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Cao Bang, Vietnam: Review Cao Bang 3 Days Itinerary From Mrs Virginie

Friday, November 15, 2024 Experiences of customers Aline

Greetings, everyone! I'm Virginie, and I’ve just completed an unforgettable Vietnam travel itinerary 3 weeks from north to south, thanks to the expert organization and support of AUTOUR ASIA, best travel agency in Hanoi. Every day brought new wonders, but the experience that truly stole my heart was a special three-day adventure in Cao Bang, nestled in Vietnam’s northeastern mountains. Here, I found myself surrounded by towering limestone peaks, emerald valleys, and cascading waterfalls, a landscape as majestic as it was tranquil. But what made Cao Bang truly memorable was the warm welcome of the Tay ethnic people, whose simple, harmonious way of life left a lasting impression on me.

This journey was more than sightseeing, it was a window into a world of natural beauty and authentic human connection. Join me as I share my memories of this remarkable corner of Cao Bang Vietnam, discover this land and its people: majestic, wonderful, yet beautifully simple and warm-hearted.

Day 1: Hanoi - Transfer to Phia Thap (Quang Uyen, Cao Bang)
Day 2: Phia Thap Village - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Khuoi Ky Stone Village - Nguom Ngao Cave - Phong Nam Village - Phia Thap
Day 3: Phia Thap - Return to Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi - Transfer to Phia Thap (Quang Uyen, Cao Bang)

The 3-day tour in Cao Bang began with a vibrant morning in Hanoi Old Quarter, where life stirs to the rhythm of street vendors, morning commuters, and the alluring aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with street food. A hearty breakfast set the tone for the day, a steaming bowl of pho, layered with rich broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs, followed by a robust Vietnamese coffee that offered both warmth and energy. Fueled by the flavors and spirit of Hanoi, we embarked on a 6-hour journey toward Cao Bang. The road stretched ahead, leading us away from the city’s bustling energy to a quieter, greener expanse. Urban landscapes gradually gave way to lush countryside vistas, rolling hills, and glimpses of rural life, evoking a growing sense of anticipation.

Cao Bang, Vietnam with picturesque beauty

By midday, we arrived in Cao Bang Vietnam and were welcomed with a lunch featuring regional specialties, a blend of flavors that showcased the freshness and creativity of local cuisine. Refreshed and eager to explore, we continued on to Phia Thap incense village, a place renowned for its traditional incense-making heritage. This village, with its Nung wooden houses blending into the rolling hills, was a sight to behold. In our homestay, a rustic and charming Nung-style house with warm wooden interiors and panoramic views of rice terraces and distant mountains, became our home for the night. Mr Kim and his family (host of homestay), dressed in the indigo attire of the Nung people, greeted us with warmth, making us feel instantly at home.

Welcome to Phia Thap, Cao Bang

In Phia Thap, I witnessed firsthand the intricate and storied art of incense-making. Artisans, with skills honed over generations, worked with precision and dedication, crafting each incense stick from natural ingredients such as cinnamon, star anise, and dried herbs. The fresh, soothing scents hung in the air as villagers worked side by side, chatting and laughing while preparing bundles of vibrant red incense. The sticks dried under the sun in beautifully arranged displays, and each step of the process, from grinding fragrant powders to rolling the incense, spoke of pride, patience, and a reverence for their cultural heritage.

Experience in Phia Thap Village, best things to do in Cao Bang

As the sun set, we gathered with Mr. Kim’s family for an intimate dinner, this is one of best things to do in Cao Bang. Tay cuisine, rooted in fresh, foraged ingredients, offered a unique blend of flavors such as lợn cắp nách, rau ngót rừng, or cơm lam (sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes) a Nung specialty. As we ate, Mr.Kim shared stories of his ancestors and the Nung people’s harmonious relationship with nature, emphasizing their practice of taking only what they need. That first evening in 3 days trip in Cao Bang, sitting on the porch and gazing at the stars, I listened to Nung folk songs Mr. Kim’s daughter sang softly. The Nung people have an oral tradition that goes back generations, with songs and stories about their connection to the mountains, the rivers, and the spirits of the land. Wrapped in the warmth of their hospitality, I felt a profound peace, realizing I was stepping into a world much richer than I had anticipated.

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Day 2: Phia Thap Village - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Khuoi Ky Stone Village - Nguom Ngao Cave - Phong Nam Village - Phia Thap

We set off early for second day of Cao Bang 3-day itinerary for Ban Gioc Waterfall, driving through the heart of this region's limestone mountains, where green peaks jut into the sky like sentinels. The sight of Ban Gioc left me speechless. As one of Asia’s largest and most beautiful waterfalls, it spans the Quay Son River, marking the border between Vietnam and China. The Tay people view Ban Gioc waterfall as a place of spiritual significance, and standing there, I could understand why.

Start your amazing journey 3 days in Cao Bang, Vietnam

Watching the powerful torrents cascade down the cliffs, surrounded by emerald hills and bamboo forests, was an experience that stirred something deep within me.

