Intending to visit Cao Bang for about a week, Nguyen Duc Hieu did not expect his Cao Bang trip exploring the picturesque border province to stretch into 15 days, filled with unforgettable experiences.

In early October, Hieu (a native of Quang Tri Province now residing in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province) arrived in Cao Bang with a vague plan. The young man planned to stay there for a week, taking time to explore the golden rice season and shoot footage and photos documenting local culture and daily life.

However, landscapes "beyond imagination" appeared, with charming villages tucked behind mountainsides and chance encounters extending Hieu's trip to 15 days.

Located roughly 280 kilometers from Hanoi, Cao Bang is a mountainous province in northeastern Vietnam featuring a border stretching over 330 kilometers adjacent to China. The region boasts mountainous terrain, cave systems, waterfalls, and valleys, creating a diverse landscape that attracts photography enthusiasts every autumn.

Living in the coastal city of Nha Trang, accustomed to blue seas and white sand, Hieu was eager to gaze upon crystal-clear streams, mist-shrouded valleys, and golden fields nestled amid mountain forests.

Instead of setting a rigid itinerary, Hieu designated Trung Khanh District and Ban Gioc Waterfall as his initial stop, letting subsequent legs of the journey "unfold naturally."

Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phong Nam Valley, and Ngoc Con Commune stood out as the three locations that impressed Hieu most in terms of scenery. The real-world beauty was so overwhelming that photos and video clips could hardly capture it fully.

Situated about 25 kilometers from Ban Gioc Waterfall, Phong Nam Valley stands out with rice fields stretching along both sides of the turquoise Quay Son River.

Meanwhile, Ngoc Con is inhabited primarily by the Tay and Nung ethnic groups. Beyond the landscape of fields and streams, visitors have opportunities to learn about traditional local lifestyles.

Over 15 days, he revisited Phong Nam and Ngoc Con two or three times. "To me, traveling doesn't mean constantly moving to check off new destinations. Certain places are worth returning to, viewing the scenery at a different time, or spending extra time observing local life," he shared.

Leaving Trung Khanh, Hieu continued his journey up to Nguyen Binh District, seeking out the small village of Hoai Khao to visit traditional houses, bamboo forests, and the Phia Oac peak. Afterward, the solo traveler headed toward Bao Lac area.

Located about 60 kilometers from the former Cao Bang City, Hoai Khao Village lies within the Phia Oac – Phia Den Ecotourism Area at an elevation of over 1,000 meters above sea level. Home to over 30 households of the Tien Dao ethnic minority, the village retains numerous traditional cultural values.

The homestay owner in Hoai Khao, recognizing Hieu’s passion for local culture, recommended a nearby village featuring distinctive rammed-earth houses. 

Hieu greeted and conversed with older villagers, asking about their daily lives. These simple encounters provided him with genuine portraits of local people rather than mere landscape shots.

During his journey, Hieu returned to Hoai Khao once more, participating in a photo-printing activity that gifted instant portraits to local children. Watching the kids hold freshly printed photos with beaming smiles touched his heart.

Khau Coc Cha Pass was one of the destinations Hieu wanted to conquer most. Though stretching only about 2.5 kilometers, the pass features 15 steep tiers and 14 hairpin turns, creating a winding route carved through mountain forests.

Hieu stayed near the pass for three days to capture sunrise and sunset over the area while roaming around to discover villages untouched by commercial tourism.

From his lodging, spotting a winding path hugging the mountainside, Hieu inquired with locals and learned it led up to Ho Lu Village, inhabited by the Dao ethnic community. Due to rocky terrain, harsh natural conditions, shortages of arable land, and limited irrigation water, residents face significant economic hardships.

While riding up to the village, Hieu encountered a man carrying a heavy backpack and offered him a ride. However, halfway up the incline, his motorbike stalled on the steep slope. The man advised Hieu to proceed ahead while he walked up on foot.

With difficult road conditions and a malfunctioning motorbike, it took Hieu a long time to reach the village. Local residents warmly inquired about his trouble and lent him a wrench to repair his vehicle.

On his way down, Hieu crossed paths with the man who had walked earlier. The local invited him to his home for tea and a meal.

Linh Trang