Ban Gioc Waterfall – One of the 4 biggest Cascades in the World
One of the must – see attractions in Cao Bang is the magnificent waterfall – Ban Gioc. Located in Trung Khanh district, the 30 meter waterfalls provides a breath - taking scenery from a distance. The falls take place in China from the flow of the Quay Son river which is served as the border of Vietnam and China. The river flows into a prosperous valley lying in the peaceful kart mountain before divided into 3 branches by rocks and trees when reaching Ban Gioc.
There are bamboo rafts taking visitors around the foot of the falls for a closer look at the masterpiece of nature. For some adventurous spirits craving more spectacular view over the cascade, there is a path behind waterfalls that you can climb up but be careful because the rocks can be very slippery. Furthermore, there are numerous of splendid landscapes around the waterfalls that tourists can easily choose to relax and enjoy the great atmosphere. The perfect time to visit Ban Gioc waterfalls is from September to October, when the flow of the falls is maximum and the beauty of the harvest at its peak.
Splendid gold season in Ban Gioc
Nguom Ngao Cave – The Mysterious Beauty under the Ground
Just 2km from Ban Gioc waterfalls, Nguom Ngao is one of the most wonderful and unique grotto in Cao Bang. The name “Nguom Ngao” means “the cave of the tiger” according to the language of Tay ethnic minority. The cavern is about 3000 meters long with the height up to 60 meters taking 2 hours for a full discovery tour. This cave is famous for its colorful stalactites with the exotic shapes and sizes in which some of them can make eco as well. The stalactites were formed by the activities of water and wind in the limestone mountain through million years. Many of them have human, tree, flower or folkloric animal forms hanging down from the ceiling or standing in the floor creating an outstanding look that people would seldom see in their lifetime.
Inside Nguom Ngao cave
Flower stalactitie
Thang Hen Lake - The Masterpiece of Nature
There is a story about the forming of the Thang Hen lake. Once upon a time, there is an intelligent boy who passes the exam and becomes a mandarin. He has 7 days at home as a reward but forget to return to the Imperial city due to his happy marriage with the newly wife. Until the last day, he remembers and rushes to the capital crossing 36 valleys but dies unexpectedly for tiredness and hunger. The place where he dies forms the Thang Hen lake.
Thang Hen lake is comprised by 36 lakes high on the mountain of Tra Linh district which is also a famous tourist attraction in Cao Bang province. In the rain season, the water rises connecting the 36 lakes making up 3000m length of the Thang Hen surface. The lowest point of the lake is 10m while the deepest can reach to 1000. The water here is all year in turquoise color owing to its flow coming out from a cave nearby. The lake has its strange tide as well going up and down twice a day. You can hear the birds sing, breathe the fresh air in a secluded place surrounding by the mountains and trees. After a sailing tour, visitors can stay in the house on stilt of the minority ethnic on the bank of the lake, sit around the night fire and enjoy the local specialities in the sound of the jungle.
Sailing on Thang Hen lake
Pac Bo Relic – The Secret Heaven in the Mountainous Area
3 km from the frontier with China lies a hidden cave where president Ho Chi Minh – the beloved father of Vietnam used to live and work after 30 years away from his homeland. Surrounded by the limestone mountain, paddy fields and blue rivers of Cao Bang’s province, Pac Bo Cave is a historical but enchanting place that worth visiting. Before entering the vestige, you will reach to the shrine of Uncle Ho on the left of the car park where people pay respect to the great leader of Vietnamese people.
Ho Chi Minh's shrine
It takes about 10 minutes walk on the paved path to get to the rocky road leading to the site. Visitors will have a chance to enjoy the peaceful picture of the evergreen jungle in the beautiful song of the birds. Located in the access of the rock road is a stunning sapphire body of water – the Lenin Creek, lying under the beautiful limestone mountain – the Karl Mark Peak which Ho Chi Minh named after his 2 great teachers in life. Follow up the steam to a secret place in the mountain gorge is the Pac Po cave. There is nothing much inside the cave, just a few light bulbs, a wooden bed and a kettle but the cold air absolutely calms any visitors coming here. Continue walking on the rock path, you will see a unique limestone rock which Uncle Ho used to sit in to translate important documents and writing poems. The rock looks over a beautiful stream which is a perfect place for resting.
The rock table on the bank of the sapphire stream
Pac Po cave
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