Cao Bang - the best place to 'get lost' in Southeast Asia

Lonely Planet has selected Cao Bang as one of the 7 best destinations in Southeast Asia for travelers seeking a less crowded place, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and lost in nature.

Australia's largest publisher of travel guidebooks. Lonely Planet Travel experts have announced a list of the 7 best destinations in Southeast Asia this summer. For each selected destination, they highlight its most important features to help travelers choose the perfect vacation spot.

Cao Bang, a mountainous province in the Northeast region with a border stretching over 300 km bordering China, is the only Vietnamese representative on the list. Its rugged terrain combined with stunning natural beauty, including mountains, cave systems, and lakes, makes Cao Bang the best destination in the region for travelers seeking remote, uncrowded places and the chance to get lost in nature.

Rice harvest season in Khuoi Khon hamlet, Kim Cuc commune, Bao Lac district. Photo: Ha Cuong

Experts suggest that visitors should begin exploring Cao Bang at Truc Lam Buddhist Temple, located near the Chinese border in Dam Thuy commune, Trung Khanh district, and overlooking gently sloping hills. Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Southeast Asia, according to experts. According to Lonely Planet , the next destination visitors should consider is the nearby Ngườm Ngao cave system, which stretches for several kilometers underground and features numerous stalactites and stalagmites, making it a must-see for adventurous travelers.

Cao Bang offers a clear glimpse into the authentic culture and rural life of the Northeast region. Enjoying local cuisine and using Google Translate to communicate with locals will be memorable experiences for visitors. Despite its remote location, about a 6-hour drive from Hanoi, and relatively few tourists, Cao Bang is still considered a safe destination with "excellent" infrastructure by international visitors.

The remaining six Southeast Asian destinations mentioned in the list include: Siargao, Philippines - the best place for surfing; Amed, Bali - the best place for scuba diving and snorkeling; Khao Sok National Park, Thailand - a haven for animal lovers; Luang Prabang, Laos - the best place to experience Buddhist culture; Penang, Malaysia - the best place to explore history and culture; and Gili Air, Indonesia - the best place for a relaxing getaway.

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