Cao Bang

Topography & Climate

The mountainous province of Cao Bang is one oft he most scenic and beautiful regions in Vietnam. The province shares a 340 km long border with Guangxi province of southern China to the north, Ha Giang province to the west and Bac Kan and Lang Son provinces to the south. 90% of the landscape in Cao Bang is covered by forests that guarantee fresh and clean air all year round. Majestic karst peaks, limestone caves, spectacular waterfalls such as Ban Gioc, rice paddies, thin winding roads and countless small ethnic minority villages make the rugged beauty of this frontier region. Cao Bang is a region often overlooked by tourists which means that its unique beauty and culture have been well preserved. The remoteness and natural beauty make Cao Bang the perfect place for adventurous travelers looking for an escape from overcrowded tourist areas in Vietnam.

Cao Bang has a fairy-tale landscape of conical limestone peaks, secluded valleys and dense forests. The limestone plateau interspersed with mountains has an average altitude of over 200 meters while the areas bordering China are located higher at an altitude of 600-1300 metres. The mountainous topography makes travelling time-consuming with very limited options for public transport. Due to its northerly location and the influence of cold waves from China, Cao Bang has a cooler climate than the rest of Vietnam. The province has a temperate climate with four seasons. Summers are hot and humid with an average temperature of 25-28°C in summer and 16-17°C in winter. Lowest temperatures of 5-8°C are recorded in winter between December and February and some of the higher peaks even can see snow fall during cold spells.

People & Culture

More than 90% of Cao Bang's population are ethnic minorities. This is due the fact that the Vietnamese majority population (called Kinh or Viet) tended to avoid mountainous regions such as Cao Bang in favour of better farmland in the lowlands. The main ethnic groups living in Cao Bang are the Tay (41% of the population), Nung (31%), Dao (10%) and H’mong (10%). The diverse ethnic groups make for a unique mix of cultures and beliefs in the province. Most ethnic minority people in Cao Bang still wear their traditional costumes and there are many villages specialised in different crafts such as weaving, incense making, tile making and blacksmith. Tay, the largest minority group, have their own handwriting and unique festivals such as Long Tong and Moi Me Tran. Long Tong festival is held on the 4th day of the lunar year to worship the God of agriculture and pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. It is celebrated with offering food for the God, traditional games, folk-song singing contests and many other activities. Moi Me Trang which means Mother Moon Festival is another Tay festival. During the festival Tay people will ask the moon for luck and pray for prosperity. The celebrations feature traditional singing, flower offerings as well as cultural activities and games.

Ethnic groups in Cao Bang primarily live on farming. Rice and maize is the main source of income and farmed even on steep mountainsides. Highest farming is practised by the H’mong ethnic minority which usually live above 800 metres. They face difficult conditions such as insufficient amount of water to irrigate their small plots of land. Animal husbandry is another source of income for ethnic minorities in Cao Bang. However their lack of knowledge of animal rearing techniques means that productivity and income is rather low. Consequently, poverty rate in Cao Bang’s population is high at over 20%. Treatable illnesses such as diarrhea and gynecological diseases are common. Many households still use unsafe water collected from wells, streams or underground spring water. In remote districts there are still many schools with no water and sanitation facilities. Despite living under difficult conditions the people of Cao Bang are very friendly and curious to welcome visitors from abroad.

Ha Giang

Cao Bang

Destination

Topography & Climate

People & Culture

Food

Travel Tips Cao Bang

Map

Attractions

Ban Gioc Waterfall

Phia Thap Village

Nguom Ngao Cave

Quay Son River

Pac Bo Cave

Thang Hen Lake

Tour Activities

Food Processing

Farming

Adventure

Cultural & Social

Handicraft Experience

Homestays

Hoang Ngoc Kim Homestay

Tours

Trekking the Limestone Mountains and Handicraft Villages of Cao Bang

Cycling the Border Belt Cao Bang

Cao Bang

Ha Giang