettle in every guest room. It also has a terrace at this homestay. Additionally, the staff can give you useful advice on the restaurants and sights in the area. The facility provides both vehicle and bicycle rental options.

If you are planning to visit or do tour in Cao Bang and want to find more information or ideas for your trip to the northern area of Vietnam, we believe these articles are useful: 

=> Top 10 best things to do in Cao Bang

=> How to travel to Cao Bang from Hanoi ?