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There are billions of us spread all over the world, but very few destinations are considered the best.
For Southeast Asia, our inner compass always seems to point to Thailand, an immaculate land full of wonders, from breathtaking blue waters to captivating cultural cities.
But there is room for others in the spotlight.
Vietnam is also having a moment, especially as more and more remote workers fully immerse themselves in the digital nomad lifestyle.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, among other popular destinations, Vietnam is not only the perfect place to immerse yourself in a new way of life, but also to save some money.
Lonely planet urges travelers to go beyond Vietnam’s big names and enter the unknown by revealing Southeast Asia’s most important hidden gem.
Home to breathtaking waterfalls and free from crowds, the unknown city Cao Bang calling your name.
Cao Bang: a cultural crossroads between Vietnam and China
“China” can be a trigger word these days. With a mixed bag of reviews from recent Western travelers, it’s easy to see why.
The good news is that you can visit Cao Bang without any worries, because you are on the ‘good’ side of the border in a country that welcomes you with open arms.
The Vietnamese people are known as some of the nicest, warm-hearted people you will meet in Southeast Asia, and perhaps the world.
The Chinese border is close to the Vietnamese province of Cao Bang, mirrored by the capital of the same name.
Whether you explore the latter or the vast wonders of the province, you will be charmed by the area’s cultural wealth and lush landscape.
Visitors will find beautiful, diverse villages, traditional markets with regional cuisine and craftsmanship, and Mother Nature’s most beautiful attractions, from otherworldly caves to waterfalls, all easy to explore and cheap to boot.
Crowds? That’s Ho Chi Minh’s problem
Naturally, China’s popularity as a tourist destination has declined recently you know whatwhile Cao Bang’s appeal as a remote retreat has only grown.
Sure, Lonely Planet has given them an ego boost lately, but the other reason there’s virtually no audience is that it’s simply not talked about when planning an epic Southeast Asian adventure.
Da Nang and Hanoi also have quite a crowd, but here in Cao Bang they simply don’t exist.
You can enjoy exploring this region of Vietnam without the hassle of getting in and out of selfie sticks and sidewalk-hooking tourists.
There are some truly breathtaking nature reserves here that are an absolute must.
It was opened to the public less than twenty years ago Nguom Ngao Cave is as close as you can get to visiting another planet without hopping aboard a spaceship or a Hollywood green screen.
Packed with large stalactites and stalagmite formations, this underground wonder is a bucket list destination in itself.
However, you don’t have to go underground to appreciate the beauty of Cao Bang, as the province is teeming with scenic peaks, valleys, peaks and bamboo forestsa hotspot for local tourists.
But nothing will be more memorable than chasing the Cao Bang waterfalls.
Vietnam’s Niagara Falls
What do the US and Canada have in common with Vietnam and China? They all share some of the world’s most picturesque waterfalls.
Split along the border between Vietnam and China is Ban Giocrecently hyped as one of the best waterfalls in the world Travel and leisurewhich stands out most among the many scenic waterfalls of Cao Bang.
Of course, most travelers will want to stay on the Vietnamese side, where you can book a boat tour for a Niagara Falls-like experience with a high chance of going underwater!
Tickets can be purchased to reserve a spot on bamboo boats for approx $2. You can easily reach this beautiful place by taking a local bus from Cao Bang town.
The downside is that the round trip takes about 6 hours total, so this is not a day trip destination.
On the plus side there are some really cool places to stay nearby, ranging from budget resorts to traditional houses, all under $50 per night:
- Sai Gon Ban Gioc (resort) – $41
- Yen Nhi Homestay (Traditional House) – $13
- Nhà Nghỉ Kiều Thanh Nguyệt (hostel) – $11
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
