Mountains & cavesTrek Phia Oac – Phia Den
Hike through primary forest and chase clouds on 1,931 m Phia Oac, Cao Bang’s rooftop.
What to do
Sport & adventure
Feel the pulse of the highlands: climbing, rafting, cycling and riding the passes inside a UNESCO Global Geopark.
A giant natural playground
Soaring karst peaks, rice valleys, clear rivers and winding passes make Cao Bang a natural playground. Whether you like it gentle, cycling or rafting, or want a challenge, trekking or riding the passes, there is an adventure here for you.
7Suggested outdoor activities
1.931 mPhia Oac, Cao Bang’s highest peak
950 mLit walkway inside Nguom Ngao Cave
~300 mWidth of Ban Gioc falls
Adventures to get your heart racing
Mountains & caves
Mountains & caves
Mountains & cavesChoose your activity
Mountains & cavesTrek Phia Oac – Phia Den
Hike through primary forest and chase clouds on 1,931 m Phia Oac, Cao Bang’s rooftop.
Mountains & cavesHike to Pi Pha viewpoint (Ngoc Con)
A short, steep climb up the hillside for a panorama of the Ngoc Con valley and the Quay Son River.
Mountains & cavesClimb to the “eye” of Mat Than
A steep trail up to a 50 m hole through the mountain, with views over rice valleys and karst peaks.
Roads & passesCycle a geopark route
Pedal past rice fields, stone villages and karst peaks along the Quay Son River.
Rivers & lakesBamboo raft to the falls
A bamboo raft takes you right up to the white curtain of Ban Gioc.
Mountains & cavesExplore the caves
Millions of years of stalactites hidden inside the limestone.
Mountains & cavesCamp under the stars
Pitch a tent beneath the karst for sunset and starry highland skies.
Guide to each activity
Mountains & caves
Trek Phia Oac – Phia Den
Trails wind through primary forest to the province’s highest ground, past Dao Tien villages, bamboo groves and moss forest. Autumn and winter bring seas of cloud; in deep cold snaps the summit can frost over.
- Level
- Moderate
- Where
- Phia Oac – Phia Den National Park
- Best season
- Oct – Apr
- Type
- Mountains & caves
Safety: Go with a local guide; wear hiking boots and bring warm layers and a rain jacket; tell your host your plans.
Mountains & caves
Hike to Pi Pha viewpoint (Ngoc Con)
The way up to Pi Pha (Phi Pha) viewpoint follows the Bo Hay trail on the limestone slope above the Ngoc Con valley. Depending on the path and your fitness it takes from about 15 minutes to an hour. Locals recommend going at sunrise, while mist still fills the valley floor.
- Level
- Easy – moderate
- Where
- Ngoc Con – Phong Nam valley
- Best season
- All year; best Sep – Oct
- Type
- Mountains & caves
Safety: The dirt-and-rock path is very slippery after rain: wear grippy shoes, don’t climb in the dark or heavy rain, and ask locals or your host for the right trailhead.
Mountains & caves
Climb to the “eye” of Mat Than
A limestone path climbs from the foot of the mountain to the giant “eye” that pierces it. From above, rice fields and limestone ridges spread across the Tra Linh area.
- Level
- Moderate
- Where
- Tra Linh area
- Best season
- Sep – Nov
- Type
- Mountains & caves
Safety: The rocky trail is steep and slippery when wet: go only in dry weather with a local guide.
Roads & passes
Cycle a geopark route
Flat village lanes around Ban Gioc and Khuoi Ky stone village make a perfect half-day ride. Stronger riders can continue to Nguom Ngao Cave and other eastern-route geosites.
- Level
- Easy – moderate
- Where
- Around Ban Gioc – Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh
- Best season
- Mar – May, Sep – Nov
- Type
- Roads & passes
Safety: Wear a helmet and carry water; avoid riding after dark and give way on bends.
Rivers & lakes
Bamboo raft to the falls
On the Quay Son River, bamboo rafts carry visitors close to the base of the falls to feel the cool spray and thunder of the water: an adventure for all ages.
- Level
- Easy
- Where
- Ban Gioc Waterfall, Dam Thuy commune
- Best season
- Jun – Oct
- Type
- Rivers & lakes
Safety: Wear the life jacket provided; keep phones and cameras dry; follow border-area rules on site.
Mountains & caves
Explore the caves
Cao Bang is classic karst country, riddled with caves. At Nguom Ngao, the lit section open to visitors is about 950 m long and easy for everyone; wilder caves should only be explored with experienced operators.
- Level
- Easy
- Where
- Nguom Ngao Cave and other geopark caves
- Best season
- All year
- Type
- Mountains & caves
Safety: Enter only caves open to visitors or go with licensed operators; bring a torch and grippy shoes; don’t touch the formations.
Mountains & caves
Camp under the stars
Clean air and little light pollution fill Cao Bang’s night skies with stars. The meadows below Mat Than mountain and the Phia Den highlands are favourite camping spots, and some homestays along the Quay Son River have space for tents.
- Level
- Easy
- Where
- Below Mat Than mountain, Phia Den area
- Best season
- Sep – Dec
- Type
- Mountains & caves
Safety: Camp only where allowed; take your rubbish home; no fires near forests; highland nights are cold, so bring a warm sleeping bag.
Did you know?
Cao Bang’s rooftop
At 1,931 m, Phia Oac is Cao Bang’s highest peak. Deep cold snaps can bring frost and even light snow to the summit.
Safety
Have fun, stay safe
- Always tell your host or family your plans before heading into mountains, caves or lakes.
- Hire a local guide for treks and wild caves.
- Check the forecast; in the rainy season (May – Sep) watch for flash floods and landslides.
- Wear a life jacket on the water and a helmet on bikes and motorbikes.
- Border areas: carry ID and follow signs and instructions from the authorities.
- Emergency: 112 (rescue), 115 (ambulance).
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