The small town of Cao Bang, capital of the province of the same name, is situated high above sea level and so has a pleasant climate. The countryside in this area is regarded as being the most beautiful in the north-east and Cao Bang makes an ideal place from which to base your exploration.

Ban Gioc waterfall on the Chinese border is a beautiful spot that sees very few visitors. With a span of 300m and a vertical drop of 53 metres it is the largest waterfall in the country if not the highest. Not far is Pac Bo Cave (Water Wheel Cave). This cave has special significance for Vietnamese nationalists and revolutionaries as it was here that Ho Chi Minh re-entered the country in 1941 ready to lead the revolution he had been planning while abroad. He spent the rest of the Second World War here writing poetry and organising his campaign.