Destination guide

Phia Oac – Phia Den

Cao Bang’s high country: moss forest, seas of cloud, tea hills and Dao Tien villages.

1,931 mPhia Oac summit

1,300 mPhia Den tea hills

30 haBan Phuong bamboo forest

50 kmfrom the provincial centre

Phia Oac – Phia Den is a national park in the west of the province, in the Nguyen Binh area. Phia Oac summit rises to 1,931 m and is often in cloud. The massif is granite about 85 – 100 million years old – the same rock that gave rise to the once-famous tin and tungsten mines of Tinh Tuc.

From foot to summit the forest changes from evergreen to moss forest and then elfin forest, with ancient moss-covered trees and orchids. Winters bring frost and, in some years, snow. This is the Geopark’s western route, “Discover Phia Oac – mountains of change”.

The area is home to Dao Tien villages, known for embroidery, beeswax-resist printing and silversmithing.

Don’t miss

Phia Oac summit

Chase clouds at dawn among moss forest and ancient trees. Winters are bitterly cold, with frost possible.

Ban Phuong bamboo forest

Over 30 ha of bamboo on hillsides, along streams and beside yin-yang tiled houses, with walking paths and plenty of photo spots.

Kolia tea hills

Organic tea hills at over 1,300 m, where visitors learn how tea is grown and processed and taste Shan tuyet tea.

Hoai Khao Dao Tien village

A community-tourism village of 34 Dao Tien households, some hosting guests in traditional wooden houses. Learn embroidery and beeswax printing, hear pao dung singing and go bamboo-shoot picking or beeswax harvesting with villagers.

The Dragon’s Back

A karst planation surface at 700 – 800 m stretching for kilometres above a valley of terraced fields.

French-era traces

The Red Villa among pines and remains of the Tinh Tuc, Ban O and Lung Muoi tin and tungsten mines.

Getting there

About 50 km from the provincial centre along highway 34 towards Nguyen Binh, roughly 1.5 hours; the last stretch is a mountain pass.
Hire a car with driver or go with a local guide, especially in winter when fog and frost are common.

See the place card and directions →

When to go

Oct – Apr

Cloud-sea season; frost is possible in December – January cold snaps.

Sep – Oct

Golden rice on the Hoai Khao and Lung Muoi terraces.

Spring

Wildflowers and warming weather, good for walking.

Summer

Much cooler than the lowlands, but often rainy and misty.

Practical tips

Before you go

It is much colder up here than in the lowlands, even in summer: bring warm layers, a rain jacket and hiking shoes.
The pass has many bends and thick fog in early morning and late afternoon: drive in daylight and slowly.
Walk in the forest with a local guide and don’t wander onto unknown trails.
Ask before photographing people and the Dao Tien costumes and silverwork.
Village homestays have few rooms: contact them in advance, especially at weekends and in cloud season.

Itineraries that include it

All itineraries

4 days, 3 nights

The western road loop

Road trippers, mountain lovers, market hunters and fans of cool air.

~440 km · about 12 – 13 hours of driving over 4 days

4 days, 3 nights

The classic Cao Bang Loop

The full eastern loop, village nights and time to walk.

~400 km · about 11 – 12 hours of driving over 4 days

Frequently asked questions

Does it snow on Phia Oac?

In winter cold snaps the summit often has frost; in some years snow falls, but not every year.

Can I visit Phia Oac – Phia Den in one day?

Yes. Go up Phia Oac in the morning, rest at the tea hills at midday, walk Ban Phuong bamboo forest in the afternoon, then stay in a Dao Tien village or return to the provincial centre.

Where should I stay near Phia Den?

There are homestays in Dao Tien villages and an eco-resort on the tea hills. Staying overnight puts you in place for sunrise above the clouds.

What is special about the Dao Tien?

Indigo and black costumes decorated with silver coins, white headscarves for women, and beeswax-resist printing, hand embroidery and silversmithing passed down through generations.