North East Vietnam is a less frequented destination for non-Vietnamese tourists. However, it holds a special charm for Vietnamese people, and we were curious to explore it just like the locals do! Venturing into the enchanting North East, we embarked on a journey to discover the hidden gems adored by Vietnamese travelers.
We’ve taken many pictures & made a series for each chapter below. If you click on a picture you can see the full picture & scroll through the other pictures.
Cao Bang
Cao Bang, a town nestled close to the Chinese border, boasts a fascinating history of trade between China and Vietnam, making it a truly prosperous gem in the region.
The heart of the town is graced by a meandering river, offering a serene setting for a leisurely stroll. Here, you’ll find locals gathering daily to partake in the joyous tradition of Vietnamese line dancing. The rhythmic beats of the music fill the air as people gracefully dance, celebrating their culture and community.
But that’s not all! The riverbank becomes a lively playground for the town’s children, who take immense delight in the exhilarating world of roller skating.
Nguom Ngao Cave
Nearly at the border with China we visited the Nguom Ngao cave, fantastic! Huge stalactites, stalagmites, pilars, fantastic colors. The cave boasts massive stalactites, stalagmites, and pillars that stretch out before your eyes, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s wonders. The colors are simply breathtaking, adding a touch of magic to this already awe-inspiring place.
Ban Gioc Waterfall
Ban Gioc Waterfall, a natural wonder in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border, captivates with its beauty. Plunging from a height of over 30 meters and spanning 300 meters wide, the falls create a mesmerizing sight amidst lush greenery and majestic limestone karsts. Unique in its charm, half of the waterfall belongs to Vietnam while the other half lies in Chinese territory. Interestingly, Chinese visitors often experience the falls on a theme park-like boat, while the Vietnamese prefer to savor the scenery from the shore.
Nui Mat Than
Located 50 km East of Cao Bang, lies the mesmerizing Nui Mat Than (angels eye) mountain. This majestic limestone wonder captivates visitors with its ethereal beauty and holds profound spiritual significance for the local communities. What makes Nui Mat Than even more fascinating is the presence of a hole on the mountain, measuring 50 meters in diameter, positioned 50 meters above the lake.
Ba Be Lake
Ba Be Lake, nestled in northern Vietnam, is a captivating gem of natural beauty. As the largest natural lake in the country, it is embraced by lush forests and majestic limestone mountains, creating a picturesque landscape that enchants visitors. This serene paradise is located within the Ba Be National Park, ensuring its pristine charm remains untainted by large resorts. Instead, the lake’s shores are graced by only two small villages, where locals offer a warm welcome by renting rooms in their houses as homestays.
