Cao Bang offers poetic autumn scenery along Vietnam-China border

In autumn, the province takes on a picturesque appearance, with the turquoise Quay Son River, golden rice fields, red maple leaves, and honey-colored sunsets.

Cao Bang at its most beautiful in autumn

Photographer Bui Van Hai returned to Cao Bang in late September to experience the autumn rice harvest after missing the season during his previous visit.

Hai first visited Cao Bang in December 2021, when he saw brilliant red maple leaves and mist covering the mountains and hills, creating scenery reminiscent of the Chinese television series 'Journey to the West.'

However, the rice harvest season had already ended, and local farmers had switched to growing corn, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and tobacco.

The scenery left Hai determined to return during the golden rice season, he said.

When he returned in late September, he found that Cao Bang's rice fields had a distinctive beauty unlike the terraced fields of Ha Giang, now part of Tuyen Quang Province, or Yen Bai, now part of Lao Cai Province.

Between the undulating mountain ranges, flat rice plots resemble small cakes arranged on a tray.

The golden rice fields lie peacefully beside the turquoise Quay Son River, which winds gently through the landscape.

The natural scenery is not the only attraction, as the daily lives and activities of local residents also captivate visitors.

Farmers in Cao Bang still harvest rice by hand, cutting the stalks with sickles and threshing the grain directly in the fields.

Against the backdrop of the region's poetic yet majestic scenery, the traditional harvesting experience offers visitors a memorable glimpse of local life.

Autumn brings pleasant weather to Cao Bang.

According to Hai, September and October are the best months to visit the province, when golden rice covers the valleys and Ban Gioc Waterfall is filled with clear water.

Suggested autumn itinerary in Cao Bang

Visitors can explore several scenic destinations across Cao Bang in autumn, including Thoong Got Waterfall, Phong Nam Valley, Ngoc Con Mountain, and Ban Gioc Waterfall.

The routes connecting these attractions also offer picturesque scenery.

Hai recommended spending at least three days exploring Cao Bang.

A four-day, three-night itinerary from Hanoi includes visits to several destinations across the province.

On the first day, visitors can travel from Hanoi to Ban Gioc Waterfall and spend the night in the surrounding area.

On the second day, they can stay in the Ban Gioc area, rent a motorbike and visit nearby attractions, including Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phat Tich Truc Lam Pagoda, Thoong Got Waterfall, and the burnt-grass hills in Ha Lang.

On the third day, visitors can travel to Trung Khanh, where Ngoc Con Mountain is a recommended destination in the morning and Phong Nam Valley in the afternoon.

On the fourth day, they can travel to the central area of Cao Bang and visit Nui Thung, also known as Angel Eye Mountain, Lenin Stream, and Pac Bo Cave before exploring the central area and taking transport back to Hanoi.

A solo traveler can expect to spend around VND4-5 million (US$152-190) on the trip.

Homestay accommodation costs around VND500,000-700,000 ($19-27) per night, while motorbike rental costs approximately VND200,000 ($7.60) per day.

Food in Cao Bang is relatively affordable, with a good meal costing around VND100,000-200,000 ($3.80-7.60).

Visitors should also try local specialties, including 'banh cuon' or steamed rice rolls, roasted suckling pig, 'xoi tram' or sticky rice with black canarium, a local fruit, sour 'pho' and black grass jelly.