Phong Nam Valley

Phong Nam Valley is located in Phong Nam Commune, Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province. It is about 15 km from the center of Trung Khanh District.

With this travel journey, you will not only admire the golden rice fields but also enjoy the rivers flowing around beautiful mountain ranges. All these things blend harmoniously, creating a breathtakingly picturesque landscape.

How to get there

Phong Nam Valley is located in Trung Khanh District, Cao Bang Province, near the Chinese border. To reach this beautiful valley, you first need to travel to Cao Bang City, around 280 km from Hanoi. There are several ways to get there:

• By Bus: You can take a sleeper or limousine bus from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi to Cao Bang City. The journey takes about 6-8 hours.
• By Motorbike/Car: If you prefer to pass scenic mountain roads, driving from Hanoi to Cao Bang via National Highway 3 is a great option.

Phong Nam Valley in the early morning (Source: Crystalbay)

From the center of Cao Bang City, you just follow National Highway 3 to Trung Khanh Town. Then, turn onto Provincial Road DT211 and continue for about 15 km to reach Phong Nam Valley.

Best time to come 

You can visit Phong Nam Valley in Cao Bang all year round, but from August to October is the most beautiful time to go. During this time, Phong Nam is adorned with the golden hue of ripe rice fields, creating a breathtaking landscape. Autumn is also when photographers love to visit Phong Nam Valley to capture its stunning beauty and follow their artistic dreams.

Phong Nam Valley on the golden rice season (Source: Thanhnien)

Read more: Cao Bang Tour 5 days: A fantastic adventure trails

Things to do in Phong Nam Valley

Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery  

When setting foot in Phong Nam, visitors will be blown away by how peaceful and beautiful the valley is. The endless terraced rice fields stretch gracefully like stairways leading to the sky. In the distance, majestic mountain ranges emerge through floating white clouds, painting a stunning nature work of art. The gentle Quay Son River meanders through the valley, its clear waters reflecting the sky, adding a vibrant touch to the scenery.  

Locals are working in the rice harvest season (Source: Vinhdan)

The best time to witness the beauty of Phong Nam is during the rice harvest season, from September to October. During this time, the whole valley is covered in a bright golden color that makes for a beautiful and dreamlike scene. The scene is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when soft sunlight flows through the rice fields and makes the whole thing look magical - sure to leave visitors in awe.

Engage in Exciting Adventures

Visiting Phong Nam, travelers not only immerse themselves in the poetic natural scenery but also have the chance to do a lot of fun things. You can rent a bicycle to explore the valley, hike up the mountains to discover hidden caves, kayak along the gentle Quay Son River, or simply take a leisurely walk through the village paths, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying a sense of tranquility.

Ban Goc Fall in Quay Son River, Cao Bang (Source: Cao Bang News)

In Phong Nam, there are some traditional stilt houses of the Tay people nestled at the foot of towering cliffs, overlooking the river and golden rice fields. Most locals here rely on farming and have preserved their distinct cultural traditions. Visitors can also stop by local homes to learn about Tay's customs and way of life, making their trip to Phong Nam even more enriching.

Conquer Ma Phuc Pass

In addition to exploring Phong Nam, adventure seekers can challenge themselves by conquering the mountain passes of Cao Bang - an exhilarating experience for any thrill-seeker. Leading the list is Ma Phuc Pass, one of the four most legendary passes in Northern Vietnam. Rising 620 meters above sea level, this 3.7 km-long pass winds through limestone mountains with seven sharp curves, making it a true test of skill and endurance.

Ma Phuc Pass near Phong Nam Valley (Source: Vietnamplus)

Other notable passes include Cao Bac, Khau Lieu, Khau Chia, and the breathtaking Me Pia Pass (pictured). Me Pia is particularly famous for its 14 winding switchbacks that snake along the mountainside, offering a dramatic and unforgettable journey for those daring enough to take on the challenge.

Take the best picture to your collection

According to a photographer, the best times to capture stunning photos in Phong Nam are at sunrise (around 4 AM) and sunset (from 3 PM onwards). To get breathtaking shots, it’s recommended to use a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast natural scenery. Bringing a tripod is also a great advantage for stability and long-exposure shots.

Take the best picture to your collection in Phong Nam Valley (Source: Luhanh)

The cuisine of Phong Nam Valley 

The food in Phong Nam Valley is strongly influenced by the flavors of the mountains, including simple dishes made with fresh ingredients from the area. Don’t miss the chance to try specialties such as roast suckling pig, Cao Bang roasted duck, grilled hill chicken, grilled stream fish, stir-fried wild vegetables, and five-colored sticky rice.  

The cuisine of Phong Nam Valley (Source: Tourism)

A must-try is Cao Bang roasted duck made by small vendors. Its rich and aromatic taste leaves a lasting impression. You can also bring home unique local specialties like wild honey, Shan Tuyet tea, and cardamom as gifts for family and friends.

Conclusion 

Come to Phong Nam and witness the harmonious blend of sky, earth, and people while discovering the enchanting colors of Cao Bang’s mountains and forests. This journey will surely leave you with unforgettable memories and become a truly refreshing escape from bustling city life.

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