Introduction to Cao Bang Vietnam – a northeastern province known for its pristine nature and cool climate all seasons. The destination hosts primitive forests and systems of rivers and waterfalls. Its natural highlights make it a true destination for nature lovers, hikers, and backpackers. While most of the place remains untouched by the modern vibe, the rustic charm is so precious for anybody to retreat or run away from the city bustle. Here you can get immersed in the original masterpieces of nature. Some of the most beautiful names include Ban Gioc Waterfall, Thang Hen Lake, Ma Phuc Pass, Nguom Ngao Cave, Pac Bo Relic Site, and Cao Bang Ancient Stone Village. Tours to Cao Bang open the opportunities for explorers to unveil the secrets behind the waterfalls, the caves, and historical attractions. You’d better wear comfortable clothing with good sneakers for the outdoor expeditions and trekking, just like a safari expert. Each step you trek in the Cao Bang landscape, you become closer and closer to the intact nature and might fall in love with the spotless land, in which everything remains uninterrupted by the lines of tourists. It’s where you can listen to the songs of the birds and the rhythm of the waterfalls. This introduction to Cao Bang has been written for you and tourists alike, which can inspire actual trips in the coming time.
Overview of Cao Bang Vietnam
Cao Bang is a “green pearl” in northeastern Vietnam, which is famous for its intact nature, ethnic culture, and unique food. The destination has recently attracted young backpackers and vacationers who want to admire the marvelous waterfalls, magnificent passes, and historical relics. Mostly covered by the mountains and the forests, the attractions in Cao Bang remain their original charm and conditions, which are precious and hard to find. You’ll be astonished by the heavenly beauty of the giant Ban Gioc Waterfall, the unbeatable charm of Thang He Lake, or the interestingly shaped Ma Phuc Pass. The northeast land remains away from the modern skyscrapers and traffic jams that leave it the beautiful and pristine corners, which are free from the city bustle and hassle. Traveling to Cao Bang, guests won’t expect to be entertained by the modern shopping malls or the busy lines of luxurious resorts. Rather, they are longing for a nature-friendly journey, an off-the-beaten-track hike trip, camping nearby a romantic lake, or a challenging trek toward the spectacular peak. This is all Cao Bang promises to serve. Among the best, a must-have experience is a boat trip to the foot of the enchanting Ban Gioc Waterfall, which is the best way to feel the grandeur of the natural masterpiece. The white foam will urge you to make a lot of “wow” expressions.
Geographical Location
Cao Bang is located in the Northeast of Vietnam. Its city center is around 280km from Hanoi. The district is encompassed by the Quang Tay (Chinese border line is over 333km) in the north and the northeast, Ha Giang in the west, Tuyen Quang in the southwest, and Bac Kan and Lang Son in the south. The destination topography is limestone interspersed with mountains and soil. The average elevation is more than 200m above sea level. Cao Bang is mostly dominated by continuous mountains and forests that take more than 90% of the local areas. In general, this established the three distinct regions: 1) the rocky mountains in the East, 2) the soil and rocky mountains in the West, and 3) the mountainous area with dense forests in the Southwest. In addition, the province has two large rivers which are the Gam River (in the west) and the Bang Giang River (in the central and eastern regions) besides several small rivers like the Quay Son River, Bac Vong River, Nho Que River, etc. As most of Cao Bang is covered by primitive forests, the air remains clean and fresh, even in the city center. The low traffic means, and low population density result in a low level of dust pollution in Cao Bang. In that sense, Cao Bang is one of the provinces with the freshest environment and least pollution in Vietnam. It wins the visitors’ praises on the intact nature and fresh air, which are well-preserved away from the city bustle.
Weather Characteristics
Cao Bang Vietnam, in general, has mild and pleasant weather characterized by the subtropical climate. The province is directly influenced by the cold air waves from the North. It has the weather characteristics of the high mountainous provinces in the Northeast. Cao Bang is the gateway that receives the northeast monsoon from China in the winter and the Southeast monsoon in the summer. Nonetheless, the local temperature has never decreased to below 0 Celsius degrees, and in the winter, it has no snow. Normally, the winter temperature can drop as low as 6 – 8 Celsius degrees and have low humidity. When it comes to summer, the hot and humid weather dominates the region, with the average temperature can reach 30 – 32 Celsius degrees. Spring and autumn are not obvious, as the weather seems unpredictable. Yet, the spring seems to be hot while the autumn is more pleasant. Generally, Cao Bang’s climate is cool all year round, with many high mountains and a picturesque natural landscape, which is perfect for ecotourism and resorts.
