Cao Bằng: Your Escape to Paradise on Earth

For many travelers, the very mention of Cao Bang instantly conjures up vivid memories of its incredible local cuisine – dishes that have truly made the region famous. And just as unforgettable are the stunning natural landscapes, often described as a 'fairyland on Earth'.
When you think of Cao Bằng, many travelers simply can't forget the delicious flavors that have become synonymous with the region, alongside its stunning natural landscapes that feel like a "fairyland" on Earth.

The beauty of Bản Giốc Waterfall.
As a vibrant convergence of unique cultural hues from the Tày, Nùng, Mông, Dao, Sán Chỉ, and Lô Lô ethnic communities, Non nước Cao Bằng has just received its UNESCO Global Geopark recertification after its first re-evaluation period.
And this frontier land in the Northeast isn't just rich in heritage values; it also boasts countless unique and beautiful landscapes waiting to be discovered…
Showcasing Heritage to Preserve Culture
Mr. Trịnh Trường Huy, Vice Chairman of the Cao Bằng Provincial People's Committee, emphasized that Non nước Cao Bằng's continued recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark will contribute to promoting the region's unique scenic, geological, cultural, and identity values to the world, as well as those of Vietnam as a whole. This is also an opportunity to foster exchange and interaction, seeking cooperation prospects and attracting investment resources.
Notably, during the ongoing Cao Bằng Provincial Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week 2023 (September 27 - October 3), both locals and visitors enjoyed a thrilling experience witnessing a large-scale intangible cultural heritage performance featuring thousands of participants.

Scenes from the Cao Bằng Provincial Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week 2023.
Artisans representing various folk art forms from Nguyên Bình, Trùng Khánh, Cao Bằng City, and the City's Then Heritage Conservation and Development Group performed the Kỳ Lân Dance, an excerpt from the ancient Dái Hai classical opera, showcased the heritage practice of Then, and demonstrated the crafting of the Tĩnh lute. These performances truly brought to life a unique cultural atmosphere.
This performance, interwoven with distinctive traditional cultural elements, ignited a sense of pride in ancient values and effectively promoted the rich intangible cultural heritage of Cao Bằng's ethnic communities to a wide audience of domestic and international visitors.
Mr. Trịnh Trường Huy announced that immediately following the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Week events, the Bản Giốc Waterfall Festival 2023 will take place in Trùng Khánh district from October 5-9, themed "Return to the Land of Mountains and Water."
The festival program will include: a Water Procession ceremony praying for national peace, prosperity, and favorable weather; the opening ceremony of the Bản Giốc Waterfall Festival; displays and introductions of local products, specialties, cuisine, along with sports activities and traditional folk games; and a Chestnut Garden Experience Week. Notably, the Hát Then-Đàn Tĩnh performance will feature up to 1,000 participants.
Situated in Vietnam's Northeast border region, Cao Bằng is covered by forests across 90% of its area, nurturing a diverse ecosystem, over 200 historical sites, and more than 2,000 unique tangible and intangible cultural heritage assets…

The Sau Sau forest by Bản Viết Lake turns red and purple as winter arrives.
With such abundant resources, Cao Bằng's provincial leaders affirmed that over the years, to preserve and promote the values of the Global Geopark and its intangible cultural heritage, the province has had to strike a careful balance between development needs and the conservation of the park's landscapes and values, as well as the unique identity of its ethnic communities.
A "Fairyland" on Earth
When mentioning Cao Bằng, many travelers will undoubtedly remember the delightful flavors of the local products and delicious dishes that have become the region's hallmark. These include pears, Trùng Khánh chestnuts, Pì Pất sticky rice, tangerines, Giảo Cổ Lam tea, sour pho, Trầm Hương fish, dạ hiến vegetables, bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls), kiến trứng bánh (ant egg cakes), roasted duck, Phia Đén glass noodles, Thông Huề khảo cakes, and black jelly…
Also noteworthy is the rich flora and fauna, featuring over 130 unique geological, geomorphological, and paleontological heritage sites. Among these, the most prominent attractions are Bản Giốc Waterfall, Ngườm Ngao Cave (Trùng Khánh), Phja Oắc – Phja Đén National Park (Nguyên Bình), Thang Hen Lake (Trùng Khánh), Ngườm Pục Cave (Thạch An), Lenin Stream, Khuổi Ky Ancient Stone Village, and God's Eye Mountain (Núi Mắt Thần)…
As Vietnam's largest waterfall, Bản Giốc Waterfall is often likened to a fairyland bestowed by nature upon the Northeastern frontier region. It flows most powerfully and vibrantly blue around August-September, a time when many terraced rice fields ripen to a golden hue.
Bản Giốc delineates the border between Vietnam and China. The road to the falls winds through the scenic Ma Phục Pass, Khau Liêu Pass, and many picturesque rice fields. To fully appreciate the majestic beauty of this waterfall, you'll want to rent a boat to get closer to its base.

Tourists in front of God's Eye Mountain.
If you visit Bản Giốc Waterfall in the afternoon, consider staying until after sunset, around 7 PM, to witness the spectacular nightly artistic light show, which typically lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
During the rainy season, from June to September, the water cascades powerfully, creating frothy white rapids. In contrast, the dry season, from October to May the following year, brings cooler weather and a serene, crystal-clear flow. This October is an ideal time for trips combining waterfall viewing with the golden ripeness of the rice harvest. To experience the vibrant seasons of wild sunflowers or buckwheat, plan your visit in November and December. And March is perfect for witnessing the pear blossoms, covering the landscape in snow-white beauty.
Interestingly, Bản Viết Lake has recently emerged as an attractive destination, thanks to its stunning images of multi-colored forests during the leaf-changing season. It perfectly aligns with the post-COVID-19 trends of camping, picnicking, trekking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
From Trùng Khánh town, head towards Bản Giốc Waterfall for about 10 km, then turn off for another 3 km to reach Bản Viết Lake in Phong Châu commune (Trùng Khánh). The most ideal time to visit the lake is during autumn and winter, when the forest trees change their leaves. The season of falling leaves, with its unique streaks of color viewed from above, makes this Northeastern frontier region look like a slice of Europe./.

Impressive panoramic view of Bản Giốc Waterfall.
Cao Bang 4895 view
Update day : 04/10/2023
Source : Vietnamplus.vn Affiliate links
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