Things to do in Cao Bang

Cao Bang is a province in the north-east highlands, on the Chinese border, and it is a separate destination from Ha Giang rather than an extension of the Ha Giang loop, even though the two are sometimes combined into one itinerary.

Cao Bang city is the provincial capital, a market town on the Bang Giang river; the Ban Gioc waterfall, the province's best-known sight, lies well outside the city and is covered on its own page. Winters here are cool and grey, occasionally close to freezing, while autumn brings clearer, drier weather.

Nguom Ngao cave, near Ban Gioc, and Ba Be Lake, in the west of the province, are the other reference points, alongside the border scenery around Trung Khanh district.