When to Visit Cao Bang in Vietnam
August and September are the two most beautiful months of Cao Bang when the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall presents its best with transparent water, plus the yellow terraced rice fields. So, it’s the best time to travel to Cao Bang. In general, the rainy season will occur from June to September, when the water runs heavily and splashes white foam. The dry season takes place from October to May of the following year when it gets colder while the water flows smoothly. In that sense, for sightseeing the waterfall and the terraced rice fields, it’s best to travel in October. And, for experiencing the wild sunflower or buckwheat flower seasons, get there in November and December. Cao Bang might get cold in the early morning and in the evening; its temperature can decrease to 15 – 16 Celsius degrees. If you are on a motorbike, remember to wear warm clothing and bring a raincoat.
Cao Bang History and Development
Feudal Period
From the early days of the country, Cao Bang was inhabited by the old Vietnamese. Their presence was proved by the remnants and relics left in the region. The Cao Bang name was written in early history books. The “Du Dia Chi” book composed by Nguyen Trai in 1435 mentioned Cao Bang while another book “Viet Kieu Thu” written by Ly Van Phuong in 1540 also addressed Cao Bang as the name of the local ward. At the time of Emperor Le Thanh Tong (1460 – 1497), Cao Bang was called “Phu Bac Binh” of Thai Nguyen. Going through the Le dynasties’ administrative divisions and name changes, particularly in 1499, Cao Bang was made a separate town, which was an important milestone for the first time in history, Cao Bang Town was mentioned. Since the separation, Cao Bang had its own administrative system to manage the territory, which was controlled and administered by the court and the emperor. Cao Bang Town had equal status to the other towns. Under the reign of the Mac dynasty (1952 – 1677), they set up a capital in Cao Binh (Cao Bang) and managed the areas of Tuyen Quang, Thai Nguyen, and Lang Son. When the Mac dynasty ended, the Le dynasty reset Cao Bang town.
The French colonial period
In October 1886, Cao Bang was occupied by the French. In 1888, Cao Bang became a military zone. In 1891, the General Governor of Indochina issued a decree to abolish military zones to establish the military armies – which was an administrative unit controlled by the French military. Each military army was led by a commander who had full civil and military rights. Later, from 1886 to 1945, the name, geographical territory, and the number of administrative units of Cao Bang went through several changes. By the end of the 19th century, Cao Bang Province included Trung Khanh and Hoa An units.
After the 1945 August Revolution
After the victory of the 1945 August Revolution, The Democratic Republic of Vietnam was born. Then, Cao Bang and the whole country stepped into a new phase of history. In 1948, the government issued the use of “communes, wards, districts, and provinces” as official administrative units. On 03 October 1950, Cao Bang was totally liberated from the French colonial rule.
- On 01 July 1956, the provinces of Cao Bang, Bac Kan, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, and Ha Giang established the North Vietnam Autonomous Region.
- On 27 December 1975, the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam decided to remove the zone level in the system of administrative units. Then, Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces were merged into one province – Cao Lang, of which the provincial capital was situated in the Cao Bang town.
- On 29 December 1978, on the 6th National Assembly, the Cao Lang province was divided into two provinces of Cao Bang and Lang Son. Also, the two districts of Ngan Son and Cho Ra (of the Bac Thai Province) were added to the Cao Bang province.
- On 6 January 1996, on the 9th National Assembly, the 2 districts of Ngan Son and Ba Be were separated from Cao Bang province and then added to the Bac Kan province. Cao Bang province at this time consisted of 11 administrative units (1 town and 10 districts) and 189 communes, wards, and townships.
- On 18 October 2010, Cao Bang town was recognized as a Grade-III city.
- On 25 September 2012, the Government issued Resolution No. 60/NQ-CP which established Cao Bang City in Cao Bang Province.
Despite going through many times to changing the name and adjusting the administrative boundaries, the territory of Cao Bang is basically stable. At present, Cao Bang has 13 district-level administrative units (1 city and 12 districts); 199 communes, wards, and townships (14 townships, 4 wards, and 181 communes); There are 46 border communes and towns, 2 national border gates, and 1 international border gate.
