Discover Cao Bằng

The Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark helps explain Cao Bằng’s landscape through its tropical karst: caves with stalactite formations, as well as underground and surface rivers, are part of a complete karst development cycle. Lakes and a striking opening in Mắt Thần Mountain add a range of natural features to this geological perspective. Those considering Cao Bằng as a travel destination can explore nature, history, and crafts as distinct interests alongside one another.

Karst, lakes, and forest

The Thang Hen lake system consists of 36 natural lakes connected by underground caves. At Mắt Thần Mountain, by contrast, a large, almost circular opening shapes the summit, allowing you to see through to the other side. Thang Hen and Mắt Thần thus represent two different natural features: an underground-connected lake system and a visible opening in a mountain. Those interested in Cao Bằng’s geology can view these features as different expressions of the karst landscape.

The geopark’s wildlife is also part of its natural character. The rare and endangered eastern black-crested gibbon lives in its forested limestone mountains. Its habitat and biodiversity add another natural aspect to the geological features. The landscape is therefore shaped not only by rock formations and water, but also by the forest that provides a habitat for the gibbon.

History and crafts

Rừng Trần Hưng Đạo is located in Nguyên Bình District, Cao Bằng. The Đội Việt Nam Tuyên truyền Giải phóng quân was founded here on December 22, 1944. The precise date and named location give the historical dimension a concrete reference point. This allows you to connect a trip with a clearly dated event as well as with the landscape.

Pác Rằng in Quảng Hòa is a community tourism destination known for the traditional blacksmithing of the Nùng An, a craft with a history stretching back several hundred years. Visitors can watch artisans forge agricultural tools and try forging a knife themselves. Confirm local availability of demonstrations and hands-on activities before your trip.

Another traditional craft is practiced in the hamlet of Dia Tren: paper-making by the Nung An. Using traditional techniques, the bark of the May-Sla tree is processed into votive paper. UNESCO describes the practice as a living tradition. Unlike Pác Rằng, the focus here is not on agricultural tools and blacksmithing, but on tree bark, paper, and a traditional processing technique. Together, the two places offer insights into different craft materials and methods.

A mountain perspective in Nguyên Bình District

Phja Oắc also offers a different view of the landscape: the 1,931-meter-high summit was climbed in 2021 as part of a one-day trip in Phja Oắc–Phja Đén National Park in Nguyên Bình District. If you are considering making the ascent, check the latest visitor conditions in advance. Cao Bằng thus brings together very different travel interests—from karst and lakes to historic sites, crafts, and mountain scenery.

When looking for a hotel in Cao Bằng, it helps to first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay. Geology and nature, history, crafts, or a mountain climb each bring a different focus to your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Hà Quảng, Nguyên Bình District, Nguyên Bình, Cao Bằng City, Ca Mau, Thai Nguyen, Tây Ninh, Bến Tre.

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