Geopark
Cao BằngWhere rivers meet stone
Places worth the trip
Ban Gioc Waterfall
A curtain of water about 300 m wide tumbling over three limestone tiers on the Quay Son River, right on the Vietnam–China border.
CaveNguom Ngao Cave
“Tiger cave” in the Tay language: a cave over 2 km long, full of glittering formations, about 3 km from Ban Gioc.
GeologyMat Than Mountain
A limestone peak pierced by a round hole more than 50 m across, one of Cao Bang’s signature geosites.
National parkPhia Oac – Phia Den
A national park crowned by 1,931 m Phia Oac peak, with primary forest, cool air and Dao paper-making villages.
ValleyPhong Nam Valley & Ngoc Con
A peaceful rice valley on the Quay Son River, about 26 km from Ban Gioc – the place travellers call “Phong Nam Valley”.
Forest & wildlifeCao Vit Gibbon Reserve
Pristine limestone forest – one of the very few places on Earth where the Cao Vit gibbon survives.
Photo: Bùi Tuấn HùngLiving cultureCulture – Colours of Cao Bang’s Ethnic Peoples
Each people has its own colours, its own songs and its own crafts, woven into Cao Bang’s mountains.
Historic sitesHistoric Sites
From Pac Bo and Tran Hung Dao Forest to Na Lu Citadel and Ky Sam Temple – landmarks in the history of the borderland.
Traditional Craft Villages
Phuc Sen blades, Phia Thap incense, handmade paper, brocade, silverwork, cane sugar and arrowroot noodles – still made by hand in Tay, Nung, Dao and Hmong homes.
Khuoi Ky stone village
A Tay village of stone stilt houses with yin-yang tiled roofs, on the road from Ban Gioc Waterfall to Nguom Ngao Cave.
Spiritual siteTruc Lam Ban Gioc Pagoda
A pagoda on Phia Nhan hill with a panorama of Ban Gioc Waterfall and the Quay Son valley.
Itineraries travellers love
2 days, 1 nightBan Gioc, Phong Nam & Ngoc Con
First time in Cao Bang and want Ban Gioc plus Phong Nam Valley without rushing.
3 days, 2 nightsThe full picture
Nature, history and craft villages in one trip.
4 days, 3 nightsThe classic Cao Bang Loop
The full eastern loop, village nights and time to walk.
3 days, 2 nights · Sep – OctGolden rice in Phong Nam & Ngoc Con
Photographers and slow travellers who want time in the valley in its finest season.
7 days, 6 nightsHa Giang + Cao Bang
The two most famous mountain loops of northern Vietnam in one journey.
Interactive map
Cao Bang on the map
Falls and caves to the east, Pac Bo to the north, peaks and passes to the west. See distances and plan with ease.
Open the mapThings to do in Cao Bang
NatureBamboo raft to the falls
Glide across the Quay Son River on a bamboo raft right up to the spray of Ban Gioc.
AdventureTrek Phia Oac
Hike through primary forest and chase sea-of-cloud views on Cao Bang’s highest peak with a local guide.
Stay in a stilt house
Sleep in a village homestay, learn to wrap rice cakes, cook local dishes and hear Then songs by the fire.
MarketsHighland market day
Rotating markets full of textiles, fresh produce, corn liquor and highland life.
GeoparkFollow a geotrail
The geopark’s themed routes link its heritage sites; drive, ride or cycle them in stages.
ValleysWalk Phong Nam Valley
Walk or cycle through rice fields along the Quay Son River and climb Pi Pha viewpoint for sunrise.
Then singing, firecracker festivals and six dishes to try
Trip planner
A quick plan by days and interests
How many days do you have?
What do you enjoy? (pick any)
Festivals and seasons through the year
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SeasonSeasonBefore you go: getting here, permits, weather
Weather
Cao Bang city
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Forecast data: Open-Meteo. Cool all year; winter can drop below 10°C.