Introduction to Cao Bang’s Means of Transport
Around 280km from Hanoi, Cao Bang encourages adventure and ecotourism tours from any other region. There are public coaches running from Hanoi to Cao Bang, and you can buy the tickets at the stations of My Dinh, Gia Lam, and Giap Bat. The ticket price is around 200,000 – 300,000 VND per person. The transfer normally takes from 6 to 7 hours. Upon your arrival, you can hire a motorbike (as long as you can drive). Otherwise, use the local motorbike taxi service. If you’re going on a tour package, the limousine will carry you to each landmark in the itinerary. Know that you should expect to meet many young travelers and backpackers driving motorbikes on the winding roads in Cao Bang Vietnam.
Introduction to Cao Bang’s Most Famous Attractions
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Being the unmistakable highlight of Cao Bang best tourist attractions to see, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the first and foremost name mentioned in any list of the best waterfalls in Southeast Asia. It is the largest waterfall in Vietnam and is at the intersection between the borders of China and Vietnam. Around 100km from Cao Bang city center, Ban Gioc is famous for being as beautiful as a pure white silk strip amid the local mountains. The waterfall pours its water into the emerald Quay Son River. It has a unique tiered structure in which the water flows through layers of limestone and vegetation. If you look at the waterfall from an aerial view, the natural magnificence can surprise every eye at first sight. Ban Gioc is a pride of the local tourism products. At the base of the waterfall is the primitive evergreen forest, which attracts people to take pictures, breathe the freshest air, and be close to nature. Besides, the ethnic stilt house and lush rice fields of the Nung and Tay ethnic minorities make the place worth visiting for sure. The best time to get to Ban Gioc Waterfall is from August to November when the waterfall has abundant and transparent water so you can swim and enjoy a boat trip. Especially, October is the rice harvest season while November is when the wild sunflowers bloom. Exploring the rivers and mountains at Ban Gioc Waterfall through a boat trip is a must-try experience. In the evening, the destination offers an eye-pleasing light show, which looks astonishing.
Ma Phuc Pass
Ma Phu is considered the most picturesque pass in Cao Bang Vietnam and is the favorite check-in spot that amazes guests with its magnificent nature. The Pass belongs to the Tra Linh district and has a length of 3,5km at the height of 700m above sea level. As its name suggests, the pass moves across the limestone mountains and valleys, which creates a horse image. Ma Phuc Pass is included in a group of the most challenging roads in Vietnam. Meanwhile, it was classified as a geological heritage of Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. The pass remains attractive throughout the year, but it presents the best particularly in early November – December (the buckwheat flower season) and January – February (the corn and rice harvest time). Together with the breathtaking mountains, Ma Phuc Pass also attracts visitors to the ethnic markets and local dishes like the 7-flavored roasted duck. You can expect to find several types of ethnic traditional cakes.
Thang Hen Lake
For a query about the best lake in Cao Bang, then Thang Hen is the answer. Thang Hen Lake is included in a group of 36 natural lakes set at an altitude of approximately 1,700m and connected by an underground cave system. In this group, Thang Hen is the largest lake and attracts the greatest number of visitors. The place of interest is recognizable for the emerald water which reflects the clouds and the sky in a perfect way. Surrounding the lake is the primitive evergreen forest and wildflower fields. Though the water of the lake might turn muddy during the rainy season, the scenery is still as artistic as a watercolor painting, which covers the lake, the mountains, and the forests of Northeastern Vietnam. From atop dimension, the lake has fairy beauty that wins the photographers’ compliments. Walking around the lake can cheer you up as you can expect to find Instagram-worthy backgrounds. Or you can take a boat trip to fully explore the charm of the lake. Furthermore, don’t forget to check in the adjacent attractions like the “lonely cliff”, wild sunflower garden, old houses in Lung Tao, and even Ma Phuc Pass. Sunrise watching in Thang Hen Lake is among the best things to do in Cao Bang; therefore, arrive there in the early morning! Taking pictures or camping at the lakeside is also a must-do.
Nguom Ngao Cave
Though being found more than 400 hundred years ago, Nguom Ngao Cave has just opened for tourism in 1996. The cave name originated from the Tay language, which means “tiger’s cave”. This limestone formation remains hidden amid the mountainous region of the Trung Khanh district. The cave has a length of over 2,100m, with three major gateways including Nguom Lom, Nguom Ngao, and Ban Thuon. The first steps you enter the cave, you’ll be impressed by the magnificent scenery of the age-old and interestingly shaped stalagmites and stalactites. The limestones inside the cave will prove its long-lasting history. The color of the stalactites inside Nguom Ngao is often dark due to the high amount of calcium more than any other grottoes. Especially, the temperature inside is quite favorable, which is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Some interior corners even have small streams that can cheer up the ears. The “limestone above and water below” scenery makes Nguom Ngao a masterpiece of nature, that no human-made construction can compare.
