Cao Bằng Province, Vietnam

Step into Cao Bằng, Vietnam: The Unique Charm of the Northern Border

I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to visit Cao Bằng Province, located in the northwest of Vietnam. This province borders several Vietnamese provinces such as Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, Bắc Kạn, and Sơn La, as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. This makes Cao Bằng a province with rich cultural and ethnic diversity, especially the Tai people who make up nearly half of the total population of over 528,100 in 2008.

On my 286-kilometer drive from Hanoi to Cao Bằng, I noticed the charmingly different atmosphere and lifestyle. Locals in the markets or passersby spoke a mix of Central Thai and the local Tai language in a friendly manner, which felt warm and like being at home.

Ban Gioc Waterfall: A Magnificent Beauty You Must See

When it comes to the highlight of Cao Bằng Province, I must mentionBan Gioc Waterfallor what locals call "Tad Ban Gioc." This waterfall, located on the Vietnam-China border, is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and ranks fourth in size after Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls, and Iguazu Falls.

I spent about 3 hours driving from Cao Bằng city to this waterfall. There are not many accommodations nearby, and I chose to stay at Saigon Ban Gioc Hotel, which costs around 1,800 baht per night. The surroundings include wide rice fields and a small river separating Vietnam and China. The sound of the waterfall and frogs at night created a peaceful and natural atmosphere.

Although I visited during a low water season and the waterfall was not as grand as expected, it was still beautiful and impressive. Rafting near the waterfall on both the Vietnamese and Chinese sides allowed me to see the peaceful coexistence of local people.

Cao Bằng City: A Small Town Full of Charm and Flavor

Cao Bằng city is located on a plain surrounded by high mountains with an important river flowing through. I stayed atSunny Hotel(Sunny Hotel Cao Bang), which I highly recommend. The price is about 800 baht per night, rooms are clean with cool air conditioning, and from the upper floors, you can clearly see the cityscape of Cao Bằng. Although the market is a bit far to walk, the value here impressed me greatly.

Another hotel I stayed at was Hua Viet Hotel, priced around 600 baht. The rooms were good and very comfortable. Cao Bằng city is not very large but has complete facilities, suitable for travelers wanting to experience a quiet border town atmosphere.

Cao Bằng Morning Market: A Hub of Culture and Local Food

I didn’t miss a chance to stroll throughCao Bằng Morning Marketlocated by the river in the city. This indoor market is clean and colorful, with many local food stalls open from early morning. I bought hot roasted duck from a stall and ate at a shop behind the market. The roasted duck here tastes different from Lang Son’s version, which uses Chinese starfruit leaves, but is equally delicious.

There are also many bánh mì vendors, a breakfast dish I highly recommend trying. Near Sunny Hotel, street food stalls serve rice porridge and boiled offal with beer and liquor at night. For tourists, I recommend “Pizza Chi,” located in the alley opposite Cao Bằng market. The owner speaks good English and offers pizza, beef soup, and delicious local sausages.

Local Food and Flavors You Must Try

When it comes to the province’s signature food, I must mention Cao Bằng sausage, known as "lạp sườn" in Vietnamese. This sausage tastes similar to Thai sai ua and som ton but has a unique smoky aroma. I visited a shop making these sausages in Cao Bằng city and learned they smoke them in a kitchen for up to three months before seasoning and grilling to eat with sticky rice. The aroma and flavor impressed me so much I bought several packs to take home.

The roasted duck I tasted at the Cao Bằng morning market is another must-try dish. There are also street food stalls serving rice porridge and boiled offal at night, offering a simple atmosphere full of flavor and warmth from the locals.

Festivals and Tai Lifestyle in Cao Bằng

Cao Bằng is home to the Tai people with fascinating culture and traditions. An important festival I missed was the “Moon Mother Inviting Festival,” held in early spring. During this event, Tai people from all villages gather to pray to the moon, enjoy traditional games, and a festive food market full of fun and color. Unfortunately, I visited outside this festival period.

Another popular festival is the “Long Tong Festival,” marking the start of the harvest season for the Tai in northern Vietnam, including Cao Bằng. These festivals reflect the preservation of traditional culture and lifestyle still alive in this border area.

Travel and Tourist Information

Traveling to Cao Bằng Province is fairly convenient. There are regular buses from Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, and Lang Son directly to Cao Bằng Bus Station, located on Tam Trung Street. For information, call 3852248. The Cao Bằng Tourism Office can be reached at 3855247.

For those who enjoy historical and natural tourism, besides Ban Gioc Waterfall, there are interesting places like Pac Bo Historical Area and Nguom Ngao Cave not far from the waterfall. If you prefer natural lake scenery, Thang Hen Lake in Tra Linh District is also a great choice.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

For me, Cao Bằng Province is a place full of pure natural charm, warm and friendly Tai lifestyle, and local food so delicious you want to eat it repeatedly. Visiting Cao Bằng made me truly experience the simplicity yet fascinating nature of northern Vietnam.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and experience nature along with unique culture, I invite you to follow my journey, mr.hotsia, in Cao Bằng. I guarantee you will have a truly unique experience.