Cao Bang town is fairly unremarkable, but its location among beautiful countryside and rolling hills is the main draw card. It is very close to the Chinese border and a good base.
Cao Bang is the first major town you hit after crossing in from the two far northeast border crossing points from Guangxi Zhuang, China. It is fairly laid back and boasts a couple of interesting markets and one or two guesthouses and restaurants. Other than that, most people use Cao Bang as a launch point for visits to Ban Gioc Waterfall and Thang Hen Lake.
There are many lakes, karsts and caves to visit in the surrounding countryside of Cao Bang Province, as well as many hill tribe villages. The main highlight however is the stunning Ban Gioc Waterfall, which is northeast of town, on the Chinese border at Po Peo. Thang Hen Lake is also in the region of Cao Bang and is beautiful during the wet season.
Getting There & Away
There are no trains to Cao Bang and therefore, buses are the only public transport options. Journeys take ten hours from Hanoi. Noi Bai International Airport, to the north of Hanoi is the gateway for people travelling by air.
Things to Do
Cao Bang Attractions
- Ban Gioc Waterfall
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Vietnam’s largest falls are within earshot of the china border and make a great daytrip from cao bang.
- Nguom Ngao Cave
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Not far from the falls, these caves feature amazing caverns full of weird oddities.