There are billions of us spread out across the globe, but very few destinations are considered to be the best.
For Southeast Asia, our inner compass always seems to point toward Thailand, an immaculate country filled with wonders from stunning blue waters to captivating cultural cities.
But there’s room for others in the spotlight.
Vietnam is having a moment as well, especially since more remote workers are going full bore into the digital nomad lifestyle.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, among other popular destinations, Vietnam is not only the perfect place to immerse yourself into a new way of life but also save some serious cash.
Lonely Planet is urging travelers to go beyond the big names of Vietnam and venture into the unknown by revealing Southeast Asia’s top hidden gem.
Home to breathtaking waterfalls and free of crowds, the unknown city of Cao Bang is calling your name.
Cao Bang: A Cultural Crossroads Between Vietnam And China
“China” can be a trigger word these days. With a mixed bag of reviews from recent Western travelers, it’s easy to see why.
The good news is that you can visit Cao Bang worry-free, as you are on the ‘right’ side of the border in a country welcoming you with open arms.
Vietnamese locals are known to be some of the kindest, warmhearted people you’ll encounter in Southeast Asia, and maybe the world for that matter.
Nuzzling China’s border is the Vietnamese province of Cao Bang, mirrored by the capital city of the same name.
Whether exploring the latter or the vast wonders of the province, you will be enamored by the area’s cultural richness and lush scenery.
Visitors will find delightful diverse villages, traditional markets showcasing regional cuisine and craftsmanship, and Mother Nature’s finest attractions from otherworldly caves to cascading waterfalls, all easy to explore and inexpensive at that.
Crowds? That’s Ho Chi Minh’s Problem
Naturally, China’s popularity as a tourist destination has waned recently since you know what, all while Cao Bang’s allure as a secluded retreat has only grown.
Sure, Lonely Planet has given them an ego boost lately, but the other reason it’s virtually crowd-less is that it’s simply not discussed when planning an epic Southeast Asian adventure.
Da Nang and Hanoi also have their fair share of crowds, but here in Cao Bang, they’re simply nonexistent.
You can enjoy exploring this region of Vietnam without the hassle of weaving in and out of selfie sticks and sidewalk-hogging tourists.
There are some truly jaw-dropping natural sites here that are absolute musts.
Opened to the public less than 20 years ago, the Nguom Ngao Cave is as close as it gets to visiting another planet without hopping aboard a spaceship or Hollywood green screen.
Packed with toothy stalactite and stalagmite formations, this subterranean wonder is a bucket-list destination in its own right.
You don’t have to venture underground to appreciate Cao Bang’s beauty, however, as the province is teeming with scenic peaks, valleys, mountaintops, and bamboo forests, a hotspot for local tourists.
But nothing will be more memorable than chasing Cao Bang’s waterfalls.
‘The Niagara Falls’ Of Vietnam
What do the U.S. and Canada have in common with Vietnam and China? They all share some of the world’s most picturesque waterfalls.
Split along the Vietnam-China border is Ban Gioc, recently hyped as one of the best waterfalls in the world by Travel and Leisure, standing out the most among Cao Bang’s multiple scenic waterfalls.
Of course, most travelers will want to stay on the Vietnam side, where you can book a boat tour for a Niagara Falls-esque experience with high probability of being splashed!
Tickets can be purchased to reserve a spot on bamboo boats for around $2. Reaching this stunning site is easy by catching a local bus from the city of Cao Bang.
The downside is that the journey there and back is about 6 hours total, so this isn’t a day trip destination.
On the plus side there are some really cool places to stay nearby, ranging from cheap resorts to traditional homes, all under $50 per night:
- Sai Gon Ban Gioc (resort) – $41
- Yen Nhi Homestay (traditional home) – $13
- Nhà Nghỉ Kiều Thanh Nguyệt (hostel) – $11
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