Nestled in the northeast of Vietnam, the 5-day itinerary in Cao Bang will allow you to discover rare gems still unknown to many travelers. With its spectacular karst landscapes, legendary waterfalls, and vibrant ethnic villages, Cao Bang offers a full immersion into nature and local culture. But what to do in Cao Bang in 5 days? Here is M. Migeot's review, where he shares his impressions on the destinations, experiences, and emotions felt during this northern Vietnam trip.
When I decided to travel to Vietnam, I chose the Vietnam travel agency Autour Asia to organize this 5-day itinerary in Cao Bang. Their carefully designed itinerary allowed me to experience an immersive adventure in the heart of northern Vietnam.
As our group shared a passion for nature-based travel, this 5-day itinerary allowed us to visit the stunning regions of Cao Bang, Ha Giang, and Ba Be Lake. Additionally, the trip allowed us to meet the ethnic minorities of the northern Vietnamese villages and discover their unique customs.
At each stage of this adventure, I explored exceptional treasures that blend nature, culture, and history. This is an experience I highly recommend to anyone wanting to discover an authentic Vietnam.
On day 1 of the Cao Bang 5-day itinerary, I left the hustle and bustle of Hanoi at dawn to immerse myself in the mountainous landscapes of the north. The further I got from the city, the more I had the privilege of admiring the majestic and wild mountains of northeastern Vietnam.
We made a stop in the small town of Tan Yen to enjoy our first lunch before continuing toward Quan Ba, where we explored several iconic natural sites in the Ha Giang province.
We started with the Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, where a hike led us up stone steps to a breathtaking viewpoint. From there, the panorama offered an incredible view of Ha Giang’s nature, with the highlight being the famous Twin Mountains, a true gem of Ha Giang.
Afterward, I headed to Yen Minh, a picturesque village nestled between the mountains, perfect for a peaceful first night. The dinner was a memorable experience: the dishes were flavorful, the vegetables exceptionally fresh, and the meat well-marinated. What particularly impressed me was the presentation: all the dishes were arranged harmoniously on a large bamboo tray, a unique and typical way of enjoying a meal in this region. End of my first day of the Cao Bang itinerary 5 days.
Day 2 took me to the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. We made a stop at the Pho Cao village, where we met the Hmong people. Their warm welcome left a lasting impression on our visit. The architecture of the village houses is particularly remarkable: homes are covered in moss and surrounded by thick stone walls.
Next, I visited the Sung La village and the Hmong King Palace, where I was able to discover and better understand the architecture and interior layout of this ethnic group. The morning ended with a visit to the Lung Cu flagpole, the northernmost point of Vietnam. The panoramic view of the border mountains was simply stunning.
After a lunch break, the afternoon was devoted to exploring the old town of Dong Van, known for its long history, before visiting three iconic natural sites in Meo Vac: the Tu San Canyon, Ma Pi Leng Pass, and Nho Que River. The view from the heights was breathtaking. We wished we had more time to descend and take a boat ride on the Nho Que River.
After a night in the Bao Lac village, we prepared for our next destination which was Cao Bang.
On day 3 of the Cao Bang 5-day itinerary, we finally arrived in Cao Bang. The journey from Bao Lac to Cao Bang takes a few hours, and we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant along the way before reaching the famous Ban Gioc waterfall in the afternoon, one of the largest in Asia. Its powerful roar and crystal-clear waters mesmerized me.
Not far from there, the Nguom Ngao cave was another revelation, with its mysterious stalactites and stalagmites. Exploring the interior of this nearly 2-km-long cave was a memorable experience for me.
In the evening, we reached the Cao Bang city, satisfied with this day full of discoveries. There's also a quite famous night market here, so I bought a few souvenirs from Cao Bang.
The fourth day was dedicated to history and nature. Pac Bo, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked upon his return to Vietnam, is a place filled with deep serenity. It’s also a historical site not to be missed during a 5-day Cao Bang journey. In this historic area, we also discovered Karl Marx Mountain and the Lenin Stream.
After this historical immersion, we headed toward Ba Be, a region known for its eponymous lake and the lush forests of its national park. Along the way, we crossed many winding mountain passes and admired the majestic landscapes of Cao Bang one last time.
In the afternoon, we arrived in Ba Be and stayed in a Tay stilt house, with simple yet comfortable architecture. Then, we took a walk around the village and dined at a local restaurant, listening to traditional Tay songs.
For our last day, we embarked on a boat excursion on Ba Be Lake. Sailing on its calm waters, surrounded by lush mountains, was a moment of pure relaxation. We visited famous sites around Ba Be Lake, such as Ao Tien Lake, An Ma Temple, and Ba Goa Island, each offering picturesque and enchanting landscapes.
It was also the final activity of our 5-day itinerary in Cao Bang - Ha Giang - Ba Be. Afterward, the driver took us back to Hanoi in the evening.
Traveling in October, I was pleasantly surprised by the weather in Cao Bang 5 days, which was ideal for exploring this beautiful region. Upon my arrival, the autumn climate enveloped me in a gentle coolness. However, at midday, the weather was still a bit warm.
To prepare for this trip, I made sure to pack light clothes for the day, as well as a waterproof jacket and some warmer clothes for the evenings.
This is M. Migeot's review of the 5-day itinerary in Cao Bang during his trip with friends in northern Vietnam. If you have any questions, don't forget to contact Autour Asia for quick assistance!
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