Nghieu Son Linh Mountain
Around 2km from Cao Bang city center, Nghieu Son Linh is a mountain range located on the right bank of the gentle Bang River. Not only does this mountainous area own the picturesque scenery, but it’s also a historical destination linked to the Cao Bang history during wartime. It was once stationed by the army to fight against the northern invaders. Later, the area became isolated and covered by dense forest. As a result, it preserves the intact nature. The landscape surrounding the mountain range looks pretty, especially when the wildflowers bloom. At the foot of the mountain is the Bang River, which looks gentle and nostalgic for photography. You can just stand by the river, make your pose, and capture. This is where to immerse yourself in the untouched mountain and river of Ha Giang, which is free from hassle.
Pac Bo National Relic Site
On 6 October 2012, Pac Bo was recognized as a national special relic site in Vietnam. The site remains a sacred venue for the Vietnamese. Holding the critical meanings of history, Pac Bo is also endowed with breathtaking mountains and rivers. The scenery is agreed to be fairy-like. In an area of 500 ha, the relic site is divided into several historical clusters associated with Uncle Ho’s daily activities. Among them, Coc Bo Cave, Lenin spring, 108 Milestone, and Karl Marx Mountain are the most notable ones. The road leading towards the relic site is photogenic while the Lenin spring is as beautiful as a watercolor painting. The Pac Bo is worthy of praises all year round, and the best time to get there is the dry season (May to September) when the forest is in its freshest condition and the Lenin spring looks very gentle and idyllic. The place also serves visitors the local iconic food like bamboo rice, the grilled water duck, etc. It normally takes around 4 hours to fully discover the relic site and its surrounding highlights.
Khuoi Ky Old Stone Village
Located in the Ban Gioc Waterfall tourist area, the Khuoi Ky village is an ancient stone hamlet over 400 years old. The site is around 100km from Cao Bang city center. Leaning on the limestone mountains and in an area of nearly 1 ha, the village is home to more than 14 households of the Tay ethnic group. Each house is built from stone, and dated back to the year 1594. The general architecture of these stone houses is in the traditional three-compartment house with tiled roofs and stone foundations. The whole area remains quiet and free, which seems to take you to a different lost world, in which you find no car beep. The ancient village has a stone background for photography, which is unique. You can find stone almost everywhere in the Khuoi Ky Village, from the walls to the stoves and mills. This explains why it’s called the old stone village. What’s more, know that the village is open for homestay experiences so you can book a room here. The local’s simple yet happy lifestyle will help add positivity to your journey.
Tran Hung Dao Forest Relic
Tran Hung Dao primeval forest is nestled in Tam Kim commune, Nguyen Binh district. It was recognized as a special national historical relic and is one of the rare primeval forests that retains its natural beauty. The forest features a cool and pleasant climate all year round, which is perfect for a real trek. The average temperature in this forest falls between 15 and 20 Celsius degrees, which is favorable. The tree lines on the sides of the stone stair might help the climb more comfortable thanks to the beautiful view as well as the oxygen source. Historically, the forest stores the artifacts associated with the history of the country, namely the revolutionary activities of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap. It also hosts the tombs of the Cao-Bac-Lang heroes who fell for the independence and freedom of the nation. The young Vietnamese generations often come to Tran Hung Dao Forest to admire the green scenery and express their gratitude to their ancestors. Check in this forest if you’re keen on the forest vista and Vietnamese history.
Ban Viet Lake
Together with Thang He Lake, Ban Viet Lake is a praiseworthy attraction for sightseeing, trekking, camping, picnic, and SUP rowing. The season of red and yellow leaves in the lake showers the whole region with beautiful colors and picturesque scenery. If you have a chance to observe the lake from an aerial review, the giant natural landscape dotted with the colors of the mountains, the flowers, the forests, and the water can make you say lots of “wows.” While some groups of young backpackers enjoy a camping trip on the lakeside, other thrill-seekers like rowing SUP, which is exciting and healthy. It also creates an awesome opportunity for cool and so-deep photography. When you’re on a SUP, your pictures look beautifully stylish with the mountainous and the lake backgrounds. It’s a real journey. Any time you feel like it, enjoy a picnic by the lakesides to remain close to nature and breathe the freshest air ever.
