cao bang vietnam

Open the door to a small town full of charm: Cao Bang, Vietnam

If you are someone who enjoys unhurried travel and exploring small towns that still retain their original character and are not overwhelmed by tourists, I, Mr.Hotsia, recommend experiencing the atmosphere in Cao Bang province in northern Vietnam. This is not just an ordinary small town but is full of stories, lifestyles, and impressively beautiful natural scenery.

Arriving in Cao Bang: The First Impressions

I arrived in Cao Bang after spending some time in Lang Son province, which is not far away (Read the story about Lang Son province). It felt like stepping back into traditional Vietnam. There are no skyscrapers here, only wooden houses and small streets where people walk slowly. I stayed in a small hotel with very friendly owners. Breakfast was simple but so delicious that I hardly wanted to leave.

Lifestyle and Local Market

What I liked most about visiting Cao Bang was walking through the morning market. It feels like the heart of the town. Every morning, people gather to buy fresh goods, whether vegetables, fruits, or fresh meat. The atmosphere is lively but not chaotic. The market also has authentic Vietnamese food stalls, such as steamed rice crepes and freshly baked banh mi. I recommend trying the grilled cuttlefish at the market, a local dish with a spicy flavor that seafood lovers will enjoy (See grilled Vietnamese cuttlefish)

Nature and Untouched Scenery

Cao Bang province features a complex mountainous landscape and clear rivers. I heard there are many beautiful caves and waterfalls here, perfect for those who love hiking and nature photography. Not far from the town, I visited Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. The clear water flows powerfully with mist rising, creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

If you have been to Lang Son province, you will notice the similarities in nature and lifestyle here. These two provinces are close to each other and still preserve the charm of northern Vietnam completely (Read more about Lang Son province)

Local Foods You Must Try

Food in Cao Bang is not only traditionally flavored but also carries the diverse influences of the local ethnic tribes living in the area. I tried Vietnamese-style chicken biryani seasoned with local spices. The taste was mild and very aromatic (See Vietnamese chicken biryani)

There are also simple local dishes like grilled pork banh mi and desserts such as Bánh Pía, which I found at the morning market. This dessert is made from beans and salted egg yolk, with a smooth texture and just the right sweetness, reminding me of a small coffee shop in Phan Rang that I once visited (Read about coffee shops in Phan Rang)

Travel and Convenience

Traveling to Cao Bang may require some time and patience because it is still not very popular among foreign tourists. I chose to travel by bus from Lang Son city, which took about 3-4 hours. The route passes through mountains and beautiful nature. Some parts of the road are winding but offer unique and stunning views.

Accommodation here consists only of guesthouses and small hotels. If you want to experience the real lifestyle, I recommend choosing a small place owned by locals to have more opportunities to chat and exchange experiences.

Summary of Impressions from Mr.Hotsia

Cao Bang is a province I want those who enjoy deep and unhurried travel to experience for themselves. Here you will find beautiful nature, traditional lifestyles, and local food with unique flavors. I believe that if you come here, you will feel like traveling back in time to the old Vietnam.

For those who love nature and cultural travel, don’t forget to visit Ban Gioc Waterfall and the morning market in town. If you want to continue traveling to other places in northern Vietnam, Lang Son province is also a good nearby option (Lang Son Province, Vietnam)

Finally, if you want to see the real atmosphere of Cao Bang, check out my video that I recorded atCao Bang Vietnamto enhance your travel experience before your trip.