Cao Bang
A quiet border province of limestone hills, rivers and Tay and Nung villages, best known for Ban Gioc, the widest waterfall in Vietnam, which it shares with China.
Highlights
- Ban Gioc Waterfall, seen from the riverbank or from a bamboo raft
- Nguom Ngao Cave, a kilometre of lit chambers near the falls
- Pac Bo, the cave and Lenin Stream where Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in 1941
- Phia Thap incense village and Phuc Sen blacksmiths, on the road over Ma Phuc Pass
- Nui Mat Than, the ‘mountain with an eye’, above a seasonal lake
Best time to visit
September to November, when the falls are still full but the sky is clear. The water is highest from June to September, thinner from March to May.
Getting there
About 6–7 hours by road from Hanoi, or around 4 hours from Ba Be Lake. From Ha Giang the road goes via Bao Lac and takes most of a day.
How long to stay
Two nights.
Where to stay
Homestays in Tay stilt houses around Ban Gioc and Bao Lac, a few resorts near the waterfall, and standard hotels in Cao Bang city. Weekends fill up in the autumn, so book ahead.
What to eat
Banh cuon served in bone broth rather than with dipping sauce, Cao Bang chestnuts in autumn, sour pho and smoked pork from the highland villages.
Good to know
- The falls are fullest from June to September and clearest in autumn.
- Border formalities apply at Ban Gioc; follow your guide and keep your passport with you.
Combine with
Tours that visit Cao Bang
Questions about Cao Bang? Message us on WhatsApp +84 345 827 501 or email booking@hynatravel.com.