Hello everyone, I would like to share my 4-day itinerary in Cao Bang, designed and organized by Autour Asia, a Vietnam travel agency. This trip left me with unforgettable memories. Located in the north of Vietnam, Cao Bang is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The region is full of mountains, waterfalls, and majestic rivers that will capture the heart of any traveler. These 4 days in Cao Bang allowed me to explore stunning natural landscapes as well as neighboring provinces like Bac Kan and Lang Son while enjoying unique and enriching experiences.
After my cruise in Ha Long Bay, I was eager to start my 4-day itinerary in Cao Bang. My advisor explained that the weather in Cao Bang 4 days is very pleasant, making it perfect for exploring the majestic natural sites of the region. The bus from Hanoi to Cao Bang departs early, around 7 a.m., so I had to make sure to get a good night’s rest.
In summary, before reaching Cao Bang, I made a stop at Ba Be Lake, a large freshwater lake often called the "Ha Long Bay on land". After my stay in Cao Bang, I visited a charming ancient pagoda on the way back to Hanoi, located in the Lang Son province.
4-day travel itinerary in Cao Bang in brief:
On the first day of my Cao Bang itinerary 4 days, after an early departure from Hanoi, I arrived around noon at Ba Be Lake, located in Bac Kan province. After lunch, I prepared for a boat trip on the lake. Unlike Ha Long Bay, Ba Be Lake offers a poetic tranquility with its calm, clear waters, only disturbed by the passing of boats. The lake is vast, stretching to the base of the surrounding mountains, providing a truly romantic landscape.
The boat trip on Ba Be Lake included stops at 3 tourist sites: An Ma Temple, Ao Tien, and Ba Goa Island, lasting about 2 hours in total. I particularly enjoyed Ba Goa Island because of its distinctive shape. This small island, covered with dense, tall foliage, adds a subtle charm to the vast Ba Be Lake.
After the excursion, I explored the surroundings of the hotel near Ba Be Lake. Being in the heart of Ba Be National Park, the air here was truly fresh and pleasant. The locals are mostly of the Tay ethnic group, with some people who have moved from other regions to settle here. For dinner, I enjoyed local specialties such as grilled fish from Ba Be Lake and rock snails sautéed with lemongrass, all fresh and delicious. This marked the end of the first day of my 4-day itinerary in Cao Bang.
The next morning, after a simple yet hearty breakfast, I left Ba Be Lake for Cao Bang. The winding road took me through impressive mountain landscapes. Our guide made a brief stop at the Gio Pass.
I arrived in the early afternoon at the Pac Bo Historical Site, where Ho Chi Minh had chosen to establish his base when he returned to Vietnam. The Cac Mac Mountain, the cave, and the Lenin River with its turquoise waters provided a peaceful setting conducive to reflection. I took the time to listen to local stories about the history of this place before returning to my hotel in Cao Bang for a restful night.
This third day was undoubtedly the most impressive of my 4-day itinerary in Cao Bang. I began with a visit to the Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The roar of the water and the beauty of the waterfall left me speechless. Huge volumes of water cascade down limestone formations, splitting into three levels and creating a brilliant white curtain that seems to float amidst the mountains of Cao Bang.
A few kilometers away, I explored Nguom Ngao Cave, a natural wonder adorned with unique stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch nearby, I headed to the city of Lang Son to spend the last night of my Cao Bang 4-day trip. My travel advisor had recommended stopping there, especially for its delicious local cuisine, particularly the roasted duck and sour pho.
For the final day of my Cao Bang 4-day trip, I left Lang Son to visit the Tam Thanh Temple, nestled in the cave of the same name. This cave, backed by a mountain range shaped like elephants, exudes an atmosphere combining spirituality and natural majesty. Inside, I found the Vong Phu rock, a natural formation resembling a woman carrying a child, waiting for her husband to return from war, symbolizing eternal and faithful love.
After lunch, I visited Dong Kinh Market, a great place to buy souvenirs and discover local crafts. I then boarded the bus to return to Hanoi, where I arrived around 9 PM. And so, my 4-day itinerary in Cao Bang came to an end.
For the weather in Cao Bang 4 days, my advisor carefully checked the forecast for December to ensure that everything would be perfect for my adventures. She told me that this month is truly ideal for exploring this beautiful region in the north of Vietnam.
The temperatures were cool, but pleasant, making the days very comfortable. The sky was often clear, although the mornings were occasionally slightly foggy, adding a magical atmosphere to the landscapes. It is recommended to wear warm clothing for the trip, as early mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. It was truly the perfect setting to enjoy everything that Cao Bang has to offer!
Here is the review of the Cao Bang itinerary 4 days, presented by Mr. Faucher. Autour Asia sincerely thanks him for sharing his impressions after this trip and looks forward to welcoming him again during his next stay in Southeast Asia. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for quick answers!
Yes, you can visit Cao Bang on a budget. The region offers affordable accommodations, ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Local food, especially in smaller eateries, is inexpensive and delicious, with dishes like grilled fish and mountain snails.
Many of the natural attractions, such as Ban Gioc Waterfall and Ba Be Lake, have no entry fees or require only minimal costs for boat rides or transportation.
For a budget-friendly trip, consider using public transport or shared rides, and plan to visit attractions independently or with a group to split the costs.
Yes, this is home to several Cao Bang ethnic minorities, including the Tay, H'mong, and Dao peoples. Visiting the region provides a wonderful opportunity to meet and interact with these communities. Many of them live in traditional villages, where you can learn about their unique customs, languages, and lifestyles.
Ethnic markets, like those in Bac Kan or near Ban Gioc Waterfall, are great places to witness local culture firsthand. By visiting these areas, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural heritage of northern Vietnam and have a chance to connect with the local people.
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