Revealing 10+ Must-Visit Tourist Destinations in Cao Bằng

Cao Bằng is blessed with stunning natural landscapes that captivate many tourists. Let Hà Giang Open Tour guide you through some of the must-visit tourist spots in Cao Bằng that travel enthusiasts should not miss in this article below!

1. Bản Giốc Waterfall

Address: Đàm Thủy Commune, Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province

Bản Giốc Waterfall is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Cao Bằng, beloved by many travelers. Once ranked among the most beautiful waterfalls in Southeast Asia and one of the four largest waterfalls in the world, Bản Giốc enchants visitors with its pristine, poetic beauty, reminiscent of a fairyland.

The waterfall lies at the border between Vietnam and China, divided by the Quây Sơn River. The main section of the waterfall is about 100 meters wide, 70 meters high, and 60 meters deep. From afar, the cascading waters look like a soft white ribbon draping across the mountains.

The best time to visit Bản Giốc Waterfall is between August and October. From August to September, as the rainy season ends, the waterfall has plenty of water and is clear. October to November is also beautiful, with blooming wild sunflowers adding to the picturesque scenery for your photos.

2. Mã Phục Pass

Address: Quốc Toản Commune, Quảng Bình District, Cao Bằng Province

Don’t forget to include Mã Phục Pass in your Cao Bằng itinerary! This is one of the most challenging roads in Vietnam and is recognized as a geological heritage site by UNESCO.

Mã Phục Pass is about 3.5 kilometers long and sits at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level. True to its name, Mã Phục Pass winds through limestone mountains and valleys, resembling the shape of a horse. Standing at the top, you’ll be treated to a stunning natural panorama with fresh, cool air.

The best times to visit are early autumn (buckwheat flower season) and spring (corn and rice planting season). In addition to the breathtaking views, Mã Phục Pass is famous for its local delicacies such as bánh khảo, seven-spiced roasted duck, and chè lam cake.

3. Thang Hen Lake

Address: Quốc Toản Commune, Trà Lĩnh District, Cao Bằng Province

Another must-visit check-in spot in Cao Bằng is Thang Hen Lake, known as the "heavenly scenery in the real world." This lake includes a system of 36 natural lakes connected by underground caves.

At Thang Hen Lake, you’ll enjoy the serene, tranquil atmosphere, with emerald-green water reflecting the sky. You can take a boat ride to drift along and admire the view. In harvest season, golden rice fields spread out like a vast golden carpet, enchanting everyone who visits.

4. Pác Bó Historical Site - Lê-nin Stream

Address: Pác Bó Village, Trường Hà Commune, Hà Quảng District, Cao Bằng Province

Pác Bó is not only a scenic spot but also a historical site of great significance. It’s where our beloved leader Hồ Chí Minh lived and worked during the resistance against the French.

You can visit Pác Bó at any time of the year, but the most beautiful season is during the dry months from May to September when the nature is green and the Lê-nin stream is clear, gentle, and see-through. Along the way from the city to Pác Bó, you’ll pass other famous tourist destinations like Thang Hen Lake and Bản Giốc Waterfall.

5. Ngườm Ngao Cave

Address: Bản Gun Village, Đàm Thủy Commune, Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province

Ngườm Ngao Cave is another fantastic tourist spot in Cao Bằng, with a length of over 2,100 meters. Archaeologists believe it was formed at least 300-400 million years ago. The cave boasts stunning formations such as stalactites resembling a stone harp, Mother’s breast, an inverted lotus, and a lonely stone pillar, all created by nature.

You can combine a visit to Bản Giốc Waterfall with Ngườm Ngao Cave, as they are only about 5 kilometers apart.

6. Khuổi Ky Stone Village

Address: On the way to Ngườm Ngao Cave, Đàm Thủy Commune, Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province

With its unique architecture and location surrounded by wild mountains and forests, Khuổi Ky Stone Village is an ideal stop, especially for those on a 2-day Cao Bằng tour. This village preserves the cultural and spiritual values of the Tày ethnic people, with a history dating back over 400 years.

7. Phật Tích Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc Pagoda

Address: Phia Nhằm Mountain, Đàm Thủy Commune, Trùng Khánh District, Cao Bằng Province

Although newly opened, Phật Tích Trúc Lâm Bản Giốc Pagoda has quickly become a famous Cao Bằng tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors. From here, you can admire the entire Bản Giốc Waterfall and the valley below, bringing a peaceful and serene feeling.

8. Nghiêu Sơn Lĩnh

Address: At the intersection of Bế Triều, Hoàng Tung, and Hồng Việt Communes, Cao Bằng City

Only about 2 kilometers from Cao Bằng City, Nghiêu Sơn Lĩnh offers a picturesque landscape by the Bằng River, closely tied to the region’s history of resistance against northern invaders.

9. Mắt Thần Mountain - Nặm Trá Waterfall

Address: Bản Danh Village, Quốc Toản Commune, Trà Lĩnh District, Cao Bằng Province

Mắt Thần Mountain has gained attention for its unique name and mysterious allure. Also known as "Núi Thủng" (Hollow Mountain), it features a circular hole at the top resembling an "eye," with a diameter of 50 meters.

10. Phja Oắc – Phja Đén National Park

Address: Spanning five communes in Nguyên Bình District, Cao Bằng Province

Phja Oắc – Phja Đén National Park was discovered by the French in the early 20th century. Here, you can immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of the Northeast mountains and explore the rich ecosystem with many rare species of flora and fauna.