Cao Bang

Cao Bang Province is one of Vietnam's northernmost provinces, second only to Ha Giang. With its abundant mountains, rivers, and caves, it promises to be an unmissable destination for adventurous travelers exploring the S-shaped country.

Ban Gioc Waterfall - The most beautiful landscape of Cao Bang Province. Photo: VnExpress

The province also has historical war sites that back from the Indochina War in the 1950s. Coupled with the rich indigenous culture of its ethnic minorities, Cao Bang is truly a land of wonders. Asia King Travel will introduce you to all this province offers in the following article.

History

The region became part of Vietnam in 1039 when King Ly Thai Tong defeated the local chieftain. In 1499, Cao Bang Province was officially established under King Le Hien Tong.

In 1941, President Ho Chi Minh, then known as Nguyen Ai Quoc returned to Vietnam after 30 years of seeking independence worldwide. The people of Pac Bo were honored to welcome their nation's most distinguished son back to his homeland to lead the revolution. Pac Bo became the headquarters of the Viet Bac base area.

President Ho Chi Minh named the stream where he worked in Pac Bo as Lenin Stream. Photo: Ho Chi Minh Museum

One of Vietnam’s decisive victories in Indochina War is in the 1950 Border Campaign. Held primarily in Cao Bang and Lang Son, it opened up the border for aid and allowed Viet Minh to expand. In 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, Chinese troops occupied the provincial town. The historic site of Pac Bo, a great significance place to the Vietnamese people was unfortunately destroyed.

Today, Cao Bang plays a crucial strategic role on the northern border of Vietnam. The province is developing its economy through valuable natural landscapes, historical sites, and unique cultural heritage to attract tourists.

Demographics

According to the latest census, the province has a population of over 500,000. Interestingly, the Kinh (Vietnamese) are not the majority. Tay people make up 41% of the population, while the Nung account for over 30%. Hmong and Dao also have over 50,000 people each. Each ethnic group has its unique traditional cultural heritage, reflected in costumes and festivals.

Hmong ethnic minority children in traditional costumes. Photo: Bao Lac District People's Committee, Cao Bang.

When visiting the villages during spring, festivals, or market days, tourists will be delighted to see the traditional costumes of local boys and girls. Tay and Nung people often wear simple indigo-dyed clothing. Dao and Hmong people have the most colorful attire

Location

Located in the Northeastern region and bordering China, the province can be found on the map to the immediate right of Ha Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam. Cao Bang is approximately 300 kilometers from Hanoi - at least a 6-hour drive through a mountainous terrain.

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How to get there

Given the long and exhausting journey, taking a bus is highly recommended. My Dinh, Giap Bat, and Gia Lam bus stations in Hanoi provide direct bus services to Cao Bang City. The cost of a ticket typically falls between VND 200,000 and VND 300,000.

If you prefer a more independent journey, begin by crossing the Thanh Tri Bridge on Ring Road 3 to Long Bien District. Continue straight on National Highway 1A for approximately 200 kilometers until you reach Dong Dang Town in Lang Son Province. 

Khau Coc Cha Pass will be a thrill for adventure seekers. Photo: Sai Gon Tiep Thi

At this point, look for the left turn onto National Highway 4A. The final 100 kilometers of this route is quite treacherous with many winding roads and steep climbs. Once you have completed this section, you will have arrived at your destination.

Weather & Best time to visit

Cao Bang experiences 4 distinct seasons. It has a freezing winter so December to February seems not a good time to visit. Temperatures can drop below 20 degrees Celsius during evenings in other seasons, so it is advisable to wear long clothing to keep warm.

Don't miss buckwheat flowers season. Photo: Hai Van

The best time to visit is from August through October when Ban Gioc Waterfall is at its peak flow and the water springs out in white foam. The terraced rice fields come to a golden hue as well. From October the water flow becomes a gentle and clear current. November and December are best to visit to see the beauty of wild sunflowers or buckwheat flowers. The season for pear blossoms is March.

Accommodations

Comfortable accommodations are typically around Ban Gioc Waterfall and Cao Bang City. Near Ban Gioc Waterfall, options are Saigon Ban Gioc Resort, Lan Rung Homestay, Yen Nhi Homestay, and more starting from VND 300,000 per night. In the city center, you can find Muong Thanh Luxury Cao Bang, La Maison Boutique Hotel, Max Boutique Hotel, and other options, with rates starting from VND 500,000 per night.

What to taste

Black Canarium Sticky Rice

Black canarium is a specialty of the northern mountainous regions. It is typically black or purple, elongated, and about 5 centimeters in length. The flesh inside is quite starchy. Around September and October, local people harvest black canariums to make their signature dish: black canarium sticky rice.

The sticky rice has an unusual color but somehow inviting. Photo: Cao Bang Tourism

The glutinous rice is washed, soaked in water for about 10 hours, drained, and mixed with black olives. The mixture is then steamed for an hour. When the lid is removed, the steaming hot rice flows a fragrant aroma, a combination of the rice and the nutty flavor of the olives. The cooked rice is soft, non-sticky, and has a beautiful purplish-pink color. It’s best served with sesame salt or Chinese sausage.

Cao Bang Chinese Sausage

The sausage is made from wild boar or free-range pork which makes a more tasty product. Locals also have their special ways to smoke the sausage to get the most intense flavor. This dish has a very nice salt, tang, and a bit of spiciness from ginger and makrut lime leaves.

A great snack to enjoy with local alcohol. Photo: Bao anh Vietnam

Cao Bang Rice Rolls

Unlike rice rolls commonly found in Hanoi or other provinces, Cao Bang’s has a distinctive twist. Instead of being served with fish sauce, they are traditionally enjoyed with a rich pork bone broth. For an extra kick, diners can add chili peppers, pickled bamboo shoots, and makrut lime leaves to enhance the flavor.

It looks much fuller than a typical plate of rice rolls. Photo: Cao Bang Tourism

The filling can include minced pork with wood ear mushrooms or eggs, depending on the customer's preference. Instead of the usual dipping in fish sauce, diners submerge the entire roll in a flavorful pork bone broth. Additionally, a slice of pork roll is often served on the side. This unique specialty is now competing with the traditional rice rolls right in Hanoi.

Conclusion

With all that said, there's no reason not to grab your backpack and embark on a journey to Cao Bang. A well-rounded journey that covers nature, history, and culture. Contact Asia King Travel to set up your perfect plan on the way there!

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