Northeast Vietnam Tour 7 Days to Cao Bang and Ha Giang
Ethnic markets in Cao Bang of Vietnam
In the border highlands, villages are located far away from each other, and each village has a few households, so the locals’ daily life seem to be unknown. Therefore, attending the ethnic markets is a great opportunity for exchanging goods, information, feelings, and even dating. The market fairs in Cao Bang are normally held every 5 days, according to the lunar calendar. Here are some examples of the ethnic market schedules in the Bao Lac District.
- The Central Market meets on the 5th and the 10th
- Ban Bo Market meets on the 4th and the 9th
- Coc Pang Market meets on the 4th and the 9th
- Dong Mu Market meets on the 3rd and the 8th
- Lung Pan Market meets on the 5th and the 10th
- Hung Dao Market meets on the 5th and the 10th
Cao Bang districts are rich in ethnic market fairs, which welcome tourists to buy goods and observe the dynamic atmosphere as well as the locals’ costumes and traditions. You are likely to meet the ethnic girls and boys dating while the local children are selling their homemade items on the spot. Attend an ethnic market of the mountainous region and tell how it is different from the market of the lowlands. Of course, it’s a great chance for photography and cultural discovery. Among the most popular ethnic markets in Cao Bang, Nguyen Binh Markets are held on the 3rd, the 8th, the 13th, the 18th, the 23rd, and the 28th of every lunar month, which attract numerous participants. The fairs feature the local products of the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic minority groups, which can interest guests. This gives you new experiences away from home to join the different market vibe, in which the ethnic people are gathering for trades and communications. It is where you find the ethnic paper, thread, and fabric, which is unique and distinctive. Cao Bang has 12 districts, and each district has ethnic markets organized on different days which are sure to please your interest.
Introduction to Cao Bang’s Best Accommodations
Sai Gon – Ban Gioc Resort
This is the only 4-star resort in Cao Bang, which is worth the budget. So, if you want to give yourself a nice treat, book a room in Sai Gon – Ban Gioc Hotel, which is located nearby the picturesque Ban Gioc Waterfall. In that sense, this is among the best hotels in Cao Bang you should think first when selecting the accommodation in this northeastern province. The site has been booked and experienced by tourists nationwide and worldwide, which ensures its quality and services. Staying there, you have abundant opportunities to admire the enchanting waterfall and explore the adjacent Nguom Ngao Cave. The peaceful scenery of nature urges you to unwind and release. Campfire in this area is also a great experience.
Bang Giang Hotel
Located nearby the poetic Bang Giang River and adjacent to the parks and shopping malls, Bang Giang Hotel is a good place to stay during your Cao Bang tours. It offers easy and quick access to the facilities plus the convenient highways toward the tourist landmarks. The rooms are designed in contemporary and modern beauty with open zones, windows, and private balconies overlooking the city. The hotel amenity and services are of good quality. Guests also enjoy the private and peaceful atmosphere, which guarantees a sound sleep to recharge after the long adventures.
Los Angles Hotel
This is an ideal stopover situated in the heart of Cao Bang City, which is feasible for exploring the city highlights. The hotel location is next to the central flower garden, around 400m from the street food market and walking street, and around 300m from the central market. Los Angles Hotel also offers a private parking lot for visitors while the rooms have views of the flower gardens and avenues. It gives the basic comfort and convenience you need in the mountainous destination. The hotel services and facilities are guaranteed to meet the luxury level while the staff is well-trained and willing to assist you whenever needed.
Jeanne Hotel
Jeanne Hotel is a good accommodation choice for first-time guests who are questioning where to rest in Cao Bang. The hotel itself looks beautiful enough to attract you to enter, and then the cleanliness and professional service inside can urge you to book a room. Guests have re-booked this hotel when they revisit Cao Bang, so give it a thought. The experiences are said to be comfortable and pleasant as each room is eye-catching and spacious with standard amenities for your comfort. In many online articles about the Cao Bang’s good hotels, Jeanne Hotel is a frequently mentioned name.
