Green mountains and clear waters of Cao Bang

In the minds of Vietnamese people, Cao Bang has always belonged to a remote border region with majestic mountains, but few know that it also has a lake nestled deep within a vast forest, surrounded by numerous towering mountain ranges.

Vietnam boasts many famous limestone mountain regions, including World Heritage Sites such as Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, and Dong Van Karst Plateau – recognized by UNESCO as a Global Geopark. Cao Bang is also a limestone mountain region with significant geological value, biodiversity, and rich cultural and historical heritage. These values ​​of Cao Bang are becoming more widely known, especially after its recognition as the Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark at the end of 2015.

The name Cao Bang implies a flat land situated amidst the high mountains on the remote border of the country. The name "Cao Bang Mountains and Rivers," however, is believed by researchers to have originated with the famous folk verse, "She stays home to raise the children / While I go to explore the mountains and rivers of Cao Bang."

It was from the late 16th to the late 17th century that the Mac dynasty abandoned the capital Thang Long and fled to Cao Bang, establishing their own kingdom that lasted for over 80 years. The Mac dynasty implemented comprehensive reforms in politics , economics, culture, religion, and ideology, similar to those they had carried out in the lowlands. This open and liberal reform atmosphere encouraged young people to go to Cao Bang to build a new homeland.

This sentiment has been transformed into heartfelt folk songs and given the land the name "Cao Bang Mountains and Rivers," evoking a remote yet picturesque place. Today, although roads are much more convenient to reach Cao Bang, the treacherous routes crossing numerous mountain passes still pose a challenge for every visitor.

From Hanoi, following National Highway 3, it takes nearly 300km to reach Cao Bang after traversing numerous towering mountains and at least five mountain passes: Giang Pass, Gio Pass, Ngan Son Pass, Cao Bac Pass, and Tai Ho Sin Pass. A vast, flat area surrounded by high mountain ranges, known as the Cao Bang Geopark, is where visitors can freely explore scenic landscapes and unique local cultures.

Heritage Magazine