What to do in Cao Bang? We continued to Khuoi Ky stone village, a Tay village known for its unique stone architecture, top things to do in Cao Bang.The houses here are built entirely of stone, giving the village an ancient, almost otherworldly appearance. The Tay people have crafted these stone homes as a defense against harsh weather and to keep their dwellings cool in the summer. I wandered through the village, marveling at the architecture and admiring the Tay people’s ingenuity in using the natural resources around them. I even had the chance to speak with some villagers, who told me how they passed down the art of stone construction through generations, adding to the distinct charm of their community.

Visit Khuoi Ky stone village in Cao Bang

Continued this journey 3 days in Cao Bang, we ventured to Nguom Ngao Cave, a magnificent limestone cave network that stretches for kilometers beneath the mountains. The Tay people consider caves like these to be the dwellings of protective spirits, and they’ve preserved this one with deep respect. Inside, the formations were dazzling, stalactites and stalagmites in shapes that seemed to mimic animals, ancient columns, and intricate towers. Some sections even sparkled as light hit the minerals embedded in the rock. Exploring Nguom Ngao felt like stepping into a world sculpted by time itself, a testament to the Tay people’s deep reverence for their natural surroundings.

Explore Nguom Ngao, a magnificent limestone cave

In the afternoon, we visited Phong Nam Village, a scene straight out of a pastoral painting. The rice fields here were in full bloom, the air fragrant with the scent of harvested rice, and farmers worked the fields with water buffaloes by their side. The Tay people’s agricultural practices are intertwined with their traditional beliefs; they see the land as a living entity that provides when treated with care. They work communally, with entire families contributing, and it was inspiring to watch them, a living example of harmony with nature.

A corner of Phong Nam village in Cao Bang trip

Returning to Phia Thap in our 3-day tour to Cao Bang, I joined with homestay's family host and other villagers for a traditional Tay musical performance. They played "dan tinh", a Tay stringed instrument, and sang "then" songs, which are spiritual tunes calling on the heavens for protection, health, and prosperity. I even tried to dance with the villagers, who laughed and encouraged me warmly. They explained that Tay dances mimic nature’s movements. the flow of water, the rustle of leaves, the flight of birds. I felt privileged to witness and participate in these customs, realizing that this was more than just entertainment; it was a way of preserving and honoring their heritage.

Enjoy the best services at homestay local in Phia Thap

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Day 3: Phia Thap - Return to Hanoi

On my final morning in my Cao Bang 3-day itinerary, I woke up to the serene sounds of birdsong and the scent of fresh mountain air. After breakfast, prepared lovingly by Kim and his family, I took one last walk through the village. The narrow paths wove between Tay wooden houses, with their thatched roofs blending seamlessly into the landscape.

Peaceful scene in Cao Bang in the early morning

I spent time talking with the locals, who shared stories of their lives, traditions, and hopes for the future. Their warmth and hospitality were unforgettable, and I felt a deep connection to this place and its people.

The beauty of the kindness of Cao Bang's people

As I prepared to leave, Mr. Kim and his wife presented me with a small handwoven bracelet, a traditional blessing for safe travels and good fortune. Their kind smiles and heartfelt farewell made it difficult to say goodbye. As we drove away, I looked back to see them standing by the road, waving. The memories of Phia Thap, Cao Bang Vietnam and its timeless charm, the intricate art of incense-making, and the kindness of the Tay and Nung people, remained etched in my heart.

and their warm-hearted with visitors

The journey back to Hanoi was filled with reflection. The transition from Phia Thap’s peaceful rhythm to the busy energy of Hanoi reminded me of the contrasts that make Vietnam so captivating. After three days immersed in the culture, traditions, and breathtaking landscapes of Cao Bang, I returned to the city with a sense of enrichment and gratitude. This experience was not just about travel; it was a journey of connection, understanding, and the simple yet profound beauty of sharing moments with others. End of my trip 3 days in Cao Bang.

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Reflecting on my Cao Bang 3-day itinerary, I felt deeply grateful. I hadn’t just seen beautiful sights; I had glimpsed a way of life, of people who live in harmony with their surroundings, preserving their traditions and passing them to future generations. The Tay culture, its songs, stories, dances, and spiritual beliefs, had opened my heart to a side of Vietnam that I would forever hold close.

My 3 day trip couldn't have been more wonderful with AUTOUR ASIA

This journey was more than an adventure; it was a transformative experience. The memories of 3-day tour in Cao Bang Vietnam,he towering mountains, the rushing waterfalls, the quiet villages, and the welcoming Tay people—will remain with me, like a gentle whisper from the mountains, urging me to return someday.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to AUTOUR ASIA, trusted travel agency in Vietnam. Thank you for your exceptional care, dedication, and for listening to and changing all to meet my requests throughout this journey. My deepest thanks to wonderful team at AUTOUR ASIA, and especially to Duy, Eliese, and Joseph. You created a 21 days in Vietnam that exceeded all expectations and left me with unforgettable memories. I look forward to choosing Vietnam my destination again next year. Thank you again for making this trip so extraordinary!

If you desire a complete and unforgettable journey like mine, I wholeheartedly recommend placing your trust in AUTOUR ASIA. Their dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to creating memorable experiences go above and beyond. Give them your trust, and they will deliver a trip that satisfying than expected! 

Marseille, 16th November 2024

VIRGINIE PAKOSZ

You can see more pictures from my Cao Bang 3-day itinerary