Highlands Hotel
Located in the center of Cao Bang City, Highlands Hotel stands out to answer your question about the places to sleep. It’s an inexpensive choice for the nice and cozy rooms. The 24/7 front desk and friendly staff will welcome you whenever you arrive, regardless of the time. The ethnic food served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at this nice hotel is also a great score. From this spot, you can take it easy to travel to the nearby tourist attractions. What’s more, the hotel offers a shuttle bus service that you can take advantage of.
A Dong Hotel
A Dong Hotel is a nice 2-star hotel with a convenient location in the middle of the main road toward the picturesque attractions of Cao Bang. This popular hotel offers comfortable facilities for your relaxation. You can enjoy soaking in the bath with Oriental medicine or tasting delicious specialties in the restaurant. The room is designed in the Indochina style, with wooden furniture, and in a warm color for the cozy days and nights.
Homestays in Ban Gioc Waterfall
With the ecotourism highlights of the gorgeous waterfall and mystic cave nearby, Ban Gioc Waterfall is the must-see attraction in Cao Bang, which inspires the growth of the homestay services. In the previous time, people just came to check-in and take pictures of the waterfall, and then returned to the city to sleep. Things change now as they can experience the homestay in Ban Gioc, which is a nature-friendly stay and helps expand tourists’ accommodation choices. The highly-ranked homestay sites in Ban Gioc include Yen Nhi Homestay, Nguom Ngao Ban Gioc Homestay, Hoang Cong Homestay, Minh Khang Homestay, Truong Giang Homestay Ban Gioc, Khuoi Ky Homestay, and Mr. Diep Homestay. Check out any of these recommended names and tell how your experience is to sleep in the area of Ban Gioc, Cao Bang Vietnam.
Introduction to Cao Bang Food to Eat
Pho Chua (sour Pho)
This is an iconic food of Cao Bang. The noodle will be served with deep-fried crispy bacon, thin slices of pork liver, and roasted duck meat. A bowl of noodle soup can also include the deep-fried slices of potato, which is a kind of sweet potato only found in Bac Kan and Cao Bang. The taste of “Pho Chua” reflects a combination of various spices like peanut, basil, cucumber, coriander, etc. During your culinary adventure, make sure to include “Pho Chua” in the handy list.
Gai Cake
Some foodies agree that they eat “Banh Gai” (Gai cake) once and they remember it for a long time, and even forever. The taste of the cake in Cao Bang is unique. Made from the fragrant glutinous rice and wrapped in banana leaves, the cake owns a dark green color plus a sweet taste and unbeatable aroma originating from the mung bean paste mixed with sugar. There is even a story about the history of the food dating back to the 10th century when the Cao Bang ancestors made the cakes for the soldiers to carry on their shoulders during the battles against the Northern invaders. Therefore, the cake had another name, which is “carrying cakes.” In the past, the cake was only made during the Full Moon Festival (July of the lunar calendar), Tet holiday, or occasions to worship the ancestors. Yet nowadays, the cakes are widely sold in the local stores so that guests can enjoy and buy them.
Vit Quay 7 Vi (seven-flavored roasted duck)
As one of the most popular dishes in the local important events and holidays, the seven-flavored roasted duck is a must to eat in Cao Bang when you’re there. Also, the roasted duck is often included on the menu of the local weddings, anniversaries, baby’s full month, etc. It’s also considered a special treat for guests to express the host’s hospitable and enthusiastic nature. Originally, this food is invented by the Tay ethnic group in Cao Bang, who owns the secretive seven-flavored spice meticulously marinated in every single meat. After being soaked in spices, the pork will be further spiced in vinegar and honeybee before it is grilled brown over the bamboo charcoal. The roasted duck will be served with vermicelli, herbs, rice paper, sticky rice, or salad. During the local parties, people often eat the roasted duck and drink corn wine, which establishes a complete culinary experience.
Trung Khanh chestnut
Any travel to the northern mountainous area of Vietnam cannot be complete without tasting the well-known Trung Khanh chestnut. As a small district of Cao Bang province, located nearby the Chinese border, Trung Khanh is home to the delicious chestnuts, which are meaty, round, large, and fragrant. The local land is ideal for growing the chestnuts which are more flavorful than the ordinary ones. The best time to eat the best glossy brown nuts in Trung Khanh is autumn. Also, you can eat the roasted nuts on the spot and buy kilograms as the must-have gifts after a trip to Cao Bang. If relatives and friends know that you’re traveling to Cao Bang, perhaps, they will call and ask for the brown nuts.
Lap Suon (sausage made from the highland pigs)
This is a traditional food in Cao Bang, made from parts of the highland pigs like the pork belly, pork shoulder, pork butt meat, and the organs. Almost every corner in Cao Bang serves pork sausage, from the restaurants to the street food stalls and family meals. Thanks to the secretive seasoning methods, the local sausage has a special taste, which might be a bit sour and salty mixed with the rich aroma from ginger and the “Clausena indica” leaves. The sausage can be deep-fried or grilled over charcoal and often served with raw vegetables. This is a must-eat, and you can buy it as a gift for the beloved at home.
Thit Lon Chua (the sour pork)
With the major ingredient of pork, the Muong ethnic group uses their creativity and culinary skills to create the well-known Cao Bang sour pork. Raised in the highlands, the local pigs have less fat and firmer meat than the ones in the lowlands. After being cleaned and seasoned with some spices, the pork will be lined with guava leaves and fermented in bamboo tubes. After a while, the fermented pork will be ready for being stir-fried and eaten with rice. It is a popular dish in the local family’s meals; both kids and adults enjoy it with rice. The food is guaranteed to be so yummy that anybody in Cao Bang should always experience the taste. Once served, the pork might be mixed with vegetables, chili, and pepper.
Thach Den Cao Bang (black jelly)
The local black jelly is a kind of sweet soup in Cao Bang, which is good for health and can be served as a cooling soup. It helps stabilize blood pressure and treat cold and joint pain. It’s made from the leaves of the “Thach Den” tree (its scientific name is Mesona Chinensis Benth) mostly grown in the Thach An district of Cao Bang province. The leaves have a sweet taste and a cooling effect. Cups of black jelly served with sugar and coconut milk is a wonderful remedy for every guest to regain the lost energy and feel energetic again for continuous trips in this province. A person can eat two or more cups of sweet soup. The cool and sweet taste can convince even the most fastidious foodies. The “Thach Den” in Cao Bang is processed in a traditional and manual way, which guarantees its safety and health effects.
Banh Cuon (steamed rice noodle rolls)
When speaking of Cao Bang cuisine, one cannot help mentioning the favorite breakfast choice – Banh Cuon (steamed rice noodle rolls). The food in Cao Bang is served hot, which means when you order a plate, the cook will promptly make the hot rolls and add the already-prepared fillings. Eating the hot “Banh Cuon” requires your patience as the food is served hot and you need to wait for the cook to roll each cake. You might expect to stand in a queue to wait for your hot plate. The unique feature of Cao Bang rolls is the delicious broth made from the simmered pork bones, which is sweet and fragrant. Anyone who has ever tasted this dish might never forget the sweet broth as well as the soft, fragrant, and greasy rolls. Added to the broth is the minced pork and some spring onions, which enhance the taste and look. Foodies can also ask to add the egg to the bowl.
Cao Bang Future Orientation
Introduction to Cao Bang tourism projects which have been implemented for the period of 2021 – 2025, with a vision for 2035, as stated by the Vietnamese Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Per their orientation, Cao Bang has 9 sustainable tourism products as follows:
- Agricultural tourism
- Ecotourism
- Nature tourism
- Adventure travel
- Water sports tourism and mountain climbing
- Cultural tourism
- Historical tourism
- Culinary tourism
- Leisure travel and resort
Oriented to develop sustainable tourism products, the potential, strengths, and advantages of each region will be considered reasonably to attract tourists, build the Cao Bang tourism brand, and then turn tourism into a key economic sector of the province. Also, Cao Bang Vietnam attempts to promote its tourism products by attending the Tourism Festivals. Particularly, in the 18th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2022 (May 14-17, 2022), Cao Bang Province participated in promoting tours, together with other 50 provinces and cities. Some provincial publications promoted at the event include Non Nuoc Cao Bang photobook – Wonderland, travel guides, culinary manual, travel map, Culture, Sports and Tourism Newsletter; UNESCO Global Geopark Non Nuoc Cao Bang publication; Pac Bo Leaflet, Thang Hen Lake, etc. Furthermore, the province develops the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program, which helps promote the iconic tourism product of the destination and enhance the locals’ living conditions. The products can be food, beverages, herbal, clothing, fabric, souvenirs, accessories, and more. The intact-and-beautiful Cao Bang is surely worth a visit at your earliest convenience. Travel before the crowds to see how spectacular the mountainous destination